Citi’s ThankYou Rewards program offers a straightforward path to valuable travel perks, and both the no-annual-fee Citi Strata℠ Card and the $95 Citi Strata Premier® Card provide quick access to these rewards. The key difference is how much you’re willing to spend for additional benefits. This breakdown helps you decide which card aligns best with your spending habits and travel goals.
Key Differences at a Glance
The Citi Strata Premier stands out for those who frequently travel and redeem points through transfer partners. The Strata Premier’s welcome bonus is significantly higher, providing triple the points of the no-annual-fee Strata. Additionally, it unlocks a full 1:1 transfer ratio to airline and hotel partners, which isn’t available on the basic Strata without holding another premium Citi card.
For those prioritizing simplicity and avoiding annual fees, the Citi Strata is a solid option. It offers flexible spending categories through its self-select feature, but it comes with a 1:0.7 transfer ratio for most partners—meaning you receive fewer miles or points when transferring.
Comparing the Rewards and Benefits
Welcome Bonuses: The Strata Premier offers a welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 within three months, valued at $1,140. The Citi Strata provides 20,000 points after $1,000 in spending, worth $380.
Spending Categories: Both cards earn 5x points on Citi Travel bookings. The Strata Premier earns 3x points on air travel, hotels, gas, and restaurants, while the Strata offers 3x points on gas, transit, and supermarkets, plus a customizable category.
Additional Perks: The Strata Premier includes a $100 annual hotel credit (when spending $500+), car rental coverage, lost luggage insurance, and trip protection benefits. It also waives foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for international travel. The Strata lacks these benefits but offers a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months.
Transferring Points: Why It Matters
Citi’s ThankYou Rewards points are most valuable when transferred to partners like Air France-KLM Flying Blue or American Airlines AAdvantage. The Strata Premier unlocks a full 1:1 transfer ratio, maximizing your rewards. The Strata limits you to a 1:0.7 ratio unless you also hold another premium Citi card. This difference can significantly impact how many miles you earn, making the Premier the better choice for frequent travelers.
Which Card Should You Choose?
- Choose the Strata Premier if: You travel frequently, want a higher welcome bonus, and plan to transfer points to airline or hotel partners. The $95 annual fee is offset by travel perks and the better transfer ratio.
- Choose the Citi Strata if: You prefer no annual fee, don’t plan to transfer points often, or already have a strategy for maximizing ThankYou Rewards in specific spending categories.
Ultimately, both cards offer access to a valuable rewards program. The Strata Premier provides more comprehensive travel benefits, while the Strata offers a simpler, fee-free experience. The best choice depends on how you plan to use your rewards and how much value you place on additional perks.
