Published October 2025 | CreditVana Insights
The Citi Strata Premier® Card is a $95-annual-fee travel rewards credit card that offers generous points on both travel and everyday spending. For frequent travelers, the perks and protections can more than offset the annual fee — but the card requires smart use to get the full value.
Here’s a closer look at the key benefits and features of the Citi Strata Premier® Card.
Rewards: Points That Add Up Quickly
1. Elevated rewards on travel and daily purchases
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10x points per $1 on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through the Citi Travel site.
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3x points per $1 on air travel and hotel purchases outside the Citi Travel portal.
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3x points per $1 at supermarkets.
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3x points per $1 at gas stations and EV charging stations.
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3x points per $1 at restaurants.
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1x point per $1 on all other purchases.
With this spread, the card is designed to reward not just travelers, but also families and everyday spenders.
2. Welcome bonus
New cardholders can earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first three months. That equals $600 in gift cards or travel when redeemed through thankyou.com.
3. Flexible redemption options
Points can be redeemed in several ways, but values differ:
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Travel, gift cards, bill payments: ~1 cent per point.
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Cash back: ~0.75 cents per point (less attractive).
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Point transfers: The ability to transfer to Citi’s airline and hotel partners (1:1 ratio) can sometimes yield more value for savvy travelers.
Perks: Travel Extras That Save Money
4. $100 annual hotel credit
Once a year, cardholders receive $100 off a hotel stay of $500 or more (before taxes and fees) booked via cititravel.com or through Citi’s travel concierge. If you book at least one qualifying hotel stay annually, this benefit can help cover the cost of the annual fee.
5. No foreign transaction fees
International travelers won’t have to worry about added costs — the card waives the 3% to 5% foreign transaction feesthat many other credit cards charge.
6. Access to The Reserve by Citi Travel
Cardholders gain entry to The Reserve by Citi Travel, a collection of premium hotels and resorts offering:
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$100 experience credits (usable on-property for dining, spa, or activities)
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Daily breakfast for two
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Complimentary Wi-Fi
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Potential upgrades, early check-in, or late checkout (based on availability)
Protections: Peace of Mind While Traveling
7. Travel and purchase protections
The Citi Strata Premier® Card includes built-in safeguards:
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Trip cancellation, interruption, and delay insurance
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Baggage coverage for lost or damaged luggage
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MasterRental car coverage when you pay with the card (terms apply)
These protections can make a huge difference when the unexpected disrupts your travel plans.
CreditVana Takeaway
The Citi Strata Premier® Card is best suited for travelers who want strong rewards and built-in perks at a reasonable annual fee. If you regularly spend on travel, dining, groceries, and gas, the card’s elevated categories can generate serious points — and the $100 annual hotel credit can help justify the fee year after year.
However, the card only works in your favor if you manage it responsibly:
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Always pay balances in full to avoid high interest charges.
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Use the points strategically (travel and transfers often provide more value than cash back).
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Factor in your credit score before applying, since approval typically requires good to excellent credit.
✅ Tip from CreditVana: Before applying, check your 3-bureau credit scores for free with CreditVana. A strong credit profile not only improves your approval odds but may also qualify you for better credit card and loan offers.
