The best time to apply for these popular Citi credit cards based on offer history
Editor's Note
When you're considering a new credit card, you'll want to factor in the value of its welcome bonus. That's because many welcome offers provide a sizable chunk of a card's first-year value.
Most credit cards will occasionally offer elevated bonuses for new cardholders, which means the number of points you collect upfront will vary. With Citi cards, this is no exception.
We've used TPG's August 2025 valuations to determine the value of all welcome bonuses in this article. Our valuations place Citi ThankYou Rewards points at a value of 1.9 cents apiece.
So, you'll want to be sure you're getting the most you can with your new card. If you want to time your application to secure a solid welcome bonus, you'll want to know how the current offer compares to the card's history.
That's where we come in. We've collected all the information on Citi's most lucrative bonuses to help you pick the best time to apply.
Best Citi credit card welcome offers
Below, we've listed the most popular Citi cards with their best welcome offer and our recommendation for when to apply.
All these offers are publicly available. Individual, targeted offers may be higher than what we've compiled. And, these offers may change at any time, so some of them may no longer be available.
Finally, you'll want to consider Citi's 48-month rule for earning welcome bonuses. If you've previously earned a welcome bonus on most of its cards, you'll have to wait 48 months to earn a welcome bonus again.
With that in mind, here are the best Citi card welcome offers.
| Card | Best welcome offer we've seen | When to apply |
|---|---|---|
Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening (must apply in person at a Citi branch). | Now is the best time to apply since the card features an elevated offer. | |
Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. | When the bonus offer is 70,000 points or higher. | |
Earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. | Now is the best time to apply since the card features an elevated offer. | |
Earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first six months of account opening. | When the bonus offer is $200 cash back or higher. | |
Earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first six months of account opening. | If there is any cash-back welcome offer. |
The information for the Citi Custom Cash 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 Elite Card
The Citi Strata Elite is Citi's latest entry into the premium travel card market. For a $595 annual fee, it provides high earning rates, valuable lifestyle credits and top-tier travel perks, making it a good choice for luxury travelers interested in earning Citi ThankYou Rewards points.
| Approximate date | Offer | Value |
|---|---|---|
October 2025 to now | For a limited time, earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | $1,900 |
July 2025 to October 2025 | Online: Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
In branch: Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | $1,520
$1,900 |
Highest welcome offer
The in-branch offer to earn 100,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening was the highest we've seen on this card.
When to apply
Now is the best time to apply since the card is offering 100,000 points.
Learn more: Citi Strata Elite Card
Citi Strata Premier Card
The Citi Strata Premier is a solid travel card featuring excellent earning rates and good perks for a reasonable $95 annual fee.
| Approximate date | Offer | Value |
|---|---|---|
April 2025 to now | Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. | $1,140 |
December 2024 to April 2025 | Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. | $1,425 |
April 2023 to November 2024 | Earn 70,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
A higher offer may be available at Citi.com. | $1,330 |
January 2023 to April 2023 | Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. | $1,140 |
July 2022 to January 2023 | Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. | $1,520 |
December 2021 to July 2022 | Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. | $1,140 |
Highest welcome offer
We've seen this card offer as high as 80,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
When to apply
The best time to apply for the Citi Strata Premier is any time the card is offering 70,000 points or higher.
Learn more: Citi Strata Premier Card
Citi Strata Card
The new Citi Strata Card earns bonus Citi ThankYou Rewards points in a variety of categories for no annual fee. It's a solid, simple rewards card perfect for beginners or those looking for flexibility in their wallets.
This card was launched recently, so we haven't seen more than one bonus offer. The current offer provides new cardholders with 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
This welcome offer is worth $570.
Highest welcome offer
The highest welcome offer is the only bonus we've seen: Earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
When to apply
We recommend applying now since the card is new and features an elevated offer.
Learn more: Citi Strata Card
Citi Custom Cash Card
With the Citi Custom Cash, you'll earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spending category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, and 1% cash back after that. You'll also earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases, all for no annual fee.
We've only seen one offer on this card since its launch, and it's the current bonus. New applicants to the Citi Custom Cash can earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first six months of account opening.
Highest welcome offer
The Citi Custom Cash's bonus has remained steady since its inception, so its highest offer is the current offer.
When to apply
We recommend applying for this card if it offers a limited-time, elevated offer. However, we've never seen that before, so if you're interested in the card, go for it.
Citi Double Cash Card
The Citi Double Cash takes all the stress and complication out of credit card rewards. It offers a simple (yet lucrative) 2% cash back on every purchase (1% when you buy and 1% as you pay your bill) and straightforward cash-back redemption options. This card also doesn't charge an annual fee.
| Approximate date | Offer | Value |
|---|---|---|
November 2023 to now | Earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first six months of account opening. | $200 |
November 2022 to November 2023 | No welcome offer was available at this time. | N/A |
August 2022 to November 2022 | Earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first six months of account opening. | $200 |
Highest welcome offer
The highest welcome offer we've seen is the card's current bonus. New cardholders can earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first six months of account opening.
When to apply
Since this card previously lacked a welcome offer in its history, we recommend applying whenever it's offering a cash-back bonus.
Learn more: Citi Double Cash Card
American Airlines AAdvantage Citi cards
Citi also issues a suite of cobranded cards with American Airlines AAdvantage. These cards include options for brand loyalists, small-business owners and semifrequent American Airlines travelers.
If you're interested in one of Citi's AAdvantage cards, see our guide to the Citi American Airlines cards' offer histories to decide when to apply.
Bottom line
Any time you're considering a new credit card, you want to ensure the welcome bonus is worth the application. You don't want to miss out on your chance for more Citi ThankYou Rewards points with an ill-timed application.
Be sure to reference this bonus history guide before you choose a new card.
Also, check out our guides to the offer histories with other issuers:
- The best time to apply for these popular American Express credit cards based on offer history
- The best time to apply for these popular Capital One credit cards based on offer history
- The best time to apply for these popular Chase credit cards based on offer history
- The best credit card welcome bonuses available now