One of my resolutions for 2019 here at asthejoeflies is to write more content that families that want to travel will find useful. To that end, I’ve decided to try on a new format for credit card reviews. In today’s installment we’ll take a look at the City National Bank Crystal Infinite Card, one of two cards I applied for after some reconsideration back in the fall. Since I don’t earn any commissions from the banks, I feel free and clear to give my honest opinions.
So let’s break down the aspects of the card I find most important for family travel. Note – I won’t be doing half stars, so bear that in mind. Also all opinions are my own yada yada yada.
Quick Scorecard
Overall family travel score
Sign Up Bonus
Bonused and Everyday Spending
Ease of use for family travel redemptions
Value for family travel redemptions
Family travel benefits
Annual fees and hidden costs
Fast facts
Card name: Crystal Visa Infinite Card
Issuing bank: City National Bank
Sign up bonus: 50,000 points after $5K in spending in 3 months
Family travel redemption options: Redeem for travel or gift cards by paying with points through travel portal or on phone (up to 1.35 cents per point)
Bonused spend options: 3X points on gas, grocery, food, and most travel, 1X everything else
Key family travel benefits:
- $250 annual travel credit for card member AND authorized users (up to 3)
- Priority Pass Select card for card member AND authorized users, unlimited guests
- No foreign transaction fee
Annual fee: $400, not waived
Sign Up Bonus
The current sign up bonus is 50,000 CNB reward points after $5000 in spending. While the sign up bonus has been has high as 100,000 points in the past (and 75,000 recently), 50,000 points is still a pretty good sign up bonus. You should be able to easily get $500 of travel out of the sign up bonus and close to $660 if you maximize your redemptions. I’d say that’s competitive with a lot of the cards out there right now, though not outstanding.
Bonused and Everyday Spending
The Crystal Visa Infinite Card offers 3X spending in a variety of categories. The most exciting categories are gas and groceries, which families obviously spend a lot of money on. You can also get reimbursed for restaurants, eating out, and travel. 3X is pretty good as an all around card, though individual cards out there can do better if you single out categories. Still, I put a lot of spend on this card just because it’s convenient and at the top of my wallet.