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Side-by-side

Bilt Mastercard (legacy, Wells Fargo) vs Citi Strata Elite Card

Both are travel travel cards. The Bilt Mastercard (legacy, Wells Fargo) comes from Bilt / Wells Fargo at $0/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 Citi Strata Elite Card is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($1,350 more in estimated value) than the Bilt Mastercard (legacy, Wells Fargo)'s. Get the Citi Strata Elite Card first; revisit the Bilt Mastercard (legacy, Wells Fargo) after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureBilt Mastercard (legacy, Wells Fargo)Citi Strata Elite Card
Annual fee$0$595
Sign-up bonusClosed to new applicants75,000 points
Bonus value (est.)$0$1,350
Min spend to unlock bonus$0 in 0 mo$6,000 in 3 mo
IssuerBilt / Wells FargoCiti
Card categorytraveltravel
Best earning category (Dining)3x6x
Transfer partnersbiltciti-ty
Headline benefits
  • Closed to new applicants (Wells Fargo)
  • Existing cards being migrated
  • Apply for Bilt 2.0 (Cardless) instead
  • 100k pt/yr rent cap (legacy)
  • 12x on Citi hotels
  • $300 hotel + $200 Splurge + $200 Blacklane
  • 4 Admirals Club passes
  • Citi TY transfer to 16 partners
Read the full review
Bilt Mastercard (legacy, Wells Fargo)
$0/yr · Closed to new applicants
Read the full review
Citi Strata Elite Card
$595/yr · 75,000 points

Editorial take: Bilt Mastercard (legacy, Wells Fargo)

Closed to new applicants. Bilt launched its 2.0 portfolio (Blue / Obsidian / Palladium) on February 7, 2026 with Cardless as the new issuer. Existing Wells Fargo Bilt Mastercard holders are being migrated; new applicants should apply for one of the Bilt 2.0 tiers via biltrewards.com.

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, Bilt Mastercard (legacy, Wells Fargo) or Citi Strata Elite Card?
The Citi Strata Elite Card has the bigger bonus, 75,000 points, worth roughly $1,350, versus Closed to new applicants (~$0) on the Bilt Mastercard (legacy, Wells Fargo).
Is the Bilt Mastercard (legacy, Wells Fargo)'s $0 annual fee worth it compared to the Citi Strata Elite Card?
The Bilt Mastercard (legacy, Wells Fargo) has no annual fee, so the question is whether the Citi Strata Elite Card's $595 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the Citi Strata Elite Card's benefits to clear $595 in value annually, it's worth it; otherwise stick with the Bilt Mastercard (legacy, Wells Fargo).
Can I have both the Bilt Mastercard (legacy, Wells Fargo) and Citi Strata Elite Card?
Yes, since they're from different issuers (Bilt / Wells Fargo 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 Bilt Mastercard (legacy, Wells Fargo) or the Citi Strata Elite Card first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Bilt Mastercard (legacy, Wells Fargo): $0 spend in 0 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.