Best card to pair with the Citi Strata Elite
Citi Strata adds the most next to it: together they keep $136 a year after both fees from typical spending, $181 more than the Strata Elite on its own.
- Updated October 17, 2026
- $22,300 a year of spending
- Rankings are never paid for
Best pair
Keeps $136 a year after fees
- Earns $731 a year on the spending below; fees come to $595.
- That's $181 more than the Strata Elite alone (−$45).
- Citi Strata's points count at 1.4¢ because Citi Strata Elite can transfer them; on their own they'd cash out at 1¢.
- Card credits and perks such as lounge access aren't counted. For many people they're what makes a premium card's fee worth paying.
Rates change, so verify them with the issuer before you apply.
The best partners
What each card adds to the Strata Elite in a year, after its own fee, with every purchase on whichever of the two earns more. On its own, the Strata Elite loses $45 a year once fees count.
| Partner | Adds a year | Together | Its fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Citi Strata | +$181 | $136 | $0 |
| #2 American Express Blue Cash Preferred | +$161 | $116 | $95 |
| #3 Citi Double Cash | +$129 | $84 | $0 |
| #4 Robinhood Gold Card | +$116 | $71 | $50 |
| #5 Citi Strata Premier | +$86 | $41 | $95 |
Which card to use
A year of spending, each purchase on the card that earns the most on it. When a bonus runs out at its cap, the rest goes on the next best card.
| Category | Spend a year | Use | Earns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $6,200 | Citi Strata | $260 4.2% |
| Dining | $3,900 | Citi Strata Elite | $164 4.2% |
| Gas | $2,400 | Citi Strata | $101 4.2% |
| Travel | $2,500 | Citi Strata Elite | $52 2.1% |
| Drugstores | $700 | Citi Strata Elite | $15 2.1% |
| Everything else | $6,600 | Citi Strata Elite | $139 2.1% |
| Total | $22,300 | $731 |