Citi Strata Elite: New Premium Travel Card Explained (2025)

Launched on July 27, 2025, the Citi Strata Elite returns Citi to the premium travel space with a $595 annual fee, lounge access, statement credits and strong travel & dining multipliers. Here’s what Lebanon-based travelers should know before applying. (Source: Travel + Leisure)

Headline perks & credits

Priority Pass Select lounge access + 4 Admirals Club passes/year.
Up to $300 hotel credit (2+ nights) via Citi Travel.
$200 Splurge Credit for select merchants (AA, Best Buy, Live Nation, etc.).
$200 Blacklane chauffeured rides (split semi-annually).
$120 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck every 4 years. No foreign transaction fees.

Points earning structure

12× hotels, car rentals & attractions via Citi Travel
6× air travel via Citi Travel
6× dining on Fri–Sat nights (ET), 3× other times
1.5× on other purchases

Notable: you can transfer Citi ThankYou® points to American Airlines AAdvantage — rare among transferable programs.

Is it worth it for Lebanon travelers?

If you book via Citi Travel and value lounge access, credits and dining multipliers, the value can offset the fee. Frequent international flyers may prefer broader lounge networks (e.g., Amex/Chase competitors). Citigold clients can cut the effective fee significantly with statement credits.

How we can help

We can tailor itineraries to maximise hotel credits and lounge access. Talk to our Beirut team to plan flights and hotels that align with the card’s benefits.

Related trips from Lebanon

Maximise card earnings on trips like Cyprus, Aqaba & Petra, Istanbul, or Tenerife.

FAQs

Does Citi Strata Elite have foreign transaction fees?

No. It charges 0% foreign transaction fees.

Can I transfer points to American Airlines?

Yes. Citi ThankYou points can transfer to AAdvantage — a standout feature for this card.

How can Citigold reduce the annual fee?

Citigold Private Clients get a $595 credit in year one and $145/year thereafter; standard Citigold gets $145/year in credits, effectively lowering the fee.