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

The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card costs $595/yr vs $0/yr for the Birch Lane Mastercard. The higher fee includes lounge access that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.

Which card earns more rewards, the Birch Lane Mastercard 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 Birch Lane Mastercard have that the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card doesn't?

The Birch Lane Mastercard focuses on earn rates, while the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card offers lounge access.

Should I get the Birch Lane Mastercard or the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card?

Choose the Birch Lane Mastercard 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 $0/yr for the Birch Lane Mastercard. The higher fee includes lounge access that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.

Which card earns more rewards, the Birch Lane Mastercard 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 Birch Lane Mastercard have that the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card doesn't?

The Birch Lane Mastercard focuses on earn rates, while the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card offers lounge access.

Should I get the Birch Lane Mastercard or the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card?

Choose the Birch Lane Mastercard 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 $0/yr for the Birch Lane Mastercard. The higher fee includes lounge access that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.

Which card earns more rewards, the Birch Lane Mastercard 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 Birch Lane Mastercard have that the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card doesn't?

The Birch Lane Mastercard focuses on earn rates, while the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card offers lounge access.

Should I get the Birch Lane Mastercard or the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card?

Choose the Birch Lane Mastercard 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.

CardRewards

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

Birch Lane Mastercard vs Citi Strata Elite℠ Card

The Birch Lane Mastercard ($0/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.

Birch Lane Mastercard

Citi

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card

Citi

Fees & Welcome Offer

Annual Fee

$595

Welcome Bonus

—

75,000 Flex point

Earn Rates

Category	Birch Lane Mastercard	Citi Strata Elite℠ Card
Wayfair Brands	7X	1.5X

Category-by-Category Winner

Both cards win in 3 categories each — it comes down to which categories matter most to you.

Wayfair Brands

Birch Lane Mastercard earns 7X vs 1.5X

Grocery Stores

Birch Lane Mastercard earns 3X vs 1.5X

Online Shopping

Birch Lane Mastercard earns 2X vs 1.5X

Dining Citi Nights

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card earns 6X vs 1X

Dining

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card earns 3X 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 $595 more than the Birch Lane Mastercard (no annual fee). To justify that gap, you need to extract at least $595 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.

Bottom line: The $595 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 Birch Lane Mastercard delivers strong value at a fraction of the cost.

The Bottom Line

The Birch Lane Mastercard has a lower annual fee ($0 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 Birch Lane Mastercard 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 $0/yr for the Birch Lane Mastercard. The higher fee includes lounge access that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Which card earns more rewards, the Birch Lane Mastercard 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 Birch Lane Mastercard have that the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card doesn't?: The Birch Lane Mastercard focuses on earn rates, while the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card offers lounge access.
Should I get the Birch Lane Mastercard or the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card?: Choose the Birch Lane Mastercard 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

Birch Lane Mastercard — Full Review All Citi Cards

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card — Full Review All Citi Cards

Browse all comparisons →Browse all card categories →

Official issuer pages: 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.

Birch Lane Mastercard vs Citi Strata Elite℠ Card

Birch Lane Mastercard

Citi

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card

Citi

Fees & Welcome Offer

Annual Fee

$595

Welcome Bonus

—

75,000 Flex point

Earn Rates

Category	Birch Lane Mastercard	Citi Strata Elite℠ Card
Wayfair Brands	7X	1.5X

Category-by-Category Winner

Both cards win in 3 categories each — it comes down to which categories matter most to you.

Wayfair Brands

Birch Lane Mastercard earns 7X vs 1.5X

Grocery Stores

Birch Lane Mastercard earns 3X vs 1.5X

Online Shopping

Birch Lane Mastercard earns 2X vs 1.5X

Dining Citi Nights

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card earns 6X vs 1X

Dining

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card earns 3X 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 Birch Lane Mastercard has a lower annual fee ($0 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 Birch Lane Mastercard 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 $0/yr for the Birch Lane Mastercard. The higher fee includes lounge access that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Which card earns more rewards, the Birch Lane Mastercard 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 Birch Lane Mastercard have that the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card doesn't?: The Birch Lane Mastercard focuses on earn rates, while the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card offers lounge access.
Should I get the Birch Lane Mastercard or the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card?: Choose the Birch Lane Mastercard 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

Birch Lane Mastercard — Full Review All Citi Cards

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card — Full Review All Citi Cards

Browse all comparisons →Browse all card categories →

Official issuer pages: Citi cards

Birch Lane Mastercard vs Citi Strata Elite℠ Card

Birch Lane Mastercard

Citi

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card

Citi

Fees & Welcome Offer

Annual Fee

$595

Welcome Bonus

—

75,000 Flex point

Earn Rates

Category	Birch Lane Mastercard	Citi Strata Elite℠ Card
Wayfair Brands	7X	1.5X

Category-by-Category Winner

Both cards win in 3 categories each — it comes down to which categories matter most to you.

Wayfair Brands

Birch Lane Mastercard earns 7X vs 1.5X

Grocery Stores

Birch Lane Mastercard earns 3X vs 1.5X

Online Shopping

Birch Lane Mastercard earns 2X vs 1.5X

Dining Citi Nights

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card earns 6X vs 1X

Dining

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card earns 3X 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 Birch Lane Mastercard has a lower annual fee ($0 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 Birch Lane Mastercard 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 $0/yr for the Birch Lane Mastercard. The higher fee includes lounge access that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Which card earns more rewards, the Birch Lane Mastercard 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 Birch Lane Mastercard have that the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card doesn't?: The Birch Lane Mastercard focuses on earn rates, while the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card offers lounge access.
Should I get the Birch Lane Mastercard or the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card?: Choose the Birch Lane Mastercard 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

Birch Lane Mastercard — Full Review All Citi Cards

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card — Full Review All Citi Cards

Browse all comparisons →Browse all card categories →

Official issuer pages: Citi cards

Benefits & Features

Network

MASTERCARD

Key Benefits

None

✓Lounge access

✓Global Entry credit

Pros & Cons

Pros

—

+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

—

−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

What You Give Up

Choosing one card means missing out on these benefits from the other.

Choosing Birch Lane Mastercard means losing:

-Airport lounge access
-Global Entry credit

Which Card Is Right for You?

Get the Birch Lane Mastercard if you:

+Do most of your spending at grocery stores
+Want strong rewards without a large annual fee commitment

Get the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card if you:

+Spend $300+/month on restaurants and dining out
+Fly frequently and value airport lounge access
+Prefer a high flat rate across all spending

Benefits & Features

Network

MASTERCARD

Key Benefits

None

✓Lounge access

✓Global Entry credit

Pros & Cons

Pros

—

+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

—

−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

What You Give Up

Choosing one card means missing out on these benefits from the other.

Choosing Birch Lane Mastercard means losing:

-Airport lounge access
-Global Entry credit

Which Card Is Right for You?

Get the Birch Lane Mastercard if you:

+Do most of your spending at grocery stores
+Want strong rewards without a large annual fee commitment

Get the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card if you:

+Spend $300+/month on restaurants and dining out
+Fly frequently and value airport lounge access
+Prefer a high flat rate across all spending

Benefits & Features

Network

MASTERCARD

Key Benefits

None

✓Lounge access

✓Global Entry credit

Pros & Cons

Pros

—

+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

—

−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

What You Give Up

Choosing one card means missing out on these benefits from the other.

Choosing Birch Lane Mastercard means losing:

-Airport lounge access
-Global Entry credit

Which Card Is Right for You?

Get the Birch Lane Mastercard if you:

+Do most of your spending at grocery stores
+Want strong rewards without a large annual fee commitment

Get the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card if you:

+Spend $300+/month on restaurants and dining out
+Fly frequently and value airport lounge access
+Prefer a high flat rate across all spending