If you’ve been eyeing Citi’s new premium cards because of the buzz around American Airlines transfers, don’t be fooled into thinking you need to shell out $595 for elite benefits. Citi quietly gave its Strata Premier card — just $95/year — access to 1:1 AA point transfers, making it one of the best value travel cards of 2025. In this post, I break down why Strata Premier outshines Citi’s own Elite card, how it stacks up against Chase Sapphire Reserve and Amex Platinum, and why smart travelers should focus on value, not hype.

Chase Sapphire Reserve is rumored to increase its annual fee to $795—but is it worth it? This post breaks down the new credits, earning changes, and elite perks travelers need to know in 2025.