The Citi Strata Premier TOTALLY Surprised Me (Full Review)

[@MarkReese]

💥 *UPDATE 10/21/2024:* At 7:17, Preferred Hotels & Resorts is now a hotel transfer partner. 🔐 AURA 2-Week Free Trial! aura.com/markreese 💳👇 VIEW CREDIT CARD OFFERS! markscreditcards.com/offers 🛍 RAKUTEN - Earn Cash Back! markscreditcards.com/rakuten ⬆ (More links in Description below video!) ------------ 💥 *DATA POINT #1 | Does Walmart count as 'Supermarkets' to earn 3X?* // No. I made an in-store Walmart purchase on 6.04.2024 for $20.50 and earned 1X = 21 points. 💥 *DATA POINT #2 | Does Target count as 'Supermarkets' to earn 3X?* // No. I made an in-store Target purchase on 6.17.2024 for $19.77 and earned 1X = 20 points.

[@TheSimpleDollarShow]

Crazy how you need the Sapphire RESERVE to get 10X multipliers, but Citi gives them to us for $95 🌟 Also, those 3X categories are super useful.

[@MarkReese]

Crazy indeed! Agreed on those 3X multipliers.

[@EthanCowlbeck]

Don’t be fooled, look up any hotel on the citi portal and the chase portal.

[@vaibhavsaduneni2895]

Not all points are created equal. This is because Citi’s transfer partners are far weaker than Chase

[@BillyBlakeington]

It says "now an ongoing benefit" it's a temporary points multiplier because its a new card

[@MarkReese]

@@BillyBlakeington - What do you mean? It's now a permanent benefit.

[@MarkReese]

No joke...the Strata Premier is currently my #1 favorite card to earn rewards 👌

[@Big_Jims_American_Dream]

Same here.

[@lewis20002000]

@@Big_Jims_American_Dream I am conflicted bcuz I am determined to running as few ecosystems as possible. I do love the card, the bonus, and the multipliers, but I have to stay focused on Chase and AMEX with a little BILT. However, I do still used the Citi double cash and custom cash sometimes.

[@travis-travels]

Same… I have no idea why the Citi family of cards don’t get more attention. In my opinion: #1 Citi Quadfecta #2 Capital One Duo #3 Chase Trifecta #4 Amex Trifecta

[@ab3040]

Wow that warranty is better than Amex Crazy

[@MarkReese]

It sure is 🏆

[@soapa4279]

Depends how you view "better" as Amex has built a good reputation for being very easy to file claims and getting checks.

[@FunNHonesty]

10X? Only the Venture X and the CSR do that. This card is almost like the Venture X and Savor One fused. That 2x on everything is still so good though! Only for 95 dollars? This card might be the best on the market after the Venture X

[@theinternationalist1357]

Glad to see Professor Reese back. Currently working on 2 subs but definitely will get this card other citi cards soon. My cards collection is getting bigger and bigger, need a bigger wallet 😊

[@fernmchenry8193]

I absolutely love your videos! The color coded charts make me happy. Very straightforward information! Thank you 🙂

[@MarkReese]

Glad to hear it! 🙌

[@fogrunr5075]

Citi Trifecta completed!! 🎉🎉🎉 Custom Cash Double Cash Strata Premier

[@MarkReese]

🎉🎉🎉

[@carloshidalgo3298]

If you don’t mind me asking what do you pay with each card? I have 2 US bank cards and might have to cancel 1 or both because they are doing less than 1C per point.

[@fogrunr5075]

@@carloshidalgo3298 Custom Cash Groceries Double Cash Dining during 6% targeted promotions, non-category spend for 2%. Strata Premier Philippines travel & living, 3% on practically everything.

[@itsagreatday9765]

How did u actually get the new card design? I know they upgraded everyone automatically in their account but did u receive the card automatically or call and ask for a replacement card with the new design?

[@creepii91]

You have to upgrade. The old and new are slightly different from each other.

[@itsagreatday9765]

@@creepii91 my account was upgraded automatically (showing as Citi Strata Premier) when I login but I haven't received a new card

[@shawn.credit]

Request a replacement card.

[@itsagreatday9765]

@@shawn.credit got it. Just requested via phone and automated prompts did it in 30 seconds. Too easy.

[@MarkReese]

I requested a replacement card.

[@caribdude8151]

How would you compare the Citi Strata Premier vs Capital One Savor? Aren't they pretty similar? Happy Holidays! 😊

[@MarkReese]

Too much to go over in a comment ✌

[@MarkReese]

💥 *DATA POINT #1 | Does Walmart count as 'Supermarkets' to earn 3X?* // No. I made an in-store Walmart purchase on 6.04.2024 for $20.50 and earned 1X = 21 points. 💥 *DATA POINT #2 | Does Target count as 'Supermarkets' to earn 3X?* // No. I made an in-store Target purchase on 6.17.2024 for $19.77 and earned 1X = 20 points.

[@jt2428]

My Aunt has had her Citi Credit Card for over 35 years now... Never once did she complain about her card. She barely used it and had 100% on time payments all those years. Never any usual activity or unusual spending. Her card got compromised someone used the whole balance $9k and Citi closed her card as bad debt and didn't believe her she had over an 800 credit score for years, and now she's at 637 😔 What i dont understand is how can they not believe her.... She never complained and had the card all those years.... With no unsual activity all of a sudden something crazy happens and they dont believe her?

[@MarkReese]

Wow that's wild. Sorry to hear that happened.

[@Irissa07]

Can you get 3x groceries /dining out of country as well? Or is it just within the US??

[@MarkReese]

It works worldwide.

[@jakea3398]

Jeffery/Mark, do you wear ministry of supply polos? 👍🏻 and what type of watch do you wear? Thanks!

[@MarkReese]

Ministry of Supply = yes Watch = Pagani Design PD-1673 Royal Oak

[@wesleywilliams1186]

I just got approved for the strata premier for $8500 with a 705 credit score the first time applying RIGHT AFTER applying for the navy fed more rewards card and getting approved for that one for 7k. Lol today was a success. Super happy! The 2 cards i really wanted in 1 night!

[@MarkReese]

Boom, congrats Wesley! 💥

[@wesleywilliams1186]

@MarkReese yea I didn't think I would get approved for the strata premier first try but it has been almost 2 years since I applied for any credit card so I guess that helped being ive heard they are strict on inquiries

[@carloshidalgo3298]

Does anyone know if this card is better or the custom cash, I mainly would be using it in restaurants and gas stations???

[@MarkReese]

If the goal is to earn well on BOTH restaurants and gas stations, then this is the card I'd get. The welcome offer of 70K - 75K in Year 1 puts it way ahead of any other option from Citi for awhile. Note: The Citi Custom Cash only earns 5X in a single category each billing cycle up to $500 spent, and 1X on all other purchases. I'd personally consider getting both, starting with the Strata Premier, since they work well together.

[@carloshidalgo3298]

@@MarkReese I called citi and they said you can only redeem 70K on gift cards or thru their travel portal and they can’t credit your account is that correct? Thanks for getting back to me Mark!

[@MarkReese]

@@carloshidalgo3298 - That's not correct. Cash back is an option as a statement credit or deposit to a bank account. I see it on my Citi app right now.

[@carloshidalgo3298]

@@MarkReese thank you. Just applied Thursday for it and got approved for $13,000. Thanks for answering all my questions, you got a new subscriber the rest don’t bother to answer back!

[@l.a.rivasesq.8841]

You seem so excited that I was convinced that you’d received a contact or something! I appreciate the thorough review. Enjoy the card.

[@soapa4279]

Reading a lot about the Citi travel portal being more expensive than other portals, averaging about 10% higher. Maybe that's why they give you 10X? Not too surprised Citi would be sneaky like this.

[@MarkReese]

I'll have to compare at some point. Generally, I don't use portals.

[@Exodias2000]

If the strata elite comes out, do you think citi will allow you to have both the premier and elite? Also, do you think they will let you get both sign up bonuses?

[@MarkReese]

I would think so. But the reality is what I think doesn't matter. What matters is the actual terms if / when the Elite comes out.

[@kflowusable]

Will my old card be upgraded

[@shawn.credit]

Yes

[@MarkReese]

It's already functioning like the new Strata Premier with the new benefits. If you want the new design, you can request it from your account or via phone. Or, you can wait until your current card expires.

[@timothymoore1791]

Thank you 😮explaining that

[@MarkReese]

You're welcome!

[@Ryan-iq2zd]

I own the Chase trifecta, Amex gold (which I’m considering canceling), and the Venture X. I’m debating if I should get the citi strata or boost my venture x with the savor one card. I appreciate any feedback. Thanks…

[@MarkReese]

If the goal is to add more cards for everyday spending, I'd avoid getting any more. The Chase Trifecta + Amex Gold Card is a strong setup already. If the goal is to get additional welcome offers and/or benefits (e.g. lounge access via C1VX), then it can make sense to add more cards.

[@MeenPo786]

What's the Chase trifecta? I have Chase Freedom unlimited and CSR

[@Ryan-iq2zd]

@@MeenPo786 Flex, Unlimited and the CSP or CSR.

[@MarkReese]

@@MeenPo786 - The term Chase Trifecta refers to any 3 Chase cards that work together by earning the same type of points (Ultimate Rewards).

[@cremonster]

Great video with lots of good info given clearly

[@rksneakers3835]

only problem is not primary rental insurance coverage in the US

[@MarkReese]

A downside for sure.

[@fogrunr5075]

@@MarkReese I wonder... So primary car rental insurance overseas...?

[@MarkReese]

@@fogrunr5075 - Yes. See Page 8: snamwpm.eccmp.com/wpm/617/ContentUploads/docs/GTB_CRE131.pdf

[@mcr754]

tyvm mark. excellent as always. do you think citi will ever somehow/someway combine the AA citi cards with their other cards?

[@MarkReese]

Glad you enjoyed it! No combining. The rewards currencies are distinct. AAdvantage miles ≠ ThankYou points.

[@munchymunch8698]

Do the supermarkets include Walmart and Target do you know? Amex Gold & SP do not as they these stores sell far more than just groceries Thanks

[@MarkReese]

I highly doubt it as neither of those are 'Supermarkets' (they're discount department stores that also sell groceries). Per the terms, 'Supermarkets' excludes "purchases made at general merchandise/discount superstores; freezer/meat locker provisioners; dairy product stores; miscellaneous food/convenience stores; drugstores; warehouse/wholesale clubs; specialty food markets; bakeries; candy, nut, and confectionery stores; and meal kit delivery services. Purchases made at online supermarkets or with grocery delivery services do not qualify if the merchant does not classify itself as a supermarket by using the supermarket merchant code." That said, I haven't confirmed myself yet with a purchase.

[@itsagreatday9765]

Solid card and great one and done P2 card. I have my wife as an AU and she earns great rewards without having to think about which credit card to use. Definitely underrated card

[@flubberghosted2472]

I’m thinking about my wife as AU for this card also. 👍💯

[@jackoconnell1852]

I wanted a hotel card and got the surpass but this will probably be my next Daily driver. What’s is each point worth ?

[@MarkReese]

See 5:24 in the video.

[@atsawinthongsumak57]

I just got offer email to upgrade from my current Citi reward plus with first year fee waived (no sign up bonus). As I have old school double cash card, I’m thinking about it as I am looking for transferring existing points to Qatar airways, which only card having transfer partner to Qatar airways.

[@bigthings]

Is 3x on grocery better than a credit card that offers 2% cashback on grocery?

[@MarkReese]

For this card, yes. 3X = 3% with the Citi Strata Premier.

[@boodles07]

@@MarkReeseI make 5% on groceries so how can this 3% card beat it even with multipliers?

[@MarkReese]

@@boodles07 - 5% on which card?

[@david_thao]

How long do you think the SUB promo will last for?

[@MarkReese]

I don't have a way of knowing.

[@jerrypowell4537]

This is what I was looking for in a card. Low fee but broad categories

[@jimmyjames6492]

A solid card for sure! Thanks for the info + video!

[@MarkReese]

It sure is!

[@nick_tang1]

Love your videos Mark, Watching from 🇨🇦. Your videos helped me with Credit. I managed to get the Platinum Card at 19.

[@MarkReese]

Great to hear it, Nick! Congrats on the approval 💯

[@nick_tang1]

@@MarkReese Thanks Mark, it’s my second year with the card. I value the benefits of the card.

[@34skyline]

link for your wallet? I don't have any Citi cards, I might give this a try or wait for the Citi Strata elite

[@MarkReese]

Here's the link to the cardholder: www.fendi.com/us-en/man/small-leather-goods/fendi-diagonal-card-holder-gray-fabric-card-holder-7m0164a9xsf0r2a

[@naveenthemachine]

Not sure how this is better than the Wells Fargo autograph other than extra transfer partners. The autograph iirc is sort of metal. It feels heavier than the average card

[@soapa4279]

10X on hotels and car rentals is pretty big. Also 3X for groceries compared to 1X on the autograph. It’s one of the most complete cards out there, and is a good fit for most people especially those who don’t want 7-10 cards like us 😂

[@ow5966]

The protection bro

[@naveenthemachine]

@@soapa4279 the regular autograph earns 3x on hotels. Not 1x. Not sure where you got that but on the official website the autograph earns 3X on travel (airfare, hotels, car rentals, cruises etc), 3x on dining and 3x on streaming 3x on gas

[@naveenthemachine]

@@ow5966 the protection isn’t really better especially the CDW

[@ow5966]

And Citi customer service will be better.

[@wanchak0225]

Hello Mark, I’m going to travel on coming July (Europe); does foreign transaction contribute to the SUB ($4000 in first 3 months). Thank you 🙏🏻

[@hector-1810]

That’s actually a question I haven’t ever heard before. I would be outraged if the SUB needs to be done via domestic transactions. Foreign transaction do earn points in their multiplier categories. Anybody else know?

[@MarkReese]

As far as I'm aware, the answer is yes. If you want to confirm with 100% certainty, I suggest calling Citi to ask directly.

[@wanchak0225]

@@MarkReese Thank you

[@caribdude8151]

Great! So where does this leave your Venture X? Also btw, so does this new Strata Premier the ONLY card in the Citi Trifecta (Custom Cash, Double Cash, Strata Premier) that will have Travel Protections, Insurance etc.? I know a few years ago Citi cut those benefits from their cards a few years ago. Just checking. Happy weekend btw and Happy June! Also can't wait for Discover and CFF to announce their 5% categories for Q3!

[@MarkReese]

Yes, the Citi Strata Premier is currently the only card earning ThankYou points with protections. Not using my Venture X for spend, only lounge access.

[@businesstwentytwelve7615]

Huge thumbs up on this one, Mark!

[@ZERVVREZ]

Citi closed all my account wielthout warning or notice. Can't do business with them anymore unfortunately.

[@MarkReese]

Bummer sorry to hear that.

[@Onlythezander]

I miss my premier, well the design!

[@MarkReese]

I did initially, too. However, the new design has grown on me.

[@shawn.credit]

Strata Premier looks cheap it’s lightweight thin plastic and feels like a toy not like a premium $95 travel credit card.

[@arojaaspmf]

Citi premier automatically change to Strata. Do i still qualify for the 75,000 points?

[@MarkReese]

No. A new application approval is required, and you'll have to wait 48 months from the time you received the previous bonus.

[@Gingigeeee]

With these multipliers and chases partners it would be the best single card ever.

[@livefree_with_vinnie]

This does not come with any 0% intro offer. I was going to apply for Christmas gifts.

[@MarkReese]

Correct.

[@DC_Consulting_DC]

The CITI portal saved me @ $200 on a Mercure booking next month in Argentina + $100 off an over $500 hotel booking.

[@MarkReese]

Awesome!

[@jakemercure]

Love that hotel!

[@dkcoan792]

Almost the best one card setup, I let the wife use it. Great card! Have to carry my visa just in case for Costco😢

[@Slaize]

You’re paying a markup on the Citi portal. So the 10x is nice but you’re already overpaying

[@MarkReese]

Always smart to compare prices 👍 I personally avoid portals in nearly all situations.

[@bennnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn]

So, the SUB was at 75k, when it launched.. and now just a week later it's down to 70k?

[@MarkReese]

I'm still seeing 75K on Citi's site. Are you not?

[@bennnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn]

@@MarkReese no sadly I'm only seeing 70k.. last time I checked, probably a few days ago, I still saw 75k

[@weso12345]

Seeing 70k as well.

[@MarkReese]

@@bennnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn - Strange.

[@MarkReese]

@@weso12345 - Did you go directly to Citi.com?

[@wmmarquez]

This will be my next card

[@MarkReese]

Go get it 👊

[@carloserodriguez2465]

it is just me because I only see 70K points in the oficial Citi page for this card

[@MarkReese]

Try clearing browser cache / using an incognito window?

[@relative_vie]

They should make this card metal.

[@EthanCowlbeck]

I was bummed to see that the biggest downside of this card wasn’t mentioned. The Citi travel portal is consistently more expensive than the Chase and Amex portals. The $100 credit becomes virtually worthless if you have access to another portal, and 10x on hotels isn’t enough to offset it. Very disappointing

[@MarkReese]

Thanks for the insight. I haven't compared portal pricing yet. That said, the portal is a separate product from the Strata Premier itself. This video is focused on just the card product.

[@EthanCowlbeck]

@@MarkReese I see where you’re coming from. However, features such as the $100 credit and the 10x earning rates, which many comments have been led to believe is as competitive as the CSR for a lower AF, are directly tied to the travel portal. Because of this I think it is an attribute of this card (just like the available transfer partners which define the value of points) and isn’t just a separate entity under the Citi umbrella.

[@rcsims313]

haven't delved into any Citi cards yet, but this one is quite interesting. Similar to my CSP (and I see you have a video comparing them), hmm

[@MrCaptainPlanet]

That's going to be my next Citi card

[@MarkReese]

Make it happen 👊

[@carolj5090]

Hi Mark, just curious on the Citi website the card appears to be grey like the Premier, but in your video it looks blue to me. Am I seeing things?

[@MarkReese]

It's grey 👍

[@carolj5090]

@@MarkReese Thanks Mark.

[@curmudgeonextraordinaire1884]

Sounds like a great card if it wasn’t for the fact it’s issued by Citi

[@MyNameJim]

Not metal? That’s a no for me dawg.

[@shawn.credit]

Cheap thin plastic looks worse than most plastic cards ha.

[@MarkReese]

😬

[@garygretarsson]

Why do you care?

[@MyNameJim]

@@garygretarsson to show off and look rich

[@RC94332]

The on,y problem is they don’t give 3x on a lot of “travel” categories that the CSP/CSR does…

[@crazykenbei]

The custom cash does though.

[@RC94332]

@@crazykenbei isn't that only 2x?

[@crazykenbei]

@@RC94332 custom cash is 5x

[@DEM78976]

Prestige + Strata + Double Cash is my Trifecta... Currently beating Amex for me.

[@MarkReese]

🏆🏆🏆

[@yvjyang]

Get that CCC and you’ll be even more 🔥🔥

[@DTD2003]

Damn why did I PC my Prestige to a DC 😔

[@DEM78976]

@@yvjyangI've thought about the CCC but aren't you capped at 500 in purchases for the 5x ? Not sure it's worth having another trade line open for that.

[@DEM78976]

@@DTD2003Prestige is rare these days but currently one of the best in my arsenal (coming from an amex platinum and Delta Reserve cardholder)

[@yurig2530]

Citi just extended 10x on CitiTravel for Prestige until the end оf 2025.

[@MarkReese]

Legit! 🏆

[@robert8311]

Ah it’s not metal I’m not getting it anymore 😂

[@fogrunr5075]

❤SimpliCiti❤

[@Hamsong]

Just got it, my only Citi card. Since I have 30 credit cards, I was ready for rejection because of Citi’s reputation with approvals, despite my high credit score. I suspect new products might have more generous underwriting as they want the launch to be successful with new customers. Anyway, seems like an even better card than the WF Autograph, and a better SUB!

[@MarkReese]

Congrats on the approval! 💯

[@bernardosanchez5954]

Much better than the citi premier

[@joephillips5594]

It's the jack of all trades and master of none.

[@MarkReese]

💯👍

[@kazi1]

Yo

[@MarkReese]

Hey!

[@SOXGATORS]

👍🏻

[@MarkReese]

👍

[@misterchris8916]

its a nope for me

[@DMS20231]

Credit cards are so stupid. They’re stupid even if you pay them off each month.

[@MarkReese]

Thanks for sharing your perspective!

[@DMS20231]

@@MarkReese I know you don’t agree. All good!

[@boodles07]

@@DMS20231it’s because you’re wrong! Enjoy using your debit with no rewards and no protections!

[@CesarJoel]

Finally we can all have a CSP (Citi Strata Premier) that we can carry in our wallets and use. Great card and overview!🫵

[@MarkReese]

We sure can!