Limited Time Bonus Worth $1,000 In Travel Plus Valuable Perks
The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card from our partner Citi is our top pick for consumers with good to excellent credit looking for a premium travel rewards card that offers a ton of benefits and credits each year.
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Citi made waves in the premium credit card space when they introduced the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card. This card is designed to compete with the best luxury travel cards on the market, and we’ve broken down all of the key details below.
Welcome Bonus
For a limited time, new Strata Elite cardholders can earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. That’s worth a minimum of $1,000 in travel booked through Citi, or potentially even more when you transfer rewards to Citi’s partners to book award flights and hotel stays.
This is a strong welcome bonus for a premium travel card, especially when paired with the robust benefits the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card offers.
Premium Perks and Travel Credits Worth Nearly $1,500
The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card comes with benefits that go well beyond rewards:
- Up to $300 Annual Travel Credit off a hotel stay of 2 nights or more when booked through cititravel.com
- Up to $200 Annual Splurge Credit℠ comes in the form of statement credits each calendar year on your choice of up to 2 of the following brands: 1stDibs, American Airlines (exclusions apply), Best Buy®, Future Personal Training, Live Nation (exclusions apply)
- Up To $200 Annual Blacklane® Credit each calendar year when you book with Blacklane. Earn up to $100 on Blacklane purchases January through June and up to $100 July through December
- Priority Pass™ Select membership with access to 1,500+ airport lounges worldwide, valued at $469
- 4 American Airlines Admirals Club® Lounge Access Passes each calendar year, worth over $300 in value
- Up to $120 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® every 4 years
- No foreign transaction fees on international purchases
- Luxury hotel and resort collection access, including on-property benefits like upgrades, late checkout, and daily breakfast at select properties
- Travel and Shopping Protection has you covered with travel insurance, including Trip Delay Protection, Enhanced Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption, Lost or Damaged Luggage, car rental insurance, plus Extended Warranty and Purchase Assurance Plus.
These benefits alone make justifying the $595 annual fee easy if you travel frequently and take advantage of the credits.
Elevated Rewards Structure
Cardholders earn rewards at impressive rates across top spending categories:
- 12X points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on cititravel.com
- 6X points on air travel booked on cititravel.com
- 6X points at restaurants on Citi Nights℠ purchases, Friday and Saturday from 6PM – 6AM ET
- 3X points at restaurants any other time
- 1.5X points on all other purchases
This earning structure makes the card highly rewarding for frequent travelers and food enthusiasts alike. Having a base rate of 1.5X points also sets it apart from many similar cards that only offer 1 point per dollar.
Here’s Why We Love The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card
If you want a high-end rewards card with robust travel perks, the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card is tough to beat. With its valuable welcome bonus, annual travel credits, lounge access, luxury travel benefits, and strong earning potential, it’s an excellent choice for frequent travelers seeking exceptional value.
The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card is a smart pick for those who:
- Want luxury travel benefits like lounge access and annual credits
- Spend heavily on flights, hotels, and dining
- Prefer flexible rewards with Citi’s airline and hotel transfer partners
- Don’t mind paying a premium annual fee in exchange for premium value
Citi Strata Elite℠ Card
Advertiser Disclosure
At CardCritics™, it is our goal to provide you with information to help you make educated choices about credit cards. We have not reviewed all available products and offers but are confident that we are providing the information you need to make a sound decision.
The products featured on our site are from our partners which is how we make money. The financial compensation we receive may impact where and how cards appear on our site, but it does not impact our critical analysis. All opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed on our site are those of the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer.
Critics' Overview
If you’re in the market for a premium travel credit card, the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card, an advertising partner, ticks all the boxes. Between a hefty welcome bonus offer and strong rewards earning in travel-friendly categories (12x points on hotels, car rentals and attractions booked through Citi Travel, and 6x points on air travel booked through the same platform), this card can boost your Citi ThankYou® points balance quickly. In addition, cardholders earn 6x points at restaurants on CitiNights℠ purchases (made Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. Eastern Time) and 3x at other times, plus 1.5x points on other purchases. Upscale perks can help justify this card’s $595 annual fee, including up to $300 off a hotel stay of two nights or more booked through CitiTravel.com each year. Read our in-depth Review to learn more.Card Details From Issuer
- For a limited time, earn 100,000 bonus Points after spending $6,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.
- Earn 12 Points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on cititravel.com and 6 Points per $1 spent on Air Travel booked on cititravel.com
- Earn 6 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants including Restaurant Delivery Services on CitiNights℠ purchases, every Friday and Saturday from 6 PM to 6 AM ET. Earn 3 Points per $1 spent any other time
- Earn 1.5 Points per $1 spent on All Other Purchases
- Up to $300 Annual Hotel Benefit: Each calendar year, enjoy up to $300 off a hotel stay of two nights or more when booked through cititravel.com.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
Do you want a card that doesn’t cost you a dime in annual fees—but still packs a punch with its travel rewards?
If you answered yes, then the Citi Strata℠ Card may be a better option for you. It also offers a generous welcome bonus, and the earning structure is surprisingly strong. For a limited time, earn 30,000 bonus Points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.
- 3X points per dollar at supermarkets, select transit, gas, EV charging stations, and a self‑select quarterly category like fitness, streaming, live entertainment, pet supplies, and more
- 5X points per dollar spent on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through Citi Travel® via cititravel.com
- 2X points at restaurants
- 1X points on everything else
New Strata cardholders can take advantage of a 0% intro APR for 15 months on Purchases and Balance Transfers, then 18.99% - 28.99% (Variable). This is competitive with other top cards with 0% APR offers, and can give you the breathing room you need if you have big purchases coming up or want to consolidate credit card debt.
It is pretty easy to see why the Citi Strata℠ Card has quickly become a go-to option for rewards without an annual fee.
Other Rewards Card Options
We think the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card is tough to beat, but we have rounded up some other options from our partners that may appeal to you as well.
Huge Bonus Miles + Premium Travel Perks
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the perfect choice for someone who is a frequent traveler or looking to enhance their travel experiences. While you have to pay a hefty $395 annually in order to be a cardholder, taking advantage of all this card has to offer quickly justifies that fee (and then some). To start, you will earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 within the first 3 months which can be redeemed for at least $750 towards travel. You’ll also receive a $300 annual credit for any travel bookings you make through the Capital One Travel portal. You will also recoup another $100 towards travel each year on your cardmember anniversary in the form of 10,000 bonus miles.
Advertiser Disclosure
At CardCritics™, it is our goal to provide you with information to help you make educated choices about credit cards. We have not reviewed all available products and offers but are confident that we are providing the information you need to make a sound decision.
The products featured on our site are from our partners which is how we make money. The financial compensation we receive may impact where and how cards appear on our site, but it does not impact our critical analysis. All opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed on our site are those of the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer.
Critics' Overview
If you have excellent credit and are looking to take your travel rewards to the next level then this premium card is for you. It does come with a steep annual fee but the introductory bonus, ongoing rewards and rich perks quickly justify the fee. Read our in-depth Review to learn more.Card Details From Issuer
- Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
- Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options
- Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
- Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
- Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
- Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
25,000 Bonus Points Offer Worth $250
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Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
If you prefer a $0 annual fee card that will help you earn points towards travel and dining purchases then this card is likely your top option. With the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card you will earn a straightforward, unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases. You can also earn 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. These bonus points can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward travel and dining purchases. Unlike most travel cards this option also offers a generous intro APR. Select ‘Apply Now’ to see the current offer terms.
Advertiser Disclosure
At CardCritics™, it is our goal to provide you with information to help you make educated choices about credit cards. We have not reviewed all available products and offers but are confident that we are providing the information you need to make a sound decision.
The products featured on our site are from our partners which is how we make money. The financial compensation we receive may impact where and how cards appear on our site, but it does not impact our critical analysis. All opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed on our site are those of the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer.
Critics' Overview
This is a great travel card for those who don’t want to pay an annual fee, are looking for a straightforward way to earn and redeem their rewards and want to save money with a generous intro APR. You’ll earn 1.5 points per dollar spent on all purchases and can easily earn 25,000 online bonus points (redeemable for a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases) when you spend at least $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening. Read our in-depth Review to learn more.Card Details From Issuer
- 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening – that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
- Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Earn 3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center.
- Use your card to book your trip how and where you want – you’re not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
- Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
- If you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases. You could earn 3.75-5.25 points for every $1 you spend on travel purchases made through the Bank of America Travel Center.
- Contactless Cards – The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Huge Premium Rewards and Perks
Apply Now
American Express Platinum Card®
A large annual fee on a card often means it comes with valuable perks to make it worthwhile and that is most definitely the case for the American Express Platinum Card®. Its $895 fee may scare prospective cardholders away, but once you understand all this card has to offer, it’s clear you can actually make money by having this card at the top of your wallet. You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Most purchases made on the card will earn a straightforward 1 point per dollar spent, however, you can get 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 spent each year) and 5X points on prepaid hotels booked on AmexTravel.com. This card also offers several different statement credits that will apply to different spending categories or specific merchants. Select ‘Show Card Details’ or ‘Apply Now’ to view all of the current offerings.
Advertiser Disclosure
At CardCritics™, it is our goal to provide you with information to help you make educated choices about credit cards. We have not reviewed all available products and offers but are confident that we are providing the information you need to make a sound decision.
The products featured on our site are from our partners which is how we make money. The financial compensation we receive may impact where and how cards appear on our site, but it does not impact our critical analysis. All opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed on our site are those of the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer.
Critics' Overview
This luxury card comes with a hefty price tag, but if you take advantage of all of the statement credit opportunities it is quickly justified (and then some). There is also a massive welcome offer opportunity and a long list of card member perks to check out as well. Read our in-depth Review to learn more.Card Details From Issuer
- You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
- More Value! With over 1,550 airport lounges – more than any other credit card company on the market* – enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges. * As of 07/2025.
- More Value! $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
- More Value! $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $25 in statement credits each month after you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card® at participating partners. Enrollment required.
- More Value! $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel® using the Platinum Card®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
- New! $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: When you use the Platinum Card® to pay at U.S. Resy restaurants and to make other eligible purchases through Resy, you can get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter with the $400 Resy Credit benefit. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you, enrollment required.
- More Value! $209 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps get you to your gate faster by using unique facial attributes to verify you are you at 50+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR Plus Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR Plus with the Platinum Card®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card® Account*. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
- Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts® through American Express Travel®, enjoy noon check-in upon arrival, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
- New! $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card®.*Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
- $100 Saks Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue or saks.com on the Platinum Card®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits from January through June and up to $50 in statement credits from July through December. No minimum purchase required. Enrollment required.
- Whenever you need us, we’re here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- $895 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
As you can see, it is a great time to be in the market for a new credit card. Issuers are really stepping up their game and offering incredible perks to win your business. If you have good to excellent credit in the 670 – 850* range and have not recently applied for a new credit card then you should definitely apply for one of these stand-out options today.
Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer.
*CardCritics™ references a FICO® 8 score, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when evaluating your application.