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Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business vs Citi Strata Elite Card
Both are travel travel cards. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business comes from Chase at $299/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 Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($78,650 more in estimated value) than the Citi Strata Elite Card's. Get the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business first; revisit the Citi Strata Elite Card after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business | Citi Strata Elite Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $299 | $595 |
| Sign-up bonus | 80,000 points | 75,000 points |
| Bonus value (est.) | $80,000 | $1,350 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $5,000 in 3 mo | $6,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | Chase | Citi |
| Card category | travel | travel |
| Best earning category (Travel) | 4x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | None | citi-ty |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business
$299/yr · 80,000 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, Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business or Citi Strata Elite Card?
- The Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business has the bigger bonus, 80,000 points, worth roughly $80,000, versus 75,000 points (~$1,350) on the Citi Strata Elite Card.
- Is the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business's $299 annual fee worth it compared to the Citi Strata Elite Card?
- At $299/yr, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business 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 Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business 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 Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business or the Citi Strata Elite Card first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business: $5,000 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.