Choosing the right rewards credit card can feel like decoding a complex puzzle. With so many options promising exciting perks, it’s tough to figure out which is the best fit. For those searching for a mid-tier travel rewards card with a low annual fee, two popular contenders often emerge—the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Citi Strata Premier℠ Card.
Both are excellent options, but which one delivers the most value for your lifestyle? We’ll compare these cards across key areas, including welcome bonuses, annual fees, rewards structures, redemption flexibility, and perks, so you can confidently decide.
What Makes These Cards Stand Out?
Both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Citi Strata Premier offer a plethora of features designed for travelers and reward enthusiasts. Whether you prioritize earning points, redeeming rewards, or additional benefits, these cards cater to your needs. Here’s the quick rundown of what makes each of them attractive:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Known for exceptional travel benefits, it ensures you get 25% more value when redeeming points for travel via the Chase Travel℠ portal. With robust travel protections, dining rewards, and a $50 annual hotel credit, it’s a well-rounded card.
- Citi Strata Premier℠ Card: Offers impressive category rewards like 10X points on hotels and car rentals through CitiTravel.com, 3X points on everyday categories like groceries and gas, and no foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for day-to-day spenders and frequent travelers.
Now, let’s break down specific features to determine where each card shines.
Welcome Bonus Showdown
Both cards kick off with enticing welcome bonuses:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card:
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
- Points are worth $750 in travel when redeemed through Chase Travel, thanks to a 25% redemption boost.
- Citi Strata Premier℠ Card:
- Earn 75,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
- Points are redeemable for $750 in gift cards or travel rewards through Citi’s ThankYou.com.
Winner: It’s a tie! Both cards offer excellent bonuses comparable in value, though Citi offers more points upfront.
Annual Fees and Earning Rates
Annual Fees
Both cards charge a $95 annual fee, with no foreign transaction fees. You won’t need to worry about extra costs when using either card abroad.
Winner: Tie.
Earning Points
Here’s a closer look at the earning potential:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card:
- 5X points on travel booked through Chase Travel.
- 3X points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs).
- 2X points on all other travel purchases.
- 1X points on all other purchases.
- Limited-time bonuses like 5X points on Lyft rides and Peloton equipment purchases.
- Citi Strata Premier℠ Card:
- 10X points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com.
- 3X points on airfare, restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, and EV charging stations.
- 1X points on other purchases.
Citi edges out Chase in day-to-day spending categories like groceries, gas, and air travel outside its portal. However, Chase shines with higher multipliers on dining and additional travel services.
Winner: Citi Strata Premier takes the lead for everyday spenders due to broader earning categories.
Redeeming Your Points
Redemption flexibility heavily influences a rewards card’s value.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card:
- Get 25% more value when redeeming points for travel through Chase Travel. For example, 60,000 points translate to $750 in travel.
- Points can be transferred 1:1 to 14 airline and hotel loyalty programs, including industry favorites like Hyatt, United Airlines, and Southwest.
- Citi Strata Premier℠ Card:
- Points can be redeemed for a straightforward 1 cent per point for travel or gift cards through ThankYou.com.
- Transfer points 1:1 to Citi’s airline partners, but hotel options are limited compared to Chase.
Chase’s ability to squeeze more value out of points for travel and its extensive transfer partners provide greater redemption flexibility.
Winner: Chase Sapphire Preferred.
Travel Perks & Additional Benefits
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Perks:
- Comprehensive travel protections:
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance.
- Primary rental car insurance.
- Trip Delay Reimbursement.
- Baggage Delay and Lost Luggage Insurance.
- $50 annual statement credit for hotel bookings through Chase Travel.
- Bonus 10% points annually based on your total yearly spending.
Citi Strata Premier℠ Card Perks:
- $100 off a single $500+ hotel stay booked through CitiTravel once per calendar year.
- Insurance coverage for trip delays, cancellations, lost luggage, and rental cars (MasterRental®).
While Citi offers significant travel protections, Chase delivers more comprehensive benefits, making it a stronger choice for frequent travelers.
Winner: Chase Sapphire Preferred.
Which Card Should You Choose?
Your choice will ultimately depend on your spending habits and travel preferences:
- Choose the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card if:
- You frequently book travel and want flexible, high-value redemption options.
- You value additional travel perks and protections like primary car rental coverage and trip insurance.
- You plan to redeem points often in the Chase Travel portal and want that extra 25% boost.
- Choose the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card if:
- You spend heavily on groceries, gas, and everyday essentials.
- You’re looking for higher earning potential on airfare and hotels booked outside its travel portal.
- You want an affordable, well-rounded rewards card for everyday use.
For adventurous travelers looking to maximize benefits and flexibility, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card comes out on top. Meanwhile, everyday earners focusing on routine expenses may gain more value from the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card.
Make Your Rewards Work for You
Points are more than just numbers—they’re opportunities for unforgettable experiences, whether it’s a dream vacation or a no-cost shopping spree. Both cards offer immense value for their modest $95 annual fees, so you can’t go wrong with either option. Evaluate your lifestyle, priorities, and spending patterns to decide which card suits you best.
Looking for a credit card comparison that aligns with your unique needs? Check out other options here. Your ideal card is just waiting to unlock new possibilities!