How long does Citibank credit card delivery take after approval?

Yes the rewards sound amazing in marketing, but the redemption catalogue is full of products at inflated MRP. The statement credit redemption is almost always the best value. Skip the merchandise, skip the flight bookings, take the cash.

The 'minimum due' trap is real. Banks love it because they charge ~36-42% interest on the carried-forward amount. If you can't pay the full bill this month, pay at least 50% — anything below that and the interest eats the rewards of the next 6 months.

On the annual fee — most premium cards waive it if you spend ₹1.5L to ₹3L in the previous year. Wallet loads (Paytm, Amazon Pay balance) usually DON'T count. But utilities, fuel, and grocery do. Spend pattern matters more than absolute number.

I closed my HDFC card last year. The process took exactly 7 days. They sent a confirmation email and a closure letter by speed post. Tip: pay off the full outstanding and request closure only AFTER the payment reflects. Calling repeatedly with a zero balance is the fastest path.

I've held this card for 3 years. Quick reality check: the welcome benefit is good, the first-year fee waiver is easy, but from year 2 onwards you really have to work for the milestone benefits. Don't keep it if your monthly spend drops below the milestone threshold.