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Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card vs Citi Strata Elite Card

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card comes from American Express at $650/yr; the Citi Strata Elite Card from Citi at $595/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

These cards are close on the fundamentals (similar bonus value, similar fee). The right pick depends on which category you spend the most in and which transfer partners best fit your travel goals.

FeatureDelta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express CardCiti Strata Elite Card
Annual fee$650$595
Sign-up bonus125,000 miles75,000 points
Bonus value (est.)$1,413$1,350
Min spend to unlock bonus$15,000 in 6 mo$6,000 in 3 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressCiti
Card categoryairlinetravel
Best earning category (Delta)3x1x
Transfer partnersNoneciti-ty
Headline benefits
  • 15 Sky Club visits/year
  • First-class companion cert
  • $20/mo resy credit
  • MQD Headstart
  • 12x on Citi hotels
  • $300 hotel + $200 Splurge + $200 Blacklane
  • 4 Admirals Club passes
  • Citi TY transfer to 19 partners
Read the full review
Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card
$650/yr · 125,000 miles
Read the full review
Citi Strata Elite Card
$595/yr · 75,000 points

Editorial take: Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card

Premium Delta business. Sky Club + first-class companion cert combined typically cover the fee for couples on a single trip. Stack with personal Delta Reserve only if you really want unlimited Sky Club.

Editorial take: Citi Strata Elite Card

Citi's premium answer to Amex Platinum + Sapphire Reserve. The 12x on Citi-booked hotels is the best earning rate in the category; the $200 Blacklane and 4 Admirals Club passes are differentiated perks. $595 fee penciled out if you'll actually use the hotel + Splurge credits.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card or Citi Strata Elite Card?
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card has the bigger bonus, 125,000 miles, worth roughly $1,413, versus 75,000 points (~$1,350) on the Citi Strata Elite Card.
Is the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card's $650 annual fee worth it compared to the Citi Strata Elite Card?
Premium cards like the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card ($650/yr) earn their fee through credits, travel, dining, lounge access, statement reimbursements. If you'd actively use $650+ of those credits, the math works. The Citi Strata Elite Card at $595/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
Can I have both the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card and Citi Strata Elite Card?
Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and Citi) the application rules don't conflict. Many points enthusiasts hold both, they pair well when one earns flexible bank points and the other earns a different currency.
Should I get the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card or the Citi Strata Elite Card first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card: $15,000 spend in 6 months. Citi Strata Elite Card: $6,000 in 3 months. Pick the easier minimum spend if you're new to points; pick the larger bonus if you have planned big purchases coming up.

Card details on this page reflect the most recent data we've verified against the issuer's own site. Sign-up bonuses and fees can change at any time, confirm the current offer on the issuer's page before applying.