Can new 'Elite' card compete with rivals?

When its Strata Elite credit card launched in late July, Citibank joined Chase, American Express and others in the pursuit of luxury travellers.

- NIA DECAILLE

The card’s $595 (about 19,400 baht) annual fee is lower than the American Express Platinum card ($695, soon to be updated) and the Chase Sapphire Reserve card ($795) but higher than the Capital One Venture X card ($395).

The new Citi card touts a number of perks, including the opportunity to earn $1,500 each year in various rewards categories, including 12 times the points on hotel bookings, a $200 Blacklane credit, a $200 splurge credit and access to airport lounges. Loyalty within Citibank is also rewarded: Customers enrolled in Citigold, a banking and wealth management service, receive a $145 credit, while Citigold private clients receive a $595 credit, effectively covering the Strata Elite card’s annual fee.

For travellers weighing their options, here’s how the Citi Strata Elite card stacks up against its top competitors.

AIRPORT LOUNGES

Access to airport lounges has become a top attraction for high-end cards. Amex, Chase, Capital One and Citi all include a Priority Pass membership with access to thousands of airport lounges worldwide. But the quality of the experience at Priority Pass lounges can vary.

Some premium cards also offer access to branded lounges: Centurion Lounges (Amex), the Chase Sapphire Reserve lounges, Capital One lounges. The Strata Elite card does not offer access to a bank-branded lounge, but it does include four annual passes to the American Airlines Admirals Club lounges.