New Citi Strata Card: Everything You Need to Know About the No Annual Fee Rewards Card

ThankYou Points: Redemption Options and Value

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Flexible Redemption Choices

ThankYou points earned with the Citi Strata Card can be redeemed for:

• Cash back (1 cent per point)
• Gift cards
• Statement credits
• Travel bookings through select partners

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Travel Transfer Partners

While more limited than premium Citi cards, the Strata Card allows point transfers to:

• Choice Privileges
• JetBlue TrueBlue
• Wyndham Rewards

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Note: Access to Citi’s full roster of travel partners requires the Citi Strata Premier® Card or Citi Prestige Card.

Meet the Citi Strata Premier Card: The Premium Option

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While the regular Citi Strata Card offers excellent value with no annual fee, Citi also offers the Citi Strata Premier® Card for those seeking enhanced benefits and broader redemption options.

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Key Differences from the Regular Strata Card

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Which Strata Card Should You Choose?

Choose the Regular Citi Strata Card if:

• You want to avoid annual fees
• You’re satisfied with basic travel transfer partners (Choice, JetBlue, Wyndham)
• You primarily redeem for cash back or gift cards
• You’re new to rewards credit cards

Consider the Citi Strata Premier Card if:

• You’re willing to pay a $99 annual fee for more benefits
• You want access to Citi’s full transfer partner network
• You frequently book premium travel
• You’re an experienced rewards maximizer

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Strategic Tip: Many cardholders find value in holding both cards together, using the no-fee Strata for everyday spending and the Premier for its enhanced redemption options and transfer partners.

What’s Different from the Citi Rewards+ Card?

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Improvements in the New Card

• Higher earning rates across multiple categories
• More flexible bonus categories with the self-select option
• Competitive welcome bonus for new cardholders
• Longer 0% intro APR period

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Features Not Continued

The Citi Strata Card will not include some unique features from the Rewards+ Card:

• 10% points bonus on the first 100,000 points redeemed annually
• Automatic rewards "roundup" to nearest 10 points per purchase

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Exception: Cardholders who opened a Citi Rewards+ Card between July 20, 2024, and July 19, 2025, will retain these bonus features until July 19, 2026.

Who Should Consider the Citi Strata Card?

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Ideal Candidates

• Everyday spenders who shop regularly at supermarkets and restaurants
• Commuters who spend significantly on gas or public transit
• Flexible spenders who want to optimize different categories quarterly
• Balance transfer seekers looking for an extended 0% intro APR period
• Domestic travelers who book through travel portals for maximum points
• No annual fee enthusiasts who want premium rewards without yearly costs

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Not Ideal For

• International travelers due to 3% foreign transaction fees
• Premium travel seekers who need full transfer partner access
• High-spend travelers who could benefit from premium card protections

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Comparison with Other No Annual Fee Cards

The Citi Strata Card stands out in the competitive no-annual-fee space by offering:

• Multiple earning categories (most no-fee cards offer 1-2 categories)
• Quarterly flexible self-select bonus category (unique feature)
• Strong welcome bonus (competitive with premium cards)

Compared to similar cards:

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How to Maximize Your Citi Strata Card Rewards

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Strategic Category Selection

Quarterly Optimization: Since you can change your self-select 3x category each quarter, plan ahead based on your seasonal spending patterns:

• Q1 (Jan-Mar): Consider fitness clubs if you have New Year gym memberships
• Q2 (Apr-Jun): Pet supplies might work well for spring/summer pet care
• Q3 (Jul-Sep): Streaming services could be ideal for summer entertainment
• Q4 (Oct-Dec): Live entertainment for holiday events and activities

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Optimize Your Spending

• Maximize 5x earnings by booking all travel through cititravel.com
• Use for all supermarket and restaurant purchases to earn 3x and 2x respectively
• Strategic gas station usage for 3x points on fuel and EV charging
• Time balance transfers during the 15-month 0% intro period
• Avoid international use due to 3% foreign transaction fees

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Building a Citi Portfolio

Consider pairing the Citi Strata Card with:

• Citi Double Cash® Card for cash back on non-bonus categories
• Citi Custom Cash® Card for  cash back in your top spending category

• Citi Strata Premier Card if you need premium travel benefits

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Timeline and Application Process

Important Dates:

• April 2025: Citi Rewards+ Card closed to new applicants
• July 20, 2025: Existing cardholders automatically upgraded
• Late 2025: New applications open to the public

Important Update: Cash Back Devaluation for Premium Cards

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Breaking News (May 2025): Citi has announced a significant change that affects holders of the Citi Strata Premier® Card and Citi Prestige cards. Starting August 24, 2025, cash back redemptions for these premium cards will be reduced from 1 cent per point to just 0.75 cents per point.

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What This Means for Cardholders

Cards Affected:

• Citi Strata Premier Card
• Citi Prestige Card

The Change:

• Current Value: 10,000 ThankYou points = $100 cash back
• New Value (8/24/25): 10,000 ThankYou points = $75 cash back

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Confirmed Workaround

Good News: This devaluation has a workaround. According to Dan's Deals confirmation with Citi, the reduced redemption rate will only apply if you hold a Strata Premier or Prestige card as your only Citi cards (aside from co-branded cards).

How to Maintain 1¢ Per Point Value:

• Hold a Citi Double Cash Card alongside your premium card
• Hold a Citi Custom Cash Card alongside your premium card
• Link your ThankYou points accounts together

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Impact on the Regular Citi Strata Card

Important: This devaluation does not affect the regular Citi Strata Card discussed in this article. The no annual fee Citi Strata Card maintains its 1 cent per point cash back value.

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Strategic Implications

This change reinforces the importance of:

• Building a Citi card portfolio rather than holding just one premium card
• Considering travel redemptions which typically offer better value than cash back
• Acting before August 23, 2025 if you plan to cash out existing points at the current rate

Bottom Line: Is the Citi Strata Card Worth It?

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The Citi Strata Card represents a significant upgrade from its predecessor, offering enhanced rewards, a competitive welcome bonus, and valuable intro APR benefits – all with no annual fee. The flexible self-select category and multiple 3x earning opportunities make it a strong contender in the no annual fee rewards card space.

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For existing Citi Rewards+ cardholders, the automatic upgrade brings immediate benefits. For prospective applicants, the late 2025 launch provides an opportunity to secure a well-rounded rewards card that balances earning potential with accessibility.

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Key Takeaway: The Citi Strata Card successfully modernizes Citi’s no annual fee offering, providing enhanced value for everyday spending while maintaining the accessibility that made its predecessor popular.