Citi Strata Elite is officially here, marking Citi’s major return to the ultra-premium credit card market. Introduced on July 27, 2025, this new offering is tailored to travelers and high spenders looking for straightforward luxury benefits. With a $595 annual fee, it undercuts the cost of competitors like the AmEx Platinum and Chase Sapphire Reserve while still packing a powerful suite of perks.
Citi Introduces Its Premium Card with a Strong Focus on Simplicity
The Citi Strata Elite replaces the discontinued Citi Prestige and arrives as part of the rebranded Citi Strata card lineup. It includes exclusive rewards for travel, dining, and everyday spending, with a focus on simplified redemptions and meaningful credits.
Read Also-Citi Credit Cards Launch $595 ‘Strata Elite’ to Challenge Amex and Chase
Citi’s goal is to provide a card that rewards frequent travelers without the usual complexity. The rewards structure, statement credits, and lounge access are designed to be clear and practical.
Key Points Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $595 (plus $75 per authorized user) |
| Hotel Credit | $300 annually on hotel bookings (2-night minimum via Citi Travel) |
| Dining Rewards | 6× points on dining, increased to 6× during Citi Nights (Fri & Sat 6 pm–6 am) |
| Travel Rewards | 12× points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions via Citi Travel |
| Lounge Access | 4 Admirals Club passes/year + full Priority Pass Select membership |
| Splurge Credit | $200 annually for purchases at partner merchants (e.g., Best Buy, Live Nation) |
| Chauffeur Credit | Up to $200/year via Blacklane ($100 every 6 months) |
| TSA/Global Entry | $120 credit every 4 years |
| Transfer Partners | Includes American Airlines AAdvantage (1:1), JetBlue, Virgin Atlantic, etc. |
Designed for Modern Luxury Travelers
The card was created with frequent fliers and big spenders in mind. Whether you’re booking hotels, dining out, or flying internationally, Citi Strata Elite delivers rich rewards and useful perks. One of the most exciting upgrades is the 1:1 transfer partnership with American Airlines—making it far more appealing to AAdvantage loyalists.
Key benefits include:
- High Points Multipliers: Get 12× points on hotels, attractions, and car rentals booked through Citi Travel.
- Dining Reimagined: Earn 6× points at restaurants, with a special boost during “Citi Nights” on Friday and Saturday evenings.
- Luxury Access: Includes Priority Pass Select for airport lounge access and four Admirals Club day passes annually.
This is a card that speaks directly to the needs of those who want value without sorting through overly complicated benefit structures.
A Competitive Alternative to AmEx Platinum and Chase Sapphire Reserve
While the Citi Strata Elite doesn’t come with Centurion Lounge access like AmEx or the broad travel insurance of Sapphire Reserve, it excels in usability. The included credits are simple to redeem and work on services most people already use:
- $300 hotel credit is activated on stays booked directly via Citi Travel.
- $200 “splurge credit” gives cardholders freedom to pick from a list of curated merchants, including events and electronics.
- $200 Blacklane credit fits perfectly for luxury car service while traveling.
This approach eliminates the need to keep track of dozens of small, category-specific credits—a common pain point for premium card users.
ThankYou Points Get a Serious Boost
Strata Elite users will earn Citi ThankYou Points, which can be transferred to a growing list of airline and hotel partners. The inclusion of American Airlines AAdvantage is a headline-grabber and makes Citi more competitive than ever in the travel space. Other partners include:
- JetBlue
- Virgin Atlantic
- Cathay Pacific
- Choice Hotels
Combined with high-earning categories and 1.5× on all non-bonus spending, this makes the Strata Elite an excellent card for building valuable points quickly.
Who Should Consider the Citi Strata Elite?
The Citi Strata Elite is perfect for those who:
- Travel frequently and want a mix of premium and practical perks
- Dine out often and appreciate bonus categories for restaurants
- Want flexible travel rewards that include both airline transfers and statement credits
- Prefer simplicity over complicated reward redemptions
It may not offer every luxury perk in the market, but it strikes an ideal balance between cost and value.
Additional Details Worth Noting
- No foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for international travelers.
- Authorized user benefits include full lounge access for an additional $75 per cardholder.
- Customer support and account services include 24/7 concierge and travel assistance.
Final Thoughts
Citi Strata Elite is a welcome addition to the premium card space and offers a compelling mix of rewards, credits, and travel benefits for $595 annually. With fewer gimmicks and more flexibility, it will likely appeal to many high-spending consumers looking for value without the usual premium-card headaches.
Whether you’re a longtime Citi customer or someone searching for an alternative to Chase and AmEx, this card is worth considering. Let us know what you think of the new Citi Strata Elite—drop a comment and share your thoughts!