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Side-by-side

Citi Strata Elite Card vs Navy Federal More Rewards American Express Card

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Citi Strata Elite Card comes from Citi at $595/yr; the Navy Federal More Rewards American Express Card from Navy Federal Credit Union at $0/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 ($1,150 more in estimated value) than the Navy Federal More Rewards American Express Card's. Get the Citi Strata Elite Card first; revisit the Navy Federal More Rewards American Express Card after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureCiti Strata Elite CardNavy Federal More Rewards American Express Card
Annual fee$595$0
Sign-up bonus75,000 points20,000 points ($200 value)
Bonus value (est.)$1,350$200
Min spend to unlock bonus$6,000 in 3 mo$2,000 in 3 mo
IssuerCitiNavy Federal Credit Union
Card categorytravelcashback
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
    Read the full review
    Citi Strata Elite Card
    $595/yr · 75,000 points
    Read the full review
    Navy Federal More Rewards American Express Card
    $0/yr · 20,000 points ($200 value)

    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: Navy Federal More Rewards American Express Card

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Citi Strata Elite Card or Navy Federal More Rewards American Express Card?
    The Citi Strata Elite Card has the bigger bonus, 75,000 points, worth roughly $1,350, versus 20,000 points ($200 value) (~$200) on the Navy Federal More Rewards American Express Card.
    Is the Citi Strata Elite Card's $595 annual fee worth it compared to the Navy Federal More Rewards American Express Card?
    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 Navy Federal More Rewards American Express Card at $0/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
    Can I have both the Citi Strata Elite Card and Navy Federal More Rewards American Express Card?
    Yes, since they're from different issuers (Citi and Navy Federal Credit Union) 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 Navy Federal More Rewards American Express Card first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Citi Strata Elite Card: $6,000 spend in 3 months. Navy Federal More Rewards American Express Card: $2,000 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.