What the NYC & Company Credit Card Is
The NYC & Company credit card is a Mastercard issued through Citi that offers rewards and benefits tied to spending in New York City. You earn points on purchases at participating merchants — restaurants, hotels, attractions, and shops — and can redeem those points for discounts, free nights, or statement credits. The card is designed for people who visit or live in New York and want rewards that work in the city itself rather than generic cash back.
This is not a city-issued card or a government program. It is a standard credit card product from Citibank, branded in partnership with NYC & Company, the city's tourism and marketing organization. Like any credit card, you need to meet Citi's credit requirements to be approved, and you will pay interest on any balance you carry.
Key Takeaways
- The NYC & Company Mastercard earns points on dining, hotels, and entertainment purchases in New York City, with higher earning rates at partner merchants.
- You can redeem points for statement credits, hotel stays, restaurant vouchers, or tickets to NYC attractions, depending on what the current rewards catalog offers.
- The card may carry an annual fee, and you will owe interest on any unpaid balance, so the rewards only make sense if you pay the full statement balance each month.
- Approval depends on your credit score and history with Citi — there is no separate NYC & Company approval process.
- You explore through Citi's website or by phone, and the card is a standard Mastercard that works anywhere, not just in New York.
How Points and Rewards Work
When you use the card at a participating NYC & Company merchant — typically restaurants, hotels, Broadway theaters, museums, and retail shops — you earn points per dollar spent. The exact earning rate varies by merchant category and changes based on current promotions. Some categories earn 3 or 4 points per dollar, while others earn 1 point per dollar. Purchases outside the NYC & Company network earn at a lower base rate.
You accumulate points in your Citi account and can view your balance online or through the Citi mobile app. Points do not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing. You redeem points through your Citi account portal by selecting from available rewards — typically statement credits, hotel night certificates, restaurant gift cards, or attraction tickets. The point value of each reward varies; a $50 statement credit might cost 5,000 points while a hotel night certificate could cost 25,000 or more depending on the property.
Annual Fees and Interest Rates
The NYC & Company card may carry an annual fee. The exact amount depends on the current card terms, which Citi can change. Before you explore, check Citi's website or call their customer service line to confirm the current annual fee. Some versions of the card waive the first-year fee, while others charge it when ready.
If you carry a balance from month to month, you will owe interest at the card's purchase APR (annual percentage rate). This rate is not fixed and depends on your creditworthiness at the time of approval. The rewards you earn will almost certainly not offset the interest you pay on a carried balance, so this card only makes financial sense if you pay your full statement balance every month.
how the process works for the Card
You explore directly through Citibank, not through NYC & Company. Visit Citi's website and search for the NYC & Company Mastercard, or call Citi's phone line to request an process. You will need to provide your Social Security number, income, employment status, and other standard credit process information. Citi will pull your credit report and make an approval decision, usually within minutes for online applications.
Approval is based entirely on Citi's underwriting — your credit score, payment history, income, and existing debt. There is no separate NYC & Company approval step. If you are approved, the card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You set up it through Citi's website or app before your first use.
What Credit Score You Likely Need
Citi does not publish a minimum credit score for the NYC & Company card, but most Citi rewards cards require a good to excellent credit score — typically 670 or higher. If your score is below 650, approval is unlikely. If your score is between 650 and 700, approval is possible but not certain. If your score is 700 or above, you have a reasonable chance of approval.
Your actual approval odds also depend on your payment history, the amount of debt you already carry, your income, and how long you have had credit accounts open. A single missed payment or high credit utilization can result in a denial even with a score above 700. If you are denied, you can ask Citi for the specific reason and reapply after addressing that issue — for example, paying down existing balances or waiting for a late payment to age off your report.
Where You Can Use the Card
The NYC & Company Mastercard is a standard Mastercard, so you can use it anywhere Mastercard is accepted — online, in stores, at ATMs, and internationally. You earn the highest point rates at participating NYC & Company merchants, but you can use the card for any purchase. Purchases outside the partner network earn points at a lower base rate, usually 1 point per dollar.
The card works the same way as any other credit card. You receive a monthly statement, make a payment by the due date, and can set up automatic payments through your Citi account. You can also use the Citi mobile app to check your balance, view transactions, redeem points, and manage your account.
Comparing This Card to Other NYC Rewards Options
If you spend heavily in New York City, the NYC & Company card may offer better rewards than a generic cash-back card, but only if the annual fee and earning rates work in your favor. A standard 2% cash-back card with no annual fee will beat this card if you do not spend enough at partner merchants to offset the annual fee through higher earning rates.
Calculate your likely annual spending at NYC & Company partners — restaurants, hotels, and attractions — and compare the points you would earn against the annual fee. If you spend $5,000 per year at 3 points per dollar, you earn 15,000 points. If those points are worth $150 in statement credits and the annual fee is $95, you come out $55 ahead. If you spend less or the annual fee is higher, a different card may serve you better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this card outside New York City?
Yes. The NYC & Company Mastercard works anywhere Mastercard is accepted worldwide. You earn the highest point rates at participating NYC & Company merchants in New York, but you earn points on all purchases. Purchases outside the partner network earn at a lower base rate, typically 1 point per dollar.
What happens to my points if I close the card?
Points expire if your account is closed. Before you close the card, redeem any remaining points for statement credits, gift cards, or hotel certificates. Once the account is closed, you cannot redeem points that remain in your account.
Is there a sign-up bonus?
Citi sometimes offers sign-up bonuses on the NYC & Company card — for example, extra points after you spend a certain amount in the first few months. Check Citi's website or call their customer service line to see what current offer applies. Sign-up bonuses change frequently and are not may provide.
Can I transfer points to airline miles or hotel loyalty programs?
The NYC & Company card typically does not allow point transfers to airline or hotel programs. You redeem points through Citi's rewards catalog for statement credits, hotel certificates, restaurant vouchers, or NYC attraction tickets. Check your account terms or call Citi to confirm what redemption options are currently available.
What if I miss a payment?
A missed payment will be reported to the credit bureaus and will damage your credit score. Citi will also charge you a late fee and may increase your interest rate. If you miss a payment, contact Citi when ready to bring your account current. The sooner you pay, the less damage to your credit.