Citi Strata Elite Benefits 2025

Annual Fee & Value Overview

The Citi Strata Elite has a $595 annual fee. The card offers strong earning rates through Citi Travel and unique benefits like AA lounge passes and the Splurge credit.

Statement Credits

Annual Credits

• Hotel Credit: $300/year - For hotel stays of 2+ nights booked through cititravel.com. Calendar year reset.
• Splurge Credit: $200/year - Choose up to 2 brands: 1stDibs, American Airlines, Best Buy, Future Personal Training, or Live Nation. Enrollment required.
• Global Entry/TSA PreCheck: $120 - Every 4 years for application fee

Semi-Annual Credits

• Blacklane Credit: $100/half ($200/year) - For Blacklane chauffeur service (Jan-Jun and Jul-Dec periods)

Airport Lounge Access

Priority Pass Select

Complimentary Priority Pass Select membership with access to 1,500+ airport lounges worldwide. Up to 2 guests per visit with $35 fee for additional guests.

American Airlines Admirals Club

4 single-visit passes per calendar year for access to nearly 50 American Airlines Admirals Club lounges. Passes can be used by the cardholder or given to guests.

Hotel Benefits

The Reserve by Citi Travel

Access to curated luxury hotel properties with benefits including:

• $100 experience credit
• Complimentary breakfast for two
• Room upgrade when available
• Early check-in when available
• Late check-out when available

Points Earning Rates

The Citi Strata Elite offers some of the highest earning rates when booking through Citi Travel:

• 12x points - Hotels booked through cititravel.com
• 12x points - Car rentals booked through cititravel.com
• 12x points - Attractions booked through cititravel.com
• 6x points - Flights booked through cititravel.com
• 6x points - Dining during Citi Nights (Fri-Sat 6 PM - 6 AM ET)
• 3x points - Dining at other times
• 1.5x points - All other purchases

ThankYou Points transfer to partners including American Airlines, JetBlue, Virgin Atlantic, Cathay Pacific, EVA Air, Choice Hotels, and more with no transfer fee (1,000 point minimum).

Travel Insurance & Protections

Car Rental Insurance

Primary coverage outside your country of residence when you decline the rental company's CDW and pay with your card (MasterRental Coverage).

Trip Protection

• Trip Delay Protection: Coverage for trip delays when travel is purchased with your card
• Trip Cancellation/Interruption: Enhanced coverage for trip cancellation or interruption
• Lost/Damaged Luggage: Coverage for lost or damaged luggage

Purchase Protections

• Extended Warranty: Extends manufacturer warranty on eligible purchases
• Purchase Assurance Plus: Coverage against damage or theft for a limited time
• Mastercard ID Theft Protection: Free identity theft monitoring and alerts

Other Benefits

• No Foreign Transaction Fees
• Citi Entertainment: Presale tickets and exclusive experiences for concerts, sports, and more
• Death & Co Fashioned Access: Complimentary access to cocktail and lifestyle content
• Citi Flex Pay: Split purchases $75+ into monthly payments while earning points
• Citi Quick Lock: Instantly block new charges on a misplaced card
• 24/7 Customer Service: Available 365 days a year

Citi Strata Elite vs. Amex Platinum

Key differences between these premium cards:

Is the Citi Strata Elite Worth It?

The Citi Strata Elite is best for travelers who book through Citi Travel (for 12x earning), fly American Airlines (for AA lounge passes), and want flexible credits. The $595 annual fee can be offset by:

• $300 hotel credit (must book through Citi Travel)
• $200 Blacklane credit
• $200 Splurge credit (choose your brands)
• AA lounge passes value (~$59 each x 4 = $236)
• = $936+ in potential annual value

The card is a strong Amex Platinum alternative at $300 less annually. However, it lacks the Platinum's hotel status, Centurion Lounge access, and broader credit options. Best for AA flyers and those who book travel through Citi's portal.