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Citi Rewards+ vs. Citi Strata Premier: A Complete Comparison Guide
Looking for the perfect Citi credit card to maximize your rewards? The Citi Rewards+® Card and Citi Strata Premier® Card are both compelling options, but they serve different purposes and cardholder needs. In this comprehensive comparison, we'll break down everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
Key Features and Benefits Overview
The Citi Rewards+ and Citi Strata Premier each offer unique advantages within the Citi ThankYou Rewards program ecosystem. Here's what makes each card stand out:
- No annual fee
- Round-up feature on all purchases
- 2X points at supermarkets and gas stations
- 10% points back on redemptions
- Basic ThankYou points earning
- Premium travel benefits
- 3X points on travel, dining, and groceries
- Full transfer partner access
- Annual hotel savings benefit
- Premium ThankYou points earning
Welcome Bonus Comparison
Both cards offer attractive sign-up bonuses for new cardholders, though they differ significantly in value and requirements:
- 70,000 bonus points
- Requires $4,000 spend in first 3 months
- Estimated value: $700-$1,120 (depending on redemption)
- Premium ThankYou points with full transfer options
- 20,000 bonus points
- Requires $1,500 spend in first 3 months
- Estimated value: $200
- Basic ThankYou points with limited transfer options
Rewards Structure and Earning Potential
Citi Strata Premier Earning Rates:
- 3X points on restaurants
- 3X points at supermarkets
- 3X points on gas and EV charging
- 3X points on hotels and air travel
- 1X points on all other purchases
Citi Rewards+ Earning Rates:
- 2X points at supermarkets (up to $6,000 annually)
- 2X points at gas stations (up to $6,000 annually)
- 1X points on all other purchases
- Round-up feature to nearest 10 points
- 10% points back on redemptions (up to 10,000 points annually)
Annual Fees and Other Costs
Citi Strata Premier:
- $95 annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- Variable APR: 17.99% - 27.99%
Citi Rewards+:
- No annual fee
- 3% foreign transaction fee
- 0% intro APR for 15 months
- Variable APR: 17.99% - 27.99%
Travel Benefits and Protections
Citi Strata Premier Benefits:
- $100 annual hotel savings
- Trip cancellation/interruption coverage
- Baggage delay protection
- World Elite Mastercard benefits
- Full travel transfer partners access
Citi Rewards+ Benefits:
- Basic travel insurance
- Limited transfer partners
- Reduced transfer ratios
- Basic card protections
Maximize Your Card Benefits with Kudos
While both cards offer valuable rewards, you can enhance your earnings by using Kudos, a free AI-powered browser extension. Kudos helps you automatically:
- Choose the best card for each purchase
- Track rewards across multiple cards
- Multiply rewards up to 5X during Flash Boost events
- Get personalized card recommendations
Expert Verdict
The Citi Strata Premier is ideal for frequent travelers and those who can maximize the 3X categories and transfer partners. The $95 annual fee is easily offset by the benefits and higher earning potential.
The Citi Rewards+ is better suited for casual spenders who prefer no annual fee and can benefit from the round-up feature on smaller purchases. It's particularly valuable for those who make many small transactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Basic and Premium ThankYou points?
Premium ThankYou points offer full transfer partner access and better redemption rates, while Basic points have limited transfer options and lower values.
Can I product change between these cards?
Yes, Citi typically allows product changes between ThankYou cards after holding the card for at least 12 months.
Which card is better for everyday spending?
The Citi Rewards+ is better for small purchases due to its round-up feature, while the Strata Premier offers higher rewards on common spending categories.
Are these cards part of the Citi Trifecta?
The Citi Strata Premier is often considered part of the Citi Trifecta, while the Rewards+ can complement it for small purchases.
How do the transfer partners compare?
The Strata Premier offers 1:1 transfers to all partners, while the Rewards+ has reduced transfer ratios and limited partner access.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
