Citi Strata lifetime bonus rule (since September 2026)
Since about September 20, 2026, the Citi Strata Premier and Strata Elite no longer use the 48-month clock: their new-account bonus is not available if you currently have or previously had the same Strata account. For Strata Premier, having or previously having a Citi Premier account (the card's former name) also disqualifies you. Citi added an eligibility pop-up for these cards in October 2026, and may also weigh your history of opening, closing, and using cards.
Unpublished rule: the issuer does not publish this rule. It is documented by at least two independent guides below — treat it as a reported pattern, not a guarantee.
Key takeaways
Since about September 20, 2026, the Citi Strata Premier and Strata Elite no longer use the 48-month clock: their new-account bonus is not available if you currently have or previously had the same Strata account. For Strata Premier, having or previously having a Citi Premier account (the card's former name) also disqualifies you. Citi added an eligibility pop-up for these cards in October 2026, and may also weigh your history of opening, closing, and using cards.
Applicants for Citi Strata Premier or Citi Strata Elite, including former Citi Premier holders.
Who it applies to
Applicants for Citi Strata Premier or Citi Strata Elite, including former Citi Premier holders.
How to count
- Strata Premier: ever held Strata Premier or Citi Premier? Then the bonus may be unavailable, with no waiting period to restore it.
- Strata Elite: ever held Strata Elite? Same lifetime-style block.
- Each Strata card is judged independently of the other Strata card.
- Watch for the eligibility pop-up during the application.
Calculator (estimate)
Answer the questions below. The result is an estimate, not an approval decision.
This page is general information. Issuer rules change without notice, and actual approval is decided by the issuer's underwriting. Read the terms on the card you are applying for before you apply.FAQ
I had a Citi Premier years ago. Can I get a Strata Premier bonus?
Under the September 2026 change, generally no: a past Citi Premier counts as having held the Strata Premier.
Does holding Strata Premier block a Strata Elite bonus?
No. Each Strata card is judged independently; only the same account (plus Citi Premier for Premier) disqualifies.
Sources
- Travel Summary — Credit card application rules (Strata lifetime change)
- Monkey Miles — Citi application rules (Strata once-in-a-lifetime)
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