Who should get the Citi Strata Card?
Editor's Note
The no-annual-fee Citi Strata℠ Card (see rates and fees) offers compelling earning rates for everyday purchases and is a good entry point into the Citi ThankYou Rewards ecosystem.
Let's look at what the Citi Strata has to offer to help you decide whether you’ll benefit from having it in your wallet.
Key benefits of the Citi Strata
Before we know who should (and shouldn’t) get the Citi Strata, let's walk through its main perks.
Solid welcome bonus
New cardholders of the Citi Strata can earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
This bonus is worth $570, per TPG's September valuations.
Related: The best time to apply for these popular Citi credit cards based on offer history
Valuable ThankYou Rewards points
The Citi Strata earns Citi ThankYou Rewards points. The way to get maximum value from them is to transfer them to one of Citi's airline, hotel and retail partners. This card offers most transfers at a 1:0.7 ratio, meaning you'll get 0.7 points or miles for every ThankYou point transferred.
However, if you also have a premium Citi card like the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card (see rates and fees) or the Citi Strata Premier® Card (see rates and fees), you can combine points earned by the Citi Strata with points in your "premium" card account for a higher transfer rate.
For example, Citi Strata Card holders can transfer to Air France-KLM Flying Blue at a rate of 1:0.7. But if you're also a Citi Strata Elite Card holder, then you can combine your points and transfer them at a better 1:1 ratio.
Related: Best ways to redeem Citi ThankYou Rewards points
Lucrative bonus categories
The Citi Strata has excellent earning rates, making it a good choice for everyday purchases. They include:
- 5 points per dollar spent on attractions, car rentals and hotels booked through the Citi Travel portal
- 3 points per dollar spent at supermarkets
- 3 points per dollar spent at electric vehicle charging and gas stations and on select transit
- 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 self-select category stands out as being one of the card's greatest perks. You can change the category each quarter. Options include the following eligible purchase categories:
- Barber shops, cosmetic stores and hair salons
- Fitness clubs
- Live entertainment
- Pet supply stores
- Select streaming services
Who should get the Citi Strata?
The Citi Strata can be useful for anyone to add to their purse or wallet, but there are some specific types of people who can benefit the most from it.
Those who want to earn bonus points on gas, groceries and EV charging
Many credit cards offer bonus rewards on spending at supermarkets and gas stations — and this card offers a solid rate of 3 points per dollar spent. But the best part is that there is no spending limit on any of the card's purchase categories, giving it an edge over its competitors.
Granted, other no-annual-fee cards earn bonus points at supermarkets and gas stations — but often with a cap. For example, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express (see rates and fees) earns 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets and gas stations but only on up to $6,000 of purchases annually (then 1% per dollar thereafter). Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at amazon.com checkout.
Fewer cards award bonus rewards on EV charging purchases. If you’re looking for a card that earns bonus points in these categories and doesn't have an annual fee, the Citi Strata is a decent choice since you’ll earn 3 points per dollar spent.
Related: Amex Blue Cash Everyday Card review: Decent earning and no annual fee
Those who can take advantage of the self-select category
If the Citi Strata's self-select category options fit your spending habits, this card can be especially rewarding. Being able to switch categories each quarter makes it easy to maximize points on expenses like gyms, streaming and live entertainment.
Citi Strata challenges competitors like the Chase Freedom Flex® (see rates and fees), which sometimes includes gyms and streaming services in its quarterly bonus categories (activation required). However, the Freedom Flex's earnings are capped at $1,500 in combined spending each quarter, a notable limitation for those looking to earn maximum rewards.
Those who like transferring to travel partners with no annual fee
The best use of Citi points is to transfer them to Citi airline and hotel partners. Recently, Citi introduced the ability to transfer points from most Citi cards to its full range of partners, including American Airlines AAdvantage, Qatar Airways Privilege Club and Singapore KrisFlyer.
Many no-annual-fee cards only offer cash back or transfers to a small number of partners, which sets the Strata apart.
Those who have a premium Citi card
If you already have the Citi Strata Elite, the Citi Strata Premier or the Citi Prestige® Card, the points earned on your Citi Strata can be even more valuable. You can split your spending between a premium Citi card and the Strata to ensure you're earning maximum points across all your purchases and then redeem your points at the highest value.
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.
Bottom line
The Citi Strata excels in two areas:
- It has a wide range of bonus-earning categories.
- It offers the ability to transfer points to airline and hotel partners.
The card covers popular bonus categories for most consumers, and the ability to choose a self-select category each quarter gives it a competitive edge.
If you fall into any of the categories discussed above, the Citi Strata could likely provide significant value to you.
To learn more, read our full review of the Citi Strata.
Apply here: Citi Strata Card
For rates and fees of the Amex Blue Cash Everyday, click here.
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.