Amex EveryDay vs. Citi Strata: No-Fee Cards with Rewarding Points
The Amex EveryDay® Credit Card from American Express (currently unavailable for new applicants) is a notable no-annual-fee option among the brand’s offerings. Although it lacks some of the premium features found in other American Express cards, it earns transferable Membership Rewards points, alongside category and transaction bonuses that can enhance your earning potential.
In comparison, the Citi Strata℠ Card (see rates and fees) is another strong contender in the no-annual-fee category. It earns bonus Citi ThankYou points on purchases made at supermarkets and gas stations, as well as in a self-select category. While points can be transferred to Citi’s travel partners, the transfer ratio is less favorable than that of some competitors.
Here’s a breakdown of how these two cards compare:
Welcome Offers and Initial Bonuses
As the Amex EveryDay is no longer available to new applicants, it does not offer a welcome bonus. On the other hand, new Citi Strata cardholders can earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 within the first three months. This bonus is valued at approximately $570 based on TPG’s August 2025 valuations, making the Citi Strata the clear winner in this category.
Benefits and Protections
The Amex EveryDay provides standard benefits, including car rental loss and damage insurance, access to the Global Assist Hotline, and participation in the Membership Rewards program. Additionally, cardholders can utilize the Pay with Points feature for travel bookings.
In contrast, the Citi Strata lacks some of the robust benefits of its more premium counterparts, such as statement credits or travel protections. However, it does offer access to Citi Entertainment, which can help you secure concert tickets, as well as Mastercard® ID Theft Protection and $0 liability protection.
When it comes to benefits, the Amex EveryDay takes the lead by offering more comprehensive travel protections and rewards options.
Earning Potential
Both cards feature straightforward earning structures, but their categories differ significantly. The Amex EveryDay allows cardholders to earn points on everyday purchases and provides a 20% bonus on points when using the card for 20 or more transactions in a billing period. However, it caps grocery category spending at $6,000 annually and lacks additional bonus categories.
The Citi Strata excels in everyday spending categories, offering unlimited earnings at supermarkets, gas stations, and a self-select category. This flexibility makes it a more appealing choice for those who want to maximize their rewards across a broader range of purchases.
Redemption Options
When it comes to redeeming points, the Amex EveryDay allows for travel bookings through Amex Travel, gift card purchases, or Amazon transactions at a rate of up to 1 cent per point. However, maximum value is typically achieved when redeeming points for travel through Amex’s airline and hotel partners.
Citi Strata points can be redeemed for travel at 1 cent each in the Citi Travel portal, for gift cards at a similar rate, or for purchases at Amazon and Best Buy at a lower rate of 0.8 cents per point. Cash back options are available but yield only 0.5 cents per point. While both cards offer valuable redemption options, the Amex EveryDay tends to provide better value overall.
Transferability of Points
Both cards allow for point transfers to travel partners, with each issuer boasting a list of around 20 airline and hotel partners. Amex points can be transferred to several popular U.S.-based programs, such as Delta SkyMiles and JetBlue TrueBlue, often providing significant value when leveraged with international airline programs.
Citi points can also be transferred, though most partners operate at a less favorable ratio of 1:0.7. However, if you hold another Citi card, like the Citi Strata Premier® Card, you can combine points and transfer them at a 1:1 ratio, enhancing their value.
In this area, Amex points have a slight edge due to the more favorable transfer ratios and the ability to transfer points without needing another card.
Final Thoughts
When deciding between the Amex EveryDay and the Citi Strata, consider your spending habits and the categories where you spend the most. The Citi Strata offers solid value and interesting category bonuses, making it a versatile option for everyday purchases. If you don’t plan on using the Amex EveryDay frequently enough to benefit from its transaction bonus, the Citi Strata is likely the better choice.
Ultimately, with the Amex EveryDay no longer available for new applicants, the Citi Strata emerges as a strong contender for those looking to earn valuable ThankYou points without an annual fee.
For further insights, be sure to explore our full reviews of the Amex EveryDay and Citi Strata cards.
The Points Guy believes that credit cards can significantly enhance your lifestyle by turning everyday spending into travel experiences or cash back rewards. We strive to provide comprehensive analyses and comparisons to help you select the credit card that aligns with your financial goals.
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