Citi Strata Elite statement credits: How to maximize your benefits

The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card (see rates and fees) splashed onto the premium credit card scene this year as a new option for luxury-minded travelers and people looking to collect more Citi ThankYou Rewards points.

Citi ThankYou Rewards points became more valuable with the addition of American Airlines AAdvantage as a transfer partner. That move made Citi the only card issuer with direct transfers to American Airlines, one of the three largest U.S. airlines.

TPG’s September 2025 valuations place Citi ThankYou Rewards points at 1.9 cents each. The Strata Elite provides excellent earning rates to collect these points, and it packs in more perks to help take the sting out of its high $595 annual fee.

These statement credits can help elevate your travel experience and offset the annual fee, as long as you spend mindfully.

Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know to make the most of these credits.

Overview of Strata Elite credits

Here’s a list of the credits the Strata Elite provides:

These total $820 in first-year value, which more than offsets the Strata Elite’s $595 annual fee. Without the Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, the card provides $700 in annual statement credits.

Past its statement credits, the Strata Elite provides ongoing value with four Admirals Club Citi Strata Elite passes each calendar year, Priority Pass lounge access and access to The Reserve by Citi Travel. You’ll also receive excellent travel and purchase protections.

Related: How long does it take to receive statement credits from Amex, Capital One, Chase and Citi?

Prepaid hotel stays booked with Citi Travel

The Strata Elite‘s most valuable credit provides $300 off a prepaid hotel stay of at least two nights booked through Citi Travel, the issuer’s travel portal.

This is an annual $300 credit, so you can use it all at once.

Plus, you aren’t limited in your hotel selection. You can use this credit on any prepaid stay of at least two nights that’s booked with Citi Travel.

Related: Should you book hotels through Citi Travel?

Splurge

Strata Elite Card holders will receive up to $200 in statement credits on purchases with up to two brands of their choice.

Cardholders have a choice of the following brands:

• 1stDibs (selling luxury art, furniture and jewelry)
• American Airlines
• Best Buy
• Future Personal Training
• Live Nation (event tickets and experiences)

When you go to select merchants for this credit, it’s good practice to select two. Even if you don’t end up making purchases with both brands, you won’t regret being covered in case you make a spur-of-the-moment selection.

This is a unique benefit that can be applied in multiple ways. You can book a flight on American Airlines, buy a new tech product from Best Buy or secure concert tickets with Live Nation and have $200 wiped off your statement annually.

Related: How to use the Citi Strata Elite Splurge credit for up to $200 in annual value

Blacklane

One of the unique statement credits included on the Strata Elite is the $200 annual Blacklane credit, split into two biannual $100 credits (one to use from January through June and another to use from July through December).

Blacklane is a private chauffeur service available in more than 50 countries.

One ride with Blacklane could cost more than $100, so this credit could be easy to use if you value the service.

TPG credit cards writer Danyal Ahmed paid 566 euros ($657) on Blacklane to be driven in a Mercedes-Benz Vito van from Rosewood Schloss Fuschl in Salzburg, Austria, to Munich Airport (MUC). In his experience, Blacklanes are cheaper in Asia or the Middle East, but he suggests considering this credit to be more of a coupon since the service can be expensive.

Related: Things to know before the next time you use a ride-hailing service at the airport

Global Entry/TSA PreCheck

The Strata Elite also provides up to $120 in statement credits every four years toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck applications.

We recommend applying for Global Entry since it also includes a TSA PreCheck membership.

There are multiple Global Entry and TSA PreCheck credit cards on the market, so you may already have a card in your wallet with this perk. Luckily, you can use your statement credit to pay for someone else’s application if you don’t need it.

Related: Which airports accept Global Entry — and why you should get it

Benefits for qualifying Citigold members

The statement credits we’ve discussed so far have been open to anyone who holds the Strata Elite. But there are two more perks that are open to certain cardholders with prior Citi banking relationships.

Qualifying Citigold members are eligible for credits to help offset the Strata Elite’s annual fee.

Here’s what to know:

• Citigold Private Client Relationship Tier credit: If you’re a qualifying Citigold Private Client, you can receive a $595 first-year banking relationship credit and an annual $145 credit each year afterward as long as you have an open Strata Elite Card.
• Citigold Relationship Tier credit: If you’re a qualifying Citigold client, you can receive an annual $145 credit each year as long as you have an open Strata Elite Card.

For qualifying Citigold Private Clients, this is essentially a first-year no-annual-fee deal. Qualifying Citigold Private Clients and qualifying Citigold clients can receive $145 off their annual fee every year.

Related: Best Citi credit cards

Bottom line

If you can maximize the Strata Elite’s statement credits, you’ll receive more than your annual fee back in value.

Plus, new cardholders can earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. You could earn a higher welcome offer of 100,000 bonus points with the same spending requirement if you apply in person at a Citi branch.

And, you’ll earn valuable ThankYou Rewards points every time you swipe the card.

To learn more, read our full review of the Strata Elite.

Apply here: Citi Strata Elite Card