Unlock 80,000 Points with the New Citi Strata Elite Card
The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card has entered the premium travel card market, offering an enticing welcome bonus and a range of benefits for travelers. Launched in July as the successor to the Citi Prestige® Card, this card comes with a $595 annual fee and a limited-time offer that could significantly enhance your travel rewards.
If you’re considering applying for the Citi Strata Elite, the standout feature is its welcome bonus: new cardholders can earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 within the first three months. According to TPG’s July 2025 valuations, these points are worth approximately $1,480. For those willing to visit a Citi retail branch to apply, the bonus jumps to 100,000 points for the same spending requirement—valued at about $1,850.
Understanding your eligibility for this bonus is crucial. Below, we’ll cover the key aspects of the offer and what you need to know before applying.
Welcome Bonus Details
The Citi Strata Elite Card offers two paths to earn bonus points:
1. Online Application: 80,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months.
2. In-Person Application: 100,000 points after the same spending requirement.
The choice between applying online or in person will depend on your willingness to visit a branch, as the in-person offer is significantly more lucrative.
Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, it’s essential to assess your eligibility for the welcome bonus:
– Credit Score: TPG recommends a minimum credit score of 670 for approval. However, applicants with lower scores may still be considered.
– Existing Citi Cards: If you hold other Citi cards and have earned bonuses on them, you can still qualify for the Citi Strata Elite bonus. This includes previous Citi Prestige cardholders.
– Bonus Restrictions: Citi enforces a 48-month waiting period for earning welcome bonuses on its cards. Since the Strata Elite is new, this restriction does not apply to first-time applicants.
Additional Information
Citi does not impose a limit on the number of cards you can hold, but your total credit across all Citi cards may be capped. If you encounter issues with credit limits, a quick call to Citi’s reconsideration line can help you transfer credit from one card to another.
If you’re also interested in a no-annual-fee option, the Citi Rewards+® Card has been rebranded as the Citi Strata℠ Card. New applicants can earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first three months. Notably, you can apply for both the Citi Strata Elite and the Citi Strata, allowing you to maximize your rewards.
Application Guidelines
When applying for Citi cards, keep in mind:
– Application Frequency: You can only apply for one Citi card (personal or business) every eight days and no more than two cards within a 65-day window.
– Bonus Eligibility: If you received a new bonus for a Citi Rewards+ account in the past 48 months, you won’t be eligible for the welcome offer on the new Citi Strata. However, this restriction does not apply to the Citi Strata Elite.
Conclusion
The Citi Strata Elite Card presents a compelling opportunity for frequent travelers to earn significant rewards with minimal restrictions. With a high-value welcome bonus and a suite of travel-related benefits, it could be a valuable addition to your wallet.
If you’re ready to take advantage of this offer, you can learn more and apply for the Citi Strata Elite Card today.
Credit cards can play a transformative role in managing your finances and enhancing your travel experiences. By leveraging everyday spending, you can unlock rewards that make your travel goals more attainable. For more insights and comparisons on credit cards, visit our site and discover the best options tailored to your needs.
