Citi Offers Extra Cash
Citi recently introduced a new free benefit for Platinum Select, Diamond Preferred and AT&T Universal Platinum card holders.
Cardmembers will now receive an automatic 10% credit in “Extra Cash” on all purchases. This credit is stored in a separate Extra Cash account that can be used to purchase merchandise, gift cards and travel. In addition, all new members will receive 100 bonus Extra Cash dollars upon enrollment.
How Extra Cash works
Members can apply these Extra Cash dollars towards purchases at the Extra Cash website (extracash.citi.com). Each item in the catalog has two components to its price: 1) the minimum in real dollars you must spend and 2) the maximum in Extra Cash you can apply towards the purchase. For instance, a $100 Macy’s gift card is available for $90 in real dollars + $10 in Extra Cash.
Most of the items available in the mall are overpriced, but there are over 70 gift card merchants, along with over 8000 hotel locations, that are eligible for Extra Cash discounts. If you have one of the eligible cards, you may as well check it out, as the benefit costs nothing to use.
I read in a magazine that we get a check for cash when we earn $50. Is that so? I do not quite understand all this, is there someplace that explains it?
Thank you
Betty Jean Williams
@Betty
I think you must be confusing this program with another Citi promotion. You can read the terms of the ExtraCash program at this link. You can also call the ExtraCash service center at 1-800-231-6381.
Please explain how this program works. Do I have to “sign up” somehow and how to I find what my balance is? How do I access a catalog?
@Carolyn
Yes, if you have an eligible card, you must register an account at extracash.citi.com. Once you’ve registered your Extra Cash account, you can login at the same website to access a catalog and see your points.
I have info printed on my Citicard statement in to mail about my ExtraCash Account, but, never recieved anything about it in the mail and it dosen’t show on my online statement and I can’t download the site . I never signed up for this,vut, my statement says $7.oo dollars have beeb transferred to this account. Help?
Please explain to me in simple terms this so-called “extra cash” on my Visa card. It’s got all the ear-marks of a come-on. For example, if an item is listed at $100, do I have to spend $90 in order to “save” the listed 10 per cent (or $10).
I thought the “gifts” were supposed to be totally without charge when a customer had the correct “extra cash” or points. If not, it seems to me neither Citi nor AT&T nor Visa comes off very clean on this deal. Reply please. Thank you.
@Crystal
You should try calling the ExtraCash service center at 1-800-231-6381. Hopefully they can help to clear things up for you.
@George
You’re exactly right in your initial interpretation– you will have to spend real money in addition to the “extra cash” in your account to order items.
Why would I want to buy overpriced items just to use discounts that seem to be fake. Seems like a scam to me. My husbands Compass Credit card gives real points you can use without having to pay anything. It makes me ask, why do I want to continue to use this card.
The ExtraCash program is a savings program and not a full redemption program. Even though you have to still pay for products, most of the offerings are hard to beat. Where else can you buy gift cards below face value (10%-20%).
It is free anyway. Nothing to lose. Citi seems to update shopping items quite frequently. I will wait and see if there is any good item with fair discount.
This program is real garbage. I didn’t apply for this but had the ‘extra cash’ deposited in my account. The products are overpriced, the only ‘value’ is in the gift cards, which they also probably make a profit on.
I AGREE 100% WITH SEVERAL OF THESE COMMENTS!!!!!
I ORDERED A GIFT CARD WHICH WAS CHARGED TO MY ACCOUNT AND I NEVER RECEIVED IT. I WILL NOT EVER USE THIS SUPPOSED DISCOUNT. CITI NEEDS TO COME UP WITH SOMETHING OF MORE BENEFIT TO ITS CUSTOMERS
I found an item in the Extra Cash from Citi site that was cheaper than I could find anywhere else, specifically some TUMI luggage. TUMI doesn’t normally allow retailers to discount their product (sort of like Bose and other “boutique” products) so I was getting a great deal…with one catch.
Even though the web site looks like a regular online retailer and even though the product said (and still says “In Stock” my order from 10/07 is still pending. This isn’t normal for a regular retailer so I called and was told “purchases can take up to 30 days to ship and you accepted this in our Terms and Conditions for using Extra Cash.”
Like most people online the T&C document was something I glanced over and this is not mentioned during either the order process or in the order confirmation email or anywhere else.
Helen above made her order for gift cards on 09/08…maybe she’ll get them one of these days.
For the gift cards, you just have to be persistent and keep all the paperwork. The $100 callaway gift card I got for $76 bucks was lost in the mail the first time. I called several times and kept at them about it. They finally sent me another one and received it within the week. Just make sure you call to get the tracking number for the gift cards so you can track it online.
I am very disappointed in the extra cash plan with my ATT Universal Platinum Card, a member since 1990. I have a Discover Card that gives cashback bonus and cash balance is credited to your account. It sure helps with the Christmas shopping payment. Extra Cash from Citi balance totals $339.04 and I, a senior citizen, need the cash not gifts, travel tickets, hotels or certificates. Discover card will be the one I will use in the future. My credit card payments are made in full monthly. I suggest you change your extra cash plan to a real cash bonus to charge customers like Discover….
A lot of time wasted on another scam
Dave
Extra Cash’s Privacy Policy
“When You Are Just Visiting Us.
When you visit the site (either directly or through a partner’s site), we do collect usage information (“session data”), but it is anonymous and is not linked to you as an individual.”
It goes on to list what things they collect, with the final data being:
” and the Internet Protocol addresses from which our visitors connect to the site”
Why would they want IP adresses? Internal ones I bet; it is kind of contradicting.
I have a AT&T card and made the mistake of signing up for the extracash program. It is just a way to sell you more products. Everything is way overpriced so with the “savings” they give you, you are really saving any money. The worst part is they regularly send you email whether you want it or not. I’ve tried to change the email preferences, but they still send me annoying emails. Plus there is no way to withdraw from the program. This is just another scheme by card companies to lure you in and your stuck forever.
i just use extra cash for the hotel reservation. I beat all the prices on the other website. It was about $20 cheaper than normal. I’m glad I’m using it.
I noticed the “extracash” program on my bill. When I called customer service, they referred me to their website. But, when I Googled it I found these comments, so I’m not getting sucked in. Even Citibank’s cash rewards program only pays 1%, and I’ll bet that doesn’t last long. American Express pays as much as 3%. These companies don’t do anything for the customer, as one reviewer said, it is just another scam.
I used the extra cash for travel, especially international travel. I’m taking a trip to Italy and found a great deal through American Airlines. It ended up being half the cost than booking directly through AA. Be sure to do a bit of research for cost comparisons. I also ordered a cute children’s blanket and received it within a week. So far so good for me.
Hey!! Don’t sign up for this bull!!! I got $100 in extra cash, but in order to use it I have to pay $90 for a $100 gift card. What a scam!!! None of their promotional material made it sound like it really is. They promote as using the entire amount towards a gift card. Citi Bank is a deceptive pack of liars. I kind of knew it was to good to be true, but that doesn’t change the reality that Citi Bank is a bunch of lying jerks. Don’t take the time to sign up for this piece of garbage.
Hey Ken…How is getting a $100 gift card for $90 bull? I dare you to got to any retail store and see if you can purchase a gift card at a 10% discount. You want a free gift card, then go ahead and spend $10,000 on your credit card which will make you eligible for a free $100 gift card. I’d much rather pay 10% less now then $10,000 over months to get a 100% discount.
God you guys are dense. You don’t have to buy anything if you don’t want to but since I am going to spend $100 dollars at some point, I might as well buy a gift card for $90. Its not a scam, its a promo. Of course they are making money- thats what businesses do. But at least you get some savings as well.
scam
Today $50 WalMart gift card is sale for only $25. The deal started at 10AM today. However, the server was so busy because everyone jumped in to buy at the same time. After 10 minutes, all the gift cards were sold out. I can’t even log in within that 10 minutes interval. NOT FAIR!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It’s their business to make money, this is just another way of doing it, I personally think is a stupid way of marketing, many of the people here will not even recomend using citi card, so all the potential customers are gone.Yes it is true there could be some saving, but one must be really patient and be on the “look out” and once you find a good “deal” then pray you can get it.
Extracacsh is totally garbage. In the last 2 years I have seen absolutely nothing that interests me, most of which is anyway overpriced. And, for those who think they can get gift cards for a discount, the same or better discounts are already available in Costco, possibly elsewhere too. I am in the process of closing this account so I can get a real incentive card which gives real and tangible rewards, say like cashback.
WHAT A LOAD OF CRAP! I WORKED SO HARD TO GET MY MOM SIGNED UP AND GET HER POINTS FOR THE COST OF MY DAD”S FUNERAL. 10,000 PONTS LATER AND FIND SHE GETS NOTHING AT ALL JUST A SCAM SHE AND I ARE SO DISSAPOINTED MORE ACCURATE DISCUSSTED I FEEL SO BAD FOR LEADER HER TO BELIEVE IT WAS LIKE MY CARDS CASH BACK PROGRAM REAL CASH $100 FOR EVERY 10,000 POINTS. CITI BANK WHAT A TOTAL WAIST OF TIME YOUR PROGRAM IS. SHAME ON YOU FOR MISLEADING SO MANY
Has anyone else been able to access the website the last couple of weeks? My computer keeps giving me a message that the extracash website is not secure.
I have previously taken advantage of one offer that allowed me to print a 2 for 1 coupon for a local coffee shop. If I’m not mistaken, it was coupon that came right out of the local Entertainment Book.
I think it is kind of like a scam becoz I tried to buy the daily specials like ipod touch, gift card. when its time to checkout it says service unavailable and if i try later it says sold out… so i dont know is there anyone who really got to buy… or had bought such deals…
If, and I stress the word if, you people who claim that this is a scam would read what the program is instead of assuming what it is you would see that it is not a rewards program. And if you actually shop the website you will find deals. I got a pair of 120 dollar oakleys for 67 dollars shipped! Couldn’t find that deal on ebay. Empty barrels make the most noise and this post seems to be a barrel factory
it is useless. You can get $ 100 macys gift card in $90 or may be less in ebay. Citi making money due to the lack of understanding among public.
I just canceled my Universal Card because of this scam. I booked a ‘feature’ room through the website using about $93.00 in extra cash, and I paid $418.39. When I checked into the hotel, I was told it was not prepaid and it was also not a ‘feature’ room. I paid the hotel $386.55 when I checked out. Needless to say, the extra cash people have been rude – the managers useless and even more rude, and Universal Card has been helpless.
I can’t believe (well maybe considering how ignorant the public is) people think this is a wise buy. $100 gift card for $90 cash plus shipping and handling==>Total is over $100.
So I need to wait a few extra days to get the card so I can spend more for an item. Anyone that buys something from this scam needs…me to sell them some stuff I own and want to get rid of, like the neighbors house (I sell for $10,000).
I have used my citi cash several times with no problems for savings on hotel rooms. You dont get free stuff, you can get discounts on items at a pretty good rate. $20 off a hotel room for doing nothing sounds good to me. I would not pick this program if I had to but it was offered to me and I am using what they are giving me for doing nothing (except using my credit card that I would have anyway)
I got an email from “Extra Cash from Citi” saying I had $247.66 “Extra Cash” but when I called I was told all I had was the chance to buy merchandise at paltry discounts. My wife cuts coupons out of the newspaper that do as well for discounts.There is no real cash there – just a scam to hawk stuff!
Yeah I have $215 in cash bonus, but I can’t use it. You can buy stuff off there website from retailers and use the cash bonus against the retail price. For example, they have some Oakley sunglasses that retail for $100, but you can use 10% cash bonus and only pay $90. But you can find the sunglasses online somewhere else for less than $90. It’s a rip off. Seems like a good rewards program, but it’s not.
#29 Jeanne
I;m sorry for your loss, but seriously you didn’t make sure it was a cash back program before you used that card for that purpuse? I don’t believe it. Either you are really stupid or you are lying. The program never claims to be a cash back program. That wasn’t citi’s fault that was your own. You assumed something that you had no clue about and you, as her daughter, should have known to look into HER credit card rewards before ASSUMING it was like YOUR credit card. Credit cards are not all one in the same!
And
#34 Julia
It’s called a Reciept and confirmation vocher. You get emailed both when you book a hotel from the website and it the hotel says its not prepaid present the voucher/reciept and they should accept it, and it not call customer service # under the “HELP CENTER” link and the customer service agents will deal directly with the hotel so you won’t have to double pay. The hotels do this sometimes, its a known thing in the travel industry and it’s happened to me once before and the customer service agents got the second charge, charged by the hotel, off my credit card bill.
I look to blogs for helpful information but I don’t know what is up with the people blogging about the extracash program. there is negative claims that are baseless and ignorant. The fact that you people can’t see the value in the program boggles my mind. No wonder our economy sucks, its people like you who are clueless and logicless that is bring our country down. YOUR LOSS…MY GAIN! I save a sh*t load using the program!
And i will for sure be checking out their daily deal tomorrow @ 1pm!!
extracashtransfered tocitiaccount
This is a horrible program. I have over 7000 extra cash dollars, that means on average I have to buy over $70k worth of crap to realize my extra cash. If they are just giving it to you then whatever don’t use it. But in my case they converted my rewards program to this. So one year I was able to redeem for cash cards, the next I get 10 % off something I don’t need. I cut up my citibank card and will never use it again!!! Now I have a card that gives me extra ACTUAL cash, not “extra cash!” Scam!!!!
This is just a scam. Once in a while they offer 50% off gift cards, but there is no way you could get any. The gift cards will be gone in 0.1 second, if you try to click on add to cart the scam cash system kick you out of login. Citi extra cash is just the cheapest and lowest quality scam.
I rented a car thru the “extra cash” program, my reservation said that I would have $191 in extra cash credited to my rental. Budget Rental is not aware of this program and did not credit me. Let me add, they were quite rude. I used my Citibank card assuming they would deduct the $191 on their end. Nothing, other than I paid full price. My extra cash account has been debited. I must be a dummy, where is the savings? I could have rented a car directly and gotten a better deal. Going to tell anyone that will listen, Extra Cash is a scam, Budget/Avis is a ripoff
I just wrote this email to the customer service dept. of Citi Extra Cash via their website; please read carefully: “I just logged on today to attempt to receive one of your daily deals for a $25 Bed Bath & Beyond Card for half of my extra cash, and half my purchase cost. I waited for the timer to count down and as soon as the add to cart icon came up, the next screen instantly loaded, saying sold out. There is no way it could have been sold out even if there were only “one” card for sale, and you actually had according to your site, one hundred of them nationwide. Unless you’re allowing illegal activity to escape from your website, please tell me how one hundred cards could be sold between the one second the add to cart button appeared on one screen, and the next screen where a hundred had already been purchased. At this time, I am forced to hand this over to my attorney for further review and you will be hearing from us shortly.”
Extra Cash From Citi is A Discount Program – You get Discounts! Where can you buy a Brand New Michael Kors Watch at a 40% Discount w/Warranty and a Return policy. The Daily Deal is Live at 1pm there is a preview at 12:50pm- Inventory is between 100-200 when its a GC they do sell out right away!!! But that’s because people are waiting for it!!!
They also have auctions..Do you really expect money back on a cc which has no interest if any a very low one…Get Real
Keurig Platinum Brewing System & K-Cup Coffee Lover’s Variety Pack
Retail Price:
$275.00
Extra Cash:
– 79.10
You Pay:
$195.90
OR through Amazon….
Keurig Platinum Gourmet Single Cup Coffee & Tea Brewing System 60 K-Cups & My K-Cup Reusable Filter
$176.00
Citi Extra Cash is a RIPOFF!!!!