Tips for maximizing fitness-related credit card rewards
Getting the most from your card goes beyond choosing one with the right features. Planning your spending and adopting some new habits could help you turn fitness spending into rewards.
Match your card to your fitness routine
Think about where you spend the most on fitness. That could be a monthly gym membership, personal training sessions, boutique classes or fitness apps. Choose a card that rewards the type of spending you do most often.
Confirm how purchases are categorized
Credit card rewards depend on how a merchant is classified, not just what you buy. A gym inside a larger facility, a fitness studio that processes payments through a third party or a wellness app could be coded outside of a “fitness” category. Check how your purchases are categorized and review your card’s eligible merchants so you know which transactions will earn rewards or count toward statement credits.
Track annual credit deadlines
Statement credits, like the Annual Splurge Credit, reset each calendar year. Mark those deadlines so you remember to use the full value available to you.
Pay your balance on time
If you carry a balance on your credit card, interest charges can quickly cancel out the value of any rewards you earn. Paying on time helps you keep what you’ve earned and stay on track with your credit.
Revisit your category selections
If your card lets you choose or rotate spending categories, take a moment to update them throughout the year. As your habits change (like switching gyms or trying new classes), adjusting your category helps you keep earning the most rewards where you spend the most.
How to choose the right Citi card for your fitness routine
Finding the right card comes down to how you approach fitness and how you prefer to earn rewards. Some people benefit most from statement credits tied to specific services like personal training. Others get more value from earning points or cash back on every purchase.
By understanding what Citi credit cards offer in terms of gym and fitness perks, and how those benefits fit into your routine, you can make your everyday wellness spending work a little harder for you.
Gym and Fitness Perks from Citi Cards FAQs
What Citi credit cards offer fitness rewards?
Several Citi credit cards offer value on fitness spending in different ways. The Citi Strata℠ Card allows you to earn 3 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent when you select Fitness Clubs as your eligible Self-Select Category, while the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card and Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard® offer Annual Splurge Credits that can be used toward eligible fitness brands.
Can you earn rewards on gym memberships with Citi credit cards?
Yes, depending on the card. Some Citi credit cards allow you to earn points on gym memberships and other fitness-related purchases. The value you earn depends on how your card rewards spending and how the merchant is categorized.
Do any Citi cards offer credits for personal training?
Yes. The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card and the Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard® offer Annual Splurge Credits that can be applied toward eligible brands, including Future Personal Training.
Do you need to activate categories to earn fitness rewards with a Citi card?
The Citi Strata℠ Card, requires you to proactively choose “Fitness Clubs” as your eligible Self-Select Category to earn elevated rewards. You can easily update your category selection once per calendar quarter by visiting citi.com/selfselect. Other cards offer flat-rate rewards without activation or category tracking.
How are fitness purchases categorized for rewards with Citi cards?
Rewards are based on how a merchant is classified, not just the type of purchase. Some fitness-related purchases may be categorized differently depending on how the business processes payments, so it’s helpful to review your transaction details to confirm eligibility.
Disclosure: This article is for educational purposes. It is not intended to provide legal, investment, or financial advice and is not a substitute for professional advice. It does not indicate the availability of any Citi product or service. For advice about your specific circumstances, you should consult a qualified professional.