Citi is preparing a major return to the ultra-premium credit card space with the upcoming launch of the Citi Strata Elite credit card, expected later this year. The news, which was first reported by Bloomberg, was announced earlier today during the Citi earnings presentation.

In that earnings call, Citi officials confirmed that the bank will launch a “new card called the Citi Strata Elite in the third quarter of this year that will round out our family of proprietary rewards cards.”

Designed to compete directly with The Platinum Card® from American Express, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, and Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, this new card would mark the first high-end offering from Citi since the Citi Prestige stopped accepting new applications in 2021.

Although Citi has not officially confirmed every detail, early reports suggest that the Citi Strata Elite will deliver a full suite of luxury travel benefits, powerful earning potential, and new rewards opportunities tailored for frequent travelers.

For anyone building a premium travel rewards strategy, this rumored launch may be worth waiting for.

What The Citi Strata Elite Could Offer

The Citi Strata Elite credit card is expected to carry a $595 annual fee, aligning it closely with other top-tier travel cards. While final perks and conditions are still under wraps, reliable sources have pointed to a range of competitive features.

The card will likely include:

• A travel credit worth at least $300 per year, usable through the Citi Travel Portal.
• Priority Pass lounge access, with the possibility of added access to Admirals Club or a new Citi lounge network.
• Accelerated earnings on key travel categories, including up to 5x points on travel and dining purchases.
• The option to earn 3x points on hotel and cruise bookings.
• A modest authorized user fee, likely between $75 and $95.
• Expanded ThankYou Points transfer partners, possibly including American Airlines AAdvantage.

If confirmed, these benefits would put the Citi Strata Elite credit card on strong footing with its peers, especially for cardholders who prefer the Citi travel booking interface or who are looking for a new way to maximize transferable points.

How It Might Compare To Other Premium Cards

The premium travel card market has become more competitive in recent years. Cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express and Chase Sapphire Reserve® offer robust rewards, elite lounge access, and valuable statement credits. 

Citi appears to be positioning the Strata Elite to meet – and possibly exceed – those benchmarks.

The Platinum Card® from American Express charges a higher $695 annual fee and includes Centurion Lounge access, but its travel credits can be harder to use. 

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® now carries a $795 annual fee and offers a $300 general travel credit, Priority Pass access, 8x points on travel booked through Chase Travel, 4x on flights and hotels booked directly, and a range of new lifestyle and entertainment credits.

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the most affordable of the group at $395 and includes Capital One Lounge access along with easy-to-redeem miles.

If Citi can deliver flexible credits, broad lounge access, and bonus points on everyday travel and dining, the Citi Strata Elite could quickly become a top choice for travelers looking for a new premium card without the highest price tag.

Why This Launch Could Be A Big Deal

The Citi Strata Elite credit card does more than introduce a new product. It signals the commitment of Citi to serious travelers and high-spending cardholders.

Its release would fill the gap left by the Citi Prestige, a card once known for its strong 5x earning structure and Fourth Night Free hotel benefit. Since the Prestige disappeared, the premium credit card footprint of Citi has been limited to mid-tier offerings like the Citi Strata Premier.

This new launch could also coincide with broader shifts in the Citi travel partnerships. Citi is expected to become the exclusive issuer of American Airlines co-branded cards starting in 2026. 

If ThankYou Points can soon transfer directly to American Airlines AAdvantage, Citi cardholders would gain access to one of the most valuable airline loyalty programs in the U.S. travel ecosystem.

For travelers who already book flights with American or who prefer flexible points over cash back, that combination could be a game-changer.

Final Thoughts

The Citi Strata Elite credit card could be one of the most exciting new credit card launches of 2025. 

With strong rumors of premium travel credits, lounge access, and transferable points – possibly to American Airlines AAdvantage – the Citi Strata Elite has the potential to compete with long-standing leaders in the space.

For travelers who are looking to upgrade their travel experience without overspending, this card may soon offer the best of both worlds: elite benefits and flexible rewards.

It also arrives at a time of heightened competition in the premium travel card market. 

Bilt Rewards is expected to unveil its first high-end credit card later this year, building on its rapid growth and unique rent rewards model. 

Alaska Airlines is also preparing a new premium card aimed at loyal flyers, with expanded lounge access and bonus earning opportunities in the works.

As more premium cards hit the market, travelers will have greater choice – but also more decisions to make. 

The Strata Elite may just be the card that resets the standard for the Citi travel credit card lineup and opens new doors for smart, value-driven travelers looking for a better way to see the world.

Stay tuned. The next few months could reshape the premium card landscape.

Kevin Zanes