City Introduces the Citi Strata Elite Card

City has launched the Citi Strata Elite Card, which includes premium rewards along with attractive bonuses for certain categories and several noteworthy benefits.

Notably, the card includes exclusive dining, lifestyle, and travel perks through the newly established Premium Tier. This card is distinguished as the first “World Legend Mastercard” and one of the premier options from MasterCard, which is stepping up to compete with Visa.

Let’s dive into the perks of the World Legend MasterCard and see how cardholders can truly benefit from them.

Understanding World Legend MasterCard

The World Legend MasterCard is a new addition to the Mastercard lineup. Here’s a quick rank from the least to the most premium:

• World Mastercard
• World Elite Mastercard
• World Legend Mastercard

The World Elite MasterCard is well-known and includes cards like Citi StrataPremier® and Chase FreedomFlex®.

This new World Legend MasterCard program is designed to rival the Visa Infinite and provides cardholders various perks along with potential statement credits. Currently, the Citi Strata Elite is the only card in this exclusive tier, but more options are likely to emerge in the future.

Perks of World Legend Mastercard

The benefits of the World Legend Mastercard can generally be categorized into partner benefits and those offered directly by MasterCard. To get the most out of these, cardholders often need to register with certain merchants or utilize their Citi Strata Elite card for purchases.

Alo Discounts

Cardholders can enjoy discounts and other advantages with Alo, receiving up to a 50% off mobile membership as well as bonus points through Alo Access, their loyalty program. There’s also a one-time 20% discount on Alo Gear and Wellness products, valid until September 30th, 2025. This is a solid perk, especially if one is interested in athletic wear, but might not appeal to everyone.

Booking.com Savings

By using this card, holders can earn up to a 7% discount on prepaid stays booked through Booking.com, available until September 30th, 2025. While it’s not a groundbreaking benefit, it can yield some savings on accommodations if you pay with the card at checkout.

However, be aware that using online travel agencies may mean missing out on earning hotel loyalty points, which is sometimes a drawback.

HealthLock Membership

World Legend MasterCard holders can register for HealthLock at no cost, which includes a 90-day trial of all HealthLock services without a monthly fee. Just visit the HealthLock website and enter your Citi Strata Elite Card number to set it up.

Instacart+ and Statement Credits

Cardholders can also take advantage of a three-month free trial of Instacart+, along with a $10 statement credit for their second qualifying Instacart purchase each month, valid until January 31, 2027. This can bring savings on grocery expenses.

Lyft Discounts

After completing three rides in a month, users will earn $5 credits in Lyft. Additionally, there’s a 10% discount on scheduled rides to US airports, provided payments are made using the Citi Strata Elite Card. The offer is valid until January 31, 2026.

Transit Benefits

The card also offers transit perks, granting cardholders a $2.50 statement credit for spending over $10 monthly on select transit systems. Participating cities include Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington DC. However, some notable transit systems are not covered.

Peacock Subscription Credit

A bonus for Citi Strata Elite cardholders is the Peacock subscription credit, which allows for a $5 or $3 monthly credit depending on the subscription level until December 31, 2025. While this does lower the monthly fee, it doesn’t fully cover streaming costs, unlike some competitor offerings.

Priority Pass Membership

With the World Legend MasterCard, not only do primary cardholders get complimentary access to Priority Pass lounges, but they can also bring up to two guests. There are additional dining and retail perks available in airport terminals, although the competition here is tough.

ResortPass Benefits

For those looking to enjoy resort amenities, using your qualifying card can earn a $30 statement credit on ResortPass reservations of $200 or more until September 30th, 2025. This can be a neat way to explore different amenities, though the spending threshold may deter some.

Soho Friends Membership

World Legend Mastercard holders get a complimentary year of Soho Friends, allowing access to all Soho House locations globally. Perks include discounts and upgrades, making this one of the standout benefits of the card.

Direct Benefits of World Legend Mastercard

MasterCard provides several direct benefits for Citi Strata Elite cardholders, including:

• Global Emergency Services: For assistance with lost or stolen cards, call 1-800-MasterCard.
• Concierge Service: A 24/7 concierge service to assist with dining reservations and unique experiences.
• Golf Benefits: Access to PGA Tour experiences.
• ID Theft Protection: Monitoring of credit reports for suspicious activities.
• Travel Rewards: Cashback rewards across multiple countries.
• Zero Liability: Protection against unauthorized use.
• Exclusive Experiences: Access to special events and offers.

Conclusion

The Citi Strata Elite card represents the entry of the World Legend Mastercard tier, offering notable benefits like priority passes and unique experiences. However, it’s important to keep in mind that many perks come with expiration dates or specific conditions. If you’re considering applying, it’s wise to start making the most of these advantages immediately.