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American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited vs Citi Strata Elite Card
Both are well-respected travel cards. The American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited comes from American Express at $295/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.
| Feature | American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited | Citi Strata Elite Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $295 | $595 |
| Sign-up bonus | $1,500 cash back | 75,000 points |
| Bonus value (est.) | $1,500 | $1,350 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $50,000 in 6 mo | $6,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | Citi |
| Card category | business | travel |
| Best earning category (Amex_travel_flights_prepaid_hotels) | 5x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | None | citi-ty |
| Headline benefits |
|
Read the full review
American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited
$295/yr · $1,500 cash back
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 Graphite Business Cash Unlimited or Citi Strata Elite Card?
- The American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited has the bigger bonus, $1,500 cash back, worth roughly $1,500, versus 75,000 points (~$1,350) on the Citi Strata Elite Card.
- Is the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited's $295 annual fee worth it compared to the Citi Strata Elite Card?
- At $295/yr, the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited 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 Graphite Business Cash Unlimited 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 Graphite Business Cash Unlimited or the Citi Strata Elite Card first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited: $50,000 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.