Citi Strata Card Unveils: Say Goodbye to Annual Fees

In a twist that no one saw coming (or maybe you did if you’re the type to read between the corporate lines), Citi is jazzing up their credit card lineup with the new Citi Strata Card. Think of it as the cooler, younger sibling of the now-defunct Citi Rewards+ Card. It’s all about stripping those pesky annual fees while offering a snazzier rewards structure. Let’s dive into the basics.

All About the Citi Strata Card Basics

Picture this: Just weeks ago, the Citi Rewards+ Card bids us adieu, making way for its successor, the Citi Strata Card. While current holders of the Citi Rewards+ will be seamlessly migrated over by July 20, 2025, new seekers of plastic magic can apply before year’s end. Citi, ever so thoughtful, has designed this card with simplicity, flexibility, and value at its core. It’s offering some tantalizing rewards:

• 5x ThankYou points on hotel stays, car rentals, and attractions when booked via cititravel.com
• 3x ThankYou points at your local supermarket, select transit options, and those convenient gas and EV charging stations
• 3x ThankYou points on a favored self-select category just for you
• 2x ThankYou points when dining out
• 1x ThankYou points on pretty much anything else your heart desires

And about that customizable category? Choices, choices, choices! You can indulge in categories such as:

• Fitness hubs
• Your favorite streaming binge services
• Live music or theater events
• Pamper your pet at supply stores
• Get glam at cosmetic, barber, or hair salons

However, like anything spicy in finance, there’s a catch. These awesome ThankYou points? They’ll need the company of a premium card (that flaunts a seemingly modest annual fee of $95) to hang out with most Citi ThankYou transfer partners.

Old Meet New: Strata vs. Rewards+

So, how does this shiny Strata Card stack up against its predecessor? For starters, the reward rhythms have had quite the makeover. Where the Citi Rewards+ Card offered:

• 2x ThankYou points on supermarkets and gas stations for the first $6,000 annually (1x after that)
• Rounding up purchases to the nearest 10 points
• A 10% rebate on points for the first 100,000 ThankYou points redeemed each year

The Citi Strata Card, in comparison, feels like comparing apples to particularly generous oranges. Better bonus vibes versus those stylish perks? It’s a tough call. But hey, choice or not, existing holders will find themselves on the Strata wave soon enough.

The Rise of the Citi Strata Family

Jumping beyond just the news of a card swap, we’re heading into what feels like a promising chapter in Citi’s saga. The launch of the Strata Card isn’t a standalone feature; it’s chapter one of Citi’s efforts to embellish a tangible “family” of cards under the Strata banner. With the already known Citi Strata Premier Card hanging out with its $95 annual fee, rumors abounded of a premium spin called the Strata Elite.

Although a crystal ball’s not handy right now, the signs all point toward further expansions in the Strata collection, maybe even a business card in the mix. The anticipation is almost as thrilling as a trip to Val Seny ski resort.

Wrapping it All Up

As the curtain rises on the Citi Strata Card later this year, replacing the beloved Citi Rewards+, there’s a bittersweet note for some, sure. But its broad appeal, mixed with no annual fees, feels like a win-win. Here’s crossing fingers for a premium version to shake things up even more. Consistent branding is worth its weight in gold – or at least a heap of ThankYou points. Here’s hoping the show continues with exciting surprises around the corner!

So, what’s your take on the Citi Strata Card?