7 Best Citi Credit Cards of October 2026
Citi has changed its credit card offerings several times over the last few years. Whether you are a current or prospective Citi cardholder, here’s what you need to know about the best Citi credit cards currently available.
TPG's experts have compiled an in-depth list of the best Citi credit cards, including those with lucrative cash-back options, based on how we have personally used the cards. Check out the picks from our partners below to see how they compare to one another and make the best choice for you.
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®: Best for occasional American Airlines flyers
- Citi Strata Premier® Card: Best for starter travel
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Legend Mastercard®: Best for American Airlines lounge access
- Citi Strata Elite℠ Card: Best for earning AAdvantage miles without flying
- Citi Strata℠ Card: Best for Citi ThankYou points enthusiasts who want flexibility and a no-annual-fee card
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard®: Best for mid-tier American Airlines rewards
- Citi Double Cash® Card: Best for no-frills cash-back rewards
Comparing the best Citi cards
Best for occasional American Airlines flyers
at Citi's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 2X | Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent at gas stations and restaurants, and on eligible American Airlines purchases |
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® is a solid mid-tier card for American Airlines flyers who want useful travel perks without paying a premium annual fee. It offers a free first checked bag on eligible domestic American Airlines flights, priority boarding and bonus AAdvantage miles on eligible American Airlines purchases, dining and at gas stations. It can be especially valuable for travelers who can use the checked bag benefit and priority boarding without needing lounge access.
Pros
- Free first checked bag on eligible domestic American Airlines flights
- Priority boarding
- Bonus AAdvantage miles on eligible American Airlines purchases, dining and at gas stations
- No foreign transaction fees
- Inflight food and beverage savings
Cons
- Weaker earning rates compared to some flexible rewards cards
- No lounge access included
- Free checked bag benefit is limited to eligible domestic American Airlines flights
- Some benefits require significant spending to unlock
- For a limited time, earn 80,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after $3,500 in purchases within the first 4 months of account opening.
- Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent at gas stations and restaurants, and on eligible American Airlines purchases.
- Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- First checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to four companions traveling with you on the same reservation.
- Enjoy preferred boarding on American Airlines flights.
at Citi's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 10X | Earn 10 Points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on CitiTravel.com. |
| 3X | Earn 3 Points per $1 on Air Travel and Other Hotel Purchases, at Restaurants, Supermarkets, Gas and EV Charging Stations. |
| 1X | Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases |
The Citi Strata Premier has some valuable transfer partners to make the most of your rewards plus, you’ll get a $100 hotel credit for any single-stay hotel booking that exceeds $500 or more, excluding taxes and fees, when you book through the Citi Travel website.
Pros
- Earn 10 points per dollar spent on hotels, car rentals and attractions when you book through the Citi Travel portal
- Earn 3 points per dollar spent at restaurants, supermarkets, gas and EV charging stations and on air travel and other hotel purchases
- Enjoy $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more, excluding taxes and fees, once per calendar year when you book through cititravel.com
- Transfer points to 14 airline programs (including JetBlue), 5 hotel programs (including Wyndham Rewards and Choice Privileges) and one retail program
- Get trip delay protection, trip cancellation and interruption protection, lost or damaged luggage protection and MasterRental coverage for car rentals when you use your card for eligible purchases
Cons
- $95 annual fee
- Airline transfer partners mostly include foreign programs (JetBlue is the only U.S. carrier)
- Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.
- Earn 10 Points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.
- Earn 3 Points per $1 on Air Travel and Other Hotel Purchases, at Restaurants, Supermarkets, Gas and EV Charging Stations.
- Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
- $100 Annual Hotel Benefit: Once per calendar year, enjoy $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) when booked through CitiTravel.com. Benefit applied instantly at time of booking.
- No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
- No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases
Best for American Airlines lounge access
at Citi's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4x AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. |
| 1X | 1 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on other purchases |
The Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Legend Mastercard is the only credit card that includes an American Airlines Admirals Club membership, making it a compelling option for frequent AA flyers. Beyond lounge access, the primary cardmember can receive up to $500 in annual American Airlines Vacations credits, complimentary Omni Hotels & Resorts Champion Status and up to $100 in annual credits for eligible inflight and Admirals Club purchases. The card also offers priority airport benefits, a first checked bag free on eligible domestic itineraries and other travel perks. (Partner offer)
Pros
- Admirals Club membership
- Annual American Airlines Vacations credit
- Complimentary Avis President’s Club Status and Omni Hotels & Resorts Champion Status
- Earn bonus Loyalty Points toward AAdvantage elite status
- Free checked bag and priority airport benefits on eligible American Airlines itineraries
- Annual credits for eligible inflight and Admirals Club purchases
Cons
- Has a large annual fee
- Statement credits may be difficult to maximize if you don't regularly use the eligible services
- Authorized user fee
- For a limited time, earn 125,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after $15,000 in purchases in the first 5 months of account opening.
- The only card with Admirals Club® membership. Membership includes access for you and up to two guests or immediate family members traveling with you.
- Global Entry® or TSA PreCheck® application fee credit of up to $120 every 4 years.
- Earn a 10,000 Loyalty Point bonus after reaching 50,000, 90,000, 165,000 and 240,000 Loyalty Points in the same status qualification year.
- First checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to 8 companions traveling with you on the same reservation.
at Citi's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 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. |
Citi Strata Elite℠ Card is a premium travel card that balances premium benefits alongside flexible lifestyle perks. It offers elevated earning rates on Citi Travel bookings, a generous mix of travel and lifestyle statement credits and exclusive 1:1 point transfers to American Airlines AAdvantage — something no other issuer currently provides. With unique benefits like four Admirals Club passes and elevated weekend dining rewards, the card delivers strong value for those who fly American Airlines a few times a year or frequently book through Citi’s travel portal. While the $595 annual fee is steep, the credits and perks can easily outweigh the cost for the right cardholder.
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
Best for Citi ThankYou points enthusiasts who want flexibility and a no-annual-fee card
at Citi's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X | Earn 5 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals and Attractions booked on Citi Travel® via cititravel.com. |
| 3X | Earn 3 ThankYou Points for each $1 spent at Supermarkets, on Select Transit purchases, and at Gas & EV Charging Stations. |
| 3X | Earn 3 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent in an eligible Self-Select Category of your choice (Fitness Clubs, Select Streaming Services, Live Entertainment, Cosmetic Stores/Barber Shops/Hair Salons, or Pet Supply Stores). Choose your eligible Self-Select Category on Citi Online or by calling customer service. The default Self-Select Category is Select Streaming Services. |
| 2X | Earn 2 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent at Restaurants. |
| 1X | Earn 1 ThankYou® Point for each $1 spent on All Other Purchases. |
The Citi Strata℠ Card offers solid reward rates and a welcome bonus of 20,000 points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening — not bad for a card that doesn’t charge an annual fee. Plus, the Citi Strata allows cardholders the flexibility to self-select an eligible bonus category of their choice that earns 3 points per dollar spent, making it an even more valuable prospect for potential applicants.
Pros
- No annual fee
- Solid reward rates in popular bonus categories
- Flexibility to self-select a bonus category that earns 3 points per dollar spent
Cons
- Available self-select bonus categories may not be suitable for everyone
- Earn 20,000 bonus Points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.
- 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months; after that, the variable APR will be 18.74% - 28.74%, based on your creditworthiness. There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
- Earn 3 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent in an eligible Self-Select Category of your choice (Fitness Clubs, Select Streaming Services, Live Entertainment, Cosmetic Stores/Barber Shops/Hair Salons, or Pet Supply Stores). Choose your eligible Self-Select Category on Citi Online or by calling customer service. The default Self-Select Category is Select Streaming Services.
- Earn 5 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals and Attractions booked on Citi Travel® via cititravel.com; earn 3 ThankYou Points for each $1 spent at Supermarkets, on Select Transit purchases, and at Gas & EV Charging Stations.
- Earn 2 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent at Restaurants; earn 1 ThankYou® Point for each $1 spent on All Other Purchases.
- No Annual Fee
Comparing the best Citi cards
Credit card | Best for | Intro offer | Earning rate | Annual fee | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Limited-Time Offer at Citi's secure site | occasional American Airlines flyers | Earn 80,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles Open Intro bonus For a limited time, earn 80,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after $3,500 in purchases within the first 4 months of account opening. | 2X miles Open Rewards rates
| $99, waived for first 12 months | ||||||||||
at Citi's secure site | starter travel | Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points Open Intro bonus Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com. | 1 - 10X points Open Rewards rates
| $95 | ||||||||||
Limited-Time Offer at Citi's secure site | American Airlines lounge access | For a limited time, earn 125,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles Open Intro bonus For a limited time, earn 125,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after $15,000 in purchases in the first 5 months of account opening. | 1 - 4X miles Open Rewards rates
| $695 | ||||||||||
at Citi's secure site | earning AAdvantage miles without flying | Earn 75,000 bonus Points Open Intro bonus Earn 75,000 bonus Points after spending $6,000 in the first 3 months of account opening. | 1.5 - 12X points Open Rewards rates
| $595 | ||||||||||
at Citi's secure site | Citi ThankYou points enthusiasts who want flexibility and a no-annual-fee card | Earn 20,000 bonus Points Open Intro bonus Earn 20,000 bonus Points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months of account opening. | 1 - 5X points Open Rewards rates
| $0 |
More details on the best Citi credit cards
The Platinum Select offers useful American Airlines perks, including a free first checked bag on eligible domestic flights and priority boarding. It also earns bonus miles on eligible American Airlines purchases, dining and at gas stations.
This card is best suited to travelers who fly American Airlines a few times a year and want airline-specific perks without paying for a premium card with lounge access.
If you check bags when flying American, the card's free checked bag benefit can help offset the annual fee ($0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $99). It can be especially worthwhile if you fly American a few times a year and regularly take advantage of its flight-day perks.
If you want more flexible rewards and higher earning rates on everyday spending, consider the Citi Strata Premier® Card, which earns transferable Citi ThankYou points that can be transferred to AAdvantage. Or, if you fly American frequently and want premium perks such as Admirals Club access, consider the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Legend Mastercard®.
When you take advantage of the $100 annual hotel credit on this card, you essentially cancel out the $95 annual fee — while still being able to take advantage of solid earning rates and other benefits the Strata Premier offers.
The Citi Strata Premier is a good card for both occasional and frequent travelers who will take advantage of the annual $100 hotel credit and elevated travel bonus rates.
Even if you only travel a few times each year, this card basically pays for itself when you utilize its perks and benefits.
If you’re seeking a more premium travel card that earns miles instead of points, consider the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. The Venture X earns a flat rate of 2 miles per dollar spent across all purchases with the exception of 10 miles per dollar spent on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5 miles per dollar spent on flights and vacation rentals also booked within the Capital One Travel portal.
The Citi / AAdvantage Executive stands out for its Admirals Club membership, but its value goes beyond lounge access. Frequent American Airlines flyers can also take advantage of valuable travel credits, priority airport benefits, free checked bag on domestic itineraries and credits for eligible inflight purchases.
The Citi / AAdvantage Executive is best for frequent American Airlines flyers who regularly visit Admirals Clubs and can take advantage of the card's travel benefits. It's also a strong option for those pursuing AAdvantage elite status, as you earn Loyalty Points on every dollar you spend, and additional Loyalty Points by reaching certain milestones.
“I frequently find myself on American out of Miami, and I love that I can access the Admirals Club with my immediate family. I can also add up to three authorized users for an additional $175 (total) per year — and each of them gets club access as well (with a same-day boarding pass for an eligible flight). Beyond that, I save hundreds of dollars a year thanks to Citi Merchant Offers on the card.” — Nick Ewen, director of content
If you don’t need an Admirals Club membership, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® might be a better option due to its lower annual fee.
Citi is the only major issuer that lets you transfer points to American Airlines AAdvantage at a 1:1 rate. Add in four annual Admirals Club passes, elevated earning on Citi Travel bookings and more than $800 in flexible statement credits, and the Strata Elite delivers serious value for the right traveler.
Frequent diners, Citi loyalists and travelers who want American Airlines access without a full lounge membership.
If you want to earn American Airlines miles without flying, enjoy airport lounge access without a full Admirals Club membership and easily offset a high annual fee with versatile statement credits, the Citi Strata Elite deserves a spot in your wallet.
The American Express Platinum Card® offers more robust lounge access and flexible travel credits, while the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers a more flexible annual travel credit and access to a broader range of travel partners.
The Citi Strata℠ Card offers elevated reward rates in key bonus categories that almost everyone can enjoy (think hotels, rental cars, gas, dining and more).
This card is an excellent choice for Citi ThankYou points enthusiasts who want to earn rewards across every purchase without incurring an annual fee.
If you frequently spend money at supermarkets, on transit, gas and EV charging stations and want to earn Citi ThankYou points without having to pay an annual fee, the Citi Strata should be in your wallet. It earns solid reward rates in popular bonus categories and a flat rate of 1 point per dollar spent in non-bonus categories, so you’re earning rewards every time you tap to pay.
If you don’t mind paying an annual fee and still want to stay in Citi’s ecosystem, consider the new Citi Strata Elite℠ Card. It features a hefty annual fee of $595 but offers decent value for travelers, like an up to $300 annual hotel benefit, Priority Pass Select membership and four Admirals Club lounge passes every calendar year. The Strata Elite also earns at least 1.5 points per dollar spent in nonbonus categories, making every purchase rewarding.
Lounge benefits, a free checked bag on qualifying domestic American Airlines itineraries and elevated earning rates on eligible AAdvantage Hotels bookings and American Airlines purchases make this card a rewarding option for frequent travelers. The annual $100 Splurge Credit and access to Mastercard’s World of Legends experiences add extra flexibility and value beyond air travel.
American Airlines loyalists who travel often enough to take advantage of the premium travel perks.
If you are looking for a rewarding airline card that offers lounge access, valuable statement credits and elevated earning rates on American Airlines purchases, the Citi AAdvantage Globe Mastercard could be a worthwhile addition to your wallet.
For travelers who prefer a lower annual fee, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® offers 2 miles per dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases, restaurants and gas stations, plus a free checked bag on domestic itineraries — all for a $0 introductory annual fee in the first year, then $99.
For frequent travelers who value unlimited lounge access, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Legend Mastercard® may be a better fit. It carries a $695 annual fee but includes a complimentary Admirals Club membership and additional elite-style perks.
The Citi Double Cash Card is easy to love due to its 2% cash back on all purchases, offered as 1% back when you buy and 1% back when you pay, with no annual fee. You’ll earn cash-back rewards as basic ThankYou points, which are easy to redeem for a direct deposit to your bank account, a statement credit or a check in the mail.
The Citi Double Cash Card is an excellent option if you want a cash-back rewards card for all your purchases. It’s also a good option for consumers who need a card for non-bonus category purchases.
“The Citi Double Cash Card is a simple yet valuable cash-back rewards card that I frequently recommend to family and friends. It's a great everyday spending card with 2% cash back, offered as 1% when you buy and 1% when you pay. And since it has no annual fee, it's earned a long-term place in my wallet.” — Katie Genter, senior points and miles writer
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card also earns 2% cash back on purchases, so it may be a better option if you prefer a Wells Fargo card.
How we rate
Ask our experts
What's your favorite Citi card — and why?
How to choose a Citi credit card
- It's a good idea to select a Citi credit card with a decent sign-up bonus that you can maximize to meet your goals. Determine what you want from a card — be it cash back, miles to redeem on airline purchases or transferable points to use in a variety of programs — and select one with a solid offer that holds value to you.1Sign-up bonus
- Citi credit cards come with a range of annual fees, and many options don't carry an annual fee at all. Still, some cards with higher annual fees offer strong protections and other benefits that justify the additional payment. It's important to consider your comfort level with annual fees when you choose a card.2Annual fee
- Pick the card that earns the most in categories you do the most spending, such as dining, groceries or gas. That way, you will maximize on your everyday spending to get a solid return.3Bonus categories
Pros + cons of Citi credit cards
Pros
- Using a Citi credit card responsibly can help you improve your credit score
- Citi credit cards can earn useful points, miles or cash back on your spending
- Most Citi credit cards offer credit and account protection
- Some Citi credit cards come with valuable travel perks, such as hotel benefits, lounge access and checked bags, among others
Cons
- Credit cards can encourage overspending
- Carrying a balance and using your Citi card irresponsibly can negatively impact your credit score
- If you don't pay your Citi credit card balance each month, you may accrue steep interest charges
- Having too many credit card applications can negatively impact your credit score
- Some Citi credit cards carry foreign transaction fees, meaning they aren't always the best cards to carry abroad
Frequently asked questions
Most consumers find that Citi is a good credit card issuer. However, some cardholders occasionally have issues with functionality on the Citi website or app.
The best Citi credit card depends on what you’re looking for in a card. However, one of our favorites is the Citi Double Cash® Card for its simple earnings on all purchases.
You can apply for a Citi credit card by clicking the hyperlinked card names in this guide. Or, you can navigate to the Citi website and apply for cards there.
Some, but not all, Citi credit cards have foreign transaction fees. One examples of a Citi card that doesn't have foreign transaction fees is the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Legend Mastercard®.
If you have a Citi credit card that earns ThankYou Rewards points, you can redeem points for cash-back rewards at a rate of 1 cent per point. And if you have a Costco card from Citi, you’ll get an annual credit card reward certificate that you can redeem for cash or merchandise at U.S. Costco Warehouses.
You’ll usually need fair to excellent credit to be approved for a new Citi credit card. This means you’ll likely need a credit score of at least 580.
If you have limited credit or bad credit, you may still be able to get approved for the Citi® Secured Mastercard®. This card lets you build credit by providing a security deposit and then getting a credit limit on your card equal to the amount of your security deposit.
The information for the Citi® Secured Mastercard® has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
You can cancel a Citi credit card by calling the number on the back of your card, starting an online chat from your account or sending a secure message. It's usually best to call if you want to cancel your card, as then you might be informed of a lucrative retention offer that encourages you to keep your card for another year.