[Expired] Citi Massively Reducing Transfer Rates to 2 Hotel Programs [Transfer Before April 19]

Updated: April 19, 2026, 2:42am CDT

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Citi Reducing Transfer Rates to Choice and Preferred Hotels Programs Soon
Final Thoughts

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Recently, Citi emailed cardholders to let them know about 2 significant devaluations to points transfers coming soon.

Points transfer rates to both Choice Privileges and Preferred Hotels & Resorts I Prefer will drop — by large margins — and soon, on April 19, 2026. Here’s what you need to know to take advantage before these rates drop.

Citi Reducing Transfer Rates to Choice and Preferred Hotels Programs Soon

Those with Citi credit cards that earn ThankYou Points should consider taking advantage of a few hotel transfer partners before the upcoming points devaluation.

On April 19, 2026, Citi will reduce transfer rates to 2 of its hotel partners. Transfer rates will drop by 25% and 50% of their current value, which is no small change. The only silver lining is the advanced notice, giving cardholders time to prepare (and to use the current transfer rates before the change).

The affected programs are Choice Privileges and I Prefer.

Citi 2026 points transfer change — Email to cardholders. Image Credit: Citi

Currently, those with a premium Citi ThankYou Rewards card (a card with an annual fee) can transfer ThankYou Points to Choice Privileges at a 1:2 ratio, but that will drop to 1:1.5 on April 19. That means current transfers of 1,000 Citi points provide you 2,000 Choice points, but you’ll get just 1,500 after the change. That’s a 25% reduction.

Meanwhile, transfers to I Prefer will see an even bigger drop: a 50% devaluation. The current transfer rate is 1:4, but that will drop to 1:2. Put another way, you can currently turn 1,000 Citi points into 4,000 I Prefer points, but that will yield just 2,000 I Prefer points after the change.

Hot Tip:

These aren’t Citi’s only hotel partners, though the advantageous transfer rates make them appealing. Check out our guide to the best ways to use Citi ThankYou Points to see what your most valuable options are.

Final Thoughts

Devaluations are a sad fact of life. This is why we encourage you to never hoard points; instead, use them when you see an opportunity. They might be worth less tomorrow than they are today.

Luckily, Citi is giving cardholders advance notice of an April 19 devaluation that will affect 2 of its hotel partners. Your points transfers to Choice Privileges will be worth 25% less after that date, while transfers to I Prefer will be worth 50% less.

This date is approaching fast, so if you’re considering sending ThankYou Points to either of these programs, make sure to do so by April 18 to enjoy the better rates available right now.