The Citi Strata Premier® Card has emerged as a noteworthy option for travelers, combining robust rewards on everyday purchases with a reasonable annual fee of $95. This credit card is particularly appealing for frequent flyers due to its lack of foreign transaction fees, making it a strong contender for those who travel abroad.
Overview of the Citi Strata Premier
The Citi Strata Premier stands out in the crowded travel rewards market due to its competitive earning structure. Cardholders can earn substantial rewards on categories that matter, including 3x points on supermarket purchases, dining, and gas stations. Additionally, travelers can earn an impressive 10x points on hotels, car rentals, and select attractions booked through Citi’s travel portal.
Currently, the card offers a welcome bonus of 60,000 bonus Citi ThankYou® points after spending $4,000 within the first three months. These points are valued at approximately $1,140 according to The Points Guy, effectively offsetting the annual fee by more than ten times in the first year of use.
It is important to note that the welcome bonus is not available to individuals who have received a new account bonus for a Citi Premier or Citi Strata Premier account in the past 48 months. This includes those who have converted to the Strata Premier from another Citi card during that timeframe.
Earning and Using Points
The versatility of the Citi Strata Premier extends to its point-earning capabilities. The card offers 3x points on various everyday expenses and is among the top choices for grocery shopping. Unlike other cards that may place limits on bonus points for grocery purchases, the Strata Premier allows cardholders to earn rewards on all supermarket transactions without an annual cap.
Booking through Citi’s travel portal is particularly beneficial for those who do not mind forgoing loyalty points from hotel chains or airlines. The card rewards users significantly for travel bookings, which enhances its appeal for both casual travelers and frequent flyers.
Once earned, Citi ThankYou points can be redeemed in several ways. Cardholders can use them for gift cards, cash rewards, or travel bookings, typically valuing points at 1 cent each. However, the highest value often comes from transferring points to any of Citi’s 20 travel partners, including airlines and hotel chains. This transfer option can yield values exceeding 2 cents per point, especially during promotional periods offering bonuses.
For loyal American Airlines customers, the Citi Strata Premier presents a unique advantage, as it is the only card that allows for the transfer of points into American’s AAdvantage miles.
While the card provides a $100 credit towards a single hotel stay booked through Citi Travel, which can also help offset the annual fee, the requirement of spending at least $500 on one booking may limit its appeal for some users.
Travel protections offered by the Citi Strata Premier, including trip cancellation and insurance coverage, add further value to the card, making it a reliable option for those who prioritize travel-related benefits.
In conclusion, the Citi Strata Premier is a versatile travel rewards card that appeals to a broad audience. Its combination of generous rewards on everyday spending, a low annual fee, and valuable travel perks make it a compelling choice for both frequent travelers and those looking to maximize rewards on everyday purchases. Whether users are experienced in travel rewards or simply seeking to enhance their everyday spending, the Strata Premier can serve as an effective, all-in-one credit card solution.
