Citi Strata Premier® Card

• $100 Annual Hotel Benefit: Once per calendar year, enjoy $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) when booked through CitiTravel.com. Benefit applied instantly at time of booking.
• Travel insurance protection: Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption (Common Carrier), Trip Delay, Lost or Damaged Luggage, MasterRental Coverage (Car Rental)
• No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
• No foreign transaction fees

When it comes to Citi ThankYou points the best way to maximize your points is to redeem them with travel.

[.dontreco] We don’t recommend: Redeeming points for statement credits or cash back [.dontreco]

While it’s possible to use your points for statement credits or cash back, the value per point is generally lower compared to other redemption options. You’ll get more value by using your points for travel or gift cards.

[.sometimesreco] We sometimes recommend: Redeeming points for gift cards [.sometimesreco]

Redeeming points for gift cards can offer decent value, especially if you can catch promotions that boost the redemption rate. However, it’s important to compare the value you’re getting to ensure you’re making the most of your points.

[.alwaysreco] We always recommend: Transferring points to airline partners [.alwaysreco]

The best value often comes from transferring points to Citi’s airline partners. This can provide significant savings on flights, especially for international travel or premium cabin bookings. Keep an eye on transfer bonuses to maximize your points even further.

But how can I actually transfer my Citi ThankYou points?

Transferring your ThankYou points is a super simple process. Simply log in to your Citi account and click on “points” in the top right corner. Then, you’ll see three dots on the top of the screen. Click those and select “transfer points to partners.” From there, you’ll be able to view any bonuses and available transfer options. Let the travel commence!

Oh yeah, did we mention that the Strata Premier has possibly the best list of transfer partners in the world? In case you need convincing, here’s that list:

1. The Miles and Points Guru

For frequent travelers, the Strata Premier offers unmatched value and versatility. Earning 3x points on air travel and hotels means you can accumulate points pretty quickly on your travel expenses. The ability to transfer ThankYou® Points to Citi’s airline partners opens up opportunities for valuable redemptions, often providing more value than using points for other purposes. Plus, the lack of foreign transaction fees makes this card an ideal companion for international trips. With travel protections like trip cancellation and interruption insurance, as well as car rental insurance, this card has your back. If you’re into playing the miles and points game, holding the Strata Premier could open up some different point transfer opportunities for a very small fee.

1. The Everyday Spender

If your daily routine includes frequent trips to supermarkets, restaurants, and gas stations, the Strata Premier could be perfect for you. With 3x points on these categories, you can quickly rack up ThankYou® Points on your everyday expenses. Whether you’re grocery shopping, dining out, or fueling up, this card rewards you very nicely for your spending. Plus, the flexibility of the ThankYou® Rewards program means you can redeem points in a way that best suits your needs, whether for travel, gift cards, or cash back.

Here’s a good rule of thumb: You probably shouldn’t own a credit card if you: (1) have a bad credit score, (2) are a non-U.S. resident (for this particular card), and (3) cannot control your spending. If your credit score is low, you'll need to improve it before applying for travel credit cards, as approval for the best ones, like the Strata Premier, is unlikely. Be honest with yourself: if a new credit card will tempt you to overspend, it's best to avoid it. Credit cards are crucial for earning miles and points, but they require responsible use.

A good to excellent credit score is recommended for the Citi Premier® Card. If you have a strong credit history and are ready to commit to a versatile rewards card, this could be a great fit.