2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for Premium Rewards Credit Cards, and, honestly, I really enjoy seeing competition in this space.
To kick things off, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® has seen a major overhaul, now including a Business version, which is a first for premium business cards. Additionally, American Express is gearing up for its own refresh of the Platinum Card® later this year, and Bilt Rewards is set to introduce three new cards, including some premium options.
If you’re like me and have a fondness for these cards and what they offer, you might be curious about what Citi has in store, especially as other key players compete for a share of the lucrative premium market.
Recent earnings calls from Citi drop hints about their next move.
Citi to Launch a New Premium Rewards Credit Card
By September 30th this year, Citi plans to unveil a new premium credit card, named the Citi Strata Elite, as mentioned during their July 15th revenue call.
This card is expected to join Citi’s lineup aimed at “wealthy customers.” While the annual fee hasn’t been disclosed, it’s safe to assume it will align with other premium offerings.
Although specific benefits are still under wraps, it’s worth noting that this isn’t Citi’s first venture into premium rewards credit cards.
Reflecting on Citi’s Premium Card History
The Citi Prestige® card was another premium card that earned appreciation points but is no longer available to new applicants. It was offered until 2021, and existing cardholders could still hold onto it.
The Prestige card had attractive bonus categories—5 points per dollar on travel and restaurants, along with perks like a free fourth hotel night and $250 annual travel credits. However, compared to other premium contenders like American Express and Chase, its standout features were somewhat limited, especially in terms of lounge access.
What to Look Forward to with Citi’s New Premium Card
I think it would be fantastic to see a competitive welcome bonus with this new card. For context, the Citi Strata Premier® Card currently offers 60,000 points after a $4,000 spend in the first three months, so hopefully, this new card’s bonus will be even better.
Moreover, I appreciate unique bonus categories that set cards apart—it’s just not exciting to see another card offering generic bonus points for everyday expenses.
To justify the annual fee, I’d like to see straightforward and valuable credits that don’t overcomplicate things. No one wants to deal with a “coupon book” approach.
And while I might be asking for a lot, I’d love for them to address some of the gaps left from their last premium offering.
It would be great to see special lounge access or exclusive partnerships that are hard to find anywhere else. Whether it’s a new airport lounge or another benefit, Citi should aim to offer something unique compared to their previous offerings.
Additionally, Citi’s rewards program has some catching up to do, particularly with U.S. airline and hotel partnerships. Currently, the rewards points are valued around 1.85 cents each, and many of their partners also collaborate with other banks.
At one point, Citi partnered with American Airlines, which they highlighted in a recent earnings call. A spokesperson stated back in December 2024 that this partnership would foster expanded loyalty and rewards for both AADVantage® members and Citi cardholders. More details are on the way.
Lastly, having unique hotel benefits or travel perks that aren’t offered by typical premium cards could really help the Citi Strata Elite stand out.
Conclusion
Citi is gearing up to launch the Citi Strata Elite, and while details are limited right now, I’m hopeful that it will carve out a niche in the competitive premium card landscape.
Keep an eye on this space; updates will come as more information surfaces.
