Why I'm Keeping my Citi Strata Premier and you should too!

[@RICHwithPOINTS]

I'm about to go all in on Citi for the AA transfer partners.

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@RICHwithPOINTS citi could become really strong very soon!

[@L-Man-Gaming]

Citi is the clear winner this year in my mind. Really positive and simple moves, you can clearly see how they are positioning themselves for a even bigger 2025. If they can grab Aeroplan or AA it’s over. I will definitely be grabbing the Citi Premier sooner rather than later…well if they will let me.

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@L-Man-Gaming yeah. I had to apply 3 times for that darn card.

[@fray3dendsofsanity]

I'm long term traveling right now and Strata Premier and Venture X are my go-to duo. A little bit of diversification as C1 and Citi have slightly different partners, I get 5x on flights with the VX portal, I get 3x on most categories with Strata, and still get 2x on non-category with Venture X. And everything has some degree of travel insurance built-in to both cards.

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@fray3dendsofsanity love that duo! Nice work

[@thejokerspeaks]

Great idea about Radisson, I love angles to save when staying in high season. AA as a transfer partner changes everything, which is why I applied the day the partnership tightening was announced.

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@thejokerspeaks nice move!!

[@SuubUWU]

The strata premier paid itself off recently in an unexpected way. Citi had a section at a concert with half priced seats for qualifying cards. Two tickets for a concert I was going to anyways saved me about $130. Great card and lets me transfer the points I get from my custom card~

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@SuubUWU nice moves!!

[@TheStallion234]

I have the Strata Premier as part of the Citi Trifecta and it really is a great way to build points fast. We also took a trip to Sardinia and booked through Citi’s travel portal which resulted in nearly 75k points for one trip with the 10x multiplier.

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@TheStallion234 oh wow. Nice move!!

[@TheStallion234]

@@LukesPointsandMiles thanks! Yeah paying for the hotel through the portal essentially got us enough points for another trip!

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@ so cool 😎

[@Jussomerando677]

Cool video as always. I’ve been eyeing the Citi setup for a while. I’m seriously considering leaving the CSP trifecta for Citi and just churn Inks every now and again bcuz I always need 4 reward seats and fly JetBlue bcuz United is just too dang expensive departing EWR. I saw your other video about how you’re doing the CSR and Ink cash and plan to use capital one in a travel eraser, point topper capacity. Between Citi and Cap 1, who do you think would fill that position better?

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@Jussomerando677 oh man I go over that in my head daily. I think it really close but I really like lounge access and cap1 gives me that. It’s tough so I keep both the cap1 duo and a citi duo (csp and ccc). It works for me

[@nicky_rads]

Nice vid, the Citi + AA partnership is def interesting for one world partner redemption. The ability to earn a lot of points on normal spend is also appealing

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@nicky_rads I agree!

[@CardHunter-u2t]

Great video uncle Luke! I'm currently all in on Amex and MR points, but Citi has definitely got my undivided attention now.

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@CardHunter-u2t could be a nice compliment issuer!!

[@CarlosHdz-rm6sg]

I have a Citi Strata Premier and we use it for Gas and Groceries in Japan. Made a huge redemption recently by transferring out to Qantas. I like you am holding out hope the Strata Elite is released with AA as a transfer partner. Really want a way to get AA miles but don’t want to open an AA credit card. Great show as always.

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@CarlosHdz-rm6sg thanks for stopped by by, Carlos

[@flubberghosted2472]

Strata has been my #1 go-to card since I got it. Very easy to find value with this one.

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@flubberghosted2472 💯

[@frankward67]

I would definitely like to see AA being a xfer partner with Citi. That would entice me to dive in on Citi cards.

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@frankward67 I think it moves citi up, way up!

[@WeMade-It-Lindo]

I got the Strata in May and the Custom Cash in October! I have been enjoying the set up very much. Just a small correction: on the video (3:18) you say you will go to Portugal, but showed a clip of Salvador, Brazil. Just make sure you will land on the right airport 😂!

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@WeMade-It-Lindo ha! Yeah I think I selected the wrong clip. Good catch.

[@jimmyjames6492]

If AA becomes a transfer partner...💎💎💎 Thanks for the info + video!

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@jimmyjames6492 yes sir!!!!

[@ChristianHall-pi6cz]

Hey Luke is possible make a refundable reservation of 500 hundred and cancel two months later and get the 100 dólar of citi portal discount and the rest cash? Like you do with capital one venture X

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@ChristianHall-pi6cz I’ve never tried it. But with Citi that $100 willl be credited at purchase so you’ll only get back the difference. I would say no. Not possible

[@russellrhodes1468]

This card is a beast of an earner, with it coming out of my wallet most places. The Citi trifecta in general is AMAZING for earning sake. I crush my goals and am planning out some travel.

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@russellrhodes1468 love to hear it!!

[@TampaTravel]

Luke... I would love to see a video about all the cards you currently hold. Not a whats in your wallet or hypothetical setups. Would just be curious to know.

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@TampaTravel I have done that in the last but it’s changed quite a bit since then

[@MattMcGrathOfficial]

My wife has the Citi Trifecta and I just received a mailer to apply for the Custom Cash. Have been locked out of other cards I want for a while so considering adding another 5x card back to our family. Only issue is not having a Premier to transfer to unless Citi allows you to pool points ??

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@MattMcGrathOfficial citi does let you transfer but there is a tight expiration date so you only want to transfer when you’re ready to use the points But a 5% no fee card never hurts.

[@SleepyRod]

Too early to tell but part of what made AA miles so valuable was their exclusivity and difficulty in building them. If they become a transfer partner to Citi, i predict the value you get will be equivalent to the kind of value you get when transferring Chase points to United or Amex points to delta. It’s meh.

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@SleepyRod we shall see!!

[@JQuint_]

How does Citi's travel portal compare to C1's?

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@JQuint_ I’ve only used Citi once and the hotel was cheaper on their portal than it was directly with Marriott. Just my one experience

[@caribdude8151]

Uncle Luke, How would you compare the Citi Strata Premier to the Chase Sapphire Preferred? Just curious... 🤔

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@caribdude8151 I’m not really a fan of the sapphire preferred. I would prefer the CIP as a cheaper alternative to the CSR. So for me, I like the Citi strata better.

[@Damastawilliams1916]

Citi looks to have added some other hotel brands with 5:1 transfer rates (leaders club) and 1:4 (I prefer) do you have any experience with those and if those add value to citi’s transfer partner line up?

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

Im still researching those. Hopefully i can get some experience with them soon

[@pachabee]

Thanks for the information about the Hyatt in Lima. I didn't know about it was in a boring area, darn!

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@pachabee yeah from what I understand, Mira Flores is the best place to stay and the Hyatt is quite a ways away

[@pachabee]

@@LukesPointsandMiles Yep! It really is. That's one of the problems I have when choosing what cards to get, for future Peru trips. The Hyatt was way too far from where I actually wanted to go. Citi is looking appealing right now. The Wells Fargo cards were looking good, but getting a little impatient with their lack of transfer partners.

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@pachabee I can understand that. I grabbed a wells card because I can always use 60k flying blue or avianca lifemiles. Easy $

[@Nanoparticle7]

I’m staying in miraflores next month, flying business class both directions, got a long layover in Miami first, then after Lima going to Cusco and Machu Picchu

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@Nanoparticle7 maybe I will see you in Lima!!!

[@Nanoparticle7]

I’m flying AA going to hit up the Amex and Admirals club lounges in Miami, it will be my first in these lounges. If I see you I will say hello.

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@ I’ll be at the Miami centurion lounge for my trip

[@Just_Stevo]

I have the quadfecta. Just having the 3 no AF cards offsets the AF on the Stata without mentioning its own earnings.

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@Just_Stevo it’s a great cheap set up!

[@pachabee]

AA as a transfer partner would make me want to build cards around them. Tempted to get the student one right now.

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

Never too early to start the relationship

[@gregb5876]

My P2 already has the Strata, double cash, and will be product changing her AA MilesUp card to a Custom Cash. I'll be super disappointed if AA does not end up as a transfer partner.

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@gregb5876 me too!!!

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

nice set up!

[@robertjarrell7276]

Right now I only have the Premier for the Choice transfer, which is really not enough to Justify. I’m tired of giving it “one more year” for a premium card, and AA is not that exciting. I’m also waiting to see if they pay off on the retention offer I completed November 26.

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

I can understand that. My retention offer hit pretty quickly after reaching the spend. If it’s not being used - it’s easy to change!

[@vickiarnold7300]

Great job on KZbin ♥️

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@vickiarnold7300 thank you!!!

[@tkozikow]

Missed that I could get 3x on groceries outside the US...would not have been a lot of points when we were in Germany last week, but something is better than nothing.

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@tkozikow yeah it’s a detail but something that always bothered me about the Amex gold

[@tkozikow]

@LukesPointsandMiles I actually used the Amex Gold thinking I would get the 4x. It was only about 40 euro, but still...

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@ ah they got ya. Well at least the card was accepted.

[@tkozikow]

@@LukesPointsandMiles does the 3x work for restaurants outside the US? Another lost benefit with the Amex Gold.

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@ yes

[@trickdickle6652]

Man Citi could actually dominate in 2025 with just a couple small changes (customer support I guess isn't a small change, but besides that) - hopefully they capitalize on it. Curious to see how Chase responds in a year or two, assuming the AA transfer & high-end travel card comes.

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

Yeah I think at that point, Chase will need to do something but….. maybe not haha

[@billwright2176]

Thursdays video you gave American Airlines point value at 1.5 or 1.6 If you use your best Hyatt card logic of the Ink Cash for earning points... how is this different. Earn Lots of UR points x5 then boost those UR points to 1.5 . For American domestic travel or earning x5 in the chase portal. . CITI Just seems like an additional point family that waters down your ability to accumulate points. And your points will have the same redemption of the American miles so it's not needed..

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

you make a great point. I'm going to have to spend some time pondering that question!!!!

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

i think my first thought is 1.5, 1.6 for domestic travel. But that doesn't factor in things like PHL-Europe for 45k in Biz or North America to Tokyo on JAL for 60k. I just think i could never have enough AA miles. I would never be able to earn enough UR points to purchase International Biz Class Flights for 3

[@billwright2176]

A positive of course would be able to transfer points to American to join miles earned in American with flying. I Didn't consider that.

[@jimmyoakley4264]

I have been debating going back and forth between the Well's Fargo Autograph with the $0 AF and the Strata Premiere with the $95 AF. Might be leaning towards Citi now because of this video. Is that what you would suggest? I'd get the Custom Cash as well probably that first and wait and see if Citi comes out with a banger travel card next year and if not go for the Premiere

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

I like the Citi ecosystem because they don’t have a problem including grocery

[@jimmyoakley4264]

@ I’m also going back and forth between the Savor and Strata Premiere as well because I have the VX. I probably wouldn’t need the Savor if I got the Strata right?

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@ well. They are a little different. I have both. Hah

[@jimmyoakley4264]

@@LukesPointsandMiles fair. Is Citi pretty picky about their applications like Capital One? I've used Citi's pre-approval tool a few times and haven't gotten any offers

[@Tyrantt__]

@@jimmyoakley4264I'm thinking about skipping the savor in favor of the strata as well, and would likely get the C3 too. I already have the VX.

[@caribdude8151]

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

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@caribdude8151 yeah I think they can serve similar purposes. The strata is required to have access to the transfer partners, it has an AF but it also seems includes gas. I guess it just comes down to cap1 vs citi. I don’t really think very people people would need both

[@wesleywilliams1186]

Got my "CSP" Bout 2 months ago and just finished up the bonus offer. I love it. I hope they grab AA as a transfer partner and maybe 1 high end hotel. That would be awesome. Only gripe i have is i think they should have made it metal instead of cheap plastic.

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@wesleywilliams1186 I’m going to be researching the hotel partners they currently have.

[@bobdylan9117]

CSP Chase Sapphire Preferred? Might need different initials as that is for two cards now.

[@cougar1083]

AA is the main airline out of PHL here, that would be huge to use Citi points for AA travel.

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

I agree

[@DC_Consulting_DC]

We love the Strata for 3X worldwide (17 countries this year) and use the Custom Cash for 5X US groceries. I am Alaska 100K, so the AA angle doesn't matter to me.

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@DC_Consulting_DC nice. 👍🏿 think my CCC is normally slotted as my gas card. We spend too much a grocery stores.

[@ramonsuarez1051]

I heard Leading Hotels of the World averages about 1.6 cpp according to FM and they recently had a 25% transfer bonus which would be 2 cpp. I know they have a small footprint but I see they cover most major cities.

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@ramonsuarez1051 yeah I’m thinking there are some diamonds in the rough there

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

definitely something to research!

[@gregb5876]

I predict transferred TY points to AA won't earn AA Loyalty Points. That would be one of the hooks for putting spend on an AA branded CC.

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@gregb5876 I would say you’re correct.

[@casanova76544]

Citi Stata Premier is awsome for me. I live overseas. And generate great points

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@casanova76544 nice move!!

[@czrs85]

Just stashing away my Citi custom cash rewards for now. When the strata gets a great offer. I will definitely sign up. Hopefully they get that AA partner.

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@czrs85 hope so. The strata has had the same “limited time” 75k offer for around 5 months now

[@czrs85]

@LukesPointsandMiles I guess I'm being greedy and waiting for 90k at least. And at the current moment life has vacation on the back burner. Maybe 6 months from now things will change.

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@ understandable.

[@Nick-1828]

I've definitely under valued Citi. While not every choice hotel is one I'd want to stay at, I've found a few for future vacations. If Citi's premium card is anything like their last, that would put me in a tough spot with my CSR but I'm all for it lol. Getting AA would just be the gravy on the biscuit

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

man i really wish I wouldve applied for the Citi Prestige back when it was around. 5x on dining!!!

[@Nick-1828]

@ same here! I’m debating on getting the Citi CSP now for 75k bonus or wait and see if they release their premium card soon. Leaning towards CSP and possibly upgrading after year 1

[@ctrushfan8575]

​ I'm also in wait and see mode, wondering what the strata elite will bring to the table.

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@Nick-1828 It's good to have options!

[@gregb5876]

I actually don't think that dropping Barclay's will give AA the freedom to devalue its miles. Rather the opposite, it will give Citi a lot of leverage and encourage AA not to devalue.

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@gregb5876 I mean if we’re honest, all points devalue over time. At some point AA miles will likely be worth less. I think it’s important to take advantage of the good stuff now

[@Notthecobracommander]

I don’t think it would’ve made sense for them to acquire the Barclays cards unless they were to become the sole provider and transfer partner. He also explains why built dropped American Airlines earlier this year. I have decided to get the city double cash as my general spend credit card.

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@Notthecobracommander the real question is will there be a complete and new revamp of AA cards?

[@Notthecobracommander]

@LukesPointsandMiles I hope so, got an email from Citi saying more details to come on their partnership with citi. Fingers crossed.

[@tkozikow]

No plans to get rid of this card, it would be even more attractive if I could transfer to AA.

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@tkozikow 💯

[@leonardoviniciustosta9063]

Are the food and gas category worldwide?

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@leonardoviniciustosta9063 yes

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

yes

[@tioriccopuravidatrader121]

Love the Premier for Auto Rentals overseas

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@tioriccopuravidatrader121 very true

[@TheRatatar]

Comparing the strata premier and the aa platinum card. The strata would outweigh the aa card if citi points become transferable. Something will have to change, exciting!

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

maybe, but AA loyalists will still need the AA cards for loyalty points spend and if you really want a lot of AA points you'll need both or all of the citi cards

[@boy_named_niel]

Didn’t realize how hard it was for people to get haha, applied once, got it, beware tho! Switches between 70/75k SUB

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@boy_named_niel I think it took me 3 times but I’m persistent

[@tral403Hrytw]

I just got a month ago, and have to see how it goes.

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@tral403Hrytw nice pick up

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

good luck!

[@PDXBeach]

Is that why you got the avianca card? Both citi and avianca let you book cheap TAP flights?

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@PDXBeach tap was the first redemption I booked. But I plan on trying out Austrian airlins next and and it’s a good way to book Swiss or Lufthansa as well. I really want to book something like Poland or Serbia sometime

[@iankm1]

Still the best in the game. Thank you.

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@iankm1 such a great card!

[@tral403Hrytw]

I read really bad reviews about choise hotels. If you have problem with the hotel, impossible to get refunded even when simply cancelled.

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@tral403Hrytw that’s interesting. I’ve not heard that before.

[@tral403Hrytw]

@@LukesPointsandMiles Also, their selection is very limited. I looked up ROme Italy, and they only have like 4 hotels!

[@basaindon]

The key deficiency with Citi is Air Canada. But otherwise, I like their airline partners more than Chase. Chase is really deficient with One World. Citi has Qantas, Cathay, and Etihad as hedge programs to book AA flights beyond Avios. On the hotel side, the combination of Choice, I prefer, and LHW makes quite a bit of luxury inventory possible. Wyndham is serviceable. Who else has 4 usable hotel programs? Accor is a currency hedge, as it turns points into fixed Euro value. If the USD were weaker, it would be a better deal. But the dollar is insanely strong right now, so it isn't much to get excited about.

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@basaindon 100% agree. I think Citi works best in at least a two issuer set up.

[@shawn.credit]

I just wish the card didn’t look cheap and like a toy card haha. The Citi Premier was plastic and looked premium and high end. The rewards are solid but the physical card is trash, I’m hoping they redesign soon or release a solid more premium card soon.

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@shawn.credit ah, I don’t have a new card. Just the old premier

[@terrystevens6565]

I will be getting more citi cards if they pock up AA

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@terrystevens6565 I think a lot of people will!!

[@caribdude8151]

Go Bengals! 😊👍

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@caribdude8151 who Dey!

[@jamesyu613]

i'm think the citi strata is a OP card I kinda wanna keep my CSP also

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@jamesyu613 I would prefer the CIP over the sapphire preferred

[@richardjones4256]

I just downgraded My Citi strata to a custom cash. My plan is to re apply for the strata in the near future to receive a sign up bonus. I didnt get a sign up Bonus when i originally signed up because i wasn't into point and miles at the time. I also have the American airlines credit card and currently hold 185.000 miles. I just got approved for the Amex gold with a 100.000 rewards bonus, going to focus on meeting my spend on this card for now , then turn my focus back on My citi cards. Hopefully i will get approved for a new citi strata.

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@richardjones4256 nice. I’ll be waiting to hear if that strategy was successful!!

[@TheAudioCzar]

I would 100% get the strata premier if I can transfer points to AA

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@TheAudioCzar it’s a game changer

[@riosafado]

Thank you to AA transfer ratio might be 1.5 to 1😮

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@riosafado I don’t think there is any indication of that aside from maybe a KZbinrs speculation. But then again, that might be a very “Citi” thing to do! Haha

[@PhilMo78]

I dont have this card. I want this card but may wait to see if Citi releases that premium card 1st.

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

I can understand that. I maintain a strategy of "never wait"

[@L-Man-Gaming]

@@LukesPointsandMilesI’m about to adopt this strategy as soon as I hit 5/24 again. I’m done with the gardening bullshit 😂

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@L-Man-Gaming ha! I really cant help but garden. I can barely get approved for anything

[@L-Man-Gaming]

@@LukesPointsandMiles I thought you had every sign up bonus in existence. Maybe make a video on cards you are still bonus hunting.

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@L-Man-Gaming since i've had every card (almost) that's why I cant get approved. Gonna have to be in time out for a while

[@caribdude8151]

Go Bengals! 🏈

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@caribdude8151 who Dey!!

[@caribdude8151]

@@LukesPointsandMiles Beat dem Cowgirls! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@ if we get beat by the cowboys then I might just be done watching them this year.

[@caribdude8151]

@@LukesPointsandMiles 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@alexanderwoo3503]

A bit incorrect with the $100 credit statement as you said total….it’s actually “$500, excluding taxes and fees” - Navy Nuke concise

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

Good point!

[@Andrew_ryan_]

Citi or Cap One 😬

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

Easy answer! Both!!

[@Sergio-er1ez]

I love choice hotels I've gotten so much value from transferring to them 1:2

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@Sergio-er1ez nice!!

[@tral403Hrytw]

very limited choices it seems

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@tral403Hrytw i dont think anyone is using choice as their primary program but it's definitely worth taking a look once in a while

[@volkswagen4866]

Just got an email yesterday informing me that in 2026 my Barclays Aviator AA will be handed over to Citi we will see

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@volkswagen4866 yes citi will be purchasing the entire book

[@caribdude8151]

Nice! 👍

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

thanks for stopping by, Dude!!

[@TheAmazingDollarman]

You’re a Citi slicker now

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@TheAmazingDollarman I think a good portion of my spend in 2025 could be with Citi

[@lifewithjon6809]

They will get American Airlines and i love citi products.

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

@@lifewithjon6809 citi is in just a positive space right now. I hope they don’t mess it up

[@LukesPointsandMiles]

i hope youre right!

[@Live_Travel_Love_Life]

And Period