As much as we love premium credit cards<\/a>, you may find that you can’t maximize their benefits or want to keep your annual fee costs low. If so, a mid-tier travel card<\/a> is perfect for you.<\/p>\n Today, we’re looking at two popular mid-tier travel rewards cards: the Chase Sapphire Preferred\u00ae Card<\/a> (see rates and fees<\/a>) and the Citi Strata Premier\u2120 Card<\/a><\/span> (see rates and fees<\/a>). Both come with valuable welcome bonuses, solid earning structures and extensive redemption options for a reasonable $95 annual fee.<\/p>\n Which is better for your wallet? This guide will help you make that decision.<\/p>\n 3 points per dollar on dining (including takeout and delivery), select streaming, and online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs)<\/p>\n 2 points per dollar on all other travel purchases<\/p>\n 1 point per dollar on all other purchases<\/p>\n<\/td>\n 3 points per dollar on restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, EV charging stations, air travel and other hotel purchases<\/p>\n 1 point per dollar on all other purchases<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n $50 statement credit on hotel stays purchased through Chase Travel<\/p>\n 10% anniversary points boost<\/p>\n Complimentary DashPass membership for at least one year (when you activate by Dec. 31, 2027)<\/p>\n $10 each month toward non-restaurant purchases on DoorDash<\/p>\n Robust travel protections<\/p>\n<\/td>\n World Elite Mastercard benefits<\/p>\n Citi Entertainment Access<\/p>\n Extended warranty<\/p>\n Travel protections<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The Chase Sapphire Preferred<\/a> is currently offering 100,000 points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. According to TPG’s April 2025 valuations<\/a>, the bonus offer is worth $2,050. After subtracting the $95 annual fee, you’ll walk away with a net value of $1,955 in the first year. This is tied for the highest offer we’ve seen on this card in years.<\/p>\nChase Sapphire Preferred vs. Citi Strata Premier comparison<\/h2>\n
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\n Card details<\/strong><\/th>\n Chase Sapphire Preferred<\/strong><\/th>\n Citi Strata Premier<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n\n \n Annual fee<\/strong><\/td>\n $95<\/td>\n $95<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Welcome bonus<\/strong><\/td>\n Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening<\/td>\n Earn 60,000 ThankYou points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Earning structure<\/strong><\/td>\n 5 points per dollar on Lyft rides (through Sept. 2027) and travel booked through Chase Travel\u2120<\/p>\n 10 points per dollar on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through the Citi travel portal<\/p>\n \n Other benefits<\/strong><\/td>\n 25% redemption bonus when you book travel through Chase Travel<\/p>\n $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more, excluding taxes and fees, when booked through CitiTravel.com (available once per calendar year)<\/p>\n Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Citi Strata Premier welcome bonus<\/h2>\n
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