CardRewardsEditorial disclosure: CardRewards.ai is an independent comparison service. Our analysis is based on publicly available card data and is reviewed regularly by our editorial team. Card issuers do not influence our rankings or content. Last updated: May 2026.
The Chase Freedom Unlimited ($0/yr) is better for everyday value, while the Citi Strata Premier Card ($95/yr) is worth it for frequent travelers who can use its premium perks. Here's the full comparison.
Annual Fee
Welcome Bonus
| Category | Chase Freedom Unlimited | Citi Strata Premier Card |
|---|---|---|
| Dining | 3X | 3X |
The Citi Strata Premier Card wins in 4 of 6 categories. The Chase Freedom Unlimited leads in 2.
Drugstores
Chase Freedom Unlimited earns 3X vs 1X
Hotels
Citi Strata Premier Card earns 3X vs 1.5X
Gas Stations
Citi Strata Premier Card earns 3X vs 1.5X
Flights
Citi Strata Premier Card earns 3X vs 1.5X
Grocery Stores
Citi Strata Premier Card earns 3X vs 1.5X
Everyday purchases
Chase Freedom Unlimited earns 1.5X on all other spending vs 1X
The Citi Strata Premier Card costs $95/yr — that's $95 more than the Chase Freedom Unlimited (no annual fee). To justify that gap, you need to extract at least $95 in annual value from the card's higher earn rates and benefits.
Bottom line: The $95 difference is small enough that the Citi Strata Premier Card's extra perks make it worth considering for most cardholders.
Get the Chase Freedom Unlimited if you:
The Chase Freedom Unlimited has a lower annual fee ($0 vs $95), making it the more accessible option.
For everyday spending, the Chase Freedom Unlimited earns more with its 1.5X base rate.
Choose the Chase Freedom Unlimited if you want solid rewards with a lower cost of entry. Choose the Citi Strata Premier Card if you travel frequently and can maximize its premium benefits.
Editorial disclosure: The analysis on this page is based on publicly available card data and is updated regularly. CardRewards.ai is an independent comparison service. Card issuers do not influence our rankings or editorial content. Last updated: May 2026.
The Chase Freedom Unlimited ($0/yr) is better for everyday value, while the Citi Strata Premier Card ($95/yr) is worth it for frequent travelers who can use its premium perks. Here's the full comparison.
Annual Fee
Welcome Bonus
| Category | Chase Freedom Unlimited | Citi Strata Premier Card |
|---|---|---|
| Dining | 3X | 3X |
The Citi Strata Premier Card wins in 4 of 6 categories. The Chase Freedom Unlimited leads in 2.
Drugstores
Chase Freedom Unlimited earns 3X vs 1X
Hotels
Citi Strata Premier Card earns 3X vs 1.5X
Gas Stations
Citi Strata Premier Card earns 3X vs 1.5X
Flights
Citi Strata Premier Card earns 3X vs 1.5X
Grocery Stores
Citi Strata Premier Card earns 3X vs 1.5X
Everyday purchases
Chase Freedom Unlimited earns 1.5X on all other spending vs 1X
The Citi Strata Premier Card costs $95/yr — that's $95 more than the Chase Freedom Unlimited (no annual fee). To justify that gap, you need to extract at least $95 in annual value from the card's higher earn rates and benefits.
Bottom line: The $95 difference is small enough that the Citi Strata Premier Card's extra perks make it worth considering for most cardholders.
Get the Chase Freedom Unlimited if you:
The Chase Freedom Unlimited has a lower annual fee ($0 vs $95), making it the more accessible option.
For everyday spending, the Chase Freedom Unlimited earns more with its 1.5X base rate.
Choose the Chase Freedom Unlimited if you want solid rewards with a lower cost of entry. Choose the Citi Strata Premier Card if you travel frequently and can maximize its premium benefits.
Editorial disclosure: The analysis on this page is based on publicly available card data and is updated regularly. CardRewards.ai is an independent comparison service. Card issuers do not influence our rankings or editorial content. Last updated: May 2026.
The Chase Freedom Unlimited ($0/yr) is better for everyday value, while the Citi Strata Premier Card ($95/yr) is worth it for frequent travelers who can use its premium perks. Here's the full comparison.
Annual Fee
Welcome Bonus
| Category | Chase Freedom Unlimited | Citi Strata Premier Card |
|---|---|---|
| Dining | 3X | 3X |
The Citi Strata Premier Card wins in 4 of 6 categories. The Chase Freedom Unlimited leads in 2.
Drugstores
Chase Freedom Unlimited earns 3X vs 1X
Hotels
Citi Strata Premier Card earns 3X vs 1.5X
Gas Stations
Citi Strata Premier Card earns 3X vs 1.5X
Flights
Citi Strata Premier Card earns 3X vs 1.5X
Grocery Stores
Citi Strata Premier Card earns 3X vs 1.5X
Everyday purchases
Chase Freedom Unlimited earns 1.5X on all other spending vs 1X
The Citi Strata Premier Card costs $95/yr — that's $95 more than the Chase Freedom Unlimited (no annual fee). To justify that gap, you need to extract at least $95 in annual value from the card's higher earn rates and benefits.
Bottom line: The $95 difference is small enough that the Citi Strata Premier Card's extra perks make it worth considering for most cardholders.
Get the Chase Freedom Unlimited if you:
The Chase Freedom Unlimited has a lower annual fee ($0 vs $95), making it the more accessible option.
For everyday spending, the Chase Freedom Unlimited earns more with its 1.5X base rate.
Choose the Chase Freedom Unlimited if you want solid rewards with a lower cost of entry. Choose the Citi Strata Premier Card if you travel frequently and can maximize its premium benefits.
Editorial disclosure: The analysis on this page is based on publicly available card data and is updated regularly. CardRewards.ai is an independent comparison service. Card issuers do not influence our rankings or editorial content. Last updated: May 2026.
| Drugstores | 3X | 1X |
| Flights | 1.5X | 3X |
| Gas Stations | 1.5X | 3X |
| Grocery Stores | 1.5X | 3X |
| Hotels | 1.5X | 3X |
| Everything Else | 1.5X | 1X |
Network
Key Benefits
Pros
Cons
Get the Citi Strata Premier Card if you:
| Drugstores | 3X | 1X |
| Flights | 1.5X | 3X |
| Gas Stations | 1.5X | 3X |
| Grocery Stores | 1.5X | 3X |
| Hotels | 1.5X | 3X |
| Everything Else | 1.5X | 1X |
Network
Key Benefits
Pros
Cons
Get the Citi Strata Premier Card if you:
| Drugstores | 3X | 1X |
| Flights | 1.5X | 3X |
| Gas Stations | 1.5X | 3X |
| Grocery Stores | 1.5X | 3X |
| Hotels | 1.5X | 3X |
| Everything Else | 1.5X | 1X |
Network
Key Benefits
Pros
Cons
Get the Citi Strata Premier Card if you:
