The Citi Strata Elite is now available starting today, July 27.
Citi has been diligently working on updating itscredit card portfolio—and today, the bank has officially returned to the high-end credit card market with the Citi Strata Elite Card, offering luxurious travel perks in exchange for a $595 annual fee. This release follows just four years after Citi stopped its previous premium credit card, the Citi Prestige Card, which was once a top performer in this category.
The new card offers exclusive perks that aren’t available in other products from the company, such as travel-related statement credits, a Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership, and distinctive (though somewhat perplexing) bonus earning categories. Additionally, Citi andAmerican Airlinesreunited once more—similar to their collaboration on the Citi Prestige Card—to introduce enhanced perks for cardholders.
Statement credits are now common with high-end travel credit cards, including The Platinum Card from American Express and theChase Sapphire Reserveboth providing travel and lifestyle credits to cardholders to help reduce the annual fee.
The Citi Strata Elite is similar, and features the following statement credits:
- Up to $300 Per Year Hotel Advantage:This applies to stays of two nights or more at any hotel you select, provided it is booked via Citi Travel.
- Up to $200 Yearly Luxury Credit:This benefit may be applied toward transactions with up to two retailers, such as 1stDibs, American Airlines, Best Buy, Future Personal Training, and Live Nation.
- Up to $200 Annual Blacklane Credit:Cardholders get a $100 credit from January to June, and another $100 from July to December for using Blacklane, a worldwide driver service.
- Up to $120 credit towards the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee:This credit is given every four years and can be used for application and renewal charges.
One of the notable aspects of the Citi Strata Elite card is its unique points accumulation system, which differs from that of other cards available. It operates as follows:
- 12x rewards on car hires, accommodations, and various experiences via Citi Travel
- 6x rewards on air travel purchased via Citi Travel
- 6 times points at restaurants—covering delivery—every Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. ET, and 3 times points when bought at other times
- 1.5x points for additional purchases
This is quite simple: You’ll receive bonus points for travel booked via Citi Travel, 3 points per dollar on food-related purchases, and 1.5 points per dollar in other categories. Additionally, you can earn an impressive 6 points per dollar when dining between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. ET on Fridays and Saturdays. Interestingly, this benefit remains the same regardless of your time zone, meaning those in the Pacific Time Zone will begin earning the bonus at 3 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.
Some unique travel perks come with the card as well. Cardholders will receive a Priority Pass Select membership, granting access to thousands of airport lounges around the globe. In collaboration with American Airlines, cardholders are entitled to four American Airlines Admirals Club passes annually, which can be utilized at more than 50 American-branded lounges worldwide.
Speaking about American Airlines, holders of the Citi Strata Elite card can also transfer their Citi ThankYou points to American Airlines AAdvantage. This is a significant advantage for those who collect points and miles, as AAdvantage provides some of the finest options.redemption rateson global award flights. No other loyalty programs provide transfers to AAdvantage.
Cardholders will also enjoy reduced foreign transaction fees, along with access to The Reserve and Citi Entertainment. The first is a top hotel booking service that offers perks such as room upgrades and dining credits. On the other hand, the second provides Citi cardholders with early access to event tickets for exclusive concerts or sports events.
In conclusion, individuals who have a Citigold banking relationship—a wealth management service provided by Citibank—can reduce the card’s annual fee. Citigold Private Clients are eligible for the standard $595 statement credit during their first year of opening the card, but this amount decreases to $145 annually thereafter. On the other hand, those at the regular Citigold tier receive $145 in annual statement credits, which essentially lowers the annual fee to $145.
Citi’s approach to the high-end travel credit card is different from that of Chase and American Express. This card comes with a lower annual fee compared to the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Amex Platinum cards, but it also provides fewer lounge benefits and statement credits. However, the Citi Strata Elite delivers better rewards on regular purchases, which could be beneficial for those who shop often.
If you’re someone who travels occasionally and wish to accumulate extra points through your regular expenses, the Citi Strata Elite might be a suitable choice. Nevertheless, individuals seeking broader access to airport lounges and enhanced travel perks may find other options more advantageous.
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