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.
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.
Credit Cards
At The Points Guy, our goal is to help you maximize your travel experiences while minimizing spending. While we do receive compensation through our credit card application links, ads and clearly indicated sponsored content, our editorial content, points valuations and card analyses are entirely our own. Learn more about our advertising policy and product review methodology.
Best for starter travel
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.
MoreDetails
“More details on the best Citi credit cards”
We included cards with decent welcome bonuses to earn more points, miles or cash back.
We selected cards with varying annual fees to fit a range of budgets and benefits.
These Citi credit cards earn at various rates that can be leveraged to maximize your rewards.
Citi credit cards can get rewards back in multiple forms, including points, miles or cash back.
Our top picks also provide value with additional benefits, including welcome bonuses and travel perks on select cards.
Firstly, you’ll need to decide what rewards you want to earn. In the case of Citi ThankYou cards, you’ll also need to determine whether you want to redeem for cash-back rewards or leverage the Citi ThankYou transfer partners. Next, consider whether any specific bonus categories or perks would be useful. For example, the Citi Custom Cash Card could help you earn more in one specific category. Meanwhile, the Citi Double Cash Card is a good option if you don’t already have one of the best cards for non-bonus-category spending, and the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Legend Mastercard is a good option if you want an Admirals Club membership. <em>The information for the Citi Custom Cash Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. </em>
Here are some of the main points to consider when choosing 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.
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.
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.
Everything you need to know about Citi ThankYou Rewards
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.
Best for starter travel
| Rate | Category |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points
$95
19.74% - 27.74% (Variable)
670-850
Excellent, Good
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.
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.
Best for starter travel
Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points
$95
19.74% - 27.74% (Variable)
670-850
Excellent, Good
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.
Best for American Airlines lounge access
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)
Best for American Airlines lounge access
Best for earning AAdvantage miles without flying
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.
Best for earning AAdvantage miles without flying
Best for Citi ThankYou points enthusiasts who want flexibility and a no-annual-fee card
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.
Best for Citi ThankYou points enthusiasts who want flexibility and a no-annual-fee card
Best for mid-tier American Airlines rewards
The Citi AAdvantage Globe Mastercard is a mid-tier travel card designed for American Airlines flyers. It stands out for its combination of travel perks and value, offering Four Admirals Club Globe passes each calendar year (worth over $300), one annual American Airlines Companion Certificate after card renewal and up to $100 in statement credits on inflight purchases made on qualifying American Airlines flights each calendar year.
Cardholders also enjoy preferred Group 5 boarding on American Airlines flights, up to $240 in annual Turo credits (up to $30 in statement credits for each eligible completed trip on Turo) and access to Citi Entertainment presales and experiences, making it a well-rounded option for travelers who want premium perks without the premium price tag.
The card also stands out for its Flight Streak bonus, rewarding cardmembers with 5,000 points after every four qualifying American Airlines flights for up to 15,000 additional points each status-qualifying year. This is the only card currently available that offers this feature.
Best for mid-tier American Airlines rewards
Best for no-frills cash-back rewards
The Citi Double Cash Card takes all of the stress and complication away from credit card rewards with a simple (yet lucrative) 2% earning scheme and straightforward cash-back redemption options. Check out our Citi Double Cash Card review for more details.
Best for no-frills cash-back rewards
Best for Costco shoppers
This no-annual-fee card is a no-brainer for Costco shoppers who want to earn even greater savings with cash-back rewards. Read our Costco Anywhere Visa Card review for more information.
Best for Costco shoppers
| Credit card | Best for | Intro offer | Earning rate | Annual fee | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Citi Strata Premier® Card | starter travel | Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points | 1 - 10X points | $95 | Apply now at Citi's secure siteSee rates & fees |
Limited-Time Offer Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Legend Mastercard® | |||||
Citi Strata Elite℠ Card | |||||
Citi Strata℠ Card | |||||
Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard® | |||||
Citi Double Cash® Card | |||||
Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi |
What's your favorite Citi card — and why?
Citi Double Cash® Card“With the Citi Double Cash, there is no need to optimize your spending or use the right card for the right bonus category. The Double Cash earns an unlimited 2% back on every purchase (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay your bill) which is why it will always have a spot in my wallet."
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Legend Mastercard®“After losing elite status, which granted me access to American Airlines Admirals Club, this card has become my key to entering AA lounges. It also gives me priority boarding and a free checked bag.”
Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi“I’m a big Costco fan, and having the Anywhere Visa by Citi has helped me up my reward-earning game — especially with generous earning rates in the dining and gas categories — when I make bulk purchases at the wholesale retailer.”
Katie Genter is a digital nomad who has traveled full time since June 2017. She writes and edits stories about points and miles, and loyalty programs, often letting her personal experiences color these stories.
Stephanie Stevens is an associate writer with TPG's credit cards team. She focuses on creating timely credit cards content for TPG readers.
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.
Compliance associate Paige Balcom joined TPG in 2022 and has spent her time working in the credit card industry reviewing content across sites such as CNET, CreditCards.com and Bankrate. She has used her knowledge to train new writers and other compliance members on the intricacies of compliance across multiple brands and partners.
| Rate | Category |
|---|---|
| 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 |
For a limited time, earn 125,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles
$695
19.74% - 29.74% (Variable)
670-850
Excellent, Good
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)
For a limited time, earn 125,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles
$695
19.74% - 29.74% (Variable)
670-850
Excellent, Good
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)
| 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. |
Earn 75,000 bonus Points
$595
20.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
740-850
Excellent
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.
Earn 75,000 bonus Points
$595
20.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
740-850
Excellent
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.
| Rate | Category |
|---|---|
| 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. |
Earn 20,000 bonus Points
$0
18.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
670-850
Excellent, Good
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.
Earn 20,000 bonus Points
$0
18.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
670-850
Excellent, Good
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.
| Rate | Category |
|---|---|
| 6X | Earn 6 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible hotels booked through aadvantagehotels.com. |
| 3X | Earn 3 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. |
| 2X | Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent at restaurants, including takeout and delivery. |
| 1X | Earn 1 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on all other purchases. |
Earn 60,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles
$350
19.74% - 29.74% (Variable)
Good, Excellent Credit
The Citi AAdvantage Globe Mastercard is a mid-tier travel card designed for American Airlines flyers. It stands out for its combination of travel perks and value, offering Four Admirals Club Globe passes each calendar year (worth over $300), one annual American Airlines Companion Certificate after card renewal and up to $100 in statement credits on inflight purchases made on qualifying American Airlines flights each calendar year.
Cardholders also enjoy preferred Group 5 boarding on American Airlines flights, up to $240 in annual Turo credits (up to $30 in statement credits for each eligible completed trip on Turo) and access to Citi Entertainment presales and experiences, making it a well-rounded option for travelers who want premium perks without the premium price tag.
The card also stands out for its Flight Streak bonus, rewarding cardmembers with 5,000 points after every four qualifying American Airlines flights for up to 15,000 additional points each status-qualifying year. This is the only card currently available that offers this feature.
Earn 60,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles
$350
19.74% - 29.74% (Variable)
Good, Excellent Credit
The Citi AAdvantage Globe Mastercard is a mid-tier travel card designed for American Airlines flyers. It stands out for its combination of travel perks and value, offering Four Admirals Club Globe passes each calendar year (worth over $300), one annual American Airlines Companion Certificate after card renewal and up to $100 in statement credits on inflight purchases made on qualifying American Airlines flights each calendar year.
Cardholders also enjoy preferred Group 5 boarding on American Airlines flights, up to $240 in annual Turo credits (up to $30 in statement credits for each eligible completed trip on Turo) and access to Citi Entertainment presales and experiences, making it a well-rounded option for travelers who want premium perks without the premium price tag.
The card also stands out for its Flight Streak bonus, rewarding cardmembers with 5,000 points after every four qualifying American Airlines flights for up to 15,000 additional points each status-qualifying year. This is the only card currently available that offers this feature.
| Rate | Category |
|---|---|
| 4% and 5% | Earn 5% cash back rewards on gas at Costco and earn 4% cash back on other eligible gas and electric vehicle (EV) charging purchases for the first $7,000 combined spend per year, and then 1% thereafter. |
| 3% | 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases and eligible travel, including Costco Travel. |
| 2% | 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com |
| 1% | 1% cash back on all other purchases |
$0
18.99% - 26.99% (Variable)
740-850
Excellent
This no-annual-fee card is a no-brainer for Costco shoppers who want to earn even greater savings with cash-back rewards. Read our Costco Anywhere Visa Card review for more information.
$0
18.99% - 26.99% (Variable)
740-850
Excellent
This no-annual-fee card is a no-brainer for Costco shoppers who want to earn even greater savings with cash-back rewards. Read our Costco Anywhere Visa Card review for more information.
| Rate | Category |
|---|---|
| 2% | Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. |
| 5% | Plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel. |
$200 cash back
$0
18.49% - 28.74% (Variable)
670-850
Excellent, Good
The Citi Double Cash Card takes all of the stress and complication away from credit card rewards with a simple (yet lucrative) 2% earning scheme and straightforward cash-back redemption options. Check out our Citi Double Cash Card review for more details.
$200 cash back
$0
18.49% - 28.74% (Variable)
670-850
Excellent, Good
The Citi Double Cash Card takes all of the stress and complication away from credit card rewards with a simple (yet lucrative) 2% earning scheme and straightforward cash-back redemption options. Check out our Citi Double Cash Card review for more details.
| American Airlines lounge access |
| For a limited time, earn 125,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles |
| 1 - 4X miles |
| $695 |
| at Citi's secure siteSee rates & fees |
| earning AAdvantage miles without flying |
| Earn 75,000 bonus Points |
| 1.5 - 12X points |
| $595 |
| at Citi's secure siteSee rates & fees |
| Citi ThankYou points enthusiasts who want flexibility and a no-annual-fee card |
| Earn 20,000 bonus Points |
| 1 - 5X points |
| $0 |
| at Citi's secure siteSee rates & fees |
| mid-tier American Airlines rewards |
| Earn 60,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles |
| 1 - 6X miles |
| $350 |
| at Citi's secure siteSee rates & fees |
| no-frills cash-back rewards |
| $200 cash back |
| 2 - 5% cash-back |
| $0 |
| at Citi's secure siteSee rates & fees |
| Costco shoppers |
| No offer |
| 1 - 5% cash-back |
| $0 |
| at Citi's secure siteSee rates & fees |
