The new Citi Strata Premier℠ Card rebrands the Citi Premier card and adds new benefits, travel protections, a larger sign-up bonus, and more. Let’s explore what’s new, what’s not, and how it may meet your travel needs.
Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
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What’s in a (new) name?
Citi could have just added new features to the old card. Rebranding it with a new name and card design presents an opportunity to make a statement. According to Citi, “The new name, Citi Strata Premier, evokes a sense of ambition and adventure, empowering cardmembers to reach new heights and unlock their passions.”
Accompanying the name change is a modern card design featuring distinctive artwork and sweeping wave lines. The “new heights” claim is ambitious and may indicate more to come.
New features
The Citi Strata Premier card introduces several new and upgraded features, setting it apart from its predecessor.
New electronic vehicle-charging stations bonus category
In a nod to EV drivers, the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card offers a bonus of three points per dollar spent at EV-charging stations. This equals the three points per dollar spent at gas stations.
Permanent Citi Travel portal bonus category
The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card offers 10 points per dollar spent on hotels, rental cars, and attractions booked through the Citi Travel portal. Although this generous bonus was previously offered with the Citi Premier card, it was listed as a limited-time offer. With the Strata card it has been made permanent.
Reintroduction of travel protections
Citi Strata Premier℠ Card travel protections were taken away five years ago. Now they are back, though lacking in detail. Citi promises that “more information will be provided in the Guide to Protection Benefits you receive with your card.”
Travel protections include:
- Trip cancellation and interruption. Policy provides secondary coverage only.
- Trip delay. Coverage is subject to terms, conditions, and limitations.
- Lost or damaged luggage. Coverage is subject to terms, conditions, and limitations.
- Car rental coverage. Coverage is secondary within the country of residence.
Elevated sign-up bonus bonus_miles
For a limited time, new customers who apply for the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card online and are approved can bonus_miles_full Unfortunately, existing card cardholders are not eligible.
The ongoing sign-up bonus on the Citi Premier card was 60,000 points, making the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card even more attractive if you are looking for a new travel rewards card.
What stays the same
Pretty much everything ports over from the City Premier to the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card In fact, applications for the former are closed, and existing cardholders will automatically receive a new Citi Strata Premier℠ Card.
Annual fee
The $95 annual membership fee remains in force. Given the modest number of new features, keeping the membership fee stable is a good sign and a potential inflation fighter. Also, there is no cost to add additional authorized users, as there is with some reward cards.
Most bonus categories
The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card offers some of the best bonus categories available, including 3x ThankYou Points in the following categories:
- Airfare.
- Dining.
- Gas and EV-charging stations.
- Supermarkets.
- Hotels.
Note that the 3x point bonus on dining, gas, and supermarkets could make the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card a very useful everyday card if you plan to use rewards for travel. It awards one point per dollar spent for the few categories left.
ThankYou Points transfer partners
Citi ThankYou Points earned on your Citi Strata Premier℠ Card can be transferred to 14 airlines, including Avianca LifeMiles, Emirates Skywards, Etihad Guest, Flying Blue Air France/KLM, Singapore KrisFlyer, Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, and JetBlue TrueBlue.
One potential weakness is that JetBlue is the only domestic airline on the transfer-partners list. You can still use points for travel on other domestic airlines with a $0.01 per point exchange rate; however, transfer rates and bonuses are usually better.
$100 annual hotel benefit
Once per calendar year, you can enjoy $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) when booked through the Citi Travel site.
No foreign transaction fees
The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card doesn’t have foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for purchases abroad.
Access to Citi Entertainment
Your Citi Strata Premier℠ Card allows you to access presale tickets and exclusive experiences for music, sports, arts, and cultural events wherever you live or travel.
World Elite Mastercard benefits
Mastercard cardholders have access to Mastercard World Elite benefits, including offers on ride-sharing, food delivery, streaming, online shopping, and more—as well as access to “priceless” experiences. (Strata is a Mastercard brand.)
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Has 19 transfer partners, including 14 airlines.
- Reasonable $95 annual fee.
- Three points per dollar on six categories, including gas and groceries.
Cons:
- Only one domestic airline partner.
- Extent and value of travel protections unknown.
TIME Stamp: A good option if travel partners work for you
The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card looks a lot like the Citi Premier card with a few added benefits. The bonus points structure is one of the most generous in the industry. The reintroduction of trip coverage lacks detail but may prove valuable. Ultimately, the wide array of bonus point categories could make the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card a great everyday card if Citi’s partner networks meet your travel needs.
The information presented here is created independently from the TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About page.
