Citi is stepping up its premium game with the all-new Strata Elite Credit Card — a $495/year metal card packed with travel perks, lounge access, and bonus rewards. It’s the bank’s boldest answer yet to the likes of AmEx Platinum and Chase Sapphire Reserve.
What Makes It Stand Out?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Welcome Bonus | 75,000 ThankYou® Points after $4,000 spend in 3 months |
| Annual Fee | $495 |
| Rewards | 5x on air travel & hotels (booked via Citi Travel), 3x on dining, 1x on all else |
| Lounge Access | Priority Pass Select + access to Citi Lounges (to launch soon) |
| Hotel Benefits | Upgrades, late checkout, and credits via Relais & Châteaux and Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection |
| Credits | $100 Annual Hotel Credit (CitiTravel), $120 Lyft credits, $10 monthly Gopuff credit, and DoorDash DashPass |
| Insurance & Protections | Cell phone protection, trip delay/cancellation/interruption insurance, car rental coverage |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | None |
| Design | Metal card with premium finish |
Real-World Performance
Citi is pushing this card as a high-touch travel companion with flexible ThankYou Points earning. If you book via CitiTravel, you get boosted rates, and the lounge network is expected to grow over 2024–2025.
It’s not just a points card — it offers solid travel protections and lifestyle perks many millennial travelers care about, without the overwhelming ecosystem of AmEx.
Who’s This For?
Frequent flyers who want premium perks but don’t vibe with AmEx’s ecosystem. If you use travel credits and book smart, it could rival the best in class.
Real Talk
- No access to Centurion or Capital One lounges
- CitiTravel portal isn’t as smooth as Chase
- But: Less crowded lounges. Simpler credits. Metal vibes.
Citi finally has a card that feels premium and competitive without trying to be everything to everyone.
If you’re tired of AmEx’s crowded lounge scenes or Chase’s confusing point math — this is a fresh, clean luxury card worth checking out.
But make sure you’re making use of all credits to offset the annual fee.