Citi Forward Card
By Alex Compton · Last verified
5x on dining and bookstores, and Amazon counted as a bookstore.
Welcome Bonus
None
Discontinued
Spend Requirement
None
Annual Fee
$0
3% FTF
Credit Score
670+
(Good)
Common Questions
Is the Citi Forward Card discontinued?
Yes. Discontinued. 5x on dining and bookstores, and Amazon counted as a bookstore.
What can I use instead of the Citi Forward Card?
The closest open alternatives we track are the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Sapphire Preferred, American Express Gold Card. Each links to our full review with its current offer and complete breakdown.
Open Alternatives
The Forward is gone, but these cards do a similar job and are still accepting applications.
The flagship premium travel card, rebuilt in 2025 with a credit stack that can out-earn its fee.
The best first travel card in the game. Full transfer partner access for $95.
4x at restaurants and US supermarkets. The foodie default.
Historical Offers Chart
Every public offer change we've tracked. Hover for details, timing your application is worth hundreds of dollars.
Last verified 2026-06-11 · spot an outdated offer? Tell us in the comments.
Earning Rates
- 5xRestaurants, bars and fast food
- 5xBookstores, movies and music
- 1xEverything else
Credits
No statement credits, this card wins on earn rates, not coupons.
Benefits
- ✦5x at Amazon via the bookstore category, with no cap
- ✦APR reduction gimmick rewarded on-time payments
Why it earns its spot
- +5x dining and 5x Amazon on a no-fee card was unmatched
- +Cult favorite among students and early churners
Where it costs you
- −Citi cut 5x to 2x on June 4, 2016 for grandfathered holders
- −Remaining cards were force-converted to ThankYou Preferred in January 2018
The Compound Verdict
The Forward was the original too-good-to-last card: 5 ThankYou points per dollar at restaurants, movie theaters and bookstores, and Amazon coded as a bookstore. Citi closed applications in 2014, slashed the grandfathered 5x to 2x in June 2016, and converted the survivors to the ThankYou Preferred in January 2018. People still bring it up whenever a 5x category card launches.
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