Editorial take: American Express Gold Card
The ultimate foodie card, earning bonus points at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. Plus over $400 in easy-to-use statement credits make the annual fee a no-brainer.
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Side-by-side
American Express Gold Card vs Citi Strata Elite Card
Both are travel travel cards. The American Express Gold Card comes from American Express at $325/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
For most people the American Express Gold Card is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($650 more in estimated value) than the Citi Strata Elite Card's. Get the American Express Gold Card first; revisit the Citi Strata Elite Card after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | American Express Gold Card | Citi Strata Elite Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $325 | $595 |
| Sign-up bonus | 100,000 points | 75,000 points |
| Bonus value (est.) | $2,000 | $1,350 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $8,000 in 6 mo | $6,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | Citi |
| Card category | travel | travel |
| Best earning category (Prepaid_hotels_amex) | 5x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | amex-mr | citi-ty |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
American Express Gold Card
$325/yr · 100,000 points
Read the full review
Citi Strata Elite Card
$595/yr · 75,000 points
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, American Express Gold Card or Citi Strata Elite Card?
- The American Express Gold Card has the bigger bonus, 100,000 points, worth roughly $2,000, versus 75,000 points (~$1,350) on the Citi Strata Elite Card.
- Is the American Express Gold Card's $325 annual fee worth it compared to the Citi Strata Elite Card?
- At $325/yr, the American Express Gold Card is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the Citi Strata Elite Card's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the American Express Gold 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 American Express Gold Card or the Citi Strata Elite Card first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. American Express Gold Card: $8,000 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.