Citi Strata Premier: Taking Down Chase’s Sapphire Preferred
The game is changing and the change that really got me thinking was an aside, but it’s making the most of the little details that leads you to finding outsized value with your credit cards. Let’s talk about one of the details city announced that’s going to help you take your family farther for less. And if you’re truly serious about using your credit card points and miles to take fantastic family vacations, subscribe now. If you could hit that like button, too, that would be great. So far this year, Capital 1 nerfed the Venture X. Chase revamped the Sapphire Reserve and introduced a business version. American Express announced upcoming changes to the Platinum card, and City introduced not just one, but two new cards. While the first half of the year has had more than its share of changes, part of our game has always been keeping up with the changes, figuring out how to optimize our setups, and trying to stay that one step ahead. But of all those changes, it was Sydney’s addition of American Airlines as a transfer partner that intrigued me the most. No other issuer can transfer points to American Airlines, and advantage miles are some of the most valuable airline points you can get your hands on. Not only can you book relatively cheap domestic economy flights, but you can also use some of American’s own one world partners to get some outsized value as well. We’re talking flights to Tokyo on Japan Airlines, uh to Hawaii using Alaska Airlines and Abu Dhabi on EddiHad. Until the City announcement, there was no way to transfer credit card points over to American Airlines. I’m sure City Meant this to be a big draw for their brand new City Strata Elite card. But you don’t need the Strata Elite to access American Airlines. You don’t need to pay $595 to transfer points to American. If the Strata Elite works for you, that’s great. But the Strata Premiere can do the same thing for $500 less. And that’s why I applied for the City Strata Premiere card. For the last few years, I’ve been convinced that the Chase Sapphire Preferred is the best $95 card because of one of his transfer partners, Hyatt. I consistently get fantastic value by redeeming UR points for Hyatt’s days. I break down one of my recent Hiatt redemptions in this video here. But most everyone knows the Sapphire Preferred doesn’t earn points well all by itself. It needs support. With City now being the sole issuer able to transfer points to American, they’ve cornered a desirable section of the market similar to what Chase has with Hyatt. But I’m wondering if City’s Strata Premiere has supplanted the Sapphire Preferred because the Premiere earns points all by itself. 3x back at restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations. 3x back on airline purchases and hotels, including Airbnbs. The Sapphire Preferred hotel benefit is probably easier to use than Strata Premiere, but I don’t usually book through any travel portal. I haven’t gotten the 50 bucks back in the preferred in 2 years. Yeah, I know. I’m terrible at this whole credit card thing. And you know what? I I don’t expect to get the hundred back from the Premiere either. Told you I’m terrible at this. But if I’m getting great value through American Airlines, I won’t care. I just won’t. Same way I don’t care about the 50 bucks back from Chase because of the value I get from Hyatt. I want to hear from you. Is transferring points to American Airlines a game changer for city? Am I overreacting to the news? Did the Strive Premiere actually dethrone the Sapphire Preferred? Share your thoughts in the comments below. While you’re there, make sure you subscribe and hit the like button. Now, if you’re thinking about the City Strata Premiere, you need to see how it fits in with other cars from City. And I’ve got that covered for you in this video here. I’ll see you over there next. Until next time, safe travels.
Learn how to maximize your credit card points here: http://www.youtube.com/@travelpointsfamily?sub_confirmation=1
Citi just made a massive change that could make your family’s next vacation cheaper than you ever imagined. But what does the addition of American Airlines as a transfer partner mean for your points strategy?
In this video, we’re diving deep into the changes to the credit card game, specifically Citi’s addition of American Airlines as a transfer partner. No other issuer lets you transfer points to American, making this a truly game-changing move.
I’ll show you why this one detail is so important and how it could help you book dream flights to destinations like Tokyo, Hawaii, or Abu Dhabi.
But is the new Citi Strata Premier card now the best card for everyday spending? We’ll compare it head-to-head with the fan-favorite Chase Sapphire Preferred and break down the earning potential of each.
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 – The Credit Card Game is Changing
0:53 – Why American Airlines is a Game Changer for Citi
1:53 – Citi Strata Premier vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred
2:45 – Do The Hotel Credits Even Matter?
3:15 – Final Thoughts and Your Opinion
Resources & Links Mentioned in This Video:
$4700 HYATT Family Vacation For Free: https://youtu.be/kP70YQcW-uQ?si=Eecy9Lh-06VsZTom
The Citi Trifecta: A Complete Guide: https://youtu.be/AseIH_zReCE?si=eqvAlTWJ5jbzj0zM
#CreditCards #Citi #AmericanAirlines #TravelRewards #ChaseSapphirePreferred #CitiStrataPremier #PointsAndMiles #FamilyTravel #TravelHacks
2 Comments
I'm not going after the Strata Elite. The Premier is all you need.
Transfers to American Airlines could be huge!