Citi Strata Elite Approval Journey Unveiled

Link: Apply now for the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card

The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card is Citi’s swanky new business card. Though it sports a hefty $595 annual fee, there’s a smorgasbord of reasons to consider picking it up. I took the plunge and am here to spill the beans on my journey.

While this card isn’t the miracle card of your dreams, the welcome offer makes it more than tempting. It’s worth a spin!

Basic Citi Strata Elite Application Restrictions

Picture this: three different personal Citi Strata cards. Besides the Elite, there’s the Citi Strata Premier® Card with a $95 fee, and the fee-free Citi Strata℠ Card. All these cards come with their own perks, and the best part? You can mix and match without missing out on any welcome bonuses. So, your Premier Card won’t stop you from scoring the Elite — not jealous, just liberating.

Take a mental note of Citi’s 48-month rule — a hurdle for getting the welcome bonus if you’ve already bagged one for a similar card in the past four years. It’s a ticking clock not based on when you opened the card, but when you got that bonus.

Also, be mindful of Citi’s general approval rules. In simple terms, you can only nab one Citi card every eight days and no more than two in a tight 65-day window.

Citi Strata Elite Application & Approval Experience

Here’s how you can jump on the Citi Strata Elite train:

• Apply online and snag 80,000 ThankYou points after spending $4,000 in three months
• Stroll into a Citi branch and walk out with an exclusive 100,000 ThankYou points after the same spending requirements

If you’re all about getting the best deal, and a Citi branch is just a hop away, I’d say head there. But if you fancy quick online clicks to support your favorite random blogger, that’s cool too.

As I had a Citi branch down the street, I thought, why not try it in-person? Here’s the lowdown on the dual application processes.

Citi Strata Elite Online Application Basics

Applying online for the Citi Strata Elite is dead easy. It’s just one short page asking for your life’s details — name, date of birth, SSN, and some sundries.

Don’t forget to jot down your American AAdvantage number if you’ve got one because those Admirals Club day passes are a nifty card treat.

Citi Strata Elite In-Branch Application Basics

Each Citi banker is your go-to for the in-person application at a branch. I’ve had some hit-or-miss encounters trying to book spotty in-branch appointments, or even getting a Citi branch to pick up the phone in the first place.

To my pleasant surprise, a banker did answer and was super available. Ten minutes in and out. But, social security numbers being tossed around vocally? Odd. Hello, privacy keypad, your cue! Also, try not to fall into the clutches of awkward small talk, or you might find yourself wishing to exchange small talk annoyance for a point deduction.

“Where’s your surname from?”
“German.”
“Oh, any German blood?”
“Yup, parents and relatives still there.”
“Germany’s beautiful.”
“Yes, been?”
“No, but this country’s the bee’s knees, right?”

Let’s proceed, shall we? Following some chit-chat, my application was approved, blessed with a tiny credit line. They failed to ask about my AAdvantage number. Now I’m stuck juggling phone calls because I received a new AAdvantage account email, and nobody buzzes for more accounts, right?

My Long Term Citi Strata Elite Strategy

So I’ve got my hands on the Citi Strata Elite. What’s my game plan? Pretty decent card while the math doesn’t blow your socks off (those tend to get axed quickly). Try this card on; cruise about with the warm welcome offer.

The annual fee is $595, but as a Citigold member, I enjoy a $145 reduction, bringing it down to $450.

The annual $200 “Splurge” credit is as good as gold — buy American Airlines tickets. It’s a calendar-year gift; deliciously rewarding during your card’s first fee phase.

But wait, more credits await:

• Up to $300 hotel credit annually, usable if your accommodations surpass two nights through Citi Travel—easy to milk if you play it right.
• Up to $200 Blacklane credit annually, released bi-annually — Blacklane might be pricier than other options — a future reevaluation is needed to see if it floats your boat.

Additionally, there’s Priority Pass and four American Admirals Club passes, which might tickle some fancy. But for me, I’ve got that covered elsewhere, so the added value is grounded.

Bottom Line

The Citi Strata Elite brings a new zing to Citi’s portfolio. Enticing welcome bonuses, and the perks aren’t half bad. With Citi ThankYou points now partners-in-crime with American AAdvantage, you can turn your spending into American miles, including that glorious welcome bonus.

If this card whispers to you, eligibility isn’t confined by existing Citi affiliations. A card lots of folks can call their own.

If you’ve embarked on the Citi Strata Elite endeavor, I’d love to hear your scoop!