Choosing between the Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express (no annual fee) and the Citi Strata Premier Card ($95/yr) comes down to where you spend most. Both cards can deliver real value — let’s break it down, then run your numbers to find the winner.
Strongest in groceries at 3% (up to $6,000/yr). 3% at U.S. supermarkets, gas stations, and online retail (each up to $6,000/yr).
Perfect if: You want solid rewards without paying an annual fee.
Apply NowStrongest in travel at 3%. 10x points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on cititravel.com; 3x on air travel, restaurants, supermarkets, gas & EV charging.
Perfect if: You want a strong rewards rate with no spending caps to worry about.
Apply Now| Feature | Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express | Citi Strata Premier Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 | $95 |
| Sign-Up Bonus | $200 after $2,000 spend in 6 months | 60,000 points after $4,000 spend in 3 months |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 2.7% | 0% |
| Base Reward Rate | <strong>1.0%</strong> | <strong>1.0%</strong> |
| Travel Rewards | 1% | <strong>3%</strong> |
| Dining Rewards | 1% | <strong>3%</strong> |
| Groceries Rewards | 3% (up to $6,000/yr) | 3% |
| Gas Rewards | 3% (up to $6,000/yr) | 3% |
| Key Benefits | 3% at U.S. supermarkets, gas stations, and online retail (each up to $6,000/yr). | 10x points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on cititravel.com; 3x on air travel, restaurants, supermarkets, gas & EV charging. |
Citi Strata Premier Card wins on travel, dining.
The $95/year fee difference means Citi Strata Premier Card needs to earn at least that much more in rewards to justify its cost.
Not sure which fits your life? Enter your spending below and we’ll do the math.
Enter your typical monthly spending and we’ll show you exactly which card earns more — including fees and bonuses.