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Side-by-side

Citi Strata Elite Card vs United Business Card

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Citi Strata Elite Card comes from Citi at $595/yr; the United Business Card from Chase at $150/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

If you're not sure you'll use premium perks, start with the United Business Card, its annual fee is significantly lower and the bonus values are similar. Upgrade later if you find yourself using the higher-tier benefits.

FeatureCiti Strata Elite CardUnited Business Card
Annual fee$595$150
Sign-up bonus75,000 points100,000 miles + 2,000 PQP
Bonus value (est.)$1,350$1,500
Min spend to unlock bonus$6,000 in 3 mo$5,000 in 3 mo
IssuerCitiChase
Card categorytravelbusiness
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
  • $125 credit after 5 UA flights $100+
  • $50 hotel credit 2x/year
  • Free checked bag (you + 1)
  • 2 United Club passes/yr
Read the full review
Citi Strata Elite Card
$595/yr · 75,000 points
Read the full review
United Business Card
$150/yr · 100,000 miles + 2,000 PQP

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: United Business Card

Strong United business card. The free checked bag for two travelers, two club passes, and the under-the-radar $50/twice-per-year hotel credit help cover the $150 AF for any United-leaning small business. The 100k + 2,000 PQP bonus is the sweetener. Post-2025 refresh swapped the old $100/$10k-spend credit for a $125 travel credit unlocked by 5 United flight purchases of $100+.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Citi Strata Elite Card or United Business Card?
The United Business Card has the bigger bonus, 100,000 miles + 2,000 PQP, worth roughly $1,500, versus 75,000 points (~$1,350) on the Citi Strata Elite Card.
Is the Citi Strata Elite Card's $595 annual fee worth it compared to the United Business 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 United Business Card at $150/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
Can I have both the Citi Strata Elite Card and United Business Card?
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 United Business 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. United Business Card: $5,000 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.