Citi Strata Premier℠ vs Delta SkyMiles® Reserve

Citi Strata Premier℠
VS
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve
The short answer: The Citi Strata Premier℠ delivers a bit more value for most spenders.

Side-by-side comparison

Citi Strata Premier℠Delta SkyMiles® Reserve
Annual fee$95$650
Welcome offer60,000 ThankYou® Points60,000 125,000 SkyMiles (limited-time)
Dining3x1x
Groceries3x1x
Gas3x1x
Travel3x1x
Streaming1x1x
Everything else1x1x
Est. yearly rewards*$551$292
Points typeTransfers to airlines & hotelsLocked to Delta SkyMiles
NetworkMastercardAmex

*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 Citi Strata Premier℠ earns about $551 a year in rewards and the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve about $292, valuing every point at a flat 1 cent. The Citi Strata Premier℠ charges $95, which you clear through its rewards and perks. The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve charges $650, which you clear through its rewards and perks. Counting rewards, fees, and any credits, the Citi Strata Premier℠ delivers more total value, about $814 a year more for a typical spender, mostly because it earns more where you spend most, on groceries and dining. The bigger difference is the ceiling: the Citi Strata Premier℠ earns points you can move to travel partners for outsized value, while the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve stays locked to a single airline or hotel program. Favor the Citi Strata Premier℠ if you will use travel transfers, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve if you want simplicity. On the sign-up bonus, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve currently has the larger welcome offer (a limited-time offer above its usual amount, so treat it as a one-time boost). 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 Citi Strata Premier℠ or the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve better?
On typical household spending, the Citi Strata Premier℠ comes out ahead after its annual fee, by roughly $814 a year with every point valued at a flat 1 cent. But the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve 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 Citi Strata Premier℠ and the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve?
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 Citi Strata Premier℠ or the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve?
As of June 2026, the Citi Strata Premier℠ offers 60,000 ThankYou® Points and the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve offers 125,000 SkyMiles. Welcome offers change often, so confirm the current offer on each card's page before applying.