The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Advertiser disclosure
The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Matt Moffitt is a contributing editor and expert in getting the most out of credit cards and points (he carries at least 25 cards in his wallet at any given time). Originally from Sydney, Australia, he won the Green Card Lottery and lived in Austin, Texas for 10 years before relocating to Spain in 2025.
October 24, 2025 • 8 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Editorial note: Citi is a TPG advertising partner.
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
Comments
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
Related stories
TPG featured card
Quick summary
A new premium travel rewards card offers a strong introductory bonus, valuable earning potential at select merchants and a suite of travel and dining perks.
The card includes statement credits for hotel bookings, select merchants and airport transfers, which can significantly offset its annual fee if fully utilized.
Lounge access is provided through a global network and includes several day passes for a major U.S. airline's clubs, adding value for occasional travelers.
Access to a wide range of airline and hotel transfer partners at favorable rates enhances redemption flexibility for frequent travelers.
What to consider
Maximizing value requires booking travel through the issuer's portal and dining at restaurants during specific weekend evening hours, which may not suit all users.
Statement credits are distributed annually or biannually and may require minimum stays or merchant selection to redeem.
Travel and shopping protections are included but may be less comprehensive than those offered by some competing premium cards.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed comparison of long-term value versus lower-cost alternatives and guidance on optimizing the card's unique perks for your travel style.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Comments
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
TPG featured card
Citi Strata Elite℠ Card
TPG editor's rating3.5
TPG editor's rating
Pros + cons
Pros
The only major issuer with American Airlines as a travel partner
Four Admirals Club passes annually
Up to $1,100 in combined lifestyle and travel statement credits
High earning potential through Citi Travel and weekend dining
No foreign transaction fees
Cons
Limited travel bonus categories outside of Citi Travel
Limited lounge access compared to other premium travel cards
Authorized user fee of $75
More details
Earn 75,000 bonus Points after spending $6,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.
Earn 12 Points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on cititravel.com and 6 Points per $1 spent on Air Travel booked on cititravel.com
Earn 6 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants including Restaurant Delivery Services on CitiNights℠ purchases, every Friday and Saturday from 6 PM to 6 AM ET. Earn 3 Points per $1 spent any other time
Earn 1.5 Points per $1 spent on All Other Purchases
Up to $300 Annual Hotel Benefit: Each calendar year, enjoy up to $300 off a hotel stay of two nights or more when booked through cititravel.com.
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Pros
The only major issuer with American Airlines as a travel partner
Four Admirals Club passes annually
Up to $1,100 in combined lifestyle and travel statement credits
High earning potential through Citi Travel and weekend dining
No foreign transaction fees
Cons
Limited travel bonus categories outside of Citi Travel
Limited lounge access compared to other premium travel cards
Authorized user fee of $75
Earn 75,000 bonus Points after spending $6,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.
Earn 12 Points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on cititravel.com and 6 Points per $1 spent on Air Travel booked on cititravel.com
Earn 6 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants including Restaurant Delivery Services on CitiNights℠ purchases, every Friday and Saturday from 6 PM to 6 AM ET. Earn 3 Points per $1 spent any other time
Earn 1.5 Points per $1 spent on All Other Purchases
Up to $300 Annual Hotel Benefit: Each calendar year, enjoy up to $300 off a hotel stay of two nights or more when booked through cititravel.com.
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Citi Strata Elite℠ Card
TPG editor's rating3.5
TPG editor's rating
Pros + cons
Pros
The only major issuer with American Airlines as a travel partner
Four Admirals Club passes annually
Up to $1,100 in combined lifestyle and travel statement credits
High earning potential through Citi Travel and weekend dining
No foreign transaction fees
Cons
Limited travel bonus categories outside of Citi Travel
Limited lounge access compared to other premium travel cards
Authorized user fee of $75
More details
Earn 75,000 bonus Points after spending $6,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.
Earn 12 Points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on cititravel.com and 6 Points per $1 spent on Air Travel booked on cititravel.com
Earn 6 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants including Restaurant Delivery Services on CitiNights℠ purchases, every Friday and Saturday from 6 PM to 6 AM ET. Earn 3 Points per $1 spent any other time
Earn 1.5 Points per $1 spent on All Other Purchases
Up to $300 Annual Hotel Benefit: Each calendar year, enjoy up to $300 off a hotel stay of two nights or more when booked through cititravel.com.
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Pros
The only major issuer with American Airlines as a travel partner
Four Admirals Club passes annually
Up to $1,100 in combined lifestyle and travel statement credits
High earning potential through Citi Travel and weekend dining
No foreign transaction fees
Cons
Limited travel bonus categories outside of Citi Travel
Limited lounge access compared to other premium travel cards
Authorized user fee of $75
Earn 75,000 bonus Points after spending $6,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.
Earn 12 Points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on cititravel.com and 6 Points per $1 spent on Air Travel booked on cititravel.com
Earn 6 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants including Restaurant Delivery Services on CitiNights℠ purchases, every Friday and Saturday from 6 PM to 6 AM ET. Earn 3 Points per $1 spent any other time
Earn 1.5 Points per $1 spent on All Other Purchases
Up to $300 Annual Hotel Benefit: Each calendar year, enjoy up to $300 off a hotel stay of two nights or more when booked through cititravel.com.
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Citi Strata Elite℠ Card
TPG editor's rating3.5
TPG editor's rating
Pros + cons
Pros
The only major issuer with American Airlines as a travel partner
Four Admirals Club passes annually
Up to $1,100 in combined lifestyle and travel statement credits
High earning potential through Citi Travel and weekend dining
No foreign transaction fees
Cons
Limited travel bonus categories outside of Citi Travel
Limited lounge access compared to other premium travel cards
Authorized user fee of $75
More details
Earn 75,000 bonus Points after spending $6,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.
Earn 12 Points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on cititravel.com and 6 Points per $1 spent on Air Travel booked on cititravel.com
Earn 6 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants including Restaurant Delivery Services on CitiNights℠ purchases, every Friday and Saturday from 6 PM to 6 AM ET. Earn 3 Points per $1 spent any other time
Earn 1.5 Points per $1 spent on All Other Purchases
Up to $300 Annual Hotel Benefit: Each calendar year, enjoy up to $300 off a hotel stay of two nights or more when booked through cititravel.com.
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Pros
The only major issuer with American Airlines as a travel partner
Four Admirals Club passes annually
Up to $1,100 in combined lifestyle and travel statement credits
High earning potential through Citi Travel and weekend dining
No foreign transaction fees
Cons
Limited travel bonus categories outside of Citi Travel
Limited lounge access compared to other premium travel cards
Authorized user fee of $75
Earn 75,000 bonus Points after spending $6,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.
Earn 12 Points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on cititravel.com and 6 Points per $1 spent on Air Travel booked on cititravel.com
Earn 6 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants including Restaurant Delivery Services on CitiNights℠ purchases, every Friday and Saturday from 6 PM to 6 AM ET. Earn 3 Points per $1 spent any other time
Earn 1.5 Points per $1 spent on All Other Purchases
Up to $300 Annual Hotel Benefit: Each calendar year, enjoy up to $300 off a hotel stay of two nights or more when booked through cititravel.com.
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Citi Strata Elite℠ Card
TPG editor's rating3.5
TPG editor's rating
Pros + cons
Pros
The only major issuer with American Airlines as a travel partner
Four Admirals Club passes annually
Up to $1,100 in combined lifestyle and travel statement credits
High earning potential through Citi Travel and weekend dining
No foreign transaction fees
Cons
Limited travel bonus categories outside of Citi Travel
Limited lounge access compared to other premium travel cards
Authorized user fee of $75
More details
Earn 75,000 bonus Points after spending $6,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.
Earn 12 Points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on cititravel.com and 6 Points per $1 spent on Air Travel booked on cititravel.com
Earn 6 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants including Restaurant Delivery Services on CitiNights℠ purchases, every Friday and Saturday from 6 PM to 6 AM ET. Earn 3 Points per $1 spent any other time
Earn 1.5 Points per $1 spent on All Other Purchases
Up to $300 Annual Hotel Benefit: Each calendar year, enjoy up to $300 off a hotel stay of two nights or more when booked through cititravel.com.
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Pros
The only major issuer with American Airlines as a travel partner
Four Admirals Club passes annually
Up to $1,100 in combined lifestyle and travel statement credits
High earning potential through Citi Travel and weekend dining
No foreign transaction fees
Cons
Limited travel bonus categories outside of Citi Travel
Limited lounge access compared to other premium travel cards
Authorized user fee of $75
Earn 75,000 bonus Points after spending $6,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.
Earn 12 Points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on cititravel.com and 6 Points per $1 spent on Air Travel booked on cititravel.com
Earn 6 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants including Restaurant Delivery Services on CitiNights℠ purchases, every Friday and Saturday from 6 PM to 6 AM ET. Earn 3 Points per $1 spent any other time
Earn 1.5 Points per $1 spent on All Other Purchases
Up to $300 Annual Hotel Benefit: Each calendar year, enjoy up to $300 off a hotel stay of two nights or more when booked through cititravel.com.
No Foreign Transaction Fees
3.5
at Citi's secure site. Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
Rewards rate
Rewards rate
Rate
Category
12X
Earn 12 Points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on cititravel.com.
6X
Earn 6 Points per $1 spent on Air Travel booked on cititravel.com.
6X
Earn 6 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants including Restaurant Delivery Services on CitiNights℠ purchases, every Friday and Saturday from 6 PM to 6 AM ET. Earn 3 Points per $1 spent any other time.
1.5X
Earn 1.5 Points per $1 spent on All Other Purchases.
Intro offer
Earn 75,000 bonus Points
Annual fee
$595
Regular APR
20.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
Recommended credit
740-850
Excellent
3.5
at Citi's secure site. Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
Rewards rate
Rewards rate
Rate
Category
12X
Earn 12 Points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on cititravel.com.
6X
Earn 6 Points per $1 spent on Air Travel booked on cititravel.com.
6X
Earn 6 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants including Restaurant Delivery Services on CitiNights℠ purchases, every Friday and Saturday from 6 PM to 6 AM ET. Earn 3 Points per $1 spent any other time.
1.5X
Earn 1.5 Points per $1 spent on All Other Purchases.
Intro offer
Earn 75,000 bonus Points
Annual fee
$595
Regular APR
20.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
Recommended credit
740-850
Excellent
3.5
at Citi's secure site. Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
Rewards rate
Rewards rate
Rate
Category
12X
Earn 12 Points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on cititravel.com.
6X
Earn 6 Points per $1 spent on Air Travel booked on cititravel.com.
6X
Earn 6 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants including Restaurant Delivery Services on CitiNights℠ purchases, every Friday and Saturday from 6 PM to 6 AM ET. Earn 3 Points per $1 spent any other time.
1.5X
Earn 1.5 Points per $1 spent on All Other Purchases.
Intro offer
Earn 75,000 bonus Points
Annual fee
$595
Regular APR
20.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
Recommended credit
740-850
Excellent
3.5
at Citi's secure site. Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
Rewards rate
Rewards rate
Rate
Category
12X
Earn 12 Points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on cititravel.com.
6X
Earn 6 Points per $1 spent on Air Travel booked on cititravel.com.
6X
Earn 6 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants including Restaurant Delivery Services on CitiNights℠ purchases, every Friday and Saturday from 6 PM to 6 AM ET. Earn 3 Points per $1 spent any other time.
1.5X
Earn 1.5 Points per $1 spent on All Other Purchases.
With a strong welcome bonus, valuable earning potential and a suite of statement credits and lounge perks, the card can deliver solid value. But after the first year of having it, you’ll need to run the numbers to decide if it deserves a long-term spot in your wallet.
So, let's do the math to work out whether you should apply for (and keep) the Citi Strata Elite.
However, if you want to earn Citi ThankYou Rewards points at a lower cost, the Citi Strata Premier® Card (see ) is a better choice. For a $95 annual fee, it offers 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening — 60% of the Strata Elite’s bonus for a fraction of the price.
You’ll earn 12 points per dollar spent on hotels, car rentals and attractions booked through cititravel.com (a 22.8% return per TPG’s October 2025 valuations); flights earn 6 points per dollar through cititravel.com (11.4%).
Missing out on earning hotel loyalty points and receiving elite-status perks when staying at participating hotels like Marriott Bonvoy and World of Hyatt
On Friday and Saturday evenings (between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. Eastern time), you'll earn 6 points per dollar spent at restaurants, including on delivery. Outside of those times, you'll earn half the rate (3 points per dollar). That represents an 11.4% and 5.7% return on these purchases, respectively.
This bonus category is best for those who go out (or order in) for dinner on weekend evenings. However, the fixed Eastern time window can be awkward when traveling internationally, especially in Asia and Europe.
By contrast, the Strata Premier offers a simpler structure, earning 3 points per dollar spent on:
Electric vehicle charging and gas station purchases
Having said that, this card has a lower annual fee than the two other issuers' premium cards and a shorter list of credits. Plus, the credits are divided up into annual or biannual increments, rather than monthly, making them easier to keep track of.
GEBER86/GETTY IMAGES
The Strata Elite’s $595 annual fee can be reduced significantly if you maximize its statement credits:
Up to $300 annual hotel credit (via the Citi Travel portal; two-night minimum applies)
Maxing out the Strata Elite’s $300 hotel credit immediately drops your effective fee to $295. Add half the value of the $200 Splurge credit, one $100 Blacklane credit and the $30 annualized Global Entry credit, and your effective fee falls to just $65.
While not everyone will extract this full value, even partial credit usage can bring the card’s real cost well below its $595 sticker price.
Lounge access
The Strata Elite includes a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, granting you and two guests access to more than 1,700 lounges worldwide. It also offers four American Airlines Admirals Club passes per year, each valid for 24 hours, meaning one pass can cover multiple lounge visits on a single itinerary.
Admirals Club at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
While Admirals Club day passes normally cost $79 each, I'd personally value them closer to $35 per visit. If you take two domestic trips and one international trip each year, you could easily get around $140 in value from these benefits alone.
For frequent American Airlines flyers who want unlimited Admirals Club access, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Legend Mastercard® (see ) is the better option. But for occasional travelers, these included passes add meaningful value to the Strata Elite’s annual fee.
The information for the Citi Prestige has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. This card is not available to new applicants.
ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
Put $1,000 a month in nonbonused spending on the Strata Elite and you’ll earn 18,000 points annually. They're worth roughly $342 when transferred to partners or $180 when redeemed through Citi Travel. That's enough for a one-way economy-class flight to Europe when transferring to Air France-KLM Flying Blue or Virgin Atlantic Flying Club (plus taxes and fees). And you can use even fewer points when taking advantage of a transfer bonus.
If you want access to the full suite of transfer partners at the best rates — but want to pay a lower annual fee — then the Strata Premier is, again, my recommendation.
If comprehensive protections are a priority, competing premium cards from Amex and Chase offer broader coverage and higher reimbursement limits. Still, the Strata Elite’s protections are a useful safety net that helps justify the card’s premium positioning.
Bottom line
Thanks to its welcome bonus and statement credits, the Strata Elite delivers excellent first-year value. However, its long-term appeal depends on how well its perks match your spending and travel habits.
If you regularly book flights and hotels through Citi Travel, dine out (or in) on weekend evenings and can fully leverage the hotel credit and at least some of the Blacklane and Splurge credits, this card can be worth keeping beyond the first year.
Otherwise, the Strata Premier offers a lower $95 annual fee, a strong earning structure and access to the same valuable transfer partners, making it the more practical long-term choice for many.
Ultimately, the Strata Elite is not a "set-it-and-forget it" card. Run the numbers, factor in your own travel patterns and make sure you’re comfortable with the $595 price tag before applying.
