Citi Strata Credit Card Review
Key Takeaways
It’s helpful to have a no annual fee card that earns transferable ThankYou points. However, transfers are at a reduced ratio, so paying the $95 annual fee for the Citi Strata Premier is likely worth it to unlock full transfer ability.
Why This Card Could Be Right For You
If you want to avoid an annual fee but still take advantage of Citi’s transfer partners, this is your only option. The card offers a 20,000-point welcome bonus after spending $1,000 in the first three months.
You can also earn bonus points in the following categories:
- 5x on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through the Citi Travel Portal
- 3x at grocery stores, select transit, gas and EV charging stations, and one eligible self-selected category
- 2x at restaurants
You can redeem points with Citi’s transfer partners, though most transfers occur at a 1:0.7 ratio. If you also hold a Citi Strata Premier or Citi Strata Elite card, you can combine points and transfer at the full 1:1 ratio. Even at the reduced rate, transferring points is usually a better value than redeeming for cash back, gift cards, shop-with-points options, or travel portal bookings.
When The Usual Advice Doesn't Apply
This card may not be the right fit if:
- You want to be able to transfer at the full 1:1 ratio
- You want a larger signup bonus
What to Know About Citi ThankYou Rewards
Citi points are increasing in value with the addition of American Airlines as a transfer partner, though limited partner-transfer cards still hold them back.
- Only the Strata Premier and Strata Elite are worth it; they’re the only Citi cards with transferable miles to all partners and a 60k–80k point signup bonus.
- You can combine cash back points from other Citi cards with Strata Premier or Elite and then transfer to partners, but none of the cash back cards offer strong bonuses.
- Citi has expanded its transfer partner network, adding several high-value options it once lacked.
- Points are flexible with many airline partners, and Citi is the only credit card system that transfers to American Airlines.
How The Citi Strata Credit Card Fits In The Citi ThankYou Rewards Ecosystem
There are two Citi cards that allow ThankYou points to transfer to partners at the full 1:1 ratio. We feel the $95 annual fee Citi Strata Premier is worth the extra cost compared to the no annual fee Strata card solely for full transfer access. The additional 40,000 welcome bonus points (60k after $4,000 in spending in 90 days) further increase its value.
You can also pair this card with other no annual fee Citi cards like the Custom Cash or Double Cash to earn ThankYou points at higher rates. Those points can be combined and transferred through the Strata Premier (or Elite) at the full 1:1 ratio.
If you want to step further into Citi’s ecosystem, the Citi Strata Elite sits at the top. It carries a $595 annual fee, but includes an 80,000-point welcome offer, multiple statement credits to help offset the fee, and four Admirals Club lounge passes each year.
Card Information
| Bonus Points | Minimum Spend | Point Value | Annual Value | Annual Fee |
1st Year Value
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20,000 | $1,000 | 1.6 ¢ | $2 | $0 |
$318
|
| Differentiating Perks | Rules |
|---|---|
| 5x points on Citi Travel Portal, 3x points on groceries, transit, gas, EV charging, and an eligible self-selct category of your choice, 2x on restaurants | Citi 2/65 , Citi 1/8 , Citi 6/6 , Citi 5 Day Rule , 48 From Bonus , No 5/24 |
Award System
Current Offer
$1,000 spend.
Spend Categories
1X points
1.6¢ Per Dollar Spent
3X points
4.8¢ Per Dollar Spent
3X points
4.8¢ Per Dollar Spent
2X points
3.2¢ Per Dollar Spent
5X points
8¢ Per Dollar Spent
3X points
4.8¢ Per Dollar Spent
3X points
4.8¢ Per Dollar Spent
Point Transfer Options
Transfer To Spouse/Partner Yes
Transfer To Friends Yes
Travel Partner Transfers
Citi ThankYou Rewards Outside Point System
Transfers Out To
2:1 69% value retained
1:1 50% value retained
1:1 88% value retained
1:1 81% value retained
1:1 69% value retained
1:2 88% value retained
1:0.8 45% value retained
1:1 69% value retained
1:1 63% value retained
1:1 81% value retained
1:1 81% value retained
5:1 100% value retained
1:4 125% value retained
1:1 75% value retained
1:1 75% value retained
1:1 81% value retained
1:1 50% value retained
1:1 69% value retained
1:1 88% value retained
1:1.25 78% value retained
Citi Strata Application Rules
You'll be declined if you apply for a third Citi card within 65 days
You'll be declined if you apply for a second Citi card (business and/or personal) within 8 days
You'll be declined if there are 6 or more hard inquiries on your credit report the past 6 months
You may be rejected when applying for a Citi credit card if your credit has been pulled within the last five days (by any bank).
You will not be eligible for a signup bonus on the same card if you’ve received one for THAT card in the previous 48 months.
Card approval not subject to 5-personal-cards-in-24-months rule
