The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card (see charges and charges) splashed onto the premium bank card scene this yr as a brand new choice for luxury-minded vacationers and folks trying to gather extra Citi ThankYou Rewards factors.
Citi ThankYou Rewards factors grew to become extra worthwhile with the addition of American Airways AAdvantage as a switch accomplice. That transfer made Citi the one card issuer with direct transfers to American Airways, one of many three largest U.S. airways.
TPG’s September 2025 valuations place Citi ThankYou Rewards factors at 1.9 cents every. The Strata Elite gives wonderful incomes charges to gather these factors, and it packs in additional perks to assist take the sting out of its excessive $595 annual payment.
These assertion credit may help elevate your journey expertise and offset the annual payment, so long as you spend mindfully.
This is a breakdown of what it is advisable know to take advantage of these credit.
Overview of Strata Elite credit
This is an inventory of the credit the Strata Elite gives:
| Credit score | Worth |
|---|---|
| Pay as you go resort stays booked with Citi Journey | $300 yearly |
| Splurge | $200 yearly |
| Blacklane | $200 yearly ($100 biannually) |
| International Entry/TSA PreCheck | As much as $120 each 4 years |
These whole $820 in first-year worth, which greater than offsets the Strata Elite’s $595 annual payment. With out the International Entry/TSA PreCheck credit score, the cardboard gives $700 in annual assertion credit.
Previous its assertion credit, the Strata Elite gives ongoing worth with 4 Admirals Membership Citi Strata Elite passes every calendar yr, Precedence Cross lounge entry and entry to The Reserve by Citi Journey. You may additionally obtain wonderful journey and buy protections.
Associated: How lengthy does it take to obtain assertion credit from Amex, Capital One, Chase and Citi?
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Pay as you go resort stays booked with Citi Journey
The Strata Elite‘s Most worthy credit score gives $300 off a pay as you go resort keep of no less than two nights booked by Citi Journey, the issuer’s journey portal.
That is an annual $300 credit score, so you need to use it unexpectedly.
Plus, you are not restricted in your resort choice. You should utilize this credit score on any pay as you go keep of no less than two nights that is booked with Citi Journey.
Associated: Do you have to e-book motels by Citi Journey?
Splurge
Strata Elite Card holders will obtain as much as $200 in assertion credit on purchases with as much as two manufacturers of their alternative.
Cardholders have a alternative of the next manufacturers:
- 1stDibs (promoting luxurious artwork, furnishings and jewellery)
- American Airways
- Greatest Purchase
- Future Private Coaching
- Stay Nation (occasion tickets and experiences)
If you go to pick out retailers for this credit score, it is good apply to pick out two. Even should you do not find yourself making purchases with each manufacturers, you will not remorse being coated in case you make a spur-of-the-moment choice.
This can be a distinctive profit that may be utilized in a number of methods. You possibly can e-book a flight on American Airways, purchase a brand new tech product from Greatest Purchase or safe live performance tickets with Stay Nation and have $200 wiped off your assertion yearly.
Associated: Easy methods to use the Citi Strata Elite Splurge credit score for as much as $200 in annual worth
Blacklane
One of many distinctive assertion credit included on the Strata Elite is the $200 annual Blacklane credit score, cut up into two biannual $100 credit (one to make use of from January by June and one other to make use of from July by December).
Blacklane is a non-public chauffeur service accessible in additional than 50 nations.
One experience with Blacklane might price greater than $100, so this credit score may very well be straightforward to make use of should you worth the service.
TPG bank cards author Danyal Ahmed paid 566 euros ($657) on Blacklane to be pushed in a Mercedes-Benz Vito van from Rosewood Schloss Fuschl in Salzburg, Austria, to Munich Airport (MUC). In his expertise, Blacklanes are cheaper in Asia or the Center East, however he suggests contemplating this credit score to be extra of a coupon for the reason that service might be costly.
Associated: Issues to know earlier than the following time you utilize a ride-hailing service on the airport
International Entry/TSA PreCheck
The Strata Elite additionally gives as much as $120 in assertion credit each 4 years towards International Entry or TSA PreCheck functions.
We advocate making use of for International Entry because it additionally features a TSA PreCheck membership.
There are a number of International Entry and TSA PreCheck bank cards in the marketplace, so you could have already got a card in your pockets with this perk. Fortunately, you need to use your assertion credit score to pay for another person’s utility should you do not want it.
Associated: Which airports settle for International Entry — and why you must get it
Advantages for qualifying Citigold members
The assertion credit we have mentioned thus far have been open to anybody who holds the Strata Elite. However there are two extra perks which can be open to sure cardholders with prior Citi banking relationships.
Qualifying Citigold members are eligible for credit to assist offset the Strata Elite’s annual payment.
This is what to know:
- Citigold Personal Shopper Relationship Tier credit score: If you happen to’re a qualifying Citigold Personal Shopper, you may obtain a $595 first-year banking relationship credit score and an annual $145 credit score annually afterward so long as you’ve gotten an open Strata Elite Card.
- Citigold Relationship Tier credit score: If you happen to’re a qualifying Citigold shopper, you may obtain an annual $145 credit score annually so long as you’ve gotten an open Strata Elite Card.
For qualifying Citigold Personal Purchasers, that is primarily a first-year no-annual-fee deal. Qualifying Citigold Personal Purchasers and qualifying Citigold shoppers can obtain $145 off their annual payment yearly.
Associated: Greatest Citi bank cards
Backside line
If you happen to can maximize the Strata Elite’s assertion credit, you will obtain greater than your annual payment again in worth.
Plus, new cardholders can earn 80,000 bonus factors after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening. You can earn the next welcome supply of 100,000 bonus factors with the identical spending requirement should you apply in particular person at a Citi department.
And, you will earn worthwhile ThankYou Rewards factors each time you swipe the cardboard.
To study extra, learn our full assessment of the Strata Elite.
Apply right here: Citi Strata Elite Card
