Citi Strata Elite, Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum, Venture X: Which Premium Card Wins?

The past year has been exciting for the world of premium travel credit cards. We’ve seen the 2 biggest players in the space — the Platinum Card^® from American Express and the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® — revamp their offerings with new benefits and higher fees.

We also saw a new player enter the market: the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card. This card is Citi’s reentry into the premium travel credit card space after it closed the Citi Prestige^® Card to new applicants in July 2021. The Citi Strata Elite card offers a different take, with a lower annual fee than the Amex Platinum and Chase Sapphire Reserve cards and more lifestyle-focused benefits.

Capital One has also been hard at work this year, opening new Capital One Lounges, with new lounges in Las Vegas (LAS) and New York (JFK). Unfortunately, the bank also plans to remove lounge access for authorized users and limit guest access in February 2026 for Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card holders.

As a frequent traveler and someone who writes about credit cards for a living, I carry all 4 of these in my wallet. Each card has a different purpose for me, though at least one of them will leave my wallet next year — let’s take a closer look.

How I Use My 4 Premium Rewards Cards

Having 4 premium rewards cards in my wallet might seem excessive — and frankly, it is. But it’s important to preface this section by mentioning that I have all 4 of these cards open because I write about credit cards and travel rewards for a living.

I need to stay on top of the latest credit card trends to write about them effectively. As such, I tend to apply for new travel credit cards when they hit the market.

Regardless, thanks to their varying benefits and earn rates, I use each of these premium cards for different purposes. Some are best for airport lounge access, while others may be better for everyday spending. Here’s how each fits into my wallet.

Amex Platinum Card: Lounge Access and Useful Statement Credits

The Amex Platinum card is a legend in the travel world. It was one of the first premium cards to hit the market in 1984, and while it’s changed dramatically over the years, it still offers extensive airport lounge access and a range of other benefits.

However, the Amex Platinum card isn’t like a traditional credit card. It has no Preset Spending Limit means your spending limit is flexible. Unlike a traditional card with a set limit, the amount you can spend adapts based on factors such as your purchase, payment, and credit history.

+ NEW BENEFITS

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Platinum Card^® from American Express

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 Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Platinum Card^® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Welcome Offer

You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

As High As 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $3,850

Annual Fee

$895

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

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 card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than the Platinum Card^® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,550 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $895 annual fee (rates and fees)
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
• Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards^® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel^®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts^® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel^® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
• More Value! With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection^®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club^® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges. * As of 07/2025.
• More Value! $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card^® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card^® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card^® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
• More Value! $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $25 in statement credits each month after you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card^® at participating partners. Enrollment required.
• More Value! $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel^® using the Platinum Card^®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• New! $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: When you use the Platinum Card^® to pay at U.S. Resy restaurants and to make other eligible purchases through Resy, you can get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter with the $400 Resy Credit benefit. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card^®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you, enrollment required.
• More Value! $209 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: CLEAR^® Plus helps get you to your gate faster by using unique facial attributes to verify you are you at 50+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR Plus Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR Plus with the Platinum Card^®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card^® Account*. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
• Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts^® through American Express Travel^®, enjoy noon check-in upon arrival, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
• New! $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card^® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card^®.*Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
• $100 Saks Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue or saks.com on the Platinum Card^®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits from January through June and up to $50 in statement credits from July through December. No minimum purchase required. Enrollment required.
• Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
• $895 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

The card just raised its annual fee to $895 (rates & fees), but it also added a slew of new statement credits that should more than offset the added cost for most cardmembers. Many require prior enrollment:

• Up to $200 in airline incidental fee credit for your designated airline every year
• Up to $400 in Resy credit (up to $100 per quarter) 
• Up to $200 in Uber Cash (add your Amex Platinum card to your Uber app and receive $15 per month, plus an additional $20 in December, for U.S. Uber rides and Uber Eats orders when paying with an Amex card)
• Up to $120 in Uber One membership credit 
• Up to $300 in digital entertainment credit (up to $25 per month) 
• Up to $600 in prepaid hotel credit, with up to $300 between January and June and $300 between July and December, on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings, which require a minimum 2-night stay, through AmexTravel.com 
• Up to $155 in Walmart+ credit 
• Up to $300 in Equinox credit
• Up to $300 in lululemon credit (up to $75 per quarter) 
• Up to $100 in Saks Fifth Avenue credit (up to $50 from January to June and up to $50 from July to December)
• Up to $209 in CLEAR^® Plus credit 
• Up to $200 Oura Ring credit (one-time and only applies to the ring product, not the monthly subscription)

I’ve used all these credits at least once this year, sans the Equinox and Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit. I don’t have an Equinox membership, and my Global Entry membership will not renew until next year. Using the other credits has completely offset the card’s high annual fee, and in many cases, I can use them for purchases I’d make anyway.

The main reason I have the Amex Platinum card in my wallet is airport lounge access:

• American Express Centurion Lounges: Access up to 3 hours before your flight
• Delta Sky Clubs: 10 visits per year with access up to 3 hours before a Delta Air Lines flight. You can unlock unlimited access when you spend $75,000 in a single calendar year on your Amex Platinum card.
• Escape Lounges: Over 20 lounges up to 3 hours before your flight
• Lufthansa Business and Senator Lounges: When flying with Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa, or SWISS, select Lufthansa lounges in Europe and the U.S.
• Priority Pass Select: Over 1,700 airport lounges around the world with included membership card (must enroll online)
• Plaza Premium Lounges: Entire network of over 250 Plaza Premium lounges with a same-day boarding pass

There are Centurion Lounges at my 2 home airports, New York LaGuardia (LGA) and New York Kennedy (JFK), and Delta is my primary domestic airline, so Sky Club visits come in handy.

Plus, I’ve used countless Escape, Priority Pass, and Plaza Premium lounges over the years. These give me a place to hang out before my flight and save me money every time I travel when compared to paying for food and drinks in the terminal.

I don’t spend much on the Amex Platinum card. It earns 5 points per $1 spent on flights booked directly with an airline or through AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year, then 1x points), 5 points per $1 on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com, and 1 point per $1 everywhere else. I’ve moved most of my flight spending to my Chase Sapphire Reserve card in recent months, so I only spend on the Amex Platinum card when redeeming a lucrative Amex Offer (enrollment required) or using its included statement credits.

Capital One Venture X Business Rewards Credit Card: 2x Points and Capital One Lounges

I applied for the business version of the Capital One Venture X card late last year which has similar perks. The Capital One Venture X Business Card*×Information collected independently. Not reviewed by Capital One. has a lower annual fee than the others on this list, coming in at $395, but it still has airport lounge access. Plus, it has 2 annual credits that completely offset the annual fee for me.

Capital One Venture X Business 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 Capital One Venture X Business card offers at least 2x miles on all purchases, and comes packed with premium perks. The information regarding this card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

Capital One Venture X Business Card

The Capital One Venture X Business card offers at least 2x miles on all purchases, and comes packed with premium perks. The information regarding this card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

Welcome Offer

Earn 150,000 bonus miles once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months from account opening.

150,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $2,700

Annual Fee

$395

APR

All charges made on this account are due and payable in full when you receive your periodic statement. The minimum payment due is the New Balance as indicated on your statement.

Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Venture X Business card is a great all-around premium rewards card that helps you rack up miles on all of your business expenses.

From 2x miles per dollar on all purchases, airport lounge access, an annual travel credit, complimentary employee cards, and more, there is plenty to love about the Capital One Venture X Business card.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 10x miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Business Travel
• 5x miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals purchased through Capital One Business Travel
• 2x miles per dollar on all other purchases

Cons

• $395 annual fee
• 10x and 5x bonus categories are limited to Capital One Business Travel

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 150,000 bonus miles once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months from account opening
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, everywhere—with no limits or category restrictions
• Earn 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Business Travel
• With no preset spending limit, enjoy big purchasing power that adapts so you can spend more and earn more rewards
• Empower your teams to make business purchases while earning rewards on their transactions, with free employee and virtual cards. Plus, automatically sync your transaction data with your accounting software and pay your vendors with ease
• Redeem your miles on flights, hotels and more. Plus, transfer your miles to any of the 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Every year, you’ll get 10,000 bonus miles after your account anniversary date. Plus, receive an annual $300 credit for bookings made through Capital One Business Travel
• Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®. Enjoy access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
• Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
• This is a pay-in-full card, so your balance is due in full every month

Financial Snapshot

• APR: All charges made on this account are due and payable in full when you receive your periodic statement. The minimum payment due is the New Balance as indicated on your statement.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

On the lounge side, the Capital One Venture X Business card includes access to Capital One Lounges and a Priority Pass Select membership. I’m a huge fan of Capital One Lounges because they have great food and drinks and grab-and-go snacks. A lounge recently opened in New York JFK‘s Terminal 4, and it’s quickly become my favorite lounge in the terminal.

It’s also a card I’ve started using for business expenses. It earns 10 Capital One Miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars and 5 miles per $1 on flights, so long as you book through Capital One Business Travel. All other purchases earn 2 miles per $1, so I use it for nonbonus spending like business insurance premiums.

Even better, the card pays for itself. It includes a $300 Capital One Travel credit annually and 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary. Given that you can redeem Capital One Miles at 1 cent per mile to cover eligible travel on your statement credit within 90 days of purchase, you get at least $400 toward travel expenses by simply keeping the card open every year.

This card is unlikely to leave my wallet any time soon, thanks to its Capital One Lounge access, earning 2 miles per $1 on most purchases, and paying for itself with the annual $300 Capital One Travel credit and 10,000 bonus miles.

Chase Sapphire Reserve Card: Travel and Lifestyle Benefits and Chase Lounges

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card underwent massive changes earlier this year. Its annual fee increased to a massive $795, but it also added a handful of new benefits like $500 in annual hotel credits through The Edit, complimentary IHG Platinum elite status, and $300 in annual Stubhub credit.

NEW OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

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.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

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 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

125,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$2,500

Annual Fee

$795

APR

19.99% - 28.49% 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 card application.

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 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 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: 19.99% - 28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

It also revamped its earning categories. The card no longer offers 3 points per $1 on eligible travel purchases, replacing this with a higher earning rate on flights and hotels. This is a loss for me, as I previously used the card for everything from Uber rides to parking and highway tolls. At the same time, it increased earning rates on some travel purchases.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card now earns Ultimate Rewards points at these rates:

• 8 points per $1 on Chase Travel
• 5 points per $1 on Lyft rides
• 4 points per $1 on flights and hotels booked directly
• 3 points per $1 on dining
• 1 point per $1 on all other purchases

The card includes a Priority Pass Select membership upon enrollment and access to Chase’s own Sapphire Lounges and select Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges. However, you can only access Maple Leaf Lounges when you have a same-day flight on a Star Alliance airline. I use the Sapphire and Maple Leaf lounges at New York LaGuardia regularly, and the Sapphire Lounge has quickly become one of my favorites.

That being said, I use the Chase Sapphire Reserve card to access Sapphire Lounges and have taken advantage of its various statement credits. I also use it to pay for flights, hotel bookings, and Lyft rides. Despite having a slightly lower earning rate on flights than the Amex Platinum card, I’ve found Ultimate Rewards points more useful than Membership Rewards points this year. This is mainly because I can transfer them to World of Hyatt for hotel stays.

I also use Chase Travel to book paid flights to earn 8 points per $1 as long as the price is similar to booking directly with the airline. We value Ultimate Rewards points at 2 cents per point, making this a solid 16% rebate on flights, rental cars, and hotels.

Citi Strata Elite Card: Rental Cars Abroad and 6x Points on Weekend Dining

The Citi Strata Elite card is a bit of an oddball in the premium travel credit card world. Citi doesn’t have its own airport lounge network, nor has it announced plans to add one officially. Instead, the card includes a Priority Pass Select membership and 4 American Airlines Admirals Club passes per year.

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 100,000 bonus ThankYou Points after spending $6,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.

100,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $1,600

Annual Fee

$595

APR

20.99% to 28.99% 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 100,000 bonus ThankYou Points after spending $6,000 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: 20.99% to 28.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Fortunately, it carries a lower $595 annual fee. On the earning side, you earn bonus points when you book through Citi Travel and dine out (with extra bonuses available on Friday and Saturday nights). It even offers 1.5 points per $1 on all other purchases that don’t fall into these categories:

• 12 points per $1 on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked via Citi Travel
• 6 points per $1 on air travel booked via Citi Travel and at restaurants during Citi Nights (Friday and Saturday, 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Eastern Time)
• 3 points per $1 at restaurants at other times
• 1.5 points per $1 on all other purchases

The Citi Strate Elite card’s annual statement credits are also interesting. I’ve managed to redeem all of mine since opening the card in August. They include:

• $300 hotel benefit: Valid toward a 2-night or longer stay booked via Citi Travel
• $200 Splurge Credit: Valid at up to 2 eligible merchants, including 1stDibs, American Airlines, Best Buy, Future Personal Training, Live Nation
• $200 Blacklane chauffeur credit: Valid on Blacklane rides and is distributed 2 times per year: $100 January through June, $100 July through December
• $120 credit every 4 years for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck

I’ve redeemed all of these credits, excluding the Global Entry application fee credit, as I already have Global Entry. The others were easy enough to redeem: I used the Splurge credit toward a new iPad Mini, the Blacklane credit for a ride from Brussels Airport (BRU) to my hotel, and the hotel credit during a recent trip to Kalispell, Montana.

Beyond the credits, I primarily use the Citi Strata Elite card to pay for dinner on Friday and Saturday nights during Citi Nights, when the card earns 6 Citi ThankYou points per $1 on dining. This is the best return on dining, and my wife and I almost always dine out or order delivery on Friday nights.

I also use the card to book rental cars abroad through Citi Travel, earning 12 points per $1. We value Citi ThankYou points at 1.6 cents per point, meaning this is a 19.2% return. Thanks to this outsize earn rate, I often book rentals through Citi Travel even if the price is slightly higher than other rates I’m eligible for.

That said, I only book rentals abroad with the Citi Strata Elite card because its included rental car damage waiver is only primary outside of your country of residence. Damaging a rental car within the U.S. would require me to claim on my personal auto insurance policy, so I charge these to a card that includes primary coverage on domestic rentals.

Which Premium Card Will Leave My Wallet in 2026?

Since I use each card for different things, I don’t have a single favorite premium travel card. For example, while the Amex Platinum card is my primary lounge card, there are Capital One and Chase Lounges at my home airports, so each of them has a place in my wallet when I’m on the road.

Likewise, I use these cards for different types of purchases. The Chase Sapphire Reserve gets my airline and hotel spending, and the Capital One Venture X Business card is my catch-all for other purchases. But it’s important to remember that I have other credit cards in my wallet too — for example, I generally use my American Express^® Gold Card at restaurants, as it earns 4 Membership Rewards per $1 spent (on up to $50,000 in purchases per year, then 1x).

With that in mind, I may close the Citi Strata Elite card when its next annual fee is charged. It just doesn’t have enough unique benefits — like its own airport lounge network — to justify the cost. Plus, its statement credits aren’t necessarily for things I’d purchase without the credit. Blacklane rides are nice but more expensive than an Uber or Lyft, and the Splurge Credit only applies to places where I rarely shop.

Further, while earning 6 points per $1 spent on dining every Friday and Saturday night has helped me rack up points, the Amex Gold card’s 4x earning at restaurants is close enough, and I don’t have to worry about when I spend. I also have a Citi Strata Premier℠ Card in my wallet, which earns 3 points per $1 on dining, groceries, and gas, so I can use this card if I want to continue earning Citi ThankYou points.

But this could change. The Citi Strata Elite card is still relatively new to the market, and it could add features or improve existing features before my annual fee hits next summer.

Final Thoughts

It’s an exciting time in the world of premium travel credit cards. New cards have hit the market, and big names like the Amex Platinum card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve card have undergone major overhauls, adding new features and statement credits in exchange for higher annual fees.

But having the Amex Platinum card, Capital One Venture X Business card, Chase Sapphire Reserve card, and Citi Strata Elite card in my wallet means I’m paying over $2,000 in annual fees. I need to be picky about what cards I keep long-term, and since the Citi Strata Elite card doesn’t offer any standout or unique benefits beyond statement credits, it’s the card I’m most likely to cancel or downgrade when its fee comes due next summer.