New Citi Strata Card now accepting applications
Editor's Note
Back in May, TPG exclusively learned the Citi Rewards+ Card was being rebranded to the Citi Strata℠ Card. Now, we've received confirmation Citi is launching the all-new Citi Strata℠ Elite.
As a longtime Citi loyalist and die-hard Citi Strata Premier® Card (see rates and fees) (formerly the Citi Premier) fan, I'm excited to see the issuer overhauling its lineup of Citi ThankYou Rewards-earning credit cards.
Applications for both cards are now open.
So, let's jump into what changes existing cardholders and new applicants can expect.
The information for Citi Rewards+ and Citi Premier has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. The Citi Rewards+ and Citi Premier are no longer available for new applications.
Summary of changes
What did not change:
- Annual fee (it will remain a no-annual-fee card)
- ThankYou Rewards transfer partners
What did change:
- New name and card art
- New bonus categories
- Increased earning rates on existing bonus categories
- Elevated welcome bonus
- What the card is made of (it will be almost entirely recycled plastic)
- World Elite Mastercard benefits
Citi Rewards+ used to round up each purchase to the nearest 10 points. Sadly, this unique perk is discontinued, along with the ability for each cardholder to receive 10% of the first 100,000 points redeemed per calendar year back.
In an exclusive interview with Pam Habner, Citi's head of branded cards and lending, Habner highlighted Citi's commitment to listening to customer feedback and engaging in focus groups to learn what current and prospective cardholders want from their credit cards. She mentioned how the current market showcases cardholders looking to be flexible with their reward earnings and how these findings drove Citi to make meaningful changes.
Existing Citi Rewards+ Card members got access to the new Citi Strata Card as of July 20, and new customers can apply as of today, July 27.
New earning rates
The most exciting aspect of the new Citi Strata Card is the introduction of new bonus categories and improved earning rates from the now-discontinued Rewards+ Card. The changes include:
- New: 5 points per dollar spent on hotels, car rentals and attractions booked on cititravel.com
- Increased: 3 points per dollar spent at supermarkets
- Increased and expanded: 3 points per dollar spent on select transit, gas and electric vehicle charging stations
- New: 3 points per dollar spent on eligible self-select category of fitness clubs, select streaming services, live entertainment, cosmetic stores/barber shops/hair salons or pet supply stores.
- New: 2 points per dollar spent at restaurants
- Same: 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases
Previously, the Citi Rewards+ earned 2 points per dollar spent on grocery store and gas station purchases; however, the new earning rates are far more lucrative.
The Rewards+ Card earned 5 points per dollar spent on hotel, car rental and attraction bookings through the Citi travel portal, but it had an end date of Dec. 31. Now, the earning rate for these purchases is a permanent addition to the card.
This is a total revamp of the card, and its earning rates bring it closer to the Citi Strata Premier Card, which has a $95 annual fee and got its own refresh in May 2024
In my opinion, this can pave the path for Citi to have its own version of the Chase Trifecta, where Citi cardholders can carry multiple cards and maximize earning rates and benefits in combination with one another.
The new earning rates make this card a worthy contender for everyday purchases and challenge long-standing rivals, such as the Chase Freedom Unlimited® (see rates and fees).
Habner emphasized Citi's role in revamping the marketplace and staying competitive. It's evident that Citi leaned in on customers' desire to earn more across everyday spending categories. Therefore, the issuer simplified and increased opportunities with the Citi Strata Card in what I'd call essential categories of gas stations, supermarkets and restaurants, in addition to introducing the new self-select category.
The most exciting development is the new bonus category: 3 points per dollar spent on a self-select category.
With a wide range of options to choose from, it should be fairly easy to maximize. Cardholders can change their self-select category every quarter. I see this bonus category as a key driver for Citi because some eligible categories are not commonly offered on other cards at an elevated earning rate.
With some gym memberships costing more than $200 in cities such as New York and Los Angeles and live entertainment tickets costing a couple of hundred dollars, this can be extremely useful for many folks.
To me, this gives the Chase Freedom Flex® (see rates and fees) a run for its money because some of its quarterly bonus categories in the past have included fitness clubs or streaming services, but reward earnings are always capped at $1,500 each quarter you activate.
Related: How to earn over 300,000 points in 2025
New welcome bonus
For a limited time, new customers approved for the Citi Strata Card will earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 within the first three months of account opening. Keep in mind that existing Citi Rewards+ cardholders were automatically converted to the Citi Strata Card on July 20. Therefore, cardholders will not be able to apply for the Citi Strata Card, as they'll already hold the card.
New Cardholders will also receive a 0% introductory annual percentage (APR) on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months; after that, a variable APR will be 18.49% - 28.49% will be applied based on credit worthiness. Balance transfers are subject to a 3% fee (minimum $5) and during the first 4 months of account opening, afterward each transfer will be 5% (minimum $5).
The welcome bonus is not available to applicants who received a new account bonus for a Citi Rewards+ account in the past 48 months or those who converted another Citi account on which they earned a new account bonus in the last 48 months into a Citi Strata or Citi Rewards+ account.
Another welcoming piece of news is that approved applicants will immediately have instant authorization and access to their new credit card.
Bottom line
The Citi Strata Card is a refreshing change in the credit card space, and I welcome it.
A complete overhaul to the earning rates and inclusion of new categories make this card a competitive option for those looking to earn ThankYou Rewards. The changes to this card have made it more useful as an everyday spending credit card and provide a strong value proposition.
As a Citi Strata Premier cardholder, you can combine your Strata Card points and transfer them to Citi's travel partners for maximum value. In addition, the Strata family is now complete thanks to the new Citi Strata Elite℠ Card (see rates and fees) launch, giving cardholders ample opportunity to choose a card that best fits their lifestyle.
Related: Best Citi Cards of July 2025
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.