CreditVana Rating
Rates & Fees
The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card carries a $595 annual fee, but its robust lineup of travel benefits and premium perks may justify the price for frequent travelers. With standout rewards on travel and dining, a strong welcome bonus, and annual credits that can help offset the cost, this premium card is designed for those who spend regularly in key lifestyle categories.
For those who frequently fly with American Airlines, this card stands out: Citi is one of the few major issuers that offers American Airlines as a points transfer partner — a rare advantage not available from most other cards.
Here’s a closer look at what makes the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card a compelling option:
🔎 More from CreditVana: Not sure which Citi Strata card is best for you? We break it down in our full guide.
Points & Rewards
1. Elevated earning potential in select categories
With the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card, you’ll earn:
12x points per $1 on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com
6x points per $1 on air travel booked via CitiTravel.com
6x points per $1 at restaurants (including delivery services) during “Citi Nights” — Fridays and Saturdays between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. ET
3x points per $1 at restaurants during other hours
1.5x points per $1 on all other purchases
2. Hefty welcome bonus
New cardholders can earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 within the first 3 months of account opening — a strong incentive for new users.
Redemption Options
3. Flexible redemption with ThankYou® Points
Points are earned as ThankYou® points, which can be redeemed for:
Travel through Citi
Cash back
Gift cards
Online purchases with select retailers
Transfers to travel partners, including American Airlines
Note: Points are worth 1 cent each when redeemed for travel through Citi. However, cash back redemptions yield a lower value of 0.75 cents per point, so travel redemptions offer better value.
💡 More from CreditVana: Why the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card is becoming a top pick for American Airlines loyalists.
Travel & Lifestyle Perks
4. Up to $300 annual hotel credit
Book a hotel stay of two nights or more through CitiTravel.com and receive up to $300 back annually.
5. $200 ‘Splurge Credit’ each year
Get up to $200 in credits annually at two merchants of your choice, selected from:
1stDibs
American Airlines
Best Buy
Future Personal Training
Live Nation
Terms apply. For instance, only direct flights with American qualify; car rentals or hotels booked through the airline don’t. Live Nation purchases must be made directly at livenation.com or ticketmaster.com.
6. $200 in Blacklane credits
Cardholders receive two $100 credits per year for Blacklane chauffeur services — one for the first half of the year, and one for the second.
7. Priority Pass Select lounge access
Includes membership (valued at $469) for Priority Pass Select, giving you access to global airport lounges.
8. 4 Admirals Club passes
Enjoy four passes per year to American Airlines Admirals Club lounges, valid at nearly 50 locations.
✈️ CreditVana Tip: Comparing lounge access? See how the Citi Strata Elite stacks up against other airline premium cards.
9. TSA PreCheck / Global Entry credit
Get reimbursed for the application fee for either TSA PreCheck or Global Entry — available once every four years.
10. The Reserve by Citi Travel
Receive exclusive hotel perks when booking through CitiTravel.com at participating locations, including:
$100 experience credit
Complimentary breakfast for two
Free Wi-Fi
Early check-in / late checkout
Room upgrades when available
11. Citi Entertainment access
Get early access to concerts, sports events, and exclusive entertainment experiences through Citi Entertainment.
12. Online cocktail tutorials
Cardholders (21+) get complimentary access to Death & Co’s virtual mixology classes — a fun lifestyle perk for those who enjoy cocktails.
13. Mastercard Collection privileges
Enjoy:
Priority reservations at in-demand restaurants
Preferred access to live events
Airport lounge entry and fast-track security at select international airports
Purchase & Travel Protections
14. Purchase protection
If something you buy is lost or damaged within 90 days of purchase, you’re covered for:
Up to $1,000 per incident
Up to $10,000 per item
Up to $50,000 per year
Covered items include electronics, furniture, and appliances. Exclusions include vehicles, cash, jewelry, firearms, and others.
🛡️ From CreditVana: Want more protection? See which cards offer the best purchase insurance.
15. Robust travel protection
Get coverage for:
Trip cancellations, delays, or interruptions
Lost or damaged baggage
Rental car insurance
These benefits add a safety net for frequent travelers and make the card even more valuable when plans don’t go as expected.
Final Thoughts from CreditVana
The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card delivers serious value for travelers willing to pay a premium for flexibility, luxury, and high rewards. With bonus categories focused on travel and dining, a strong welcome offer, and exclusive access to American Airlines point transfers, it could be an ideal match for jet-setters and experience-seekers.
Just be sure to take full advantage of its statement credits and perks to make the $595 annual fee worthwhile.
✨ Want more expert credit card comparisons? CreditVana has you covered with top recommendations for travel, rewards, and luxury perks.
