Citi Launches Strata Elite Credit Card
With a new high-end credit card that promises large rewards, flexible perks, and access to airline lounges, Citi has entered the fray as major corporations compete for premium clients.
The credit card Citi Strata Elite.
On Monday, July 28, Citi announced the debut of the Citi Strata Elite, its most exclusive credit card to date. The card is the latest in a line of improvements from rivals like American Express and Chase that target high spenders and frequent travelers.
Up to 12x points can be earned on hotel stays, rental cars, and attractions that are booked through Citi Travel with the $595 annual card. Additionally, 6x points can be earned on airfare and weekend dining.
Additionally, it offers amenities like airline lounge passes, travel credits, and dining privileges that add up to around $1,500 in value annually.
Pam Habner, head of Citi’s US branded cards and lending, stated, “We asked our customers what they value, so we have curated flexible lifestyle benefits that we know our customers will want to use.” “And this is the only branded credit card that has American Airlines benefits built right into the card.”
The launch comes after a series of actions by competitors.
American Express recently revealed a significant update to its Platinum cards, increasing dinner reservations through the acquisition of Tock, and extending access to Centurion Lounges. The Sapphire Reserve card, which has long been a favorite among premium cardholders, has been enhanced by JPMorgan Chase.
The tournament is joined by the Citi Strata Elite with:
- $300 annual hotel credit
- $200 Splurge Credit for brands like American Airlines and Live Nation
- $200 in annual Blacklane chauffeur credits
- $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit every four years
- Four Admirals Club passes worth over $300
- Complimentary Priority Pass Select membership (valued at $469)
Additionally, Citi ThankYou Points can be exchanged for American Airlines miles, which cardholders can then utilize for travel.
According to Scott Long, senior vice president of AAdvantage at American Airlines, “American is strengthening its partnership with Citi to deliver even more benefits that combine the best of American and Citi’s rewards offerings.” “The new Citi Strata Elite Card provides Citi cardmembers an exciting opportunity to experience some of the fantastic benefits the AAdvantage program offers.”
In the first year, Citigold Private Clients can deduct the entire $595 charge, and they will then get $145 a year. An additional $145 credit is given annually to other Citigold members. Each additional user costs $75 annually.
The Citi Strata and Citi Strata Premier cards are part of Citi’s recently revamped lineup, which is now expanded by the Strata Elite. Without an annual fee, the lower-tier Strata card offers 5x points for travel reservations made through Citi, 3x points for groceries, gas, and transportation, and 3x points for a self-selected category.
The new portfolio, according to Citi, is intended to allow cardholders to “curate the life they envision,” and the upscale Strata Elite is obviously meant to stay competitive with its high-end competitors by offering travel, dining, and entertainment perks that appeal to contemporary, experience-driven customers.
