This isn't a mere name change. It’s a fundamental overhaul designed to create a rewards powerhouse that aggressively competes for top-of-wallet status. With a potent combination of up to 5X points on travel and broad 3X categories covering daily essentials like groceries and gas, the Citi Strata Card is making a bold statement in the crowded no-fee card market. For more details, you can refer to Citi's Official Announcement.

For years, consumers have sought a single, no-fee card that generously rewards both their travel ambitions and their routine spending. With this launch, Citi is signaling its intent to deliver just that.

The Transition Roadmap: What to Expect

Following the closure of the Citi Rewards+® Card to new applicants this past April, Citi has established a clear and transparent timeline for the transition.

• For Existing Citi Rewards+® Cardholders: Your account will automatically be converted to the new Citi Strata Card on July 20, 2025. No action is needed on your part; the change will be seamless.
• For New Applicants: The wait won't be long. Direct applications for the Citi Strata Card are scheduled to open in late 2025.

It's vital for consumers to distinguish this new no-fee card from its sibling, the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card. The Premier version carries a $95 annual fee and, in return, offers a different rewards structure and, crucially, access to a wider array of high-value travel transfer partners. You can review the details on the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card Official Product Page.

Under the Hood: A Breakdown of the New Rewards Engine

The earning structure of the Citi Strata Card represents a monumental leap forward from its predecessor. Citi has clearly listened to consumer demand for rewards on a wider array of spending. The new earning rates are as follows:

• 5X ThankYou® Points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions when booked through the Citi Travel portal.
• 3X ThankYou® Points at supermarkets.
• 3X ThankYou® Points on select transit, which includes subways, ride-sharing services, ferries, and more.
• 3X ThankYou® Points at both traditional gas stations and Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations.
• 3X ThankYou® Points on one eligible self-selected category from the following choices:
  • Fitness clubs and gym memberships
  • Select streaming services
  • Live entertainment (concerts, sporting events, theater)
  • Cosmetic stores, barbershops, and hair salons
  • Pet supply stores
• 2X ThankYou® Points at restaurants.
• 1X ThankYou® Points on all other purchases.

This multi-tiered system transforms the card from a niche product into a versatile tool for nearly every type of consumer, from the daily commuter to the frequent traveler.

Putting It to the Test: A Weekend Trip Reimagined

Let's illustrate the card's power with a practical example. Imagine a family planning a weekend escape:

• Hotel: They book a two-night stay for $400 via the Citi Travel portal.
  Points Earned: $400 x 5 = 2,000 ThankYou® Points
• Fuel: They spend $60 to fill up their car for the road trip.
  Points Earned: $60 x 3 = 180 ThankYou® Points
• Groceries: A quick $50 stop at a supermarket for road trip snacks and drinks.
  Points Earned: $50 x 3 = 150 ThankYou® Points
• Dining Out: They enjoy several meals over the weekend, totaling $150.
  Points Earned: $150 x 2 = 300 ThankYou® Points
• Future Plans: Having previously selected 'Live Entertainment' as their 3X choice category, they purchase $100 in concert tickets for an upcoming show.
  Points Earned: $100 x 3 = 300 ThankYou® Points

On total spending of $760, this family would earn a remarkable 2,930 ThankYou® Points. This scenario highlights how effectively the card accumulates rewards across a spectrum of common spending categories.

A Calculated Farewell: The Features Left Behind

From a financial advisor's perspective, this transition is a classic case of simplification over specialization. To achieve this broad appeal, Citi is jettisoning two unique—and for some, beloved—perks of the old Rewards+ Card. For the vast majority of users, these features will be discontinued:

• The 10% Points Rebate: The signature benefit that returned 10% of your points on the first 100,000 points redeemed annually is being retired.
• The 'Round Up' Feature: The perk that rounded up rewards on every purchase to the nearest 10 points is also going away.

These features, while clever, added a layer of complexity. By removing them, Citi is betting that a straightforward, high-earning structure is more valuable to a wider audience. It’s a trade-off that pits quirky, niche benefits against raw, easy-to-understand earning power. There is, however, a small exception: Cardholders who opened a Citi Rewards+® Card between July 20, 2024, and July 19, 2025, will be granted a one-year grace period, retaining these two legacy features until July 19, 2026. This has been confirmed through Citi's official communication to Rewards+ Cardholders.

Unlocking True Value: The Redemption Playbook

ThankYou® Points earned with the Citi Strata Card are flexible. They can be redeemed for cash back, statement credits, or gift cards at a standard value of 1 cent per point, as detailed on the Citi ThankYou Rewards Program Official Site.

However, for travel enthusiasts, the ultimate goal is often transferring points to airline and hotel loyalty programs. This is where a strategic approach is essential. Points from the no-fee Citi Strata Card can be transferred to a select group of partners, including Choice Privileges, JetBlue TrueBlue, and Wyndham Rewards. To unlock Citi's full and more lucrative suite of airline partners—such as Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, and Air France/KLM Flying Blue—you must pair the Strata Card with a premium ThankYou® card, namely the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card. This 'card pairing' strategy allows you to earn points rapidly with the no-fee card's powerful multipliers and then transfer them out at maximum value through the premium card.

The Financial Advisor's Verdict & What's Next

The upcoming Citi Strata Card is poised to be a dominant force in the no-annual-fee credit card arena. By delivering robust rewards on travel, transit, and everyday spending, Citi has crafted a product that will appeal to a massive segment of U.S. consumers.

While the loss of the old Rewards+ perks is a noteworthy trade-off, the new high-earning, simplified structure is a significant net positive. This card is ideal for:

• Individuals seeking their first serious rewards credit card.
• Families looking to maximize rewards on essential spending like groceries and gas.
• Travelers who can leverage the Citi Travel portal for 5X earnings.
• Existing Citi customers looking to build a powerful card combination.

New applicants can look forward to an attractive launch offer in late 2025:

• Welcome Offer: Earn 30,000 ThankYou® Points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months. This is a simple, direct value of $300 in cash back.
• Introductory APR: A 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, after which a variable APR of 19.24%-29.24% will apply, as per the Official Citi Strata Card Terms and Conditions.

The Citi Strata Card is not just a rebranded product; it's a strategic realignment. It signals that Citi is ready to compete fiercely for the everyday spending of the American consumer, and for those who play their cards right, the rewards are waiting.