Big changes are now in effect at Delta Air Lines' network of Sky Clubs. As of Feb. 1, SkyMiles members who get Delta lounge access via a cobranded credit card have a set number of annual club visits they can make.
14.01.2025 - 14:05 / thepointsguy.com / Nick Ewen / Eric Rosen
Citi is aTPGadvertising partner.
My entry into the world of credit card rewards, points and miles was a little later than some of my colleagues. (I'm looking at you, TPG veterans Nick Ewen and Eric Rosen.) I was beyond excited when I opened my first transferable points credit card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, upon its debut in 2016.
However, I always felt I missed the mark by not applying for the Citi Prestige® Card, which has been closed to new applicants since 2021. Nonetheless, I applied for its mid-tier sibling, the Citi Premier, in 2018 since it still possesses great bonus-earning categories and a long list of transfer partners. When I did feel ready for the Citi Prestige, Citi had trimmed down some of its greatest benefits, and I always wondered how I would have maximized its perks.
With Citi rebranding the Citi Premier to the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card (see rates and fees) in May 2024, I'm excited to see the issuer soon re-enter the premium credit card market with a successor to the Prestige.
Here's a rundown of what I look forward to seeing in an upcoming "Citi Strata Elite card."
The information for the Citi Prestige and Premier has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
All the major competitors of Citi that issue premium credit cards provide lounge access. Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders receive access to Chase Sapphire lounges, The Platinum Card® from American Express cardmembers can access Amex Centurion Lounges, and those with the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card can get into Capital One Lounges and a newly unveiled Capital One Landing concept.
Beyond access to an issuer's branded lounges, the cards mentioned above come with a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership. Additionally, Amex Platinum cardmembers enjoy the largest portfolio of lounges to choose from, including Delta Sky Clubs (limited to 10 annual visits from Feb. 1) and select Lufthansa lounges. Enrollment is required.
Online data points suggest that Citi may unveil its own array of issuer-branded lounges called Strata Lounges; I look forward to unlimited access for cardholders and guests. However, with airports running out of space for lounges, this leaves very few options for the upcoming Strata Lounges. Some possible locations for the new lounges could be Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Orlando International Airport (MCO).
To set itself apart from the competition, I'd like to see Citi provide cardholders with Priority Pass restaurant access, a perk the other three major issuers have removed over the past few years.
Another neat lounge benefit for the new premium card would be reintroducing
Big changes are now in effect at Delta Air Lines' network of Sky Clubs. As of Feb. 1, SkyMiles members who get Delta lounge access via a cobranded credit card have a set number of annual club visits they can make.
Blessings from an altar boy amid the sound of chanting monks is not how I expected to begin my first-ever three-star Michelin restaurant experience.
Elite status in your favorite hotel loyalty program can make your stays more comfortable, convenient and rewarding with perks like bonus points, room upgrades, free breakfast, late checkout and more.
Small-business credit cards can help you carefully manage your company's expenses while earning valuable cash back or travel rewards. As your profits and employee headcount increase, you may start to outgrow the cards you originally started with.
A tragic crash of an American Airlines regional jet Wednesday night at Washington, D.C.’s Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), which ended a long accident-free run in domestic aviation, drew shocked reactions from safety experts and the flying public.
New York’s hometown carrier JetBlue has long been one of Condé Nast Traveler readers' favorite US airlines. Now, the JetBlue credit card universe is getting an upgrade with the launch of its first-ever premier card. The co-branded Mastercard unlocks perks like Priority Pass lounge access, early boarding, and free checked bags for an annual fee of $499.
2025 is shaping up to be the year of the premium travel card. With a premium Alaska Airlines card on the horizon and rumors of an incoming top-tier Citi card, competition in this market is strengthening.
JetBlue has introduced its first premium credit card as it continues to become a leisure-oriented airline with upscale offerings.
If you haven't reached your desired American Airlines AAdvantage elite status yet, the qualification deadline of Feb. 28 is rapidly approaching. Although you still have the rest of January and February to earn Loyalty Points toward your desired status, American Airlines AAdvantage is already sending out opportunities to use miles or cash to buy elite status valid through March 31, 2026.
JetBlue Airways doubled down on its coming product improvements for travelers during a call with investors on Tuesday.
Emirates will soon make flying more accessible for autistic travelers and their families. The Dubai-based airline is set to become the world’s first commercial Autism Certified Airline—when the airline finishes training more than 30,000 cabin crew and ground staff members.
Did you know some airlines, including Air France, offer tickets that combine flights and train rides? They function much like air-only itineraries except one segment is on a train instead of a plane. Some travelers might want to do this if they are flying into a hub airport, such as Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), and then continuing on to a smaller city where there might be little flight connectivity. Booking a combined ticket can make the experience more seamless.