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In May, Flying Frugal reported exclusively that the Citi Rewards+ Card was set to be rebranded as the Citi Strata℠ Card. We are now pleased to confirm that Citi will be launching the new Citi Strata℠ Elite!
As a longtime fan of Citizenship, particularly a devoted user of the Citi Strata Premier® Card (see rates and fees), I am thrilled to see Citi revamping its suite of Citi ThankYou Rewards credit cards.
Applications for both cards are now available.
Let’s delve into what existing cardholders and new applicants can expect.
The information regarding the Citi Strata Elite, Citi Strata Card, Citi Rewards+, and Citi Premier has been independently collected by The Points Guy. The details provided here have not been reviewed or endorsed by the card issuer, and the Citi Rewards+ and Citi Premier are no longer available for new applications.
Overview of Changes
What remains unchanged:
What has changed:
- New card name and design
- New bonus categories
- Enhanced earning rates for existing bonus categories
- Increased welcome bonus
- Made from predominantly recycled plastic
- World Elite Mastercard benefits
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Previously, the Citi Rewards+ offered a unique feature of rounding up purchases to the nearest 10 points, which has now been discontinued, along with a perk where cardholders could receive 10% of the first 100,000 points redeemed per calendar year back.
In an exclusive chat with Pam Habner, Citi’s head of branded cards and lending, she emphasized Citi’s dedication to customer feedback and their efforts to understand what both current and potential cardholders seek. Habner mentioned the trend in the market showing cardholders desire flexibility in their rewards, prompting Citi’s significant updates.
Existing Citi Rewards+ members gained access to the new Citi Strata Card on July 20, and new customers can now apply as of July 27.
Updated Earning Rates
The latest Citi Strata Card introduces enticing bonus categories and improved earning rates compared to the now-retired Rewards+ Card. The new structure includes:
- New: 5 points per dollar on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked via cititravel.com
- Increased: 3 points per dollar at supermarkets
- Expanded and Increased: 3 points per dollar on select transit, gas, and electric vehicle charging stations
- New: 3 points per dollar on an eligible self-selected category, including fitness clubs, select streaming services, live entertainment, cosmetic stores/barber shops, or pet supply stores
- New: 2 points per dollar spent at restaurants
- Same: 1 point per dollar on all other purchases
In the past, the Citi Rewards+ awarded 2 points per dollar on grocery and gas purchases, but the new rates are significantly more appealing. The previous 5 points per dollar for hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through the travel portal will now be a permanent feature of the card.
This comprehensive revamp aligns the card more closely with the Citi Strata Premier Card, which offers a $95 annual fee and recently underwent its own update.
I believe this positions Citi to compete effectively, possibly developing its own version of the Chase Trifecta, allowing cardholders to hold multiple cards and optimize their rewards and benefits.
The improved earning rates make the Citi Strata Card a compelling choice for daily expenses, putting it in contention against established rivals like the Chase Freedom Unlimited® (see rates and fees).
Habner reiterated Citi’s efforts to innovate within the market and remain competitive, based on feedback indicating that customers desire more earning potential in their everyday spending categories. This has led to simplified and enhanced opportunities with the Citi Strata Card across key categories like gas stations, supermarkets, and restaurants, alongside the introduction of the self-select category.
The introduction of a new self-select category, offering 3 points per dollar spent, is particularly exciting. With a range of options, maximizing rewards should be straightforward, as cardholders can change their selected category quarterly. This new category could give Citi a significant edge, as many eligible options are not typically available at elevated rates on other cards.
With some gym memberships exceeding $200 in high-cost areas, as well as live entertainment events costing hundreds, this feature could be advantageous for many users. I believe this positions the Citi Strata Card as a strong competitor against the Chase Freedom Flex®, whose quarterly bonus categories have previously included fitness clubs and streaming services but have an activation cap of $1,500 per quarter.
The information regarding the Chase Freedom Flex has been independently collected by The Points Guy. The details on this page have not been reviewed or endorsed by the card issuer.
Related: How to earn over 300,000 points in 2025
New Welcome Bonus
During the promotional period, new customers approved for the Citi Strata Card will receive 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 within the first three months. Existing Citi Rewards+ cardholders converted to the Citi Strata Card on July 20, hence they are not eligible to apply again.
Additionally, new cardholders will benefit from a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers and purchases for the first 15 months. After this period, a variable APR ranging from 19.24% to 29.24% will apply based on creditworthiness. Note that balance transfers will incur a 3% fee (minimum of $5) for the first four months, rising to 5% (minimum of $5) thereafter.
This welcome bonus is not applicable to applicants who have received any new account bonuses for a Citi Rewards+ card in the last 48 months, nor for those who converted another Citi account into a Citi Strata or Citi Rewards+ account that earned a new account bonus within the same timeframe.
A further convenience for approved applicants is the ability to gain instant authorization and access to their new credit card right away.
Conclusion
The Citi Strata Card represents a significant advancement in the credit card market, and I enthusiastically endorse it.
This comprehensive overhaul in earning rates and the addition of new categories make the card a viable option for those aiming to earn ThankYou Rewards. The adjustments enhance its functionality as an everyday spending card, providing substantial value.
As a holder of the Citi Strata Premier, you can merge your Strata Card points and transfer them to Citi’s travel partners for optimal value. Furthermore, with the launch of the new Citi Strata Elite, the Strata family now provides ample choices for cardholders to select a card that aligns with their lifestyle.
Related: Best Citi Cards of July 2025
