The all-new Citi Strata Elite℠ Card (see rates and fees) offers impressive earning rates, great transfer partner options — including American Airlines AAdvantage — and a notable welcome bonus offer for new cardholders.
For a limited time, you can earn 80,000 bonus Citi ThankYou Rewards points after spending $4,000 in the first three months from account opening. Based on TPG’s August 2025 valuations, the welcome offer is worth $1,520. If you apply in person at a Citi branch, you can earn a higher welcome offer of 100,000 ThankYou Rewards points after meeting the same spending requirements.
Additionally, the Strata Elite Card offers valuable statement credits, most notable a “Splurge” credit, which offers cardholders up to $200 back in statement credits every calendar year.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Citi Splurge credit, including how to activate it and the smartest ways to use it.
What is the Citi Strata Elite Splurge credit?
Each calendar year, Citi Strata Elite Card members can earn up to $200 in statement credits on purchases at up to two participating brands. You don’t need to enroll in advance, but you do need to choose your brands strategically.
The eligible retailers for 2025 include:
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- 1stDibs (selling luxury furniture, jewelry and art)
- American Airlines
- Best Buy
- Future Personal Training
- Live Nation (event tickets and experiences)
Cardholders can earn statement credits at any one or two of these merchants, but not across all five.
So, for example, you could earn $200 in credits by spending with American Airlines alone, or you could split it between Best Buy and Live Nation.
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How the Splurge credit benefit works
Cardmembers must sign in to their accounts and nominate which one or two Splurge merchants they wish to select. It’s a good idea to choose two, even if you might not purchase with both. You can change the merchants whenever you like.
The offer only applies to eligible purchases made directly with the brands, not through third-party sellers or resellers, which is especially important to note for popular concert tickets.
For American Airlines purchases, AA Cargo, hotel bookings, car rentals or AAdvantage status boosts do not qualify for the Splurge credit.
You’ll get up to $200 in credit in total, and no minimum spend is required. Once you make qualifying purchases, the credit will post to your account as a statement credit.
According to Citi’s website, you must activate your selected merchant(s), and purchases made by both the primary cardmember and authorized users are eligible for Splurge credits.
Best ways to use the Splurge credit
Citi is aiming this benefit at cardholders who value travel, tech and experience-based spending. Here are some smart ways to use the credit:
- Book a flight or pay for ancillary fees with American Airlines: Now that you can transfer your ThankYou Rewards points to AAdvantage at a 1:1 rate, this would be a great way to pay any fees, taxes and surcharges required for award redemptions.
- Up your tech game from Best Buy: Whether you’re shopping for headphones, smart home gear or accessories, Best Buy is a smart way to max out the credit quickly.
- Score concert or event tickets through Live Nation: With average ticket fees rising, this is a practical way to lower the cost of a night out.
- Purchase goods with 1stDibs: If you’re already a big spender in this category, the credit can be a small but meaningful kickback.
- Get personalized coaching with Future: This subscription-based fitness platform isn’t cheap, so $200 off goes a long way.
Related: Earn bonus points or miles on events, attractions and more with Undercover Tourist
What other credits does the card offer?
As a new premium credit card, the Citi Strata Elite Card comes with other benefits, including:
- Hotel credit: Up to $300 off one prepaid hotel stay (minimum two-night booking) when booking through Citi Travel each calendar year
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit: Up to a $120 credit every four years for a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee
- Blacklane credit: Up to $100 in biannual credit (up to $200 annually) for Blacklane chauffeur bookings
- Lounge access: Complimentary Priority Pass Select lounge access and four Admirals Club passes annually
Related: Citi Strata Elite: Citi finally adds a premium travel card — was it worth the wait?
Bottom line
The new Citi Strata Elite Splurge credit is flexible and offers handy value, especially if you already shop with or fly one of the eligible brands. While not as broad as travel credits from competitors like Chase or American Express, it’s a strong perk that helps offset the card’s fairly high annual fee of $595.
Just be sure to keep your spending limited to one or two brands per year — otherwise, you risk leaving part of the $200 on the table.
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