Review: New Citi Strata
A few weeks ago we saw Citi close applications for their Citi Rewards+ card and we’ve now learned they will be replacing it with the new Citi Strata card.
While we don’t know when new applications will open for this card, we do know that as of July 20th, existing Rewards+ cardmembers will be converted to the Citi Strata and I think it will be a great change.
New Citi Strata Card
Quick Facts
Signup Bonus: 30,000 ThankYou points after $1,000 spent in the first 3 months.
Points Earned: Cash back and ability to transfer to 3 transfer partners but if you also have the Citi Strata Premier you can transfer them to 17 airline and hotel partners.
Earnings Structure:
5x points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through cititravel.com
3x points on grocery stores, select transit, gas stations and EV charging
3x points on an eligible select self chosen category
2x points on dining.
1x points on everything else
Foreign Transaction Fees: Yes
Annual Fee: none
3x Points on Category of Your Choosing
What is unique about the new Citi Strata card is that you’ll be able to choose one bonus category where you’ll earn 3x points. We are not sure if/when you’ll be able to change your selection. Here is the list for you to choose from:
Fitness clubs
Select streaming services
Live entertainment
Pet supply stores
Cosmetic stores, barber shops and hair salons
These new categories are nice to have but probably won’t net you a ton of points unless you spend a lot of money on live entertainment. Depending on how much you spend, that extra 1 point can add up compared to the 2x points you’d earn on the Citi Double Cash.
Citi Transfer Partners
Like the Citi Double Cash you’ll be able to transfer your points to 3 partners:
Choice Privileges 1,000:1,500
JetBlue: 1,000:800
Wyndham Rewards: 1,000:1,500
However, if you have one of Citi’s premium cards like the Citi Strata Premier or the Citi Prestige you’ll be able to combine your points across each card and unlock the ability to transfer your points to more partners.
Citi has 17 airline and hotel transfer partners. The only downside is of their airline partners, only JetBlue is based in the US. While that might scare some people off, after reading my posts about how to maximize your credit card points you’ll realize that having only one domestic airline shouldn’t be an issue. Air France/KLM Flying Blue, Avianca Lifemiles, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer and Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles, just to name a few are some of the best programs to redeem points with and can even be used for flights within the US as well as abroad on their partner airlines. Be on the lookout for transfer bonuses as Citi regulary has bonuses when you transfer points to one of their partners. You can get an additional 20-30%.
Use Citi ThankYou points for Travel on Qatar Airways in Business Class
Citi Rewards+
The new Citi Strata card is very different from the Citi Rewards+ it is replacing. Here’s a quick look at the old Citi Rewards+:
2x points on supermarkets and gas stations up to $6,000 spent each year (then 1x point)
Purchases are rounded up to the nearest 10 points (this is great for small transactions)
Receive 10% of your points back for the first 100,000 points redeemed each year.
This was a nice card to have for small purchases where you’d buy something small for like $1 and get 10 points. The other great use was getting 10% of your points back on up to 100,000 points redeemed each year. This wasn’t really a card I’d recommend much outside of those redeeming tons of Citi points each year for an effective 10% rebate. Am I sad to see it go? Sure but I don’t think its a huge loss and the new Citi Strata looks great.
Is it Worth It?
This is an excellent no annual fee card that has the potential to earn 3x points on select bonus categories of your choosing. I’m sad to see the Rewards+ card go but that was somewhat niche. This card will be great for people who spend a lot on live entertainment or fitness memberships each year.
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