What to do when a Citi ThankYou account holder dies
Citibank has a formal process for transferring points after an account holder dies
OverviewWhen someone dies
Citi ThankYou Service Center
Phone1-800-842-6596
WebsiteVisit website→
HoursMonday-Friday 8 AM-1 AM ET; Saturday-Sunday 9 AM-9 PM ET
Citi Estate Servicing Center
Timeline
The executor must submit a written request within one (1) year of the cardholder's death. This is the most clearly defined deadline among major credit card points programs. No published timeline for how quickly Citi processes the cash redemption once the request and documentation are submitted.
WebsiteSubmit claim online →
Verified May 2026
The Citi ThankYou Rewards Terms and Conditions state: "You will lose your Points upon your death, and your estate, successors and assigns have no property rights or other legal interests in such Points, except under this circumstance: If we receive a written request within one (1) year of your death from the executor or administrator of your estate, along with evidence satisfactory to us of your death and the identity and appointment of the executor or administrator, we can allow Points remaining in your ThankYou account to be redeemed for Cash Rewards." Key limitations: (1) the redemption is restricted to Cash Rewards only -- the executor cannot transfer points to airline/hotel partners or use other redemption methods; (2) the language says Citi "can allow" the redemption, not "will allow" -- this is discretionary; (3) there is a firm one-year deadline from the date of death; (4) only a lawfully designated executor or administrator may submit the request.
How to request a transfer
Follow these steps to initiate a transfer of Citi ThankYou points after the account holder's death:
1
Notify Citi of the death by calling the number on the back of the deceased's card, or contact the ThankYou Service Center at 1-800-THANKYOU (1-800-842-6596). For estate-specific account servicing use the Citi Estate Servicing Center at https://online.citi.com/US/ag/estate-servicing-center.
2
Send a copy of the death certificate to have the credit card account canceled.
3
Submit a written request within one (1) year of the cardholder's death to redeem remaining ThankYou Points for Cash Rewards. Include:
- •Written request from the executor or administrator of the estate
- •Death certificate (certified copy)
- •Evidence of the identity and appointment of the executor or administrator (Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration)
- •Any additional documentation Citi requests as "satisfactory to us"
4
Understand the cash-only limitation. The executor can only redeem points for Cash Rewards (typically 1 cent per point). Partner transfers, travel bookings, gift cards, and other redemption methods are NOT available to the executor.
5
Note the permissive language. The Terms say Citi "can allow" the redemption, not "will allow." The cash redemption is discretionary, not a guaranteed right.
6
Act within the one-year deadline. If the written request plus documentation is not received within one year of the cardholder's death, points are permanently forfeited with no recourse.
7
The estate's executor is responsible for using estate assets to pay any outstanding credit card debt on the deceased's Citi credit card.
Required Documents
- Certified copy of the death certificate
- Written request from executor or administrator of the estate
- Evidence of identity and appointment of executor/administrator (Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration)
- Additional documentation "satisfactory to" Citi may be required
Timeline
The executor must submit a written request within one (1) year of the cardholder's death. This is the most clearly defined deadline among major credit card points programs. No published timeline for how quickly Citi processes the cash redemption once the request and documentation are submitted.
Frequently asked questions
Points are forfeited by default. However, the Terms provide an exception: if the executor or administrator submits a written request within one year of death, along with a death certificate and proof of appointment, Citi "can allow" the points to be redeemed for Cash Rewards only. The cash redemption is discretionary and restricted to cash -- partner transfers and other redemption methods are not available to the executor.
No. The Terms state: "You will lose your Points upon your death, and your estate, successors and assigns have no property rights or other legal interests in such Points." The one-year cash redemption exception for the executor is a practical concession, not a legal right to the points.
The executor should contact the Citi Estate Servicing Center at https://online.citi.com/US/ag/estate-servicing-center to begin estate processing on the credit card account. The written request for the one-year cash-only ThankYou redemption can be initiated through the same channel or by calling the ThankYou Service Center at 1-800-842-6596 (Monday-Friday 8 AM-1 AM ET; Saturday-Sunday 9 AM-9 PM ET). Submit the death certificate and Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
The recipient can use transferred points under the program's normal terms. Keeping the deceased account holder's account number and contact details on file simplifies this process for the executor or surviving family.
Citi ThankYou Service Center
Phone1-800-842-6596
WebsiteVisit website→
HoursMonday-Friday 8 AM-1 AM ET; Saturday-Sunday 9 AM-9 PM ET
Citi Estate Servicing Center
Timeline
The executor must submit a written request within one (1) year of the cardholder's death. This is the most clearly defined deadline among major credit card points programs. No published timeline for how quickly Citi processes the cash redemption once the request and documentation are submitted.
WebsiteSubmit claim online →
Verified May 2026
