Citi Strata Elite statement credits: How to maximize your benefits
Editor's Note
The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card (see rates and fees) splashed onto the premium credit card scene this year as a new option for luxury-minded travelers and people looking to collect more Citi ThankYou Rewards points.
Citi ThankYou Rewards points became more valuable with the addition of American Airlines AAdvantage as a transfer partner. That move made Citi the only card issuer with direct transfers to American Airlines, one of the three largest U.S. airlines.
TPG's September 2025 valuations place Citi ThankYou Rewards points at 1.9 cents each. The Strata Elite provides excellent earning rates to collect these points, and it packs in more perks to help take the sting out of its high $595 annual fee.
These statement credits can help elevate your travel experience and offset the annual fee, as long as you spend mindfully.
Here's a breakdown of what you need to know to make the most of these credits.
Overview of Strata Elite credits
Here's a list of the credits the Strata Elite provides:
| Credit | Value |
|---|---|
Prepaid hotel stays booked with Citi Travel | $300 annually |
Splurge | $200 annually |
Blacklane | $200 annually ($100 biannually) |
Global Entry/TSA PreCheck | Up to $120 every four years |
These total $820 in first-year value, which more than offsets the Strata Elite's $595 annual fee. Without the Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, the card provides $700 in annual statement credits.
Past its statement credits, the Strata Elite provides ongoing value with four Admirals Club Citi Strata Elite passes each calendar year, Priority Pass lounge access and access to The Reserve by Citi Travel. You'll also receive excellent travel and purchase protections.
Related: How long does it take to receive statement credits from Amex, Capital One, Chase and Citi?
Prepaid hotel stays booked with Citi Travel
The Strata Elite's most valuable credit provides $300 off a prepaid hotel stay of at least two nights booked through Citi Travel, the issuer's travel portal.
This is an annual $300 credit, so you can use it all at once.
Plus, you aren't limited in your hotel selection. You can use this credit on any prepaid stay of at least two nights that's booked with Citi Travel.
Related: Should you book hotels through Citi Travel?
Splurge
Strata Elite Card holders will receive up to $200 in statement credits on purchases with up to two brands of their choice.
Cardholders have a choice of the following brands:
- 1stDibs (selling luxury art, furniture and jewelry)
- American Airlines
- Best Buy
- Future Personal Training
- Live Nation (event tickets and experiences)
When you go to select merchants for this credit, it's good practice to select two. Even if you don't end up making purchases with both brands, you won't regret being covered in case you make a spur-of-the-moment selection.
This is a unique benefit that can be applied in multiple ways. You can book a flight on American Airlines, buy a new tech product from Best Buy or secure concert tickets with Live Nation and have $200 wiped off your statement annually.
Related: How to use the Citi Strata Elite Splurge credit for up to $200 in annual value
Blacklane
One of the unique statement credits included on the Strata Elite is the $200 annual Blacklane credit, split into two biannual $100 credits (one to use from January through June and another to use from July through December).
Blacklane is a private chauffeur service available in more than 50 countries.
One ride with Blacklane could cost more than $100, so this credit could be easy to use if you value the service.
TPG credit cards writer Danyal Ahmed paid 566 euros ($657) on Blacklane to be driven in a Mercedes-Benz Vito van from Rosewood Schloss Fuschl in Salzburg, Austria, to Munich Airport (MUC). In his experience, Blacklanes are cheaper in Asia or the Middle East, but he suggests considering this credit to be more of a coupon since the service can be expensive.
Related: Things to know before the next time you use a ride-hailing service at the airport
Global Entry/TSA PreCheck
The Strata Elite also provides up to $120 in statement credits every four years toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck applications.
We recommend applying for Global Entry since it also includes a TSA PreCheck membership.
There are multiple Global Entry and TSA PreCheck credit cards on the market, so you may already have a card in your wallet with this perk. Luckily, you can use your statement credit to pay for someone else's application if you don't need it.
Related: Which airports accept Global Entry — and why you should get it
Benefits for qualifying Citigold members
The statement credits we've discussed so far have been open to anyone who holds the Strata Elite. But there are two more perks that are open to certain cardholders with prior Citi banking relationships.
Qualifying Citigold members are eligible for credits to help offset the Strata Elite's annual fee.
Here's what to know:
- Citigold Private Client Relationship Tier credit: If you're a qualifying Citigold Private Client, you can receive a $595 first-year banking relationship credit and an annual $145 credit each year afterward as long as you have an open Strata Elite Card.
- Citigold Relationship Tier credit: If you're a qualifying Citigold client, you can receive an annual $145 credit each year as long as you have an open Strata Elite Card.
For qualifying Citigold Private Clients, this is essentially a first-year no-annual-fee deal. Qualifying Citigold Private Clients and qualifying Citigold clients can receive $145 off their annual fee every year.
Related: Best Citi credit cards
Bottom line
If you can maximize the Strata Elite's statement credits, you'll receive more than your annual fee back in value.
Plus, for a limited time new cardholders can earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
And, you'll earn valuable ThankYou Rewards points every time you swipe the card.
To learn more, read our full review of the Strata Elite.
Apply here: Citi Strata Elite Card
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.