Maximize Your Citi Strata Elite Card: Unlock 200 in Annual Value

The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card is making waves with its impressive earning potential, strong transfer partners like American Airlines AAdvantage, and a lucrative welcome bonus for new cardholders. For a limited time, you can earn a whopping 80,000 bonus Citi ThankYou Rewards points after spending $4,000 within the first three months of account opening. According to The Points Guy’s August 2025 valuations, this welcome offer is worth an impressive $1,520. If you choose to apply in person at a Citi branch, you could even score a higher welcome bonus of 100,000 ThankYou Rewards points with the same spending requirement.

One of the standout features of the Strata Elite Card is the annual “Splurge” credit, allowing cardholders to earn up to $200 back in statement credits each calendar year on purchases from selected brands. This guide will walk you through how to activate and effectively use this credit to maximize its benefits.

Every calendar year, Citi Strata Elite Card members can earn up to $200 in statement credits by making purchases at two participating brands of their choice. The key is that you don’t need to enroll in advance, but you do need to make strategic selections from the eligible retailers.

For 2025, the eligible brands include:

– American Airlines
– Best Buy
– Live Nation
– Airbnb
– And more!

Cardholders can choose to earn statement credits from either one or two of these merchants, but not from all five. For instance, you could allocate the entire $200 to American Airlines or split it between Best Buy and Live Nation.

To select your preferred merchants, simply log into your account and nominate the brands you wish to use for your Splurge credits. It’s advisable to choose two brands, even if you think you might only shop at one, as you can change your selections at any time throughout the year.

Keep in mind that the Splurge credit is only applicable to purchases made directly through the selected brands. This means that purchases through third-party sellers or resellers do not qualify, which is particularly relevant for popular concert tickets. Additionally, purchases such as AA Cargo, hotel bookings, car rentals, or AAdvantage status boosts with American Airlines are not eligible for the Splurge credit.

You can earn up to $200 in total, with no minimum spend required. Once you make qualifying purchases, the credit will automatically post to your account as a statement credit.

According to Citi’s website, you must activate your selected merchant(s) to receive the credit, and both the primary cardholder and authorized users can benefit from the Splurge credits.

Citi designed this benefit for cardholders who prioritize travel, technology, and experiential spending. Here are some smart ways to utilize your Splurge credit effectively:

1. Travel Expenses: If you frequently fly with American Airlines, using your Splurge credit on ticket purchases can significantly offset travel costs.

2. Tech Upgrades: Use your credit at Best Buy to purchase the latest gadgets, from laptops to smart home devices, making your tech investments more affordable.

3. Entertainment Experiences: Allocate your credits to Live Nation for concert tickets or events, allowing you to enjoy live entertainment without the guilt of overspending.

As a premium credit card, the Citi Strata Elite Card also comes with additional benefits that enhance its value. While the Splurge credit may not be as broad as travel credits offered by competitors like Chase or American Express, it remains a compelling perk, especially if you already shop with or fly one of the eligible brands. This feature helps to offset the card’s annual fee of $595.

To fully benefit from the Splurge credit, ensure that your spending is limited to one or two brands each year; otherwise, you risk leaving some of that $200 on the table.

At The Points Guy, we believe that credit cards can significantly enhance your financial life by allowing you to turn everyday spending into valuable rewards. We strive to provide comprehensive editorial content and comparisons to help you find the right card that aligns with your goals.

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By understanding how to maximize the benefits of your Citi Strata Elite Card, you can unlock significant value and enhance your travel and shopping experiences throughout the year.