I Applied For The Citi Strata Premier (Here’s Why)

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

💲 Download MaxRewards: maxrewards.app.link/spencer (Code: SPENCER)

[@kaylingonzalez9309]

i like the old design better

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

Seems like you aren't alone!!

[@kiki_paris4712]

Me too

[@Anthonyjones-pq4ff]

What did the older design look like ??

[@Anthonyjones-pq4ff]

hey Spencer Hope all is well . I apply for the Citi Strata got approve waiting for it . Watched you get approved Good job…

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

@@Anthonyjones-pq4ff Let's go! Congrats on your approval!!

[@jimmyjames6492]

Congrats on the new card 🎈🎉🎊

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

I appreciate you!!

[@KeyKEYadventures]

I think I’m a fan of the old design. More easily identifiable I loved how you explained why you don’t care about hard inquiries but who should care. Thanks for the info !

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

I definitely see where you're coming from. And I'm glad you enjoyed this one! I appreciate your support!!

[@chatanp]

I got my Strata today and while the card is quite visually attractive, it feels like a fake credit card. I've never seen such a different in how nice a card looks, and how cheap it feels

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

That's exactly how I feel too! It's super cheap feeling for sure.

[@WeMade-It-Lindo]

I applied about 20 days ago for tge Strata. Got denied and called their reconsideration line because I had very good credit. They approved me on the phone for the Strata. When the card came on the mail though it was the old design (but on the app it was showing the new design with the same number). Now I am basically using an old Citi Premier but in the app it shows the new Strata Premier design.

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

Congrats on getting that denial turned around! That's rare with Citi. If you like the new design better, you can order a replacement card and that should have the new one on it.

[@CesarJoel]

My Preferred CSP is the Citi Strata Premier, a CSP that we can actually use. Been using the Citi QuaFecta for a couple of months and it earns a lot of points. Loved that you mentioned that we can pay taxes and fees with other cards for the protections, many don’t know that. I like the new design. Thanks for the shoutout mi hermano!🫵 Keep up the the great work, appreciate you!💪

[@davidprettoofficial]

Agreed on your points! Had some higher spend; and got both Chase & Citi CSPs within 10 days of each other. The Strata SUB is easier since it’s such a great earning card! Mark Reeses videos on his new revised setup with Citi ecosystem really has me excited for the underdog of transferable currency programs. Thank You Citi!

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

I don't blame you at all! It's a super solid card. You've been putting people on the Citi ecosystem for quite some time and I definitely see why. Appreciate you helping us all out as always man!

[@TheCreditFrog]

Very nice card Spencer! Super happy that you got approved for the card. Citi is one of those banks that it's really hard to figure out their approval process, but now that you have it, there's that much-needed outlet for the Citi Custom Cash! Too bad that the card is (cheap) plastic. At least you got the Strata Premier when you applied for it (Monty the Card Nerd had a recent funny video about his Strata unboxing experience that's worth checking out 🤣)

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

Thank you brotha! Adding this one now feels really nice as I look at my roadmap going forward. I do wish it was a little better designed for a card with an annual fee, but that's not what matters at the end of the day. I need to check out Monty's vid though!

[@mtnbob]

I applied as well for the CSPr at 1/6, I think Citi lowered the approval standards a bit 😂 Card is probably on the top end right now overall. Thanks for the vid Spencer!

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

Congrats on the approval brotha! I appreciate you watching as always.

[@IkeVoorhies]

15:58 I like the old design much better…

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

I never got to see it in person, but it sounds like that's he consensus here for sure.

[@Anthonyjones-pq4ff]

Now that you showed the difference between both cards I like the old design vs the new one .

[@davidprettoofficial]

Weird data point. Live in Austin and also have the Citi Custom Cash, which has only pulled Equifax for the initial app and all CL requests. But now for the Strata, they prompted me to unfreeze my Experian. I had two very recent inquires, but was still approved

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

Super interesting! Not sure why they change up what bureau they pull from. Thanks for the data point though!

[@isao_the_2nd]

Although, i like what the new strata premier card is offering, for me honestly, I think it would've been nice if Citi also reopened the old prestige mastercard for all customers, especially for new applicants 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

Theoretically they should be bringing out a new card like that soon! But I'm not holding my breath haha.

[@Just_Stevo]

Just booked a 3 night stay in New Orleans through the travel portal. After my $100 credit and the 10x it was cheaper than booking directly with the Hotel. Citi's travel portal isn't great, but in my case it beat both AMEX and the Hotel itself. I booked with cash, It would be a garbage redemption with points.

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

That's awesome to hear man! I'm glad you're getting so much value from the portal even if it isn't the most ideal. Hopefully you'll find some good transfer opportunities in the future though.

[@IkeVoorhies]

Man, my Experian account went from 696 to 745 on Saturday…

[@DJOctober]

Congrats!

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

Dude, let's go! Congrats on that!

[@JuanGarcia-hr1wf]

Congrats Spencer on Citi Strata Premier. I also just recently got approved for Strata Premier with 11K CL

[@evlynlittlejohn371]

Congrats! What was your Fico 8 score when you applied?

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

Thank you Juan! And congrats to you as well! That's big time stuff.

[@johnmckinstry6057]

Great unboxing video! With an interest rate at almost 30%, this is definitely a card that you want to avoid paying interest on. The card does look better in person than the card artwork shown on the internet. However, I still like the old design better than the new design. Now that you have this card, I will be looking forward to seeing your updated credit card roadmap for the remainder of the year! This card is a good complement to the Citi Custom Cash. The Citi Rewards+ card is also good to have with the Citi CSP for the 10% points that you can get back when redeeming Citi ThankYou points.

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

I appreciate you brotha! It seems like you're not alone in liking the old design better. Something about this one seems really lackluster, but the rewards are well worth it. That roadmap video will be coming out this weekend if everything goes to plan, so I hope you enjoy that! I may eventually add more Citi cards down the line, but for now I'm sticking with Chase 🫡

[@JavierMartinezzz]

Hey Spencer! Congrats again on your new card and not sure if you remember my comment on your “watch me apply” video on this card about how I too was going to apply for it. I did get approved with a $6200 credit limit and happy that I was able to get approved! With so much inquiries but banking with them, I feel like you can get approve for any Citi card. 🤝🏽

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

Hey Javier! I appreciate you a ton. That's so great to hear you ended up getting approved! Congats on that, and thanks for following up with me on that. 👊🏼

[@todd_b_az]

old design definitely looked better, great info, thanks!

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

I appreciate you watching!

[@Milkinporsche]

0:50 reminds me of doug demuro.

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

Haha I'll take that as a compliment!

[@OfficialChadsMoneyMinutes]

Congrats on the new pick up bro!

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

I appreciate you brotha!

[@BendermanGSX]

I legit don’t understand why Citi won’t give us a metal card. We are your peeps, give us some metal

[@itsagreatday9765]

Imho the Citi Strata Premier card is the best one and done card for a P2. I added my wife as an AU and it's great because she doesn't want to juggle multiple cards and the earning categories are great. Btw especially with family Travel, Choice is highly underrated transfer partner. Great value there

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

That's honestly a solid take! It covers so many earning categories so well, so if you like the Citi ecosystem, that's a really solid move.

[@sjg6158]

Thanks for the video Sir. Good job.

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

I appreciate you!

[@Peter-kt2gb]

This whole time I thought Odin was your video editor. 😂

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

Hahah he's my producer.

[@canubeleiveit]

I like the old design

[@JakeVanderPloeg]

Congrats on the new card Spencer! Excited to hear your thoughts on the card! Also Mavs or Celtics?

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

I appreciate you brotha! Mavs 100%. Erven though I'm a Spurs fan, I gotta stick with my Texas teams. I appreciate you being here early btw! 🥉

[@JakeVanderPloeg]

@@SpencerJohnsonOfficial I’m in the same boat, it’d be sweet to see the Mavs win another ring

[@pkmachinegun]

Sweet CSP! I prefer the sapphire preferred myself. I get a lot of good value out of it and havnt seen the same value from citi yet.

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

I agree with you on the Sapphire Preferred, but the Strata Premier is definitely necessary if you're someone looking to use your Citi points for travel. Thanks for watching brotha!

[@pkmachinegun]

@@SpencerJohnsonOfficialyou know it! Allegedly that World Elite Concierge is something else.

[@lifewithjon6809]

I like the new design

[@Papiicarlito]

How often do you apply for credit cards

[@DJOctober]

Cesar is the man! Congrats on the card again! Def one I will end up having at some point in 2025 or 2026. I just received my Double Cash in the mail today, it’s my first Citi card! It also took the longest to receive at 10 days. When are you getting the Hyatt’s now? Love your content! - Ivan

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

Cesar's the best! Congrats on your new Double Cash man, that's awesome. I'll talk more about the Hyatt cards in my roadmap video this weekend! I appreciate your support as always brotha.

[@dsanti4069]

Why do people focus on the design and not the features . This is the best card in the game . Who cares if it plastic . Ya have your priorities wrong in life .

[@dream_chaser5879]

I have the Citi Double Cash and the Cap One Venture (the original, not the X) and I’m trying to figure out which to prioritize as my 2x catch all for max travel value (I’m getting the Strata premier soon to have a Citi duo). Would you say Citi’s travel partners are better, or Capital One’s?

[@shawn.credit]

Citi travel portal is overpriced so you spend more and don't break even. I would say Capital One travel is a better deal, if you can work with the prices through Citi and don't mind prices being higher than the Citi duo would work nicely.

[@dream_chaser5879]

I definitely prefer Capital One’s portal, but I meant specifically transferring out to travel partners. I’d like to know which of the two has the stronger partner list.

[@VincentPascual]

@@dream_chaser5879 I think Citi has the stronger of the 2 partner lists. Both Citi and C1 have Turkish Airlines. But Citi also has EVA Air with the 1:1 transfer ratio (C1 only has 2:1.5) and Choice 1:2 (C1 is 1:1). Citi also has one domestic airline partner: JetBlue. However, Citi is missing Aeroplan. As far as 2x on travel, would most of that be foreign transactions? Venture avoids the FTF, but Double Cash has it. Strata Premier would cover airlines and hotels, but not other travel.

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

It honestly just all depends on who you travel with the most. There's no objective answer necessarily, but if one of the lenders has access to a partner that the other doesn't and that partner is valuable to you then technically that lender is "better". I look forward to using both though!

[@jamesyu613]

Looks like a very interesting design

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

It's something, that's for sure!

[@jamesyu613]

@@SpencerJohnsonOfficial I agree

[@QueenConsious]

I just like the World Elite on the back of it just like the Capital One SavorOne Credit Card I got

[@VincentPascual]

I’m considering getting the SavorOne. How do you think Strata Premier compares with SavorOne?

[@QueenConsious]

@@VincentPascual SavorOne doesn’t have an annual fee you get 5% back booking for trips entertainment & 3% back on restaurants grocery stores & streaming 10% back on Uber Eats etc. I got both of them which is ELITE I love Strata they constantly give me 0% interest rates all the time I got 7,000 and my Strata and 6,000 on my SavorOne and I am a BOSS so I treat my associates out to eat sometimes on mines to get that cash back both of them a great credit cards though

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

Congrats on your new card!

[@fogrunr5075]

I'm tthe odds are good that I'll get the top Citi travel card that comes out after the Strata.

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

That'd be nice to see! I'm still not holding my breath though.

[@Xavier_ID.]

Bigger fan of the old design

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

Fair enough!

[@DavidGarciaOfficial]

Do you think you’ll end up with a simple setup for your end game?

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

I definitely see things heading that way over time. But for now, we'll keep the welcome offer hunt alive and well!

[@ovx23]

Twice that I applied for a citi card custom cash and att card I got denied And I also live in texas

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

Citi can be a difficult lender to get approved for, that's for sure! I'm sorry to hear that.

[@druiz012]

I'm a week late! I might have to change course since C1 isnt accepting me... is this still on elevated offer?

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

All good man! To my knowledge this offer is still active so you still have time to consider it.

[@flipevent]

I applied with you on the other video and proferably failed. :( Data point: - I had all my 3 CB's unfrozen - I had applied for a AMEX card in about 24+ hours prior - I got categorically denied in my application (no pending request) The second point is probably what did me in, but that AMEX card was definitely much more of a priority than the Strata. Couldn't be helped I suppose. *shrug* Will call recon when the mail comes in.

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

Aw man, I'm sorry to hear that! Thank you so much for sharing your data points though. That'll definitely help folks out! Good luck with the recon process 🫡

[@flipevent]

@@SpencerJohnsonOfficial Thanks man. :) I did call their recon hotline and while yes, I did get categorically declined (despite my LONG relationship with Citi), they did give me one more piece of insight: - They take a look at "recent credit applications" on a 1-Week and 6-Month basis. So yes, I guess either apply for Citi first, then apply for something that doesn't have that limit. OR, really space it out to over 6 months between cards.

[@dylanschang6386]

All changes were positive EXCEPT the design. Old one was one of the greatest designs ever and this one SUCKS

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

I can see why you'd say that!

[@dylanschang6386]

@@SpencerJohnsonOfficial update - I froze Experian, applied and got instantly denied. guess I just wait and see what the problem was. Probably too many recent accounts. Rip

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

@@dylanschang6386 Interesting. Considering they didn't prompt you to unfreeze Experian and denied you instantly, I imagine that freeze didn't impact anything. You can always try recon!

[@dylanschang6386]

@@SpencerJohnsonOfficial do I need to call recon immediately or wait until I get the email with reasons of denial?

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

@@dylanschang6386 Nope, you can call immediately!

[@SOXGATORS]

😊

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

🫡🥈

[@shawn.credit]

Looks and feels like a toy credit card, for a $95 AF they dropped the ball. The Citi Premier even while plastic looked and felt premium. Rewards are solid but there is no premium look to the physical card, I pc'd mine to the Custom Cash.

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

Dude, yes, I couldn't agree more. It just feels fake almost haha.

[@caribdude8151]

👍

[@AhmadKhwajazada]

First

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

Welcome back sir 👑

[@Sooncity]

Were you able to add the card to your citi app before you received the physical card?

[@chrisoverbey5937]

Content suggestion: talk about velocity. I am now being denied new cards, even with FICO 8 & Vantage3 scores above 800. Too many new accounts, too recent, too many (6) hard pulls in the last year. A lot of content creators chase new card after new card, SUB after SUB, as if there is no risk or downside to doing that.

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

I appreciate the idea! I do my best to cover that in all my roadmap/credit card strategy videos of which I'll be doing more of very soon. Hopefully you find value in those types of videos!