Amex Delta SkyMiles Gold vs Citi Strata Premier
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
EXPRESS
Citi Strata Premier wins 3-0. Replaces Premier — solid mid-tier travel with hotel-direct boost. Amex Delta SkyMiles Gold is still the right call if delta loyalists — free first checked bag pays for the fee with one round trip..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | Amex Delta SkyMiles Gold | Citi Strata Premier |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · $150 | $95 |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | · 2% (travel) | 10% (travel) |
| Base reward rate | = 1% | = 1% |
| Forex markup | = No FX fee | = No FX fee |
| Welcome bonus | = 40,000 SkyMiles after $2,000 spend in 6 months | = 75,000 ThankYou points after $4,000 spend in 3 months |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = No waiver |
| Min income | = — | = — |
| Min credit score | = 700 | = 700 |
| Editorial rating | · 4.3/5 | 4.4/5 |
Benefits compared
Amex Delta SkyMiles Gold
- 2x miles on Delta + restaurants + US supermarkets
- $200 Delta flight credit annually
- Free first checked bag (worth ~$60 each way)
- Priority Boarding (Zone 5)
- 15% miles discount on award flights
Citi Strata Premier
- 10x on hotels, car rentals, and attractions via Citi Travel
- 3x at restaurants + supermarkets + gas stations
- 1x on everything else
- $100 hotel benefit on $500+ Citi Travel hotel bookings
- Transfer to 16 airline + hotel partners
FAQ
›Amex Delta SkyMiles Gold vs Citi Strata Premier: which is better?
Citi Strata Premier wins on more dimensions (3 vs 0). But the right answer depends on your specific spending pattern — see the calculator below.
›Can I get both?
Yes — if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use Amex Delta SkyMiles Gold for its best categories, Citi Strata Premier for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
Amex Delta SkyMiles Gold: 40,000 SkyMiles after $2,000 spend in 6 months. Citi Strata Premier: 75,000 ThankYou points after $4,000 spend in 3 months.