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Citi Strata Elite Card vs United Explorer Card

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Citi Strata Elite Card comes from Citi at $595/yr; the United Explorer Card from Chase at $95/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 ($660 more in estimated value) than the United Explorer Card's. Get the Citi Strata Elite Card first; revisit the United Explorer Card after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureCiti Strata Elite CardUnited Explorer Card
Annual fee$595$95
Sign-up bonus80,000 points60,000 miles
Bonus value (est.)$1,440$780
Min spend to unlock bonus$6,000 in 3 mo$3,000 in 3 mo
IssuerCitiChase
Card categorytravelairline
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 checked bag
  • 2 United Club passes/year
  • Priority boarding
  • 25% back on inflight purchases
Read the full review
Citi Strata Elite Card
$595/yr · 80,000 points
Read the full review
United Explorer Card
$95/yr · 60,000 miles

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 Explorer Card

Solid for United flyers. The free checked bag and 2 United Club passes per year add up, and the 60k bonus is a great starting point for domestic award flights.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Citi Strata Elite Card or United Explorer Card?
The Citi Strata Elite Card has the bigger bonus — 80,000 points, worth roughly $1,440, versus 60,000 miles (~$780) on the United Explorer Card.
Is the Citi Strata Elite Card's $595 annual fee worth it compared to the United Explorer 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 Explorer Card at $95/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
Can I have both the Citi Strata Elite Card and United Explorer 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 Explorer 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 Explorer Card: $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.