Citi has stepped back into the premium credit card market with the launch of the Citi Strata Elite on July 27, 2025. This card is built for travelers and high‑spending customers. It comes after Citi shut down its Prestige card in 2021. The bank now wants to win back affluent users who have been leaning toward Chase Sapphire Reserve and AmEx Platinum.
The annual fee is $595, which is lower than the Chase Sapphire Reserve at $795 and the AmEx Platinum at $695. Citi is clearly trying to be aggressive on pricing. For Citigold users, the deal is even sweeter. They get $145 in yearly statement credits, and Citigold Private Clients can drop the fee to $145 after the first year.
Rewards That Focus on Travel and Dining
The Strata Elite card gives some of the highest reward rates for people who spend on trips and dining.
| Spending Category | Points You Earn |
|---|---|
| Hotels, car rentals, attractions via Citi Travel | 12× ThankYou Points |
| Airfare booked through Citi Travel | 6× Points |
| Weekend dining & food delivery (Fri–Sat, 6 p.m.–6 a.m.) | 6× Points |
| Dining at other times | 3× Points |
| All other purchases | 1.5× Points |
That weekend dining bonus is interesting. It works on local time anywhere in the world, so travelers don’t need to worry about time zones.
Extra Credits to Make the Fee Worth It
Citi has packed in credits that can cut the sting of the fee.
- $300 hotel credit for stays of two nights or more booked through Citi Travel
- $200 “Splurge” credit usable at Best Buy, Live Nation, American Airlines and more
- $200 Blacklane chauffeur credit, split into $100 in the first half of the year and $100 in the second
- $120 credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry every four years
When these credits are used smartly, the real cost of holding the card can feel much lower.
Travel Perks for Frequent Flyers
Holders get Priority Pass Select membership and four free Admirals Club passes every year. The card has no foreign transaction fees, a must for overseas travel. Citi has also added “The Reserve,” a luxury hotel booking platform with special perks. Another big plus—Citi ThankYou Points can transfer 1:1 to American Airlines AAdvantage, a rare benefit.
How It Stacks Up
Compared to its rivals, Strata Elite is cheaper and simpler. Chase Sapphire Reserve and AmEx Platinum come with higher fees and a wider lounge network. But for travelers who don’t care about branded lounges and want easy‑to‑use credits, Citi’s card could be a solid pick.
Final Take
The Strata Elite is Citi’s way of saying it’s ready to fight for premium cardholders again. With rich travel rewards, lifestyle perks, and valuable airline transfer options, it could appeal to many who travel often or dine out on weekends. For Citigold customers, the reduced fee makes it even more tempting.
Stay tuned to moneyphobia.in for updates on credit cards, travel rewards, and ways to make the most of your money.
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