New Citi Premium Card & AA Transfer Partner? Tempting, But I’m Not Biting Yet
We at AWFT stay on top of all the changes to credit card point redemptions so we can bring you the best deals. So when Citi dropped details about their new Strata Premier (formerly the Premier) and teased a brand-new ultra-premium card, we had to dig into it. Add to that the buzz around American Airlines joining Citi’s ThankYou Points transfer roster, and you’d think it’s time to jump ship and pick up a new card. But… let’s slow that swipe down for a second.
Yes, Citi is trying to compete in the high-end travel card market. But no, I wouldn’t recommend grabbing their new premium card just yet. Not because it’s terrible — it’s just not doing anything new that hasn’t already been done better elsewhere.
AA Becomes a Transfer Partner for ThankYou Points
As of July 27, 2025, Citi ThankYou Points can be transferred to American Airlines AAdvantage at a 1:1 ratio, but only if you hold one of three eligible Citi travel cards. Those cards are:
Citi Strata Elite ($595 annual fee)
Citi Strata Premier ($95 annual fee)
Citi Prestige (no longer open to new applicants, $495 annual fee)
If you have a no‑fee Citi card—like the Citi Rewards+, Citi Double Cash, or Citi Strata (base)—you cannot transfer directly to AAdvantage. However, if you also hold one of the eligible premium cards, you can combine your ThankYou Points across accounts and then perform the AA transfer via your eligible card's access.
Why I’m Still Skeptical About Citi’s Premium Card (But Not the Strata Premier)
Let’s be honest. Citi made some noise this year with AA transfers and its new Strata Elite card, but I’m still not sold on the idea that you need to drop $595+ annually just to tap into real travel rewards. When you zoom out and compare Citi’s premium card to Chase and Amex, the cracks show.
1. AA Transfers Are Nice — But Chase and Amex Still Win on Flexibility
Citi now offers 1:1 point transfers to American Airlines AAdvantage, which is a rare and valuable addition. But for most travelers who mix and match airlines or use Oneworld and Star Alliance, Chase’s Ultimate Rewards and Amex’s Membership Rewards are still more flexible ecosystems.
Chase gives you transfer access to United, Southwest, Air Canada, British Airways, Hyatt, and more, while Amex includes Delta, Air France/KLM (Flying Blue), ANA, Emirates, Marriott Bonvoy, and others. In short: Chase and Amex let you chase the best award space, not just one airline.
Yes, you can earn AA miles with a Citi or Barclays co-branded card. So the idea of spending nearly $600/year just for that transfer option? That’s not compelling when the Citi Strata Premier gets you the same AA transfer access for just $95/year — no luxury tax required.
2. Chase Sapphire Reserve Still Outpaces Citi Strata Elite in Total Value
Even with the recent hike to a $795 annual fee, Chase Sapphire Reserve offers more dynamic, high-value redemptions — especially through Chase Travel, where you can now get up to 2¢ per point on select bookings. It earns 8× on Chase Travel, 4× on direct hotels/flights, and still includes solid lounge access via Priority Pass and its own Sapphire Lounges.
It also delivers a buffet of lifestyle credits that — while somewhat complicated — can easily exceed $1,200 in value if you plan well: dining, streaming, Peloton, Lyft, StubHub, IHG status, Apple subscriptions, and more. It’s not for everyone, but for high-spend travelers, it’s still a top-tier card.
So when you compare Chase to Citi’s Strata Elite, which has a similar annual fee but fewer lounge perks, fewer transfer partners, and less usable credits — it becomes clear that Chase delivers more real-world value for the extra $200/year.
3. Amex Platinum Still Owns the Premium Experience
Let’s not forget about the American Express Platinum, which has its own $695 annual fee — but backs it up with luxury experiences, not just point math.
It earns 5× points on flights and prepaid hotels, comes with Centurion Lounge access, Delta Sky Club entry (when flying Delta), Priority Pass, and automatic elite status with Hilton and Marriott. It also includes Fine Hotels & Resorts perks, like late checkout, free breakfast, and room upgrades — which can easily offset the annual fee on just one or two hotel stays.
Amex’s concierge service, event access, and customer experience also outclass Citi by a wide margin. Yes, the credits (Uber, Saks, Equinox) are more lifestyle-focused, but they’re predictable and easy to redeem if they match your spending. For travelers who value white-glove service and premium experiences, Amex Platinum still sets the bar.
4. Citi’s Infrastructure Still Lags Behind
While Citi’s Strata Premier is a smart, low-fee way to access ThankYou transfer partners — including American Airlines — Citi’s platforms and support still feel like they’re in beta. Their travel portal is clunky, their redemption options are more limited, and their customer service doesn’t consistently match the level you get with Chase or Amex.
And when you're dropping hundreds (or even thousands) in annual fees across your card portfolio, ease of use should matter.
So… Should You Still Get a Premium Card?
Let’s keep it real. The Citi Strata Elite does offer some impressive perks — including Priority Pass lounge access, 6x on flights and dining, and limited Admirals Club passes — but at $595/year, you’re paying for luxury. Unless you know you’ll use those perks consistently, it’s probably overkill for most folks.
Compare that to the Chase Sapphire Reserve, which just raised its fee to $795/year and now requires more active engagement to maximize benefits. And while the Amex Platinum ($695/year) still reigns in the luxury space with Centurion lounges and elite hotel status, its credits are mostly fixed and lifestyle-heavy — Uber, Saks, Equinox, etc.
For everyday travelers who value flexibility, transfer power, and practical rewards, the Citi Strata Premier is the smarter play right now.
Why the Citi Strata Premier Hits the Sweet Spot
If you want AA transfer access without a luxury card price tag, the Strata Premier is the one to get. At just $95/year, this mid-tier card unlocks meaningful value for both beginners and seasoned travelers.
Key benefits include:
3x points on:
Air travel
Hotels
Restaurants
Supermarkets
Gas stations
1x points on all other purchases
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Citi’s full ThankYou transfer partner network — including American Airlines, JetBlue, Turkish Airlines, Avianca, Qatar, and more
Points never expire as long as the account is open and in good standing
Can be paired with no-fee cards (like Rewards+ or Double Cash) to build a full Citi ecosystem
60,000-point welcome bonus (typical for new applicants, subject to change)
This card punches above its weight — it earns bonus points in five everyday categories, makes your points flexible for both domestic and international travel, and now opens the door to one of the most popular frequent flyer programs in the U.S.
Bottom Line: Skip the Strata Elite — Go for Strata Premier Instead
If you're excited about AA transfers, you don’t need to pay $595+ to get them. The Citi Strata Premier offers the same airline transfer power — including 1:1 to AAdvantage — with a $95 annual fee, strong 3× earnings across everyday travel categories, and no foreign transaction fees.
It’s the smart move for people who want real value, practical rewards, and travel flexibility — without paying for benefits they won’t use. Keep Citi Elite and even Prestige in your rearview for now. The Premier is where the value lives.
