Citigroup has launched the Citi Strata Elite℠ premium credit card for consumers in the U.S. [1, 3].
The move marks Citi's reentry into the premium travel-card market, where it aims to compete with established products from American Express and Chase [2, 5].
The card features a high-earning rewards structure for those using the Citi Travel® platform. Cardholders earn 12x points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions [1, 3], while air travel earns six times points [1, 3].
To offset the cost of ownership, the card provides a suite of statement credits. These benefits are valued at more than $700 annually [4]. However, the card carries an annual fee of $595 [4].
"The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card is Citi's reentry into the premium credit card market," MSN Money staff said. The publication noted that while the card has fewer features than some competitors, it offers a lower fee and specific credits that can provide value [4].
Market analysts suggest the card is positioned for a specific type of consumer. The NerdWallet editorial team said the Strata Elite has better rewards rates for everyday spenders, though some users may still prefer the credits offered by the American Express Platinum [2].
While some reports indicate the card entered the premium travel space in 2025 [2], other announcements describe the launch as a current event [1]. The product is designed to attract travelers through high-value point multipliers and statement credits that reduce the effective cost of the annual fee [5].
“The card features a high-earning rewards structure for those using the Citi Travel® platform.”
Citi is attempting to recapture market share in the luxury credit segment by balancing a high annual fee with aggressive point multipliers. By offering 12x points on select travel categories, the bank is prioritizing the growth of its own travel booking platform to create a closed-loop ecosystem that competes with the Chase Sapphire and AmEx Platinum portfolios.
