Is the The Platinum Card® from American Express or Citi Strata Elite℠ Card better?

It depends on your spending. The Platinum Card has a net annual cost of $-2169.4 after credits, while the Strata Elite costs $-105 net. Compare their earning rates and benefits to see which matches your spending habits.

What is the annual fee difference between the Platinum Card and Strata Elite?

The Platinum Card has a $895 annual fee and the Strata Elite has a $595 annual fee. However, both cards offer statement credits that reduce the effective cost.

Can I have both the Platinum Card and Strata Elite?

Yes. Since the Platinum Card is issued by American Express and the Strata Elite is issued by Citi, you can hold both. Many cardholders pair cards from different issuers to maximize rewards across spending categories.

Side-by-side comparison

Platinum Card vs Strata Elite

American Express

Platinum Card

$895/yr

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Citi

Strata Elite

$595/yr

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Basics

Annual fee

$895/yr

$595/yr

Rewards type

Amex Membership Rewards

Citi ThankYou Points

Annual credits

$3064.4/yr

$700/yr

Net cost (fee − credits)

$-2169.4/yr

$-105/yr

Earning rates

All other spending

1x pts

1.5x pts

Flights

5x pts

6x pts

Hotels

5x pts

12x pts

Car Rentals

—

12x pts

Dining

—

3x pts

Credits & Benefits

Up to $200 Airline Fee Credit

$200/yr

—

Up to $200 Uber Cash

$180/yr

—

Up to $120 Uber One Credit

$120/yr

—

Up to $155 Walmart+ Credit

$155.4/yr

—

Up to $100 Saks Credit

$50/yr

—

Up to $300 Equinox Credit

$300/yr

—

Up to $300 Digital Entertainment Credit

$300/yr

—

Up to $600 Hotel Credit

$300/yr

—

Up to $209 CLEAR Plus Credit

$209/yr

—

Up to $400 Resy Credit

$400/yr

—

Up to $300 Lululemon Credit

$300/yr

—

Up to $200 Oura Ring Credit

$200/yr

—

Up to $300 Hotel Credit

—

$300/yr

Up to $200 Choice Brand Credit

—

$200/yr

Up to $200 Blacklane Credit

—

$100/yr

Perks & Features

Centurion Lounge Access

✓

—

Priority Pass Select Membership

✓

—

Global Entry / TSA PreCheck Credit

✓

4 Admirals Club Day Passes

—

✓

Which card should you pick?

After accounting for credits and benefits, the Platinum Card has a lower net annual cost ($-2169.4/yr vs $-105/yr for the Strata Elite), making it the more cost-effective choice if you use the credits.

The Platinum Card stands out with 5x pts on flights, while the Strata Elite leads with 12x pts on hotels. Pick the card that matches where you spend the most each month.

The Platinum Card also offers more perks including Centurion Lounge Access and Priority Pass Select Membership.

Full Platinum Card review →Full Strata Elite review →

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Which card should you pick?

The Platinum Card stands out with 5x pts on flights, while the Strata Elite leads with 12x pts on hotels. Pick the card that matches where you spend the most each month.

The Platinum Card also offers more perks including Centurion Lounge Access and Priority Pass Select Membership.