U.S. cards only • Personal + business • Citi-branded + co-branded (American Airlines, Costco, and more)
Last updated: December 24, 2025
If you’ve been following Citi at all, 2025 was the year everything clicked into place. Citi didn’t just tweak a few categories — it rebuilt the lineup into the new Strata family, made Citi Travel a bigger piece of the rewards story, and leaned hard into its best partnership: American Airlines.
This post is a practical, card-by-card breakdown you can actually use: what changed in 2025 (confirmed), what’s already locked in as we head into 2026 (confirmed), and what I’d keep an eye on next (rumored / likely based on trends). Every “Get started” takes you straight to the current offer page.
Citi cards at a glance (quick picks)
If you only want the short answer: here are the cards people end up choosing most often, depending on the goal.
| Goal | Best Citi pick | Why it wins | Get started |
| Premium travel + credits | Citi Strata Elite℠ Card | Big Citi Travel multipliers + multiple credits + lounge passes. | Get started |
| Everyday travel points | Citi Strata Premier® Card | Broad 3X categories + $100 hotel benefit + transfer partners. | Get started |
| No-fee points card | Citi Strata℠ Card | Strong everyday earn + 3X self-select category at $0 annual fee. | Get started |
| One-card cash back | Citi Double Cash® Card | Simple 2% back everywhere (plus extra on Citi Travel bookings). | Get started |
| Max 5% category | Citi Custom Cash® Card | Automatic 5% on your top category each billing cycle (up to $500). | Get started |
| American Airlines perks | Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard® | Mid-tier annual fee + 4 Admirals Club day passes + strong earning. | Get started |
| Costco-heavy spending | Costco Anywhere Visa® by Citi | Top-tier gas + dining + Costco rewards, if you’re a Costco member. | Get started |
What changed in 2025 (confirmed)
Here’s what actually happened in Citi’s lineup this year — not guesses, just moves Citi (and partners) publicly announced.
- Citi launched the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card and positioned it as a premium travel + dining flagship.
- Citi introduced the Citi Strata℠ Card as an upgrade/rebrand of the former Citi Rewards+® Card, adding the new 3X self-select category.
- Citi strengthened ThankYou points by enabling 1:1 transfers to American Airlines AAdvantage (for eligible cards).
- American Airlines and Citi launched the Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard® to fill the mid-tier gap in the AA card lineup.
- Costco increased earning to 5% back on gas at Costco (still 4% elsewhere), effective January 19, 2025.
- Citi highlighted digital features like Flex Pay on Apple Pay and the Citi Shop browser extension as part of its cards growth strategy.
What to expect in 2026 (confirmed vs. rumored)
Citi doesn’t publish a public roadmap, so I split this into what’s already baked in vs. what’s a reasonable bet based on 2025 direction.
Confirmed heading into 2026
- Costco’s enhanced gas rewards apply to spending from January 19, 2025 onward and are referenced as showing up in the 2026 Costco cash back balance.
- American Airlines stopped awarding miles and Loyalty Points on basic economy tickets purchased on/after December 17, 2025 — that change carries into 2026.
- Citi’s own messaging says it plans to keep building on American Airlines perks beyond 2025.
Rumored / likely (based on 2025 trends)
- More Citi Travel bonuses and limited-time promos (Citi is clearly incentivizing portal booking).
- More “pick-your-own” style credits and lifestyle perks (the flexible Splurge Credit model is the blueprint).
- A bigger small-business push: Citi’s business lineup is still co-brand heavy, so a transferable-points business card remains the obvious gap.
Citi Strata cards (ThankYou points) — comparison table
These are Citi’s core “bank points” cards. If you care about transfer partners and flexible travel, start here.
| Card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | Top earn rates | Key credits / perks | Get started |
| Citi Strata Elite℠ Card | $595 | 100,000 ThankYou points after $6,000 spend in 3 months (limited-time). | 12X Citi Travel hotels/cars/attractions; 6X Citi Travel air; 6X dining (Fri/Sat nights); 3X other dining; 1.5X other. | Up to $300 hotel benefit + $200 Splurge + $200 Blacklane + Priority Pass + 4 Admirals Club passes. | Get started |
| Citi Strata Premier® Card | $95 | 60,000 ThankYou points after $4,000 spend in 3 months. | 10X Citi Travel hotels/cars/attractions; 3X air + other hotels; 3X restaurants, supermarkets, gas/EV; 1X other. | $100 annual hotel benefit; no foreign transaction fees; travel protections. | Get started |
| Citi Strata℠ Card | $0 | 30,000 ThankYou points after $1,000 spend in 3 months. | 5X Citi Travel hotels/cars/attractions; 3X supermarkets; 3X transit + gas/EV; 3X self-select category; 2X restaurants; 1X other. | 0% intro APR window; self-select 3X category; solid everyday earn. | Get started |
Citi Strata Elite℠ Card
Welcome Offer: 100,000 ThankYou points after $6,000 spend in 3 months (limited-time).
- Annual fee: $595
- Foreign transaction fee: None (no foreign transaction fees).
Rewards:
- 12X points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked via Citi Travel.
- 6X points on air travel booked via Citi Travel.
- 6X points at restaurants on CitiNights℠ (Friday & Saturday 6 p.m. – 6 a.m. ET); 3X other restaurant purchases.
- 1.5X points on all other purchases.
- Points can transfer to American Airlines and other partners (minimum transfer is typically 1,000 points).
Top perks and protections:
- Up to $300 Annual Hotel Benefit (2+ night stay booked through Citi Travel).
- Up to $200 Annual Splurge Credit℠ (choose up to two brands).
- Up to $200 Annual Blacklane® credit (split by half-year).
- Priority Pass Select membership + 4 Admirals Club passes each year.
- Travel protections including trip delay, trip cancellation/interruption, baggage protection, and rental coverage. See terms
Best for: Travelers who can actually use the credits and who book travel through Citi Travel enough to justify the $595 fee.
Citi Strata Premier® Card
Offer snapshot: 60,000 ThankYou points after $4,000 spend in 3 months.
Annual fee: $95 • Foreign transaction fee: None (no foreign transaction fees).
Rewards:
- 10X points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through Citi Travel.
- 3X points on air travel and other hotel purchases.
- 3X points at restaurants, supermarkets, and gas/EV charging stations.
- 1X points on everything else.
- Unlocks ThankYou transfer partners (including eligible 1:1 to American Airlines).
Top perks and protections:
- $100 Annual Hotel Benefit on a single $500+ hotel stay booked through Citi Travel.
- Solid travel protection suite for a $95 card (trip delay, cancellation/interruption, luggage, rental coverage).
- No foreign transaction fees, which matters if you travel abroad.
Best for: People who want one mid-fee Citi card that earns well across everyday categories and supports point transfers.
Citi Strata℠ Card
Offer snapshot: 30,000 ThankYou points after $1,000 spend in 3 months.
Annual fee: $0 • Foreign transaction fee: 3% of the U.S. dollar amount of each foreign purchase (see pricing). See terms
Rewards:
- 5X points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through Citi Travel.
- 3X at supermarkets.
- 3X on select transit and at gas & EV charging stations.
- 3X on one self-select category (choose once per calendar quarter).
- 2X at restaurants; 1X on everything else.
Top perks and protections:
- Self-select 3X category lets you tailor the card (streaming, fitness, live entertainment, etc.).
- 0% intro APR window on purchases and balance transfers (see pricing for exact terms). See terms
- A strong entry point into ThankYou points before moving up to Premier or Elite.
Best for: Beginners who want a $0 annual fee points card with real bonus categories — and don’t mind the foreign transaction fee.
American Airlines AAdvantage cards (Citi-issued) — comparison table
Citi is the primary issuer of American Airlines AAdvantage cards. These are best when you fly AA enough to use bags/boarding perks — or when you want to stack miles + Loyalty Points from everyday spending.
| Card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | Top earn rates | Best perks | Get started |
| American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Card | $0 | 15,000 miles after $500 spend in 3 months. | 2X grocery; 2X AA; 1X other. | No-fee AA miles + 25% savings on inflight food/bev. | Get started |
| Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® | $0 first year, then $99 | 50,000 miles after $2,500 spend in 3 months (annual fee waived first year). | 2X restaurants; 2X gas; 2X AA; 1X other. | First checked bag free + preferred boarding (when flying AA). | Get started |
| Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard® | $350 | 90,000 miles after $5,000 spend in 4 months. | 6X AAdvantage Hotels; 3X AA; 2X dining + transit; 1X other. | 4 Admirals Club day passes/year + companion certificate (after renewal). | Get started |
| Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® | $595 | 70,000 miles after $7,000 spend in 3 months. | 4X AA; portal boosts (see offer); 1X other. | Admirals Club membership (primary cardmember) + premium AA travel perks. | Get started |
| Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard® | $0 first year, then $99 | 65,000 miles after $4,000 spend in 4 months (annual fee waived first year). | 2X AA; 2X select business categories; 1X other. | Business-focused earn + AA travel perks; employee spend helps earn miles. | Get started |
AAdvantage cards
American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Card
Offer snapshot: 15,000 miles after $500 spend in 3 months.
Annual fee: $0 • Foreign transaction fee: None (per AA offer page).
Rewards:
- 2X miles at grocery stores.
- 2X miles on eligible AA purchases.
- 1X miles on all other purchases.
Notable perks:
- 25% savings on inflight food and beverages on AA flights.
Best for: Occasional flyers who want a no-fee AA card and earn miles from groceries.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
Offer snapshot: 50,000 miles after $2,500 spend in 3 months (annual fee waived first year).
Annual fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $99 • Foreign transaction fee: None (per AA offer page).
Rewards:
- 2X miles at restaurants.
- 2X miles at gas stations.
- 2X miles on eligible AA purchases.
- 1X miles on other purchases.
Notable perks:
- First checked bag free on eligible AA itineraries for you + up to 4 companions.
- Preferred boarding (when eligible).
- 25% savings on inflight food and beverages.
Best for: People who fly AA a few times a year and want to save on bag fees and boarding.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard®
Offer snapshot: 90,000 miles after $5,000 spend in 4 months.
Annual fee: $350 • Foreign transaction fee: None (see pricing details on offer page). See terms
Rewards:
- 6X miles on eligible AAdvantage Hotels® bookings.
- 3X miles on eligible AA purchases.
- 2X miles on dining + rideshare/transit.
- 1X on other purchases.
Notable perks:
- Four Admirals Club day passes per year (24-hour passes).
- Annual companion certificate after renewal (see terms). See terms
- Up to $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit (every 4 years).
Best for: AA flyers who want lounge access sometimes without paying for a full Admirals Club membership card.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
Offer snapshot: 70,000 miles after $7,000 spend in 3 months.
Annual fee: $595 • Foreign transaction fee: None (see pricing details on offer page). See terms
Rewards:
- 4X miles on eligible AA purchases.
- Portal boosts on hotels/cars (see offer page).
- 1X on other purchases.
Notable perks:
- Admirals Club® membership (primary cardmember).
- Up to $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit (every 4 years).
- Premium AA travel perks like priority services (when eligible).
Best for: Frequent AA flyers who value Admirals Club access enough to justify the annual fee.
Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard®
Offer snapshot: 65,000 miles after $4,000 spend in 4 months (annual fee waived first year).
Annual fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $99 • Foreign transaction fee: None (see pricing details on offer page). See terms
Rewards:
- 2X miles on eligible AA purchases.
- 2X miles on select business categories like gas, telecom, and car rentals.
- 1X on other purchases.
Notable perks:
- Business-owner version of AA perks (bags/boarding when eligible).
- Employee spending can help you earn miles faster.
Best for: Small business owners who fly AA and want to earn AAdvantage miles from business expenses.
Citi cash back cards — comparison table
If you want simplicity and predictable value, Citi’s cash back cards are still the cleanest part of the lineup.
| Card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | Earn structure | Extra notes | Get started |
| Citi Custom Cash® Card | $0 | $200 cash back (as 20,000 ThankYou points) after $1,500 spend in 6 months. | 5% on your top eligible category each billing cycle (up to $500), then 1%. | Extra rewards on Citi Travel bookings. | Get started |
| Citi Double Cash® Card | $0 | $200 cash back (as 20,000 ThankYou points) after $1,500 spend in 6 months. | 2% back on everything (1% when you buy + 1% as you pay). | Extra rewards on Citi Travel bookings. | Get started |
Cash back card details
Citi Custom Cash® Card
Offer snapshot: $200 cash back (as 20,000 ThankYou points) after $1,500 spend in 6 months.
Annual fee: $0 • Foreign transaction fee: 3% foreign transaction fee.
Rewards:
- 5% back (as ThankYou points) on your top eligible category each billing cycle (up to $500 in spend), then 1%.
- Eligible categories include restaurants, gas, grocery stores, select travel/transit, select streaming, drugstores, home improvement, fitness clubs, live entertainment.
- Extra rewards on hotels/car rentals/attractions booked through Citi Travel.
Top perks and protections:
- Great “single category booster” card if you keep one big spending category each month.
- Pairs well with Double Cash so nothing earns just 1%.
Best for: People who can keep their top spend concentrated in one category and want automatic 5% without rotating calendars.
Citi Double Cash® Card
Offer snapshot: $200 cash back (as 20,000 ThankYou points) after $1,500 spend in 6 months.
- Annual fee: $0
- Foreign transaction fee: 3% foreign transaction fee.
Rewards:
- Earn 2% back on everything: 1% when you buy + 1% as you pay.
- Extra rewards on select Citi Travel bookings (see offer page).
- Cash back is paid as ThankYou points and can be redeemed for statement credit/direct deposit (typical 1 cent per point).
Top perks and protections:
- The “default” card for everything that doesn’t hit a bonus category elsewhere.
- Easy to combine with a points card later (Premier/Elite) if you want transfer partners.
Best for: People who want one no-fee card for everyday spend with no indicated categories.
Costco cards (issued by Citi) — comparison table
These are membership cards first and credit cards second. If you’re not a Costco member, you can’t keep the card — but if you are a member, the reward structure is excellent.
| Card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | Core rewards | Get started |
| Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi | $0 (membership required) | No welcome bonus. | 5% gas at Costco + 4% other gas/EV (first $7,000/yr), 3% dining + eligible travel, 2% Costco, 1% other. | Get started |
| Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card by Citi | $0 (membership required) | No welcome bonus. | Same core rewards as consumer version; built for business/member use. | Get started |
Costco card details
Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
Rewards structure: 5% back on gas at Costco + 4% on other eligible gas/EV charging (first $7,000 combined per year, then 1%); 3% on restaurants and eligible travel; 2% at Costco and Costco.com; 1% everywhere else.
Big 2025 change: Costco gas went from 4% to 5% starting January 19, 2025 — and the update is baked into the program going forward.
Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card by Citi
The business version mirrors the consumer rewards structure, but lets you run more spend through one account for Costco-focused business expenses.
0% intro APR / balance transfer cards
These don’t earn rewards, but they’re useful tools if you’re moving debt or need breathing room on interest.
| Card | Annual fee | Intro APR snapshot | What to know | Get started |
| Citi Simplicity® Card | $0 | 0% intro APR: 12 months on purchases + 21 months on balance transfers (complete transfers within 4 months). | Known for no late fees/no penalty APR messaging; check terms. Full terms | Get started |
| Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card | $0 | 0% intro APR: 12 months on purchases + 21 months on balance transfers (complete transfers within 4 months). | Similar 0% windows; clean balance transfer tool. Full terms | Get started |
Build credit: Citi® Secured Mastercard®
If you’re rebuilding credit, Citi’s secured card is straightforward: you put down a refundable deposit and build positive history over time.
Citi application rules to know (so you don’t waste inquiries)
Citi approvals can be picky. Before you apply for multiple Citi cards, these two rules matter most:
- The 8/65 rule: typically wait 8 days between Citi applications, and no more than 2 Citi applications in 65 days.
- The 48-month welcome bonus rule: for many Citi cards, you generally can’t earn the same product’s bonus again if you earned it in the past 48 months.
Point values (so you can estimate real-world value)
Cash back is usually 1 cent per point, while travel can be higher if you use transfer partners.
- ThankYou points: ThankYou value guide
- AAdvantage miles: AAdvantage guide
Application status & reconsideration
If you don’t get instantly approved, these are the next steps most people take.
- Check application status online: Citi status page
- Reconsideration phone numbers (personal and business): Doctor of Credit list
Other Citi retail cards (store cards & financing)
Citi also issues a long list of retail/store cards. These can be good for targeted store financing, but they’re usually not the best option for flexible travel points.
- Citi retail card directory
- Examples: My Best Buy® Credit Cards • The Home Depot® Consumer Credit Card
