American Express Gold Card vs. Citi Strata Premier Card
On the criteria below, Citi Strata Premier Card wins 2 of 3. The verdict depends on which criteria matter to you.
American Express Gold Card
Amex
Citi Strata Premier Card
Citi
Citi Strata Premier Card wins 2 of 3 criteria here, making it the stronger all-rounder.
American Express Gold Card wins on first-year math; Citi Strata Premier Card wins on annual fee and earning ceiling.
Pick the American Express Gold Card if year-one math is your priority; take the Citi Strata Premier Card if you want a cheaper card to keep long-term.
Who wins what
1 vs 2- First-year math American Express Gold Card
American Express Gold Card wins on bonus value minus annual fee.
- Annual fee Citi Strata Premier Card
Citi Strata Premier Card is $230 cheaper to keep.
- Earning ceiling Citi Strata Premier Card
Citi Strata Premier Card earns more on its best category (10× vs 5×).
By the numbers
- Annual fee
- $325
- $95
- Welcome offer (typical value)
- $1,600
- $900
- First-year net
- +$1,275
- +$805
- Peak earning rate
- 5×
- 10×
- Top categories
- Dining Worldwide, U.S. Supermarkets, Prepaid Hotels
- Travel, Travel, Dining
- Lounge access
- No
- No
- Travel insurance
- Yes
- Yes
- Elite status
- Yes
- No
- Foreign transaction fee
- None
- None
- Reward currency
- American Express Membership Rewards
- Citi ThankYou Points
Welcome-offer dollar values use each program's typical-tier valuation from our signup bonus calculator. See the methodology page for sourcing details.