Citi Strata Card review: Phenomenal earning rates for a no-annual-fee card
Editor's Note
Citi Strata Card overview
The Citi Strata℠ Card (see rates and fees) is the newest no-annual-fee Citi card that earns Citi ThankYou Rewards points. Citi Strata has impressive earning rates on dining, gas and supermarkets, making it an excellent choice as an everyday card. Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
* Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG's editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
The Citi Rewards+® Card was rebranded to the Citi Strata Card in May. It's tricky when an issuer changes a fan-favorite card, but these changes have made it more beneficial for cardholders.
New applications for the Citi Strata Card are now open, and as of July 20, all Citi Rewards+ Card holders have been converted to the Strata Card and will receive a new card when their current one expires.
The Citi Strata has a broad range of bonus-earning categories, from travel and supermarkets to a new self-select quarterly category. This gives cardholders flexibility and helps them maximize their earnings. With no annual fee and an easy-to-earn welcome offer, the Citi Strata is a great choice for those starting their journey in the Citi ThankYou Rewards points ecosystem.
To increase your likelihood of approval, you'll need a recommended credit score of 670 or higher.
Whether your account was converted or you're thinking of applying for the card, read ahead to learn how this card stands out.
The information for the Citi Rewards+ has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Citi Strata Card pros and cons
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Citi Strata Card welcome offer
New applicants for the Citi Strata can earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. Based on TPG's July 2025 valuations, this welcome offer is worth $555.
New cardholders also receive a 0% introductory annual percentage rate on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, after which, based on your creditworthiness, a variable APR of 18.49% to 28.49% applies.
If your Citi Rewards+ Card was automatically changed to the Citi Strata Card on July 20, you can't apply for the Strata Card because you already have it. But if you never had the Citi Rewards+ Card, you can apply for the Strata Card and get the welcome bonus.
Additionally, 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.
Related: Best credit card welcome offers this month
Citi Strata Card benefits
The Citi Strata has no annual fee, and, as such, you won't find many benefits like statement credits or travel perks. Typically, no-annual-fee cards have introductory APR offers on purchases and balance transfers but provide limited ways to redeem rewards.
For example, the Citi Strata Premier® Card (see rates and fees), with a $95 annual fee, comes with a $100 annual credit when spending at least $500 (excluding taxes and fees) on a hotel booked through the Citi travel portal.
Earning points on the Citi Strata Card
The Citi Strata shines in its ability to easily earn bonus points across many categories, including:
- 5 points per dollar spent on hotels, car rentals and attractions booked through the Citi travel portal
- 3 points per dollar spent at supermarkets and on select transit, EV charging and gas purchases
- 3 points per dollar spent on an eligible self-select category (which you can change each quarter)
- 2 points per dollar spent at restaurants
- 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases
The eligible self-select categories are:
- Barber shops, cosmetic stores and hair salons
- Fitness clubs
- Live entertainment
- Pet supply stores
- Select streaming services
These strong earning rates largely mirror those of the Citi Strata Premier but without the $95 annual fee, making the Strata an excellent entry-level option.
These earning rates can create Citi's version of the Chase Trifecta, where you combine multiple Citi cards to maximize rewards. For example, cardholders can carry both the Citi Strata and the new, premium Citi Strata Elite℠ (see rates and fees) to maximize earnings through the Citi travel portal and restaurant purchases on Friday and Saturday evenings.
The Citi Strata Card stands out with its quarterly self-select category of 3 points per dollar. Citi gives you a well-rounded list of categories that make it easy to maximize your rewards — and you can change the category each quarter.
By default, the self-select category is select streaming services. In order to change your category once per quarter, you must log in at citi.com/selfselect or call 1-800-842-6596. This is one of the best bonus categories found on the card compared to other no-annual-fee cards.
These earning rates make this card a strong contender for everyday purchases, challenging the likes of the Chase Freedom Unlimited® (see rates and fees) and the Chase Freedom Flex® (see rates and fees), which has included fitness clubs or streaming services as previous quarterly bonus categories (but caps reward earnings for these bonus categories at $1,500 each quarter; activation required).
Redeeming points on the Citi Strata Card
The Citi Strata earns Citi ThankYou Rewards points that are redeemable for statement credits, cash back or gift cards. Points can also be transferred to a set of travel partners specific to the card.
Redeeming ThankYou Rewards points for travel booked through the Citi travel portal will give you 1 cent per point in value, far less than TPG's July 2025 valuations.
Related: Best ways to redeem Citi ThankYou Rewards points
Transferring points on the Citi Strata Card
Citi Strata Card holders can transfer points to 20 air, hotel and retail partners in the ThankYou Rewards program. Most transfer ratios are 1:0.7, meaning you get 0.7 points or miles for every ThankYou point transferred.
However, if you hold an eligible premium Citi card, like the Citi Prestige® Card, the Citi Strata Elite or the Citi Strata Premier, you can transfer to Citi's full list of 21 partners at improved transfer ratios. This also means the ability to combine points and transfer to Citi's newest transfer partner, American Airlines AAdvantage.
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.
TPG lead writer Katie Genter loves the Wyndham Rewards program and has secured award stays for just 7,500 points per night in Jeju, South Korea, and 15,000 points per night in Hawaii.
Related: Is booking Japan Airlines award flights via JetBlue TrueBlue the best new sweet spot?
Which cards compete with the Citi Strata Card?
While the Citi Strata comes with no annual fee and offers stellar earning rates, here are some other cards to consider if you prefer another issuer or a simpler card:
- If you want to earn cash back on online purchases: The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express earns similarly to the Citi Strata at U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations. It also earns 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases, but all the bonus categories only earn bonus cash back for up to $6,000 in purchases for each category per calendar year, then 1%. (Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at amazon.com checkout.) To learn more, read our full review of the Amex Blue Cash Everyday Card.
- If you want to earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points: The Chase Freedom Unlimited has fewer bonus categories, earning bonus cash back at drugstores and on Chase Travel℠ purchases and dining (including takeout and eligible delivery services). The best aspect of the card is the ability to earn 1.5% cash back on all other purchases, making it excellent for everyday purchases. If you have a premium Chase Ultimate Rewards card like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees), you can combine your rewards from the Freedom Unlimited. To learn more, read our full review of the Freedom Unlimited.
- If you want a simple earning rate: The Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees) earns 2% cash back on all purchases: 1% when you buy and 1% when you pay off your statement bill. Cardholders can also convert cash back to ThankYou points with an eligible credit card that earns Citi ThankYou Rewards points. To learn more, read our full review of the Citi Double Cash.
For additional options, check out our full list of no-annual-fee cards.
Is the Citi Strata Card worth it?
For a no-annual-fee card, the Citi Strata's earning rates are great and challenge competitors like the Chase Freedom Unlimited. The card pairs well with Citi's more travel-oriented cards, like the Citi Strata Elite, which can be a great way to quickly earn ThankYou points and combine them to transfer to Citi's airline and hotel partners. If you're looking to expand the diversity of your points, the Citi Strata Card is definitely worthy of consideration.
Bottom line
The Citi Strata is one of the best no-annual-fee cards to add to your wallet. The card's wide range of bonus categories and unique self-select category that you can change quarterly is an easy way to earn bonus points on everyday purchases.
I would recommend pairing this card with a more premium card in the Citi Strata lineup to take advantage of more lucrative transfer partners like American Airlines AAdvantage — and at higher transfer rates. With Citi's refreshed lineup, the Citi Strata is a strong contender for your everyday spending.
Apply here: Citi Strata 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.