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Side-by-side

Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus vs Citi Strata Elite Card

Both are travel travel cards. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus comes from Chase at $99/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 Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus's. Get the Citi Strata Elite Card first; revisit the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureSouthwest Rapid Rewards PlusCiti Strata Elite Card
Annual fee$99$595
Sign-up bonus50,000 bonus points75,000 points
Bonus value (est.)-$1,350
Min spend to unlock bonus$1,000 in 3 mo$6,000 in 3 mo
IssuerChaseCiti
Card categorytraveltravel
Best earning category (Travel)2x1x
Transfer partnersNoneciti-ty
Headline benefits
  • $99 fee (post-2025 refresh)
  • 3k anniversary points
  • Free first checked bag
  • Companion Pass qualifying
  • 12x on Citi hotels
  • $300 hotel + $200 Splurge + $200 Blacklane
  • 4 Admirals Club passes
  • Citi TY transfer to 16 partners
Read the full review
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus
$99/yr · 50,000 bonus points
Read the full review
Citi Strata Elite Card
$595/yr · 75,000 points

Editorial take: Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus

The entry-level Southwest card after the 2025 refresh raised the fee to $99. Worth it primarily if you're chasing the Companion Pass; the Priority card delivers more value if you fly Southwest 2+ times per year.

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 Plus or Citi Strata Elite Card?
The Citi Strata Elite Card has a public bonus (75,000 points, worth roughly $1,350), while the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus doesn't advertise one right now.
Is the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus's $99 annual fee worth it compared to the Citi Strata Elite Card?
At $99/yr, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus 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 Plus 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 Plus or the Citi Strata Elite Card first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus: $1,000 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.