Best Ways to Use Citi ThankYou Points

By Bryce Casson, Founder · Cardocrat · Updated June 2026
The short answer: Citi ThankYou points are most valuable transferred to airline partners, with the standout being Turkish Airlines Miles and Smiles for cheap Star Alliance awards (including United flights and Hawaii). Several other partners add value; the portal and cash are the lower-value floor.

Transfer partners and the Turkish sweet spot

Citi points transfer to a solid set of airline partners, and the legendary value is Turkish Airlines Miles and Smiles, which prices many Star Alliance awards very cheaply, including domestic United flights and flights to Hawaii, plus low-cost business class. Other partners add flexibility. Turkish award booking can be clunky, but the price is the payoff.

The floor: portal and cash

Booking through Citi Travel or redeeming for cash or gift cards gives a fixed, lower value (around a cent), which is fine for convenience but leaves value on the table versus transfers. As with all programs, transfers to the right partner are where ThankYou points beat their cash value.

How to decide

Confirm award space, then transfer when a partner award clearly beats about 1.25 cents per point, which Turkish sweet spots do easily. See the Citi ThankYou guide for earning and best airline sweet spots for targets. Always verify the current partner list before transferring.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best use of Citi ThankYou points?
Transferring to Turkish Airlines Miles and Smiles for cheap Star Alliance awards (including United flights and Hawaii) is the standout sweet spot. Other airline partners add value; the portal and cash are lower.
Why is Turkish Airlines good for Citi points?
Turkish Miles and Smiles prices many Star Alliance awards very cheaply, so Citi points transferred there can book United flights, Hawaii, and business class for far fewer miles than other programs charge.

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Bryce Casson

Bryce Casson, Founder of Cardocrat. Every card is ranked by what it actually returns, with all points valued at a flat 1 cent and offers verified against issuer sources. About the author.