American Airlines added as a transfer partner
Citi just made a major move by officially adding American Airlines AAdvantage as a 1:1 transfer partner for Strata Elite, Strata Premier, and Prestige cardholders.
With this addition, Citi becomes the only U.S. bank offering direct point transfers to American Airlines — a significant step forward in the value of the ThankYou Points program.
This new transfer partnership means cardholders can now use their ThankYou Points to book American Airlines and Oneworld alliance award flights, which include options on Japan Airlines, Qatar Airways, British Airways, and more. It opens the door to aspirational redemptions, such as transpacific business class or intra-Asia first-class awards, using points earned through credit card spending.
What the Strata Elite Card Offers?
Citi Strata Elite is positioned as a premium travel rewards card with a $595 annual fee, designed for travelers who want elevated benefits and exclusive transfer options.
Most notably, it is one of three Citi cards that now offer 1:1 point transfers to American Airlines AAdvantage. The others are the Citi Strata Premier ($95 annual fee) and the Citi Prestige ($495 annual fee, no longer open to new applicants).
Earning Structure:
- - 12X points on hotels, rental cars, and attractions booked through Citi Travel.
- - 6X points on flights purchased via Citi’s travel portal.
- - 6X points on dining — including delivery — during “Citi Nights” (Friday and Saturday evenings).
- - 3X points on dining at all other times.
- - 1.5X points on all other everyday purchases, with no caps.
Travel & Lifestyle Credits:
- $300 annual hotel credit on two-night minimum stays through Citi Travel
- $200 annual “Splurge Credit” redeemable with select brands like American Airlines, Best Buy, and more
- $200 annual Blacklane chauffeur credit, split into two $100 portions
- $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit every four years
Lounge Access & Elite Travel Perks:
- Four Admirals Club passes per year for American Airlines lounges. Priority Pass Select membership (excluding restaurant partners)
At $595 per year, the Strata Elite brings meaningful value for travelers who leverage the travel credits, book through Citi Travel, and now — with the 1:1 AAdvantage transfer — want premium redemptions on American Airlines and its Oneworld partners. It's a compelling option for those who fly frequently, spend heavily in travel and dining, and prefer flexible, high-value award bookings.
Why the AAdvantage Transfer Option Matters?
The ability to transfer ThankYou Points directly to American Airlines elevates the value proposition of the Strata Elite card significantly. For years, Citi lacked a direct U.S. domestic transfer partner on par with United or Delta. With this move, Citi can now compete head-to-head in the premium travel card market.
Award flights through AAdvantage often provide outsized value, especially when redeeming for premium cabins or international partners. A one-way First Class class flight from the U.S. to Europe can cost 80,000 AAdvantage miles, now fully accessible with ThankYou Points. Since AAdvantage miles are difficult to earn outside of American co-branded cards, this transfer option opens new doors for flexible points users.
It’s worth noting that transferred points count as bonus miles, not Loyalty Points. So they do not contribute to elite status with American Airlines. However, for users focused on award travel rather than status, this is a major win.
Is the Citi Strata Elite Right for You?
The Strata Elite card makes the most sense for high-spending travelers who frequently use Citi’s travel booking portal and can fully redeem the credits each year. If you fly American Airlines or plan to use Oneworld partners for international travel, the new 1:1 transfer to AAdvantage is a compelling reason to choose this card.
It’s especially attractive for cardholders who value lounge access, prefer high fixed-rate points earnings, and dine out on weekends (when elevated dining rates apply). Additionally, users in Citi’s wealth management programs (like Citi Gold or Private Client) may qualify for bonuses or partial fee waivers, enhancing the card’s value even more.
Final Thoughts
The Citi Strata Elite enters the premium card arena with a powerful mix of perks. Its new 1:1 transfer to American Airlines AAdvantage makes it a standout option for travelers. While the annual fee is significant, the included travel credits, lounge access, and elevated earnings can deliver solid value for the right user.
For those who fly American or its partners, and who spend heavily in travel and dining categories, the Citi Strata Elite could be the best new way to elevate your points game.
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