If you want a credit card that makes your journey feel like a first-class experience, then the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card (see rates and fees) delivers. From airport lounge benefits to hotel perks, this card is designed to elevate both the way you travel and the way you arrive.
With nearly $1,500 in annual value, the Citi Strata Elite Card combines elevated travel benefits and strong earning power with lounge access, hotel perks and World Legend Mastercard experiences.
Whether you’re flying across the country to see family or heading abroad for a once-in-a-lifetime trip, the Citi Strata Elite Card gives you the access and rewards to make premium travel more attainable. Think of it as your key to premium travel.
Travel perks that elevate your trip
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When you choose a premium travel card, it should deliver tangible comfort and value when you leave home. The Citi Strata Elite Card was built with that in mind, offering benefits that make your airport and hotel experiences smoother, smarter and more rewarding.
“Travel is one of the most meaningful ways people invest their time and money,” says Pam Habner, head of branded cards and lending at Citi. “With the Citi Strata Elite Card, we focused on creating a card that delivers lasting value and rewards that keep working long after the trip. Our goal is to give cardmembers the confidence that their card will meet them at the level of every journey.”
Worldwide lounge access
It’s no secret that airport lounges set the tone for your journey. They offer elevated spaces, premium food and drinks, and a moment to recharge before boarding. With the Citi Strata Elite Card, you’ll receive:
- Four American Airlines Admirals Club® Citi Strata Elite passes each year ($300-plus in annual value), giving you access to nearly 50 lounges worldwide
- A complimentary Priority Pass Select™ membership ($469 in annual value) for you, your authorized users and up to two guests, unlocking more than 1,500 lounges around the globe (note: some locations restrict guest entry)
Together, these benefits mean you can relax, recharge and enjoy the journey before you board your next flight.
Premium hotel stays
Your Citi Strata Elite Card also makes hotel stays more rewarding with:
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- The Reserve by Citi Travel®: Access 4 1/2- and 5-star properties with perks like daily breakfast for two; a $100 experience credit (credit varies by property); complimentary Wi-Fi; and room upgrades, early check-in and late checkout (when available) when you select the Reserve rate when booking through the Citi Travel portal.
- Up to $300 annual hotel benefit: Each year, get up to $300 off a two-night (or longer) hotel stay booked through the Citi Travel portal.
The Reserve by Citi Travel brings upscale touches to your stay, while the annual hotel benefit adds meaningful savings that make your Citi Travel booking more rewarding.
American Airlines benefits
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Citi ThankYou® Rewards is the only major transferable points program that allows you to transfer points to American Airlines AAdvantage® miles, which TPG readers named the Best U.S. Airline Loyalty Program at the 2024 TPG Awards.
Your everyday spending on the card will earn you ThankYou Rewards points. If you transfer your ThankYou Rewards points to the American Airlines AAdvantage program on a 1:1 basis, AAdvantage miles can be used for:
- Award flights across American Airlines and its oneworld partners
- Upgrades and extras that make flying more comfortable
For example, I redeemed 70,000 AAdvantage miles for a Qatar Airways Qsuite flight from Colombo, Sri Lanka, to Houston (via Doha) last year. My out-of-pocket cost was just $174 for the taxes and fees, an excellent deal for one of the world’s top business-class products.
With the Citi Strata Elite Card, you could use your Citi ThankYou Rewards points in a similar way, unlocking a premium experience for a fraction of the price.
And right now, new applicants for the Citi Strata Elite Card can earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 in the first three months from account opening.
Accelerated earning opportunities
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With the Citi Strata Elite Card, you’ll earn points faster where it matters most:
- 12 points per dollar spent on hotels, car rentals and attractions booked through the Citi Travel portal
- 6 points per dollar spent on flights booked through the Citi Travel portal
- 6 points per dollar spent at restaurants (including delivery) every Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Eastern time (3 points per dollar spent on these purchases at other times)
- 1.5 points per dollar spent on all other purchases, including everyday spending
This structure ensures you’re rewarded whether you’re booking a trip or treating yourself to a great meal.
Insider access to dining and entertainment
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From dining to concerts and sporting events, the Citi Strata Elite Card opens doors that turn everyday outings into extraordinary experiences.
With the Citi Entertainment® program, you’ll receive access to purchase presale tickets and VIP experiences for music, sports and cultural events, giving you the chance to see top performers from some of the best seats in the house.
Additionally, as a Citi Strata Elite Card holder, you’ll enjoy Mastercard’s top tier of World Legend perks:
- Premium access to concerts, theater performances and sporting events
- Priority reservations at in-demand restaurants worldwide
- Curated global dining and travel experiences
Bottom line
The Citi Strata Elite Card is more than just another premium travel card. With nearly $1,500 in annual value, it delivers lounge benefits, hotel perks and amazing rewards.
If you’re a frequent traveler, especially with American Airlines, this card can help unlock bucket-list trips and transform your everyday purchases into premium experiences.
To learn more, read our full review of the Citi Strata Elite Card.
Apply here for the Citi Strata Elite Card and earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 in the first three months of account opening.
