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Citi Strata Elite Card vs IHG One Rewards Premier

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Citi Strata Elite Card comes from Citi at $595/yr; the IHG One Rewards Premier from Chase at $99/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 ($515 more in estimated value) than the IHG One Rewards Premier's. Get the Citi Strata Elite Card first; revisit the IHG One Rewards Premier after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureCiti Strata Elite CardIHG One Rewards Premier
Annual fee$595$99
Sign-up bonus80,000 points185,000 points
Bonus value (est.)$1,440$925
Min spend to unlock bonus$6,000 in 3 mo$3,000 in 3 mo
IssuerCitiChase
Card categorytravelhotel
Best earning category (Hotels_citi)12x1x
Transfer partnersciti-tyNone
Headline benefits
  • 12x on Citi hotels
  • $300 hotel + $200 Splurge + $200 Blacklane
  • 4 Admirals Club passes
  • Citi TY transfer to 16 partners
  • Free night award annually
  • Platinum Elite status
  • 4th night free on awards
  • 10x at IHG properties
Read the full review
Citi Strata Elite Card
$595/yr · 80,000 points
Read the full review
IHG One Rewards Premier
$99/yr · 185,000 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.

Editorial take: IHG One Rewards Premier

A solid hotel card if you stay at IHG properties regularly. The free night award and 4th night free on award stays can easily offset the $99 annual fee.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Citi Strata Elite Card or IHG One Rewards Premier?
The Citi Strata Elite Card has the bigger bonus — 80,000 points, worth roughly $1,440, versus 185,000 points (~$925) on the IHG One Rewards Premier.
Is the Citi Strata Elite Card's $595 annual fee worth it compared to the IHG One Rewards Premier?
Premium cards like the Citi Strata Elite Card ($595/yr) earn their fee through credits — travel, dining, lounge access, statement reimbursements. If you'd actively use $595+ of those credits, the math works. The IHG One Rewards Premier at $99/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
Can I have both the Citi Strata Elite Card and IHG One Rewards Premier?
Yes, since they're from different issuers (Citi and Chase) 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 Citi Strata Elite Card or the IHG One Rewards Premier first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Citi Strata Elite Card: $6,000 spend in 3 months. IHG One Rewards Premier: $3,000 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.