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Side-by-side

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 $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 Explorer 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 Explorer Card
Annual fee$595$150
Sign-up bonus75,000 points50,000 miles + 10,000 AU bonus
Bonus value (est.)$1,350$1,040
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 · 75,000 points
Read the full review
United Explorer Card
$150/yr · 50,000 miles + 10,000 AU bonus

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 70k + 10k AU bonus is a great starting point for domestic award flights. $0 intro annual fee, then $150.

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, 75,000 points, worth roughly $1,350, versus 50,000 miles + 10,000 AU bonus (~$1,040) 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 $150/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.