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

Key Takeaways

• The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card offers strong 3x points earning on everyday purchases, including dining, travel, hotels, gas, and supermarkets.
• The Chase Sapphire Reserve^®earns 8x points on travel booked through Chase Travel, 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly, and 3x points on dining. The card also offers annual statement credits, including a $300 travel credit that is easy to use, as well as excellent travel benefits and protections.
• The Chase Sapphire Reserve card is more prestigious and offers additional perks. Still, the Citi Strata Premier card is an excellent choice for earning travel rewards from everyday spending, all while avoiding a high annual fee.

The Citi Strata Premier card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve card are 2 popular travel rewards credit cards that earn flexible points, have valuable redemption options, and come with travel and shopping protections and benefits.

While the cards’ structures are similar, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card is generally the more popular choice, thanks to its extensive list of statement credits and excellent benefits. Don’t write off the Citi Strata Premier card, however, especially if you prefer not to pay a higher annual fee.

If you’re considering adding either the Citi Strata Premier card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve card to your wallet, it’s essential to read this guide in detail before making your decision.

Overview

Short on time? Check out this table of features, benefits, and costs associated with the Citi Strata Premier card and Chase Sapphire Reserve card:

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card has a higher annual fee but offers greater benefits and protections than the Citi Strata Premier card.

Now, let’s delve deeper into the details of all the features and benefits of the cards.

Welcome Offer Comparison

Getting a credit card welcome offer can boost your points balance after meeting a minimum spending requirement within the specified period after card approval.

Here are the most current welcome offers and a capsule of information for each card:

Citi Strata Premier Card

Citi Strata Premier℠ 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.

Citi Strata Premier℠ Card

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com

60,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$960

Annual Fee

$95

APR

20.24% - 28.24% Variable APR

Why We Like This Card

The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card is a great all-around travel rewards card that allows you to earn big rewards on a variety of purchases like air travel, at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, and more, along with flexible redemption options, all for a modest annual fee.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 10x points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com
• 3x points on air travel, other hotel purchases, restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, and EV charging stations
• $100 annual hotel benefit

Cons

• $95 annual fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.
• Earn 10X points per $1 spent on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.
• Earn 3X points per $1 on air travel and other hotel purchases, at restaurants, supermarkets, gas and EV charging stations.
• Earn 1X point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
• $100 Annual Hotel Benefit: Once per calendar year, enjoy $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) when booked through CitiTravel.com. Benefit applied instantly at time of booking.
• No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card.
• No foreign transaction fees on purchases.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.24% - 28.24% Variable APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Chase Sapphire Reserve Card

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

Earning Potential

Both of our featured cards earn flexible rewards points. The Chase Sapphire Reserve card earns Ultimate Rewards points, while the Citi Strata Premier card earns ThankYou Points.

Here’s how you’ll earn points with either card:

The Citi Strata Premier card beats the Chase Sapphire Reserve card for everyday purchases. You’d earn well with the card if most of your spending is in those categories. The card also earns 3x points on flights and hotels purchased directly.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card focuses more on earning rewards for travel and dining, as evidenced by its elevated rewards on travel, whether purchased through Chase Travel or directly with the airline or hotel. If you spend heavily on travel, the card may better fit you.

Both cards have 3x earnings on dining purchases worldwide.

Hot Tip:

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

Earning potential is just 1 key reason to select a rewards-earning card. The value you receive when it’s time to redeem those rewards is equally, if not more, significant.

Let’s now examine the redemption options for our featured cards.

Redemptions

The flexibility of Chase and Citi points is the main reason why the rewards are valuable currencies to earn and redeem.

Here are your options when it’s time to redeem the points you’ve earned on either card.

Citi and Chase, the card issuers, each maintain their unique lists of airline and hotel partners. The best potential value for rewards earned on either card may be achieved by transferring them to the card’s respective travel partners.

For example, if you have Chase points, you can transfer them to Hyatt to book luxury hotels worldwide or to Singapore Airlines to book high-end flights like Singapore Airlines’ first-class service.

With Citi, you may realize great value by transferring to Avianca LifeMiles or by transferring to Choice Privileges and booking hotels in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, or other countries in the North Atlantic region. Learn more about Citi transfer partners here.

Additionally, with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, you have the option of redeeming points with Pay Yourself Back. Select rotating category purchases can qualify for a statement credit when you redeem your points to offset the purchase. Points may be redeemed for up to 1.5 cents each. With Points Boost, you can get up to 2 cents value for Chase Travel redemptions.

Both cards offer the option to redeem rewards for gift cards, shopping with select online retailers, and experiences. However, the value received may result in less than 1 cent per point.

Statement Credits Comparison

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card stands out from the Citi Strata Premier card by offering a comprehensive list of potential statement credits for select purchases.

Here are some of the statement credits and subscription value cardholders will have access to:

• $300 statement credit for travel purchases each cardmember year
• $500 in statement credits for the Edit annually, with 2 separate $250 credits, January through June, and July through December. A 2-night minimum stay is required.
• $300 in annual dining credits with Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables, available for booking on OpenTable, delivered in 2 separate up to $150 biannual credits.
• $300 in statement credits annually for StubHub and viagogo purchases for concert and event tickets, delivered in 2 separate up to $150 in credits (January through June and July through December, through December 31, 2027)
• $120 in annual statement credits toward Peloton memberships (through December 31, 2027) Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card comes with a $300 travel credit every cardmember year, and it’s extremely easy to use. Also, it has a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit every 4 or 4 1/2 years, respectively. The application fee credit can also be used for NEXUS.

Meanwhile, the Citi Strata Premier card offers one statement credit that also serves as a travel benefit. The card offers an annual hotel savings benefit of $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) for reservations booked through thankyou.com, once per calendar year.

Hot Tip:

Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders can activate complimentary Apple TV+ and Apple Music subscriptions that come with the card and receive up to $250 in value. Subscriptions run through June 22, 2027, and activation is required.

Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders could realize over $2,000 in statement credits and subscription value in the first year.

Travel Protection and Benefits Comparison

Travel protections can provide relief if a covered event should disrupt your journey. Travel benefits can save you money or make your trip more comfortable.

Here are the travel protections and benefits of the Citi Strata Premier card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve card.

Airport Lounge Benefits

One of the premium benefits of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card is the complimentary Priority Pass Select membership for cardholders.

This membership offers complimentary lounge access for the cardholder and up to 2 guests, subject to capacity. There are over 1,300 lounge properties worldwide, including access to the new Chase Sapphire Lounges by The Club. We reviewed one of these lounges at LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in New York City and came away impressed.

Cardholders can also access Priority Pass lounges, the Chase Sapphire Terrace, and select Air Canada Maple Leaf lounges.

The Citi Strata Premier card doesn’t offer any airport lounge benefits.

Hotel Benefits

The Citi Strata Premier card offers access to the Mastercard Luxury Hotel & Resorts Collection, comprising over 3,000 properties that provide complimentary breakfast for 2 daily, an upgraded room when available, amenity credits of up to $100, complimentary Wi-Fi, early check-in, and late checkout (when available).

It also offers an annual hotel savings benefit, which provides $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more, excluding taxes and fees, when booked through thankyou.com. This benefit is applicable once per calendar year.

Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders receive the Edit benefits during a 2-night or longer stay. Benefits include 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.

The $250 (received twice each year) the Edit credit can also be used during the stay.

Ride-Sharing App Benefits

The Citi Strata Premier card offers World Elite Mastercard benefits with Lyft, which gets you a $5 credit once per month when you take 3 rides with Lyft in a month.

Cardholders of the Chase Sapphire Reserve earn 5x points on Lyft rides, plus a $10 monthly in-app credit (through September 30, 2027).

Rental Car Benefits

Rental Car Program Benefits

As a World Elite Mastercard, the Citi Strata Premier card offers cardholders discounts on Avis car rentals, President’s Circle Status, and discounts at Hertz, as well as perks and discounts at SIXT.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card partners with Avis for discounts and benefits. With National, you can get Emerald Club Executive elite status and discounts.

Rental Car Insurance

The Citi Strata Premier card offers MasterRental coverage, which is secondary car rental insurance. Secondary means you must first file a claim with other applicable insurance before card coverage applies.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers some of the best primary rental car insurance from a credit card, as you get up to $75,000 per rental in coverage. To activate coverage, reserve and pay for your entire reservation with your card, and decline the rental car agency’s collision damage or loss damage waiver (CDW or LDW).

Trip Interruption and Cancellation Insurance

The Citi Strata Premier card offers up to a $5,000 reimbursement per covered, nonrefundable trip, up to $10,000 per account every 12 months.

If your trip is canceled or interrupted for a covered reason, such as death, accidental bodily injury, or sickness, you can use the Chase Sapphire Reserve card to claim reimbursements of up to $10,000 per person and up to $20,000 per trip.

Trip Delay Reimbursement

The Citi Strata Premier card offers up to $500 reimbursement for covered trip delays of 6 hours or more, up to twice per 12 months.

Trip delay reimbursement is available with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card for eligible delays for covered events that last more than 6 hours (or delays requiring an overnight stay). You can get up to $500 for each ticket purchased.

Baggage Delay Insurance

If your baggage is delayed, you can file a claim using your Chase Sapphire Reserve card to get up to $100 per day for eligible expenses, up to 5 days on covered delays of more than 6 hours.

The Citi Strata Premier card doesn’t cover baggage delay insurance.

Lost Luggage Reimbursement

Lost luggage is one of the most inconvenient potential outcomes of traveling.

The Citi Strata Premier card offers up to $3,000 reimbursement for lost or damaged checked or carry-on luggage per covered trip (or up to $2,000 per bag per covered trip for New York residents). There is a limit of 2 claims every 12 months.

If you travel on a common carrier (such as a commercial airline) and your luggage is lost, you, as a Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholder, are eligible for reimbursement of up to $3,000 per person per trip. Limits apply.

Roadside Dispatch

When you hold the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, you get access to 4 free service calls per year in the U.S. and Canada, with a maximum value of $50 per service call. Included in the service call are limited towing, fuel delivery, tire changing of an inflated spare, jump-start or lockout services, and standard winching.

The Citi Strata Premier card does not offer this benefit.

Travel and Emergency Assistance Services

With the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, you get access to the travel and emergency assistance services hotline, which can help you get legal referrals, emergency consulate or embassy appointments, passport replacements, and emergency cash advance services.

Another great feature of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card is the limited $2,500 coverage for emergency medical and dental expenses, plus up to $75 per day for up to 5 days as a prescribed hotel stay. An emergency evacuation benefit is also included, covering up to $100,000 in expenses.

The Citi Strata Premier card does not offer travel or emergency assistance.

Shopping Protection and Benefits Comparison

Let’s examine the shopping-centered benefits of the Citi Strata Premier card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve card.

Purchase Protection

The Citi Strata Premier card offers purchase protection thanks to its World Elite Mastercard benefits. Eligible items purchased with the card are covered for eligible incidents within 90 days of the original purchase for up to $10,000 per item ($50,000 per calendar year).

The Chase Sapphire Reserve’s purchase protection also covers up to $10,000 per item and $50,000 per calendar year, but its policy is valid for up to 120 days after the purchase date.

Extended Warranty

The Citi Strata Premier card offers an extended warranty as one of its World Elite Mastercard benefits. For eligible items, the manufacturer’s warranty may be extended by an additional 24 months, for 7 years from the purchase date. This coverage is capped at $10,000 per item.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card can extend the manufacturer’s warranty by 1 additional year on eligible warranties of 3 years or less.

Bottom Line: The Citi Strata Premier card’s extended warranty coverage is superior to that of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card.

Return Protection

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card is one of the few credit cards that offer return protection. This shopping benefit allows you to return an item to the original merchant if they refuse to accept the return. If that happens and you attempt your return within 90 days after the original purchase date, you may be eligible for up to $500 in return protection reimbursements per item.

The Citi Strata Premier card doesn’t offer any return protection.

Food Delivery Benefits

Citi Strata Premier cardholders can receive a complimentary 2-month Instacart+ membership plus $10 off their second order each month. The offer is good through August 2025.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers a complimentary DoorDash DashPass membership for at least 1 year when you activate your DoorDash DashPass membership by December 31, 2027, plus a $5 monthly restaurant credit and 2 $10 monthly credits for use outside restaurants. That’s up to $300 in credits each year.

Annual Fees and Authorized Users

It’s important to consider any associated fees for holding each of our featured cards. Here are the costs you can expect for each card.

Annual Fees

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card’s annual fee is $795, while the Citi Strata Premier card has a $95 annual fee.

No Foreign Transaction Fees

The Citi Strata Premier card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve card do not charge foreign transaction fees.

Authorized Users

The Citi Strata Premier card doesn’t have any additional annual fees for adding authorized users.

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

Authorized users on the Citi Strata Premier card get many of the same benefits as the primary cardholder except the $100 annual hotel savings benefit. Only 1 $100 benefit is offered, although a stay booked by the authorized user can indeed qualify.

Authorized users on the Chase Sapphire Reserve card have some of the same benefits as the primary cardholder, including access to travel insurance, the Edit hotel collection benefits, their own Priority Pass Select membership, and DoorDash DashPass benefits. However, statement credits are all limited to the primary cardholder’s account, even though purchases made by the authorized users count toward the benefits.

Final Thoughts

Well, there you have it! The Citi Strata Premier card offers excellent rewards for a card with a lower annual fee; however, the benefits are definitely lighter than those of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card.

On the other hand, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card has a substantial annual fee, but it comes with elevated rewards and ongoing benefits to sweeten the deal. It is the better card for your preferences if you can use just 2 or 3 statement credits, value worldwide lounge access, and rest easier having travel insurance.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card is considered the more prestigious credit card. Still, with its lower fee, the Citi Strata Premier card may offer sufficient earning power, redemption options, and benefits to suit your situation.