Editorial take: Chase Sapphire Reserve
Recently revamped with over $3,000 in annual credits and perks. If you travel three or more times a year and live near an airport with a Sapphire lounge, this card is a smart choice.
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Side-by-side
Chase Sapphire Reserve vs Citi Strata Elite Card
Both are travel travel cards. The Chase Sapphire Reserve comes from Chase at $795/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 Chase Sapphire Reserve is the stronger pick today — the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($1,560 more in estimated value) than the Citi Strata Elite Card's. Get the Chase Sapphire Reserve first; revisit the Citi Strata Elite Card after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | Chase Sapphire Reserve | Citi Strata Elite Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $795 | $595 |
| Sign-up bonus | 150,000 points | 80,000 points |
| Bonus value (est.) | $3,000 | $1,440 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $6,000 in 3 mo | $6,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | Chase | Citi |
| Card category | travel | travel |
| Best earning category (Flights) | 10x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | chase-ur | citi-ty |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
Chase Sapphire Reserve
$795/yr · 150,000 points
Read the full review
Citi Strata Elite Card
$595/yr · 80,000 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, Chase Sapphire Reserve or Citi Strata Elite Card?
- The Chase Sapphire Reserve has the bigger bonus — 150,000 points, worth roughly $3,000, versus 80,000 points (~$1,440) on the Citi Strata Elite Card.
- Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve's $795 annual fee worth it compared to the Citi Strata Elite Card?
- Premium cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve ($795/yr) earn their fee through credits — travel, dining, lounge access, statement reimbursements. If you'd actively use $795+ 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 Chase Sapphire Reserve and Citi Strata Elite Card?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (Chase 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 Chase Sapphire Reserve or the Citi Strata Elite Card first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Chase Sapphire Reserve: $6,000 spend in 3 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.