Is the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card worth the higher annual fee?

The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card costs $595/yr vs $95/yr for the Bilt Obsidian Card. The higher fee includes lounge access that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.

Which card earns more rewards, the Bilt Obsidian Card or Citi Strata Elite℠ Card?

The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card has a higher base earn rate (1.5X vs 1X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.

What benefits does the Bilt Obsidian Card have that the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card doesn't?

The Bilt Obsidian Card focuses on earn rates, while the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card offers lounge access.

Should I get the Bilt Obsidian Card or the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card?

Choose the Bilt Obsidian Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card if you spend enough to justify the $595/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Is the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card worth the higher annual fee?

The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card costs $595/yr vs $95/yr for the Bilt Obsidian Card. The higher fee includes lounge access that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.

Which card earns more rewards, the Bilt Obsidian Card or Citi Strata Elite℠ Card?

The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card has a higher base earn rate (1.5X vs 1X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.

What benefits does the Bilt Obsidian Card have that the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card doesn't?

The Bilt Obsidian Card focuses on earn rates, while the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card offers lounge access.

Should I get the Bilt Obsidian Card or the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card?

Choose the Bilt Obsidian Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card if you spend enough to justify the $595/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Is the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card worth the higher annual fee?

The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card costs $595/yr vs $95/yr for the Bilt Obsidian Card. The higher fee includes lounge access that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.

Which card earns more rewards, the Bilt Obsidian Card or Citi Strata Elite℠ Card?

The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card has a higher base earn rate (1.5X vs 1X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.

What benefits does the Bilt Obsidian Card have that the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card doesn't?

The Bilt Obsidian Card focuses on earn rates, while the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card offers lounge access.

Should I get the Bilt Obsidian Card or the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card?

Choose the Bilt Obsidian Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card if you spend enough to justify the $595/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Bilt Obsidian Card vs Citi Strata Elite℠ Card

The Bilt Obsidian Card ($95/yr) is better for everyday value, while the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card ($595/yr) is worth it for frequent travelers who can use its premium perks. Here's the full comparison.

Bilt Obsidian Card

Cardless

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card

Citi

Fees & Welcome Offer

Annual Fee

$95

$595

Welcome Bonus

200 cash

75,000 Flex point

Earn Rates

Category	Bilt Obsidian Card	Citi Strata Elite℠ Card
Dining Citi Nights	1X	6X

Category-by-Category Winner

The Bilt Obsidian Card wins in 4 of 7 categories. The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card leads in 3.

Grocery Stores

Bilt Obsidian Card earns 3X vs 1.5X

Lyft

Bilt Obsidian Card earns 3X vs 1.5X

Travel

Bilt Obsidian Card earns 2X vs 1.5X

Walgreens

Bilt Obsidian Card earns 2X vs 1.5X

Rent

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card earns 1.5X vs 1X

Dining Citi Nights

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card earns 6X vs 1X

Everyday purchases

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card earns 1.5X on all other spending vs 1X

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card costs $595/yr — that's $500 more than the Bilt Obsidian Card ($95/yr). To justify that gap, you need to extract at least $500 in annual value from the card's higher earn rates and benefits.

The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card offers lounge access, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit. Whether that justifies the fee depends on how often you use these benefits.

The $500 gap is significant. Choose the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card only if you spend heavily on dining citi nights and dining and will use its premium benefits regularly — otherwise the Bilt Obsidian Card delivers strong value at a fraction of the cost.

The Bottom Line

The Bilt Obsidian Card has a lower annual fee ($95 vs $595), making it the more accessible option.

The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card justifies its higher fee with premium perks like lounge access.

For everyday spending, the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card earns more with its 1.5X base rate.

Choose the Bilt Obsidian Card if you want solid rewards with a lower cost of entry. Choose the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card if you travel frequently and can maximize its premium benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card worth the higher annual fee?: The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card costs $595/yr vs $95/yr for the Bilt Obsidian Card. The higher fee includes lounge access that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Which card earns more rewards, the Bilt Obsidian Card or Citi Strata Elite℠ Card?: The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card has a higher base earn rate (1.5X vs 1X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.
What benefits does the Bilt Obsidian Card have that the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card doesn't?: The Bilt Obsidian Card focuses on earn rates, while the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card offers lounge access.
Should I get the Bilt Obsidian Card or the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card?: Choose the Bilt Obsidian Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card if you spend enough to justify the $595/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Explore More

Bilt Obsidian Card — Full Review All Cardless Cards

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card — Full Review All Citi Cards

Browse all comparisons →Browse all card categories →

Official issuer pages: Cardless cards · Citi cards

Editorial disclosure: The analysis on this page is based on publicly available card data and is updated regularly. CardRewards.ai is an independent comparison service. Card issuers do not influence our rankings or editorial content. Last updated: June 2026.

Bilt Obsidian Card vs Citi Strata Elite℠ Card

Bilt Obsidian Card

Cardless

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card

Citi

Fees & Welcome Offer

Annual Fee

$95

$595

Welcome Bonus

200 cash

75,000 Flex point

Earn Rates

Category	Bilt Obsidian Card	Citi Strata Elite℠ Card
Dining Citi Nights	1X	6X

Category-by-Category Winner

The Bilt Obsidian Card wins in 4 of 7 categories. The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card leads in 3.

Grocery Stores

Bilt Obsidian Card earns 3X vs 1.5X

Lyft

Bilt Obsidian Card earns 3X vs 1.5X

Travel

Bilt Obsidian Card earns 2X vs 1.5X

Walgreens

Bilt Obsidian Card earns 2X vs 1.5X

Rent

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card earns 1.5X vs 1X

Dining Citi Nights

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card earns 6X vs 1X

Everyday purchases

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card earns 1.5X on all other spending vs 1X

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card offers lounge access, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit. Whether that justifies the fee depends on how often you use these benefits.

The Bottom Line

The Bilt Obsidian Card has a lower annual fee ($95 vs $595), making it the more accessible option.

The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card justifies its higher fee with premium perks like lounge access.

For everyday spending, the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card earns more with its 1.5X base rate.

Choose the Bilt Obsidian Card if you want solid rewards with a lower cost of entry. Choose the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card if you travel frequently and can maximize its premium benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card worth the higher annual fee?: The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card costs $595/yr vs $95/yr for the Bilt Obsidian Card. The higher fee includes lounge access that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Which card earns more rewards, the Bilt Obsidian Card or Citi Strata Elite℠ Card?: The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card has a higher base earn rate (1.5X vs 1X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.
What benefits does the Bilt Obsidian Card have that the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card doesn't?: The Bilt Obsidian Card focuses on earn rates, while the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card offers lounge access.
Should I get the Bilt Obsidian Card or the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card?: Choose the Bilt Obsidian Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card if you spend enough to justify the $595/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Explore More

Bilt Obsidian Card — Full Review All Cardless Cards

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card — Full Review All Citi Cards

Browse all comparisons →Browse all card categories →

Official issuer pages: Cardless cards · Citi cards

Bilt Obsidian Card vs Citi Strata Elite℠ Card

Bilt Obsidian Card

Cardless

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card

Citi

Fees & Welcome Offer

Annual Fee

$95

$595

Welcome Bonus

200 cash

75,000 Flex point

Earn Rates

Category	Bilt Obsidian Card	Citi Strata Elite℠ Card
Dining Citi Nights	1X	6X

Category-by-Category Winner

The Bilt Obsidian Card wins in 4 of 7 categories. The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card leads in 3.

Grocery Stores

Bilt Obsidian Card earns 3X vs 1.5X

Lyft

Bilt Obsidian Card earns 3X vs 1.5X

Travel

Bilt Obsidian Card earns 2X vs 1.5X

Walgreens

Bilt Obsidian Card earns 2X vs 1.5X

Rent

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card earns 1.5X vs 1X

Dining Citi Nights

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card earns 6X vs 1X

Everyday purchases

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card earns 1.5X on all other spending vs 1X

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card offers lounge access, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit. Whether that justifies the fee depends on how often you use these benefits.

The Bottom Line

The Bilt Obsidian Card has a lower annual fee ($95 vs $595), making it the more accessible option.

The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card justifies its higher fee with premium perks like lounge access.

For everyday spending, the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card earns more with its 1.5X base rate.

Choose the Bilt Obsidian Card if you want solid rewards with a lower cost of entry. Choose the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card if you travel frequently and can maximize its premium benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card worth the higher annual fee?: The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card costs $595/yr vs $95/yr for the Bilt Obsidian Card. The higher fee includes lounge access that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Which card earns more rewards, the Bilt Obsidian Card or Citi Strata Elite℠ Card?: The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card has a higher base earn rate (1.5X vs 1X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.
What benefits does the Bilt Obsidian Card have that the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card doesn't?: The Bilt Obsidian Card focuses on earn rates, while the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card offers lounge access.
Should I get the Bilt Obsidian Card or the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card?: Choose the Bilt Obsidian Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card if you spend enough to justify the $595/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Explore More

Bilt Obsidian Card — Full Review All Cardless Cards

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card — Full Review All Citi Cards

Browse all comparisons →Browse all card categories →

Official issuer pages: Cardless cards · Citi cards

Pros & Cons

Pros

+3x points on your choice of dining or grocery (up to $25K/year on grocery)
+2x points on travel
+Earn up to 1x points on rent and mortgage with no transaction fees
+$200 Bilt Cash welcome bonus upon approval (no spending required)
+$100 annual Bilt Travel hotel credit ($50 semiannually)

+12X on hotels, car rentals, and attractions via Citi Travel portal
+6X on dining during Citi Nights℠ (Fri/Sat evenings)
+Up to $700 in annual statement credits ($300 hotel + $200 Splurge + $200 Blacklane)
+Priority Pass Select + 4 AA Admirals Club passes per year
+ThankYou points transfer to AA, JetBlue, Virgin Atlantic, and 15+ other partners

Cons

−$95 annual fee plus $50 per authorized user
−Complex earning structure for housing rewards (requires spending tiers or Bilt Cash redemption)
−Bilt Cash expires at year-end with only $100 rollover
−Grocery bonus category capped at $25K/year spending
−Hotel credit requires 2-night minimum via Bilt Travel portal

−High $595 annual fee requires maximizing statement credits to offset
−Best earn rates require booking through Citi Travel portal (lose hotel loyalty credit)
−Citi Nights dining bonus limited to Fri/Sat 6PM-6AM ET timezone
−Only 4 Admirals Club passes (not unlimited access)
−Authorized user fee of $75 per user

Pros & Cons

Pros

+3x points on your choice of dining or grocery (up to $25K/year on grocery)
+2x points on travel
+Earn up to 1x points on rent and mortgage with no transaction fees
+$200 Bilt Cash welcome bonus upon approval (no spending required)
+$100 annual Bilt Travel hotel credit ($50 semiannually)

+12X on hotels, car rentals, and attractions via Citi Travel portal
+6X on dining during Citi Nights℠ (Fri/Sat evenings)
+Up to $700 in annual statement credits ($300 hotel + $200 Splurge + $200 Blacklane)
+Priority Pass Select + 4 AA Admirals Club passes per year
+ThankYou points transfer to AA, JetBlue, Virgin Atlantic, and 15+ other partners

Cons

−$95 annual fee plus $50 per authorized user
−Complex earning structure for housing rewards (requires spending tiers or Bilt Cash redemption)
−Bilt Cash expires at year-end with only $100 rollover
−Grocery bonus category capped at $25K/year spending
−Hotel credit requires 2-night minimum via Bilt Travel portal

−High $595 annual fee requires maximizing statement credits to offset
−Best earn rates require booking through Citi Travel portal (lose hotel loyalty credit)
−Citi Nights dining bonus limited to Fri/Sat 6PM-6AM ET timezone
−Only 4 Admirals Club passes (not unlimited access)
−Authorized user fee of $75 per user

Pros & Cons

Pros

+3x points on your choice of dining or grocery (up to $25K/year on grocery)
+2x points on travel
+Earn up to 1x points on rent and mortgage with no transaction fees
+$200 Bilt Cash welcome bonus upon approval (no spending required)
+$100 annual Bilt Travel hotel credit ($50 semiannually)

+12X on hotels, car rentals, and attractions via Citi Travel portal
+6X on dining during Citi Nights℠ (Fri/Sat evenings)
+Up to $700 in annual statement credits ($300 hotel + $200 Splurge + $200 Blacklane)
+Priority Pass Select + 4 AA Admirals Club passes per year
+ThankYou points transfer to AA, JetBlue, Virgin Atlantic, and 15+ other partners

Cons

−$95 annual fee plus $50 per authorized user
−Complex earning structure for housing rewards (requires spending tiers or Bilt Cash redemption)
−Bilt Cash expires at year-end with only $100 rollover
−Grocery bonus category capped at $25K/year spending
−Hotel credit requires 2-night minimum via Bilt Travel portal

−High $595 annual fee requires maximizing statement credits to offset
−Best earn rates require booking through Citi Travel portal (lose hotel loyalty credit)
−Citi Nights dining bonus limited to Fri/Sat 6PM-6AM ET timezone
−Only 4 Admirals Club passes (not unlimited access)
−Authorized user fee of $75 per user

Bilt Obsidian Card vs Citi Strata Elite℠ Card

Bilt Obsidian Card

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card

Fees & Welcome Offer

Earn Rates

Category-by-Category Winner

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The Bottom Line

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore More

Bilt Obsidian Card vs Citi Strata Elite℠ Card

Bilt Obsidian Card

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card

Fees & Welcome Offer

Earn Rates

Category-by-Category Winner

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The Bottom Line

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore More

Bilt Obsidian Card vs Citi Strata Elite℠ Card

Bilt Obsidian Card

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card

Fees & Welcome Offer

Earn Rates

Category-by-Category Winner

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The Bottom Line

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore More

Benefits & Features

Pros & Cons

What You Give Up

Which Card Is Right for You?

Benefits & Features

Pros & Cons

What You Give Up

Which Card Is Right for You?

Benefits & Features

Pros & Cons

What You Give Up

Which Card Is Right for You?