04.27.09 | Citi Forward Card, A Step Ahead
With the number of defaulted credit cards on the rise in the U.S. it’s no surprise that student credit cards are in trouble. Banks have remained deathlike while trying to rebound from the sub-prime mortgage crisis, and have proactively sought ways to insulate themselves from further losses. Those ways include lowering credit limits, being more selective with applicants, and closing accounts, which have hurt students badly. But through the dense fog of the student credit card industry shines a beacon of light. Citibank is offering the Citi Forward Card for College Students.
We were so impressed with the Citi Forward card that it instantly earned the title of Best Overall student card (a StudentPlatinum first). So why all the hype?
The hallmark of any great card lies within its benefits package, and the Citi Forward card does not disappoint with a wide array of benefits. From good grade rewards to having your APR dropped up to eight times for responsible use of your card, they have it covered from A to Z.
Key Benefits
- The credit card that rewards you for good grades
- Up to a 2% purchase APR reduction when you make a purchase, stay under your credit line and pay on time 3 billing periods in a row
- 6,000 bonus points after $50 in purchases are made within 3 months of account opening
- 5,000 bonus points when you sign up for paperless statements within 3 months of account opening
- 5 rewards points for every $1 you spend on dining, books, movies and music. 1 reward point for every $1 you spend on other purchases
- 0% APR for 6 months on purchases and balance transfers
Points
Program
- You can redeem your rewards points for gift cards, music and electronics, but also for student loan rebates, statement credits and charitable donations.
- But here’s the best part, if you don’t find a rewards benefit that you like, call Citi and they’ll come up with a unique plan just for you. It’s called Your Wish Fulfilled. How cool is that?
Important Note:  The Citi Forward student card is for students who have decent credit.  If your credit is subpar check out the best card options for you here.
ScholarshipPoints members, enter code FRWDTHINK for 10 entries toward a free scholarship!
The Student Credit Blog is sponsored in part by:
tight
August 14th, 2009 | #
sounds interesting
July 15th, 2009 | #
interesting
July 14th, 2009 | #
Thanks! very helpful!
July 13th, 2009 | #
sounds good but not interested at this tim
July 12th, 2009 | #
Will look into
July 12th, 2009 | #
Sounds good!
July 12th, 2009 | #
I like this offer, its great for college students
July 12th, 2009 | #
Sweet deal!
July 11th, 2009 | #
wow, I always a bit skeptical when it comes to credit cards but this one sound really good. Going to show my mom this later.
July 11th, 2009 | #
Sounds pretty great. haven’t heard of a card like this
July 10th, 2009 | #
Something to think about
July 10th, 2009 | #
interesting
July 9th, 2009 | #
interesting
July 9th, 2009 | #
i do need a credit card and this 1 sounds pretty good
July 9th, 2009 | #
i think this would be good for me seriously
July 9th, 2009 | #
Wonderful!
July 9th, 2009 | #
What college kid has good (or any) credit. This is just another way for the banks to suck you in, destroy your credit and then say it wasn’t their fault.
July 9th, 2009 | #
cool
July 9th, 2009 | #
Das ist toll!
July 9th, 2009 | #
cool!
July 8th, 2009 | #
Yeah i dont like citi credit cards they are overrated and charge too much.
July 8th, 2009 | #
sounds great!
July 8th, 2009 | #
cool!
July 8th, 2009 | #
I wlike this offer, I think its great for students that need money, but cant have it right away.
July 8th, 2009 | #
Cool
July 7th, 2009 | #
This sounds like a really good deal. I would def consider getting a card like this
June 30th, 2009 | #
cool
June 29th, 2009 | #
deefinately going to look into
June 29th, 2009 | #
interesting
June 29th, 2009 | #
great i think i will apply.
June 29th, 2009 | #
Sounds great!
June 27th, 2009 | #
sounds great!
June 25th, 2009 | #
Wow, this is great! I think I’m going to apply!
June 24th, 2009 | #
cool man!
June 24th, 2009 | #
This is a great way to award students for doing well.
June 23rd, 2009 | #
awesome
June 22nd, 2009 | #
cool
June 22nd, 2009 | #
Let’s do it!
June 22nd, 2009 | #
sounds great for those who do not have a credit card.
June 21st, 2009 | #
this is a great credit card
June 18th, 2009 | #
this credit card helps people maintian there credit.
June 18th, 2009 | #
this sounds good for someone who can mange there credit.
June 18th, 2009 | #
sounds good, when someone one to start with his/her credit
June 18th, 2009 | #
Isn’t there a financial issue going on with citi bank? is this wise?
June 18th, 2009 | #
Sounds very nice
June 17th, 2009 | #
sounds good for someone who needs to establish their credit.
June 16th, 2009 | #
cool!!
June 15th, 2009 | #
sounds good 2 me
June 15th, 2009 | #
cool
June 13th, 2009 | #
that sounds good
June 12th, 2009 | #
cool
June 11th, 2009 | #
nice
June 10th, 2009 | #
sounds good
June 9th, 2009 | #
I will look into this offer.
June 9th, 2009 | #
sounds good
June 9th, 2009 | #
Looks like a good deal, and well worth checking out!
June 9th, 2009 | #
I agree with Lisa. I have been taught that if you do not start out in debt you have a better chance of staying out of debt.
June 9th, 2009 | #
Why do you day that the apr is not improtant? Low limmits and low apr are very inmortant for managing your money.
June 9th, 2009 | #
really great
June 7th, 2009 | #
hmm this is good to know
June 7th, 2009 | #
good card
June 7th, 2009 | #
The first and the best opportunity must be reserved for the students and it sounds pretty good that the citibank has come forward to help the student.
June 7th, 2009 | #
Good news.God bless you.
June 7th, 2009 | #
nice
June 6th, 2009 | #
sounds great
June 5th, 2009 | #
Sounds like a decent plan for people who need to establish credit.
June 5th, 2009 | #
Nice deal!
June 5th, 2009 | #
WWWWWOOOOOWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
June 5th, 2009 | #
great offer.
June 5th, 2009 | #
nice to know!
June 4th, 2009 | #
Wish they had this for adults with good credit. Good credit deserves better benefits.
June 4th, 2009 | #
wow
June 4th, 2009 | #
What’s the interest rate after the first 6 months?
June 4th, 2009 | #
easy enough
June 4th, 2009 | #
I already have credit cards and don’t need anymore, but this one sounds pretty good!
June 4th, 2009 | #
This is a really good offer.
June 4th, 2009 | #
This sound interesting.
June 4th, 2009 | #
this sounds like really good offer. If I were interested in getting a credit card at this time, I would definitely pick this one.
June 4th, 2009 | #
I hope I can benefit from being a U.S. citizen
June 3rd, 2009 | #
I don’t think having a credit card in college is a good idea unless you have a steady income…otherwise it can become a crippling crutch to your finances…
June 3rd, 2009 | #
it sounds pretty good
June 3rd, 2009 | #
This is the best offer of the moment, hope I cen benefit from it being a non citizen
May 31st, 2009 | #
sounds good
May 31st, 2009 | #
Do not do it unless you need it.
May 29th, 2009 | #
sounds perfect for me, i want one!
May 28th, 2009 | #
ok
May 28th, 2009 | #
oh yeaaa
May 28th, 2009 | #
Sounds great!
May 27th, 2009 | #
Very nice!
May 27th, 2009 | #
Wow this will really help!
May 26th, 2009 | #
great to know!
May 26th, 2009 | #
Doesn’t sound too bad as far as credit cards go, but buying things on credit isn’t a great idea to begin with. No matter how good the card is, it’s an easy way to overextend yourself.
May 26th, 2009 | #
Sounds good to me!
May 24th, 2009 | #
Excellent
May 22nd, 2009 | #
this sounds wonderful… i love when things are simple and benificial!
May 20th, 2009 | #
sounds real cool , i gotta get one .
May 20th, 2009 | #
I would apply!
May 19th, 2009 | #
hard work does pay off! glad to know.
May 19th, 2009 | #
Hard can pay off in the long run
May 19th, 2009 | #
Sounds fine to me!!!
May 19th, 2009 | #
looks like a good card
May 18th, 2009 | #
looks like a good choice
May 18th, 2009 | #
This sounds too good to be true!!!
May 18th, 2009 | #
word, great thing to know
May 13th, 2009 | #
THIS IS A GREAT INCENTIVE. NICE TO KNOW HARD WORK CAN PAY OFF
May 12th, 2009 | #
Awesome Info.
May 12th, 2009 | #
Thanks, this is great to know!
May 11th, 2009 | #
Thanks…This is great to know!
May 11th, 2009 | #
some people work hard to get good grades, we deserve some kind of inncentive.
May 11th, 2009 | #
our credit is a major part of our future keep it in good standing or it will reach out and slap you later.
May 8th, 2009 | #
thank you
May 7th, 2009 | #
Definitely sound like a great card, but I would ready the fine print. Sometimes when something sounds to good to be true, it usually is. I don’t mean to be a pessimist, but the careless spending of the past is what has gotten us into this economic crunch. Spend wisely, or it will cost us more than we asked for.
May 7th, 2009 | #
It sounds very useful. And it seems like it would motivate students to do well in school as it rewards you if you receive good grades!
May 7th, 2009 | #
Sounds to good to be true, Holly just make sure you make those monthly payments on time; and pay more than just the minimum monthly payment. Late fees can very costly and look for those hidden fees in the contract. Read and reread it(contract) from top to bottom. Ask questions for clarity before signing.
May 7th, 2009 | #
I will definately try for one when I get to college next fall.
May 5th, 2009 | #
ok i read it.
May 5th, 2009 | #
I wonder what credit score is considered decent? I wouldn’t want an inquiry if I am not going to be approved.
May 2nd, 2009 | #
It looks like it isnt a scam
May 1st, 2009 | #
Sounds Good. Getting Good grades=money. Where else are you going to find a better deal?
THANKS A LOT!
April 30th, 2009 | #
i think this is a good offer for students and it makes perfect sense to those people who manage their credit cards well.
April 29th, 2009 | #
nice
April 29th, 2009 | #
I’ve been trying to get approved for a credit card all semester. I have always used what credit I’ve been extended wisely so I don’t consider myself “high-risk”. I’ll apply for this new Citi card and report back. Thanks!
April 28th, 2009 | #
Great news – Thanks for the update. The card looks to be a winner!
April 28th, 2009 | #
This is the best student offer in awhile. It makes perfect sense to reward those who responsibly manage their credit cards.
April 27th, 2009 | #