NEW Citi Strata Premier Review: Worth $95?! Chase Sapphire Preferred Competitor?

💳 Sebby's Card Picks: www.asksebby.com/go/cardpicks Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure.
Timeline
0:00 Start Here
0:21 Citi Strata Premier Overview
1:29 Downgrade Options
3:02 Who Should Get This Card
4:54 $100 Hotel Credit
7:03 Travel Insurance Benefits
7:51 Transfer Partners
---------------------------------------------
Securely browse the internet:
🦈 83% Off + 3 Months Free VPN Deal: surfshark.deals/ASKSEBBY
Free Stocks & 💸:
📈 Get Free Stocks on Moomoo when you deposit $100 (limited time offer): www.asksebby.com/moomoo
📈 Get 2 Free Stocks on WeBull when you deposit $100 (limited time offer): bit.ly/AskWeBull
🛍️ Get a $20 Bonus after spending $20 at Rakuten: www.asksebby.com/rakuten
🎥 My Entire KZbin Camera and Recording Equipment: www.amazon.com/shop/asksebby?...
---------------------------------------------
Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which AskSebby will earn an affiliate commission or referral bonus. AskSebby is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers.
The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available
-----------------------------
Follow us for updates:
KZbin Subscribe: bit.ly/subscribeasksebby
Newsletter: www.asksebby.com/newsletter
Instagram: / asksebby
Mandy's KZbin: / mandyroams
Mandy's Instagram: / mandyroams

[@AskSebby]

Citi Strata Premier Calculator: www.asksebby.com/credit-card-reviews/citi-premier-card

[@bobsmith8077]

There's a great exchange in an early episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm between Larry and Ted Danson involving Larry giving Ted a shirt as a gift but the shirt is ripped and needs tailoring. To paraphrase Ted's response to Larry, the Citi Strata hotel credit isn't a $100 gift, it's a bill for $400.

[@felipeg9408]

Thanks Sebby, as always great content! With the new cards from BofA and Citi, it would be great to see a mid-tier card shoot-out video between the major issuers.

[@karenynyc2111]

🎉Thank you for the deets!! I had the Citi Thank You card and literally just got a letter notifying me of this new card… which I had no clue if anything changed! 😂😅😅 🥊

[@johmdamico9506]

Great video, thank you. 🥊

[@Droopytown]

Congrats on 300k, well deserved for one of the KZbin Credit Card OGs

[@AskSebby]

Thank you! :)

[@MontyTheCardNerd]

"What you're probably thinking" ... haha that cracked me up. Great overview Sebby!

[@BuiltNutritionFitness]

Me too 😂😂

[@AskSebby]

😉

[@hammiusa1]

I applied at 9 PM last night and was approved! I thought I’ll be denied because I got approved for seven personal and four business cards in the last 12 months 😅😅😅

[@hannibal5696]

They are more approval happy at the beginning of card releases

[@MarcoZachskorn]

Great video. I didn't know that the 3x on Supermarkets works globally :D Do u know if this is the same for the 3x on Restaurants for the Sapphire Preferred? I really like ur channel!

[@sumnerjohnston8121]

Great video! Considering adding the Strata Premier. Also don’t forget about Choice Hotels and they 1:2 transfer rate 🥊

[@AskSebby]

Any good use cases you like for Choice? :)

[@lysll5647]

🥊 Thanks for outlining the points about this revamped card. I was already thinking to get it when it was just the Premier due to one of your other videos about the Citi tri-fecta. I have the Citi Custom Cash (and aCiti AAdvantage but that doesn't affect this) which I only use for 5X on groceries every month. I'd use the Premier to pick up where that one leaves off, usually have a week's worth of shopping left, after reaching $500, for feeding a family of 5. Not interested in the hotel credit or booking on Citi Travel. BUT I am wanting to transfer my TY points from the CC card and add in w/ the Strata points to finally transfer to an airline. After my CapOne Venture X, this set up would be the second biggest earner and looking forward to using the points from all cards to fly back to Europe.

[@TheStallion234]

I’ve had the Citi Premier for years and it really is an amazing workhorse card. I also combine it with the Custom and Double Cash cards to complete the Trifecta

[@flubberghosted2472]

🥊 good vid, considering this card during elevated bonus period 🤔

[@Exodias2000]

Sebby, can you get the strata premier card and get the elite when it comes out? Do you think you will be able to collect both bonuses? Thanks so much. Love the channel

[@JohnPavlish]

🥊 will the insurance cover primary car rental insurance? It’s very similar to the chase preferred with a similar hotel credit. The credit basically covers taxes and feee of the $500 stay.

[@comment5884]

What if you had the premier card within the last 48 months? Will one get declined for this card? Did you mention this, and i missed this?

[@Milkinporsche]

Did citi rename the card so the abbreviation is CSP, on purpose?😮

[@AskSebby]

Haha, good catch!

[@mcr754]

ty sebby. great as always. what do you think about the rumored citi strata elite? is it for real? if i get this card, will that shut me out of any sub the elite might have?

[@AskSebby]

Strata Elite = I think so; feels logical to me. Intro bonus = Crystal ball but I would guess no. Main reason being that they got rid of the "1 TY family" rule recently.

[@Frostyrnb77]

great video as usual Seb. Question though, didn't Citi get rid of the 24 month anti churning rule for the TY family cards? I recently got approved for the Strata and I'm seeing only the bonus anti rule only applying to previous Premier and Strata???

[@AskSebby]

Yep! It's back to per card :)

[@HerkDriver37]

Can you do a video about yotta (the bank you endorsed) not allowing people to withdraw money?

[@DoYouTakeCards]

Auto camping in Cape Cod comes with a butler, right?

[@Rt23590]

I want to apply for the card but just applied for 2 cc within the last month. Would it be better to wait than to risk the odds of being declined?

[@creditnomad]

I got the Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless back on February 4th. So next year on February 5th 2025 I should be good to go for product change to Ritz Carlton right? Or do I have to wait for around February 20ish for the annual fee to post? Also the Ritz Carlton Free Night Award is based on the card anniversary date. So does that mean I won't be getting the Free Night on that first year for that card? If that is the case shouldn't I just wait until January of 2026 to product change?

[@fruitasticmanic1306]

I'm going with the Premier over the Sapphire simply for the 3 x back on groceries. Plus you get 3 x back on travel and hotel without having to use the portal.

[@kaylashoemaker7897]

Same. Chase not having a reliable groceries category is the main reason I'm not all-in. I'm always denied at C1 so looks like Citi will be my new ecosystem

[@LoopyChew]

CSR does hotel and travel without the portal, too, but I suppose you're comparing against the CSP, which I don't know about.

[@Mikeandnattravel]

@@kaylashoemaker7897what would be a good citi card to go with this card ?

[@AR-md1zq]

Yeah I am downgrading to Citi ATT before my renewal to keep the 3% gas benefit. Wanna get the CSP

[@shawn.credit]

Interesting didn’t know the ATT was a downgrade path.

[@jeohvanydelgado7125]

I loved how you addressed the couples bed 😂😂😂

[@Bradzn200]

Love the citi trifecta. And now it’s even better! Feel like it’s a bit under appreciated. Here’s how I use it & it’s the only 3 cards I really need. Premier - 3% Flights, hotels, dining, grocery Custom Cash - 5% on one category, I use this as my dedicated gas card Double cash - 2% catch all card

[@AskSebby]

It's one of the best "set it and forget it" type of cards (and setups!).

[@charliedurham4248]

good card, but i have too much overlap. doesn't incrementally add anything to my lineup.

[@ByronChou17]

🥊 nice video

[@elreypadrote]

Also worth noting the 10x on hotels through the portal can help support the booking through the portal to take advantage of the $100 credit 🆚 other booking options…just have to do the math and see if it’s worth it.

[@AskSebby]

Good point!

[@stevemortenson1610]

FYI: The Strata can be upgraded to the PRESTIGE by calling the number on the back of Strata to determine eligibility. (according to Citi's website)

[@ryanshannon6963]

I'll have to look into that. I have the Citi Premier and been receiving emails that it's going to be rebranded as Strata. I wonder if it's only through Strata or if Premier can be upgraded to Prestige through PC.

[@stevemortenson1610]

Yes, look in to it, and let us all know how it goes --- maybe with some criteria that they are looking at for the conversion.

[@AskSebby]

Citi's FAQ was a mistake :( frequentmiler.com/can-you-upgrade-to-the-citi-prestige-should-you/ "Update: A Citi spokesperson has reached out to let us know that the the FAQ question is an error. Citi Prestige is not open for acquisitions and Citi cardmembers cannot be upgraded into it."

[@stevemortenson1610]

Haha, I can believe it -- Citi's intention is probably not to introduce a new card just to dwindle the initial sign-up numbers with people switching it to something else. People may be disappointed if the website's information is in error. But, without some improvements, the Prestige in it's current form wouldn't be enough to interest me right now. My overall ethos for life in general is that money talks, and even without loads of money, most anything is possible. If you really want something, there is an honest way to achieve it. There are often different sets of rules employed simultaneously, so seek more favorable contract terms; rules are not always as set-in-stone as people often accept when you have a compelling argument that is convincing enough to open doors, so I sometimes I get told, "No", but I always try if I really want something.

[@ryanshannon6963]

@@AskSebby #CopyPastaVictims Was mulling downgrade paths for my current Premier but this makes it easier knowing it's not possible. Thanks for the update, sir!

[@shadowblade232]

With Citi returning to the ring, the Chase Sapphire Preferred needs a refresh now - a real grocery category at least, maybe add gas/EV too and bump travel to 3x. Otherwise the Citi trifecta curb stomps the Chase trifecta in organic spending earn rates 🤷‍♂️. (In before boohoo but mah Hyatt).

[@cameron10638]

Thinking about getting this card as my 2 of 3 for the citi trifecta, first being double cash (3 months ago). Experian is 735, oldest card was opened 16 months ago. Also have been banking with citi for a year to get brownie points. Do you think I have a decent chance? I hope they will be more approval happy with a freshly launched card.

[@shawn.credit]

Shouldn’t be an issue with low inquiries!

[@ayman.ibrahim]

Great Card IF you can use the $100 Hotel credit annually! If not I think it's not worth it.

[@ericwatson785]

Thanks Sebby! 🥊 Do you by chance know the terms of trip delay? I know it is 6 hours, but not sure of the rules. Currently I use the reserve for flights but I’m wondering how this card compares?

[@RSquared-travel-rewards]

6hrs or more. That's elite!

[@ericwatson785]

@@RSquared-travel-rewards yeah I know, but it might have rules. Meaning it might have to be paid for with cash, and would have to be a round trip. Depends on the card. The reserve is great because it doesn’t matter how you purchased the tickets

[@lewis20002000]

Now that I am in the end game, I am pretty much sticking with Chase, Amex with a sprinkling of Bilt.

[@FoodiesFoodLife]

Hi Sebby, can you transfer points on the Citi Preferred Card to the New Citi Stata Premier. My father just told me he has 300,000 on his Citi Peferred... I said..OMG.

[@mao-hsinshen9384]

🥊 I still remember Sebby was so upset when Citi removed all their Travel Protections few years ago! I already have the Citi-Double Cash & Custom Cash but missed the 80K last year. I planned to use your referral link but somehow only 70K so (SORRY) have to get the 75K SUB one.

[@AskSebby]

It's funny because we're finally editing through that footage on the Mandy Roams channel right now LOL. Yeah, definitely go for the 75k :) IHG one first if you're curious: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHW2i3pqaclsock&ab_channel=MandyRoams

[@mao-hsinshen9384]

@@AskSebby Thanks for the info that I have left comment to the Bora Bora video! My wife has gotten the “CitiSP” approved so I’ll do the same later. I plan to pay mortgages thru Plastiq then apply for the ChaseSP (using my son’s referral link) as late as possible. I’ll update the results FYI!

[@IanMaschal]

🥊 I want one, but I really need a preferred card first

[@kaylashoemaker7897]

The most appealing aspect for me is the groceries cat. Why chase has never bothered to include one, I don't understand. I've had to use my blue cash preferred Am Ex just to fill that gap. Would much rather have my groceries (biggest spend) count toward travel points

[@lysll5647]

same

[@adrukker]

🥊 Shoutout to the MX Master 3, it’s a great mouse.

[@kelvintiger]

Do you suggest waiting for Strata Elite?

[@AskSebby]

Might make sense if you're worried about a "family" style rule. They also did remove the "TY family" language for the Premier / Strata that was previously there, so maybe non-factor? Wait if you want to de-risk and you have other cards to get :)

[@tooeasy4217]

The car insurance is not primary I think

[@flubberghosted2472]

Mine is coming in the mail any day now. I’m not sure if I will keep it beyond year one, but in the worst case I will probably downgrade to Custom Cash.

[@shawn.credit]

It’s a solid earner, I wish they put more effort into the design and feel of the card looks cheaper than the Premier card design.

[@ugoewulonu4936]

Depending on what transfer partners you use, the Citi might be better than the Chase now that it has travel insurance again. 🥊

[@sol_nb7143]

This card seems like a winner but I’m still iffy on Citis customer service. I’ve also heard from people they have a habit of flagging international purchases as fraud even if you give them notice. But maybe thats anecdotal

[@doujinflip]

I know Barclays is overly sensitive about “fraud”, necessitating phone calls to clear practically every new vendor you buy from.

[@docsays]

i think its a step in the right direction, but i wish it offered better travel insurance & primary CDW. Sorry Citi, im sticking with chase or AmEx

[@naveenthemachine]

Amex doesn’t even have primary cdw. Chase though does

[@docsays]

@@naveenthemachine - true but amx does offer an optional primary CDW for a small fee

[@MOBMJ]

I think Citi is the most underrated Credit Card issuer. Chase is overrated.

[@tower07]

Is there pre approval for this card? Or other ways to tell approval odds?

[@IceIcelce]

I did not qualify for preapproval but still got approved. Apparently they’re inquiry sensitive so check which agency they pull for your area and make sure you don’t have too many HPs recently. Other than that I’m LOL/24.

[@tower07]

I’m 3/24 3/12 0/6 should I try?

[@black_conservative45]

i applied for this card and was approved..😎

[@AskSebby]

Congrats on the approval :)

[@rosesnyder5678]

*I think for MANY people.... Citi Premier beats Chase Sapphire SIMPLY FOR THE FACT that they have flat 3x groceries.... Chase is severely lacking in a grocery category (not counting the "online" groceries that 99% of people don't do). Plus you get x3 on Travel and Hotels without having to book through the portal, unlike Chase. I honestly think with this new card I will completely use a Citi trifecta now.... sorry chase!*

[@harshitgupta7740]

It would be better to have the opportunity to factor in the opportunity cost of using other cards that offer 1.5% cashback and see if it makes sense to get a new card or not

[@Gingercats586]

So basically the same card as Citi premier?

[@Adiscretefirm]

Plus the common travel insurance programs

[@AskSebby]

Yup, rebrand + adding travel insurance back.

[@zyzzuschrist3410]

🥊 I wish Costco accepted Amex and Mastercard 😂 For that reason, this card is a no go for me 😭

[@v6101]

300k 🍾

[@AskSebby]

Thank you! :)

[@KeithW901]

🥊 Citi kind of screwed me by raising my rate literally right after I recently paid off my big card with them and it put a bad taste in my mouth, but this card looks like a start. I just started the c1 duo (vx and s1). Maybe next year I’ll reconsider, for now my Citi cards will stay zeroed

[@PuertoRicanSloth]

What date did they raise, interest rate? That shouldn’t matter if you’re paying in full. If you are paying interest you’re not maximizing reward cards

[@KeithW901]

@@PuertoRicanSloth they raised it on the last months bill. I know it doesn’t matter given that I pay in full, however I see it as a business relationship and if they aren’t going to give me a good rate if I choose to pay interest then I don’t need them as I have other options

[@daw7773]

Most credit cards are raising rates exponentially (e.g. over 20%) these days even if one has a high FICO score(e.g. over 720).

[@doujinflip]

You can thank the Fed for raising the base interest rates as they try to put a lid on inflation in general.

[@kazi1]

Hi

[@AskSebby]

Hellooo!

[@johnwick860]

CSP vs CSP

[@bryantorres1011]

🥊

[@chromecrescent]

🥊I'm glad something new is on the scene. I think the CSP wins in terms of primary rental insurance, but Citi strata wins on hotel credits

[@buriburizaemon21]

CSP will always win till they have Hyatt.

[@BuiltNutritionFitness]

Both are CSP’s 🤔

[@ARmarketing]

people do it, though 🤫

[@Jay-vt2so]

🥊 🥊 🥊

[@Kimber9758]

I feel like you’d be a good league of legends player. I’m terrible

[@PedroOjeda]

Ok....but it's a Citi bank card ..

[@europana7]

$500 for a hotel stay 😂 ... That's not happening for a place im just going to sleep

[@jimmyjames6492]

🥊🥊🥊

[@ChristopherczarSmith]

So basically they rebranded the car just to add travel protections and EV charging

[@Alvin_1914]

Squuuuuuad

[@AskSebby]

🙌

[@JeffP00001]

5th

[@AskSebby]

🙌

[@seanmcconorry1664]

Team Citi for the groceries!!!! 🥖🥑🥩🥐🍇

[@RAZZAQ.A]

🥊

[@bbuck1bbuck1]

🥊🥊🥊

[@alohadanica393]

🥊

[@yvjyang]

🥊

[@Nemo-un5rr]

🥊

[@davidtrzil]

🥊