Chase Sapphire Reserve Card vs. Citi Strata Elite Card [Detailed Comparison]

Key Takeaways

• The Chase Sapphire Reserve^® and Citi Strata Elite℠ Card both earn best on purchases of select travel through the cards’ associated travel portals. Additionally, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card earns 4x points on airline and hotel purchases made directly.
• Redemption options on both cards are similar and include transfers to travel partners and redeeming for travel through the associated travel portals. The Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers higher potential redemption value with Points Boost and Pay Yourself Back.
• The Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers significantly better travel insurance benefits and a user-friendly $300 annual travel credit.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card, The Platinum Card^® from American Express, and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card have long been the go-to premium travel rewards cards for frequent travelers.

The cards are known for offering premium travel benefits, including bonus earnings on travel purchases, flexible redemption options, worldwide lounge access, statement credits for select purchases, and travel insurance.

Today’s comparison introduces a new player in the travel rewards card arena, the Citi Strata Elite card. The card provides all the perks a traveler would look for in a travel rewards card.

We’ve compared the Citi Strata Elite card to other popular premium travel rewards cards. Today, we’re focusing on comparing it to the Chase Sapphire Reserve card.

Here’s how the card measures up, along with all the information you need to determine if it’s a good fit for you.

Overview

We’ll expand on all the features and benefits of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card and the Citi Strata Elite card shortly.

First, though, it can be helpful to review an overall comparison of the cards before we get into card details.

Hot Tip:

We’ve also compared the Citi Strata Elite card to the Capital One Venture X card and the Amex Platinum card.

Comparing Welcome Offers

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card and Citi Strata Elite card come with generous welcome offers that can help you earn a large number of rewards in a short time.

You can earn the welcome bonus offer on either card after meeting the minimum spending requirements within the specified period, immediately following card approval.

Here are the most current offers for our featured cards, along with some additional information:

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Welcome Offer

Earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.

100,000 points + $500 Chase Travel credit

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$2,000

Annual Fee

$795

APR

20.24% - 28.74% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Excellent

Why We Like This Card

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® is one of the best options.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like worldwide airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options. Plus, it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to cover you at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the more than $2,000 in annual credits, which can offset the annual fee!

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 8x points on all Chase Travel purchases
• 5x points on Lyft rides
• 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly

Cons

• $795 annual fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
• Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
• $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge^® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck^® every 4 years
• Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
• Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music - all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 - a value of $250 annually
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.24% - 28.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Citi Strata Elite card is Citi's most premium card built for frequent travelers and foodies.

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card

The Citi Strata Elite card is Citi's most premium card built for frequent travelers and foodies.

Welcome Offer

Earn 80,000 bonus ThankYou Points after spending $4,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.

80,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $1,280

Annual Fee

$595

APR

21.24% to 29.24% Variable

Why We Like This Card

The Citi Strata Elite card is a great option for frequent travelers, foodies, and those who are fans of the Citi ThankYou Rewards ecosystem thanks to its combination of bonus categories, perks, and annual credits.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 12x points on hotels, rental cars, and attractions booked through Citi Travel
• 6x points on airfare through Citi Travel
• 6x points on dining on Citi Nights (Friday and Saturday nights from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.) and 3x points on dining at all other times

Cons

• $595 annual fee
• Boosted dining rewards are limited to 2 nights per week

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 80,000 bonus ThankYou Points after spending $4,000 within the first 3 months of account opening
• 12x points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on cititravel.com
• 6x points on air travel booked on cititravel.com
• 6x points at restaurants, including restaurant delivery services, every Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. ET, and 3x points any other time
• 1.5x points on all other purchases
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
• Up to $300 annual hotel benefit
• Up to $200 annual splurge credit
• Up to $200 annual Blacklane credit
• 4 American Airlines Admirals Club passes every calendar year
• Transfer Citi ThankYou Points to partners like American Airlines
• Complimentary Priority Pass membership
• No foreign transaction fees

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 21.24% to 29.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Welcome offers can fluctuate, so it’s best to check for the most current offer available before applying.

We value Ultimate Rewards points earned on the Chase Sapphire Reserve card at approximately 2 cents each, and ThankYou Points earned on the Citi Strata Elite card at 1.6 cents each. You can use these estimates to calculate the value of a welcome bonus offer.

Earning Potential

Earning potential is a key factor when considering which card may better suit your situation. The Chase Sapphire Reserve card and the Citi Strata Elite card earn rewards on every purchase you make. Plus, the cards have bonus categories for earning even more rewards.

Here’s how you earn points on our featured cards.

Both the Chase Sapphire Reserve card and the Citi Strata Elite card encourage purchasing travel through their associated travel portals and reward those purchases well.

Beyond that, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card earns 4x points on flights and hotels purchased directly with the airline or hotel program. Compare that to the Citi Strata Elite card, which earns 1.5x points for those travel purchases.

If you can set your clock to use the Citi Strata Elite card on weekend nights for dining, you’ll earn well, with 6x points and 3x points outside those times. The Chase Sapphire Reserve card earns 3x points on every dining purchase, including carryout and delivery.

Consumers who spend heavily on everyday purchases such as groceries, gas, tuition, medical bills, home improvement, repairs, or other categories without bonuses earn better with the Citi Strata Elite card, which earns 1.5x points on every purchase. The Chase Sapphire Reserve card earns 1x points.

Hot Tip:

Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders who spend $75,000 or more in a calendar year receive additional benefits, including Southwest Airlines A-List status and a $500 Southwest Airlines credit when booked through Chase Travel, a $250 credit to the Shops at Chase, and IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite status.

Redemptions

At redemption time, you want to receive the most value possible. The Chase Sapphire Reserve card and the Citi Strata Elite card each earn flexible rewards that have several redemption options.

Redeeming travel rewards, whether through the card’s travel portal or by transferring them to travel partners, may yield the best value, but it’s always good to have options.

Here are the choices you have when redeeming rewards earned on each card:

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card has the edge when redeeming points. While both cards have a base value of 1 cent each for rewards points, it’s possible to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points directly with Chase Travel for up to 2 cents each with Points Boost.

Both cards offer the option of transferring points to airline or hotel partners. American Airlines loyalists will appreciate that the airline is a 1:1 transfer partner of the Citi Strata Elite card. World of Hyatt loyalists will like the ability to transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to the program at a 1:1 ratio and redeem for free hotel nights. These are just a couple of redemption sweet spots.

Learn more about the best way to redeem Ultimate Rewards points and redeem ThankYou Points in our detailed articles on these topics.

Bottom Line:

Either card can offer great value when transferring to airline or hotel partners. When redeeming through travel portals, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card may offer better potential value than the Citi Strata Elite card.

Travel Protections

Travel protections are an added card benefit that can provide economic relief should you experience a covered loss during your travels.

Here are the key travel protections offered by the Chase Sapphire Reserve card and the Citi Strata Elite card:

Please note that we have abbreviated coverage descriptions and omitted the full terms and conditions for brevity. You can find this information in the associated card’s guide to benefits.

Bottom Line:

With the extra coverage of primary auto rental insurance, trip and baggage delay, emergency evacuation, limited medical and dental coverage, and roadside assistance, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers better travel insurance protections than the Citi Strata Elite card.

Travel Benefits

Travel benefits help you save money on specific purchases and offer travel perks that enhance the comfort of your trip.

Here are the travel benefits of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card and the Citi Strata Elite card:

Worldwide Lounge Access

Airport lounge access can be a welcome benefit during your travels. The Chase Sapphire Reserve card and the Citi Strata Elite card both offer cardholders a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership. This worldwide lounge access to more than 1,500 properties includes the cardholder and up to 2 guests (subject to club capacity).

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card also includes access to Chase Sapphire Lounges by the Club and select Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges.

The Citi Strata Elite card comes with 4 passes each year to the American Airlines Admirals Club.

Hotel Program Benefits

Chase Sapphire Reserve Card

• $500 credits with the Edit by Chase Travel: Book your 2-night-or-longer Edit stay through Chase Travel and receive up to $500 in statement credits annually. Credits are available in 2 separate increments of $250 each: January through June and July through December. Remember, you earn 8x points when booking your stay using Chase Travel.
• The Edit on-site benefits: Enjoy an elite-style stay at member properties of the Edit, including daily breakfast for 2, an upgraded room at check-in (when available), a welcome gift, a $100 on-site amenity credit, early check-in and late checkout (when available), and complimentary Wi-Fi. You must book these stays through Chase Travel.
• Complimentary IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status: Receive elite status through December 31, 2027, by activating the membership in the benefits section of your online Chase card account.

Citi Strata Elite Card

• The Reserve by Citi Travel Luxury Hotel Collection benefits: Book your stay through Citi Travel to enjoy elite-style benefits, including room upgrades at check-in (when available), complimentary breakfast for 2, free Wi-Fi, a $100 experience credit that varies by property, early check-in, and late checkout (when available).
• The Hotel Collection benefits: When you book your stay through Citi Travel, you have access to on-site benefits, including daily breakfast for 2, complimentary Wi-Fi, early check-in, and late checkout (when available).
• Up to $300 in annual hotel credits: This easy-to-use credit is available when you book a stay of 2 nights or longer through Citi Travel. You receive up to $300 in credits at checkout.

Car Rental Program and Transit Benefits

Chase Sapphire Reserve Card

As well as earning 5x points on Lyft purchases, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers up to $120 in annual Lyft in-app credits, available in monthly credits of up to $10.

The card also provides car rental discounts and status with Avis Car Rental and National Car Rental.

Citi Strata Elite Card

The Citi Strata Elite card comes with up to $200 in annual credits with the global chauffeur company Blacklane. Credits are distributed as $100 from January through June and $100 from July through December.

Additionally, with World Elite Mastercard benefits, you can earn a $5 monthly credit with Lyft after taking 3 rides when you add your card as a payment option in the Lyft app. Mastercard benefits also include car rental discounts.

Additional Travel Benefits

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card and the Citi Strata Elite card each provide reimbursement for application or renewal fees for Global Entry (up to $120) or TSA PreCheck (up to $85). The Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers the additional option of reimbursing the NEXUS fee. You can use 1 fee reimbursement every 4 years.

Another essential benefit for travelers is that neither card charges foreign transaction fees.

Chase Sapphire Reserve Card

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card comes with a $300 annual travel statement credit. The credit is easy to use because the company’s definition of a travel purchase is quite broad. You do not earn Ultimate Rewards on purchases that qualify for the credit.

Citi Strata Elite Card

Cardholders receive exclusive access to Citi Entertainment events, including concerts, sporting events, and other entertainment experiences. Benefits include access to ticket presales, preferred seating, and exclusive events for cardholders.

Shopping Protections and Benefits

Shopping protections can provide economic relief should you experience a covered loss to an eligible item you purchased with your card. You can save money on specific purchases with shopping benefits.

Here are the key shopping benefits and protections found on the Chase Sapphire Reserve card and the Citi Strata Elite card:

Chase Sapphire Reserve Card

• Purchase protection: If your qualifying purchase is damaged or stolen within 120 days of the purchase date, you may be eligible to receive up to $10,000 per item, with a total coverage limit of $50,000 per calendar year.
• Extended warranty: For eligible items with manufacturer’s warranties of 3 years or less, an additional 1 year of coverage is added.
• Return protection: If a merchant refuses to accept the return of an eligible item purchased with your card within 90 days of the purchase date, you may be eligible to receive up to $500 per item, up to $1,000 per year.
• $300 dining credit: With Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables and booking on OpenTable, cardholders can receive up to $300 in statement credits each year, delivered in 2 separate biannual credits of up to $150.
• DoorDash $300 annual credit and DoorDash DashPass: Receive a complimentary DoorDash DashPass membership (worth $120 annually), a $5 DoorDash restaurant credit each month, and 2 $10 credits for use outside restaurants. The monthly credits do not carry over from one month to the next.
• $300 in StubHub credits: Use your card for purchases on StubHub or Viagogo for concerts or other events and receive up to $300 annually in statement credits. The credits are delivered in 2 separate installments, up to $150 each (January through June and July through December, through December 31, 2027).
• $120 in Peloton Credits: Earn 10x points on eligible purchases and receive annual statement credits toward Peloton memberships (through December 31, 2027).
• Chase Offers: Log in to your online card account to find offers from retailers and service providers. Select the offers you can use, make the required purchase, and receive a statement credit.

Hot Tip:

Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders receive $250 in value each year with complimentary subscriptions to Apple TV+ and Apple Music. Activation is required.

Citi Strata Elite Card

• Purchase Assurance Plus: Also known as purchase protection, this benefit is included. Coverage details, along with terms and conditions, can be found in the card’s guide to benefits, which you receive after approval. You also receive extended warranty coverage for eligible items.
• $200 Splurge Credit: You can activate the annual credit with any 2 of the 5 participating merchants, including 1stDibs, American Airlines, Best Buy, Future Personal Training, and Live Nation.
• Citi Merchant Offers: Log in to your online card account, select merchant offers, make the required purchase, and earn a statement credit.

Annual Fees and Authorized Users

It’s smart to understand any associated fees you may incur when holding a rewards credit card.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card has an annual fee of $795 and charges an additional $195 annual fee for each authorized user.

The Citi Strata Elite card has an annual fee of $595 and $75 annual fee for each authorized user.

Citi Strata Elite cardholders who have a Citigold relationship receive $145 off the annual membership fee. Cardholders with a Citigold Private Client relationship receive $595 off the first year and $145 off each subsequent year.

Hot Tip:

Authorized users receive their own Priority Pass membership with worldwide lounge access on both the Chase Sapphire Reserve card and the Citi Strata Elite card.

Final Thoughts

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card and Citi Strata Elite card have similar earning, redemption, and benefit structures. However, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card wins out in nearly every category.

When considering earning potential, both cards perform well when purchasing travel through travel portals. However, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card also earns rewards on flights and hotels purchased directly. The Citi Strata Elite card offers 6x points on dining during specific weekend hours and earns 1.5 cents per $1 spent on all other purchases, compared to the Chase Sapphire Reserve card’s 1 cent per $1.

Redemption options are the same for both cards, but the Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers the potential for up to 2 cents in value per point when using Points Boost or Pay Yourself Back. American Airlines loyalists may prefer the Citi Strata Elite card for its transfer option. In contrast, Hyatt loyalists may prefer the Chase Sapphire Reserve card for that transfer option value.

There’s no debate that the Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers excellent travel insurance and more generous statement credits than the Citi Strata Elite card.

If you’re willing to pay a higher annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card could offer significantly more value at the end of the day, depending on your situation and preferences.