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Side-by-side

Hilton Honors American Express Business Card vs Citi Strata Card

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card comes from American Express at $195/yr; the Citi Strata Card from Citi at $0/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.

FeatureHilton Honors American Express Business CardCiti Strata Card
Annual fee$195$0
Sign-up bonus130,000 points20,000 bonus points
Bonus value (est.)$650$340
Min spend to unlock bonus$6,000 in 6 mo-
IssuerAmerican ExpressCiti
Card categoryhoteltravel
Best earning category (Hilton)12x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • 12x at Hilton
  • Free night cert after $15k spend
  • Second free night after $60k
  • Hilton Gold status
    Read the full review
    Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
    $195/yr · 130,000 points
    Read the full review
    Citi Strata Card
    $0/yr · 20,000 bonus points

    Editorial take: Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

    If you stay at Hiltons, this is the underrated middle tier, the $60/quarter credit + the $15k-spend Free Night routinely cover the $195 fee, and Gold status is real value at any Hilton property.

    Editorial take: Citi Strata Card

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Hilton Honors American Express Business Card or Citi Strata Card?
    The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card has the bigger bonus, 130,000 points, worth roughly $650, versus 20,000 bonus points (~$340) on the Citi Strata Card.
    Is the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card's $195 annual fee worth it compared to the Citi Strata Card?
    At $195/yr, the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the Citi Strata Card's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
    Can I have both the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card and Citi Strata 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 Hilton Honors American Express Business Card or the Citi Strata Card first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Hilton Honors American Express Business Card: $6,000 spend in 6 months. Citi Strata Card: no published min spend. 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.