Editorial take: Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select
The free checked bag covers the fee on just one round-trip with a partner. Good if you fly AA more than twice a year, otherwise AAdvantage is worth collecting through other means.
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Side-by-side
Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select vs Citi Strata Elite Card
Both are travel travel cards. The Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select comes from Citi 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
Both cards come from Citi and target travel spenders, so the choice usually comes down to whether you'll use the premium-tier benefits. The Citi Strata Elite Card costs $496 more per year, only worth it if you'll actually use the upgraded perks.
| Feature | Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select | Citi Strata Elite Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $99 | $595 |
| Sign-up bonus | 60,000 miles | 75,000 points |
| Bonus value (est.) | $840 | $1,350 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $3,500 in 4 mo | $6,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | Citi | Citi |
| Card category | travel | travel |
| Best earning category (American) | 2x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | None | citi-ty |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select
$99/yr · 60,000 miles
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, Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select or Citi Strata Elite Card?
- The Citi Strata Elite Card has the bigger bonus, 75,000 points, worth roughly $1,350, versus 60,000 miles (~$840) on the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select.
- Is the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select's $99 annual fee worth it compared to the Citi Strata Elite Card?
- At $99/yr, the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select 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 Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select and Citi Strata Elite Card?
- Yes, though both are issued by Citi so the same issuer-specific application rules apply (Chase 5/24 if applicable, Amex once-per-lifetime bonus, etc.). 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 Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select or the Citi Strata Elite Card first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select: $3,500 spend in 4 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.