Highest offer ever: Earn 100,000 Citi ThankYou points with a new Strata Elite card
Editor's Note
If you're looking to earn transferable Citi ThankYou Rewards points, Citi offers three cards within its Strata lineup. Applying for one of these cards can net you a large welcome bonus and diversify your points, giving you access to valuable transfer partners.
From no annual fee to $595, it's important to choose a Strata card that fits your budget and travel goals.
And for a limited time, new Citi Strata Elite℠ Card cardholders can earn 100,000 points after spending $6,000 in the first three months from account opening. This card recently launched, so it's the best one we've seen in the card's short history.
Each card offers a wide range of bonus-earning categories and benefits to help elevate your travel. Here's a rundown of the three Citi Strata credit cards and their current welcome offers.
Comparison of Strata card welcome offers
| Card | Welcome offer | Bonus value* | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citi Strata Elite Card (see rates and fees) | For a limited time, new cardholders can earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 in the first three months from account opening. | $1,900 | $595 |
| Citi Strata Premier® Card (see rates and fees) | Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months from account opening. | $1,140 | $95 |
| Citi Strata℠ Card (see rates and fees) | For a limited time, new cardholders can earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first three months from account opening. | $570 | No annual fee |
*The bonus value is based on TPG's October 2025 valuations and is not provided or reviewed by the issuer.
Citi Strata Elite
The Citi Strata Elite is the latest to join the ranks of premium credit card heavyweights. It's ideal for travelers who use Citi Travel, dine out on Friday and Saturday nights, and are interested in some American Airlines perks.
Welcome offer: For a limited time, new cardholders can earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 in the first three months from account opening. Based on TPG's October 2025 valuations, the welcome offer is worth $1,900.
At the card's launch, the 100,000-point welcome offer was only available for applications completed at a Citi branch, and the standard online offer was 80,000 bonus miles.
If you've been eyeing this card, now is a great time to apply since it's the first time the card is offering (online applicants) 100,000 bonus points after meeting the requirements.
Annual fee: $595
Earning rates:
- 12 points per dollar spent on attractions, car rentals and hotels booked through Citi Travel
- 6 points per dollar spent on flights booked through Citi Travel
- 6 points per dollar spent at restaurants, including restaurant delivery services on CitiNights℠ purchases, every Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Eastern time
- 3 points per dollar spent on restaurant purchases at all other times
- 1.5 points per dollar spent on all other purchases
Key benefits:
- Blacklane credit: Up to a $200 annual credit (up to $100 biannually) for Blacklane chauffeur bookings
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit: Up to a $120 credit every four years for a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee
- Hotel credit: Up to $300 off one prepaid hotel stay (minimum two-night booking) when booking through Citi Travel each calendar year
- Lounge access: Complimentary Priority Pass Select lounge access and four Admirals Club passes annually
- Splurge credit: Up to $200 in annual statement credits with your choice of two brands: 1stDibs, American Airlines, Best Buy, Future Personal Training and Live Nation
Why we like it: Overall, this card is a great choice if you prefer the ease of booking through an issuer's travel portal. The hotel credit can be used toward any prepaid hotel reservation on Citi Travel. The Splurge credit can be fairly easy to maximize, and I would recommend using it for American Airlines purchases, such as flight purchases or additional lounge passes. It can also be used to purchase travel gear from Best Buy, like Apple AirTags and noise-cancelling headphones.
However, note that Citi does not have its own lounge network, as its competitors do, making the card's lounge access benefit mediocre. In addition, the boosted restaurant earning rate is only applicable on Friday and Saturday evenings during specific Eastern hours, but is applicable worldwide.
To learn more, read our full review of the Citi Strata Elite.
Apply here: Citi Strata Elite
Citi Strata Premier
Often flying under the radar, the Citi Strata Premier is an excellent mid-tier travel card thanks to a wide range of bonus categories missing from many of its competitors.
Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months from account opening. Based on TPG's October 2025 valuations, the welcome offer is worth $1,140.
This offer is on the lower end of what we've seen in the past, so we'd recommend holding out if possible.
Annual fee: $95
Earning rates:
- 10 points per dollar spent on attractions, car rentals and hotels booked through Citi Travel
- 3 points per dollar spent on electric vehicle charging, flights, gas stations, hotels, restaurants (including takeout) and supermarkets
- 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases
Why we like it: This card offers an impressive range of bonus-earning categories for a $95 annual fee, making it an excellent choice for everyday spending. It offers an annual $100 hotel credit for one hotel booking of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) made through the Citi Travel portal, which makes up for the annual fee — as long as you use it. In addition, you receive various travel protections such as car rental coverage, lost and damaged luggage protection and trip cancellation.
To learn more, read our full review of the Citi Strata Premier.
Apply here: Citi Strata Premier
Citi Strata
The Citi Strata Card is an entry-level card within the Strata lineup. Before being rebranded, it was known as the Citi Rewards+® Card (no longer available).
The information for the Citi Rewards+ has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Welcome offer: For a limited time, new cardholders can earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first three months from account opening. Based on TPG's October 2025 valuations, the welcome offer is worth $570.
This is the first offer we've seen on the newly rebranded Strata card.
Annual fee: None
Earning rates:
- 5 points per dollar spent on attractions, car rentals and hotels booked through Citi Travel
- 3 points per dollar spent on EV charging, gas stations, select transit and supermarkets
- 3 points per dollar spent on an eligible self-selected category each quarter (barber shops/cosmetic stores/hair salons, fitness clubs, live entertainment, pet supply stores or select streaming services)
- 2 points per dollar spent at restaurants
- 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases
Why we like it: The Citi Strata has impressive earning rates for a no-annual-fee card, especially the quarterly self-selected category. A unique aspect of the Citi Strata is that you can transfer points to partners, but only at a transfer ratio of 1:0.7 for most airline and hotel partners.
To learn more, read our full review of the Citi Strata.
Apply here: Citi Strata
Bottom line
If you're looking to supercharge your travel rewards, the Citi Strata Elite Card is offering a limited-time 100,000-point welcome bonus after spending $6,000 in the first three months from account opening. This is highest we've seen for this new premium card, so if you've been eyeing this card, now is a good time to apply.
Each card in the lineup offers an impressive list of bonus-earning categories, so be sure to select a card that fits your everyday expenses and your travel needs. Keep welcome offer history i mind to take advantage of the best welcome offer.
For maximum value, consider transferring your ThankYou points to Citi's airline or hotel partners.
Apply here: Citi Strata Elite
Apply here: Citi Strata Premier
Apply here: Citi Strata
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.