Bilt Blue vs Citi Strata Premier℠

Bilt Blue
VS
Citi Strata Premier℠
The short answer: The Citi Strata Premier℠ delivers a bit more value for most spenders.

Side-by-side comparison

Bilt BlueCiti Strata Premier℠
Annual feeNo annual fee$95
Welcome offer$100 in Bilt Cash on account opening60,000 ThankYou® Points
Dining1x3x
Groceries1x3x
Gas1x3x
Travel2x3x
Streaming1x1x
Everything else1x1x
Est. yearly rewards*$310$551
Points typeTransfers to airlines & hotelsTransfers to airlines & hotels
NetworkMastercardMastercard

*Estimated yearly rewards on typical household spending, every point valued at a flat 1 cent. Verified June 2026. See your own numbers in the calculator.

The verdict

On a typical year of household spending, the Bilt Blue earns about $310 a year in rewards and the Citi Strata Premier℠ about $551, valuing every point at a flat 1 cent. The Bilt Blue has no annual fee, so its rewards are all profit. The Citi Strata Premier℠ charges $95, which you clear through its rewards and perks. Counting rewards, fees, and any credits, the Citi Strata Premier℠ delivers more total value, about $96 a year more for a typical spender, mostly because it earns more where you spend most, on groceries and dining. Both earn transferable points rather than flat cash, so the deciding factor is whose transfer partners reach the airlines and hotels you would actually book. On the sign-up bonus, the Citi Strata Premier℠ currently has the larger welcome offer. A welcome bonus is a one-time event, so weigh it apart from the ongoing rewards.

Pick the Citi Strata Premier℠ if your spending leans toward dining, groceries, gas.

Read the full reviews

Frequently asked questions

Is the Bilt Blue or the Citi Strata Premier℠ better?
On typical household spending, the Citi Strata Premier℠ comes out ahead after its annual fee, by roughly $96 a year with every point valued at a flat 1 cent. But the Bilt Blue can be the better fit if your spending lines up with its stronger categories. Run both through the Cardocrat calculator to see your own numbers.
Can I have both the Bilt Blue and the Citi Strata Premier℠?
In most cases yes, as long as you meet each issuer's approval rules (for example Chase's 5/24 rule). Many people hold complementary cards to cover more bonus categories, then pool or redeem the rewards together where the program allows.
Which has the better welcome bonus, the Bilt Blue or the Citi Strata Premier℠?
As of June 2026, the Bilt Blue offers $100 in Bilt Cash on account opening and the Citi Strata Premier℠ offers 60,000 ThankYou® Points. Welcome offers change often, so confirm the current offer on each card's page before applying.