Utilizing the Annual $200 Spending Credit on the Citi Strata Elite Card (2025 Edition)
In the world of credit cards, the Citi Strata Elite card stands out for its array of benefits, including an annual Splurge Credit of up to $200. This credit can be used strategically to offset costs on a variety of high-value purchases.
The Splurge Credit cannot be applied to car rentals, hotel reservations, AAdvantage status boost or renewal purchases, or AA Cargo products and services at American Airlines. However, it can be utilised on flights or eligible ancillary fees on American Airlines, providing a way to offset part of your airfare or related charges.
Live Nation, an entertainment company that sells tickets for concerts, shows, festivals, and more, is another merchant where the Splurge Credit can be applied. Splurge purchases made through Live Nation must be made on livenation.com or ticketmaster.com, and third-party services are not eligible for the credit.
One of the high-value ways to use the Splurge Credit involves choosing two preferred brands from 1stDibs, American Airlines, Best Buy, Future Personal Training, and Live Nation. Here are some specific valuable uses for the credit:
- 1stDibs: This luxury online marketplace for furniture, art, fine jewelry, and designer accessories offers items like designer sunglasses, handbags, wallets, and second-hand jewelry priced under $200. Filtering the site for under $200 helps maximise the credit for smaller luxury goods.
- American Airlines: Use your credit towards flights or eligible ancillary fees on American Airlines, excluding car rentals or hotel bookings.
- Best Buy: Applying the credit to electronics or household tech purchases can help offset costs on gadgets, appliances, or accessories.
- Future Personal Training: If fitness is a priority, credits here can help fund personal training sessions or memberships that enhance your wellness routine.
- Live Nation: Use the credit to purchase concert or event tickets, enhancing your entertainment options while getting a discount.
Because you can activate only two merchants at a time and change them anytime during the year, you can strategically select merchants based on your planned purchases to maximise the $200 credit value. For example, use it for a big purchase at 1stDibs early in the year, then switch to American Airlines later for flights.
In addition to the Splurge Credit, the Citi Strata Elite card offers other benefits such as an up to $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit every 4 years, an up to $300 annual hotel benefit when booking through Citi Travel, and an up to $200 annual Blacklane credit.
Eligible Citi credit and debit cardholders also receive special access to Citi cardmember presale tickets, preferred tickets, and other tickets to events on Live Nation and Ticketmaster. Using a favourite shopping portal like Rakuten or TopCashback can earn additional cash-back or points when shopping at Best Buy.
In summary, the highest value typically comes from applying the credit to brands offering luxury or travel-related products and services where you would otherwise spend. By strategically selecting merchants and planning your purchases, you can make the most of the Citi Strata Elite card's Splurge Credit.
[1]: Source: https://www.dooneyscashin.com/citi-strata-elite-card-splurge-credit/ [2]: Source: https://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/citi-strata-elite-card-review-12844.php [3]: Source: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/citi-strata-elite-card
- The Citi Strata Elite card's Splurge Credit can be utilized on flights or eligible ancillary fees on American Airlines, providing a way to offset part of your airfare or related charges.
- Splurge purchases made through Live Nation, an entertainment company, can be applied with the Splurge Credit, enhancing entertainment options while getting a discount.
- If fitness is a priority, credits from the Citi Strata Elite card at Future Personal Training can help fund personal training sessions or memberships that enhance your wellness routine.
- By strategically selecting merchants and planning your purchases, you can make the most of the Citi Strata Elite card's Splurge Credit, which offers the highest value on luxury or travel-related products and services.
- Other benefits of the Citi Strata Elite card include an up to $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit every 4 years, an up to $300 annual hotel benefit when booking through Citi Travel, and an up to $200 annual Blacklane credit.
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