A brand-new premium travel credit card just hit the market – and it is packed with perks that could deliver over $1,500 in value each year. 

The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card is the boldest move yet by Citi to compete with big players like The Platinum Card® from American Express and Chase Sapphire Reserve®. 

But does it really measure up?

The full details are now available on the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card benefits, how they compare to other premium cards, and who will get the most value from adding it to their wallet.

Why The Citi Strata Elite Card Matters

Citi is aiming squarely at travelers who want luxury perks without the highest annual fee. At $595 per year, the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card offers:

• Strong earning potential when booking travel through Citi Travel
• Flexible statement credits across hotels, experiences, and brands
• Lounge access and elite-style travel protection
• A rare 1:1 transfer option to American Airlines AAdvantage miles

If you have been looking to upgrade your travel experience without paying $695 or more, this card might be your perfect middle ground.

What You Earn: Citi ThankYou Points Galore

The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card is designed for travelers who use the Citi travel portal. Here is how it breaks down:

• 12x points on hotels, rental cars, and attractions through Citi Travel
• 6x points on air travel through Citi Travel
• 6x points on dining during Citi Nights (Friday and Saturday nights)
• 3x points on restaurants during other times
• 1.5x points on all other purchases

TPA Pro Tip: Citi Nights bonus runs from 6 p.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Sunday (ET). Stack those points with your next weekend dinner or concert!

While this rewards setup favors portal bookings, it does not offer bonus points for flights or hotels booked directly – something to consider if you prefer to book through airlines or third-party sites.

Credits That Help Cover The Annual Fee

The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card includes a generous set of annual credits designed to offset its $595 fee – and deliver real, flexible value.

Here is what cardholders receive:

• $300 Annual Hotel Credit when booking a stay of two nights or more through Citi Travel. This credit applies to a wide range of properties, including luxury hotels and boutique stays.
• Up To $200 In Annual Splurge Credits. Cardholders can choose two eligible brands to apply these credits toward. Options include American Airlines, Best Buy, Live Nation, 1stDibs, and Future personal training – allowing you to align rewards with your lifestyle.
• $200 In Blacklane Airport Chauffeur Credits per year, split into two $100 credits – one for the first half of the year and one for the second. This benefit adds a premium touch to airport arrivals and departures.
• Up To $120 In Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Credits every four years. Use this perk to speed through airport security and immigration lines.

These statement credits are easy to track, flexible to use, and add up quickly – especially for frequent travelers and experience-focused spenders. 

When used fully, they can deliver over $800 in annual value on their own.

Exclusive Lounge Access And AAdvantage Transfer Power

The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card offers a powerful combination for frequent flyers: premium airport lounge access and the rare ability to transfer ThankYou Points directly to American Airlines.

Here is what you get:

• Four Complimentary Admirals Club Passes Each Year. These provide access to nearly 50 lounges worldwide, making this one of the only non-airline cards to include this benefit.
• Priority Pass Select Membership with unlimited visits to over 1,500 airport lounges around the world. Authorized users – who can be added for just $75 – receive their own membership and enjoy full lounge access as well.

• 1:1 Point Transfers To American Airlines AAdvantage. This is a major highlight. Citi is now the only major issuer to offer public transfers of ThankYou Points to AAdvantage miles. That means you can turn everyday spending into domestic or international flights with one of the most useful airline loyalty programs.

Together, these features create strong value for travelers who fly American Airlines or want more comfort at the airport. 

Whether you are relaxing pre-flight or planning your next award trip, this card delivers premium utility every step of the way.

Travel Protection And Concierge Perks

Citi also bundles the Strata Elite with useful protections and upgrades:

• Trip cancellation/interruption coverage
• Travel delay reimbursement
• Lost or delayed baggage insurance
• Primary car rental insurance
• Extended warranty and purchase protection
• No foreign transaction fees

Plus, cardholders gain access to The Reserve by Citi Travel, which offers room upgrades, daily breakfast, and late checkout at select luxury properties.

Who This Card Is Best For

The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card benefits are ideal for:

• Travelers who book hotels and flights through Citi Travel
• American Airlines loyalists who want to transfer ThankYou Points
• Foodies who dine out on weekends
• Anyone who wants lounge access without a full airline credit card
• Users who prefer easy-to-use statement credits over long lists of terms

Final Thoughts

The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card is a smart, streamlined alternative in the premium credit card space. 

With a $595 annual fee, it delivers over $1,500 in potential value through high travel rewards, flexible statement credits, and exclusive access to lounges and AAdvantage transfers.

If you regularly book hotels and flights through Citi Travel, enjoy dining out on weekends, or fly with American Airlines, this card can offer strong everyday value. 

The credits are easy to use, the perks are practical, and the rewards system is designed to keep things simple.

For travelers looking to upgrade their experience without overpaying for perks they will not use, the  Citi Strata Elite℠ Card makes a strong case for being your next go-to travel card.

Kevin Zanes