In this podcast episode, we’ll talk about how US Bank is bonvoying grandfathers and US Bank’s plans to add transfer partners. We’ll also talk about who the Citi Strata Elite card is good for.
Citi Strata Elite: the good, bad, and ugly
Watch here:
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Giant Mailbag
(01:40) – This listener has tips about their strategy when a flight becomes available for a lesser mileage price…
Card News
(05:50) – Citi now offers transfers to American Airlines from Strata Elite, Prestige & Strata Premier
(07:23) – Now transfer from most Citi cards to most ThankYou partners (even from Custom Cash)
(09:41) – Citi Strata card now available
(12:16) – U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve: Major changes expected in December.
Bonvoyed
(18:21) – US Bank bonvoys grandfathers (Smartly card sends updates to those previously grandfathered into old 4% term)
Awards, Points, and More
(22:38) – Inn at Bay Harbor leaving Marriott
(23:42) – JetBlue & TAP Air Portugal split up as of 9/30
(24:50) – Greg earned Alaska EQMs for his flight to London
(26:53) – Nick’s JetBlue 25 for 25 update post
Read more about Nick’s JetBlue 25 for 25 journey so far here.
(27:50) – Another JetBlue 25 for 25 update
Main Event: Citi Strata Elite: Good, Bad, and Ugly
(30:00) – Branch Offer: 100K after $4K of spend in 3 months
Read more about the Citi Strata Elite offer here.
Or, read our Citi Strata Elite Q&A post here.
(31:45) – Application rules, basics, and earning rate…
(39:32) – Credits and benefits
(47:31) – Mini experiment: Citi Travel Hotels vs. Hotels.com
(48:45) – What happens to Citi Prestige customers?
(49:58) – Do Citi Travel hotel bookings earn hotel points and elite credit?
(53:33) – Quick Review: What do we think about the card’s earning rate and perks?
(57:47) – What do we think about the card’s coupons?
(1:01:37) – Does this card deserve a place in an all-ThankYou wallet?
(1:09:41) – Does this card deserve a place in a mixed-earning wallet? (For example, would this be your 3X card?)
Question of the Week
(1:12:54) – Advice regarding authorized users. What do you do about authorized user cards showing up to Chase as contributing to your 5/24 status?
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Music Credit – “Ocean Deep” by Annie Yoder
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FWIW, the Citi app now has a feature that lets you know when Citi nights are live on Fri and Sat nights.
Dear Citi, Why the (heck) are you forcing us to have two cards? Elite and Premier. Why did you not deliver the silver bullet card you hinted at in your survey? Life was supposed to be easier. Why did you not simply add $95 to the Elite’s annual fee and throw in the Premier’s 3x categories?
Now that we’re into August, any inside info on what exact date the Alaska premium card will launch?