Is the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card worth the higher annual fee?

The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card costs $595/yr vs $0/yr for the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card. The higher fee includes lounge access that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.

Which card earns more rewards, the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card or U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card?

The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card has a higher base earn rate (1.5X vs 0X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.

What benefits does the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card have that the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card doesn't?

The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card offers lounge access. The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.

Should I get the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card or the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card?

Choose the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card if you spend enough to justify the $595/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Is the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card worth the higher annual fee?

The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card costs $595/yr vs $0/yr for the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card. The higher fee includes lounge access that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.

Which card earns more rewards, the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card or U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card?

The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card has a higher base earn rate (1.5X vs 0X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.

What benefits does the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card have that the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card doesn't?

The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card offers lounge access. The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.

Should I get the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card or the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card?

Choose the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card if you spend enough to justify the $595/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Is the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card worth the higher annual fee?

The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card costs $595/yr vs $0/yr for the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card. The higher fee includes lounge access that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.

Which card earns more rewards, the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card or U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card?

The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card has a higher base earn rate (1.5X vs 0X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.

What benefits does the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card have that the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card doesn't?

The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card offers lounge access. The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.

Should I get the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card or the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card?

Choose the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card if you spend enough to justify the $595/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

CardRewards

Editorial 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.

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card vs U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card

The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card ($0/yr) is better for everyday value, while the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card ($595/yr) is worth it for frequent travelers who can use its premium perks. Here's the full comparison.

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card

Citi

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card

U.S. Bank

Fees & Welcome Offer

Annual Fee

$595

Welcome Bonus

75,000 Flex point

—

Earn Rates

Category	Citi Strata Elite℠ Card	U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
Dining Citi Nights	6X	1X

Category-by-Category Winner

The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card wins in 10 of 13 categories. The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card leads in 3.

Dining Citi Nights

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card earns 6X vs 1X

Dining

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card earns 3X vs 2X

Telecom

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card earns 5X vs 1.5X

Streaming

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card earns 5X vs 1.5X

Entertainment

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card earns 5X vs 1.5X

Transit

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card earns 5X vs 1.5X

Fitness & Gyms

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card earns 5X vs 1.5X

Department Stores

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card earns 5X vs 1.5X

Electronic Stores

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card earns 5X vs 1.5X

The Bottom Line

The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card has a lower annual fee ($0 vs $595), making it the more accessible option.

The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card justifies its higher fee with premium perks like lounge access.

Choose the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card if you want solid rewards with a lower cost of entry. Choose the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card if you travel frequently and can maximize its premium benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card worth the higher annual fee?: The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card costs $595/yr vs $0/yr for the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card. The higher fee includes lounge access that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Which card earns more rewards, the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card or U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card?: The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card has a higher base earn rate (1.5X vs 0X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.
What benefits does the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card have that the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card doesn't?: The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card offers lounge access. The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.
Should I get the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card or the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card?: Choose the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card if you spend enough to justify the $595/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Explore More

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card — Full Review All Citi Cards

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card — Full Review All U.S. Bank Cards

Browse all comparisons →Browse all card categories →

Official issuer pages: Citi cards · U.S. Bank cards

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.

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card vs U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card

Citi

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card

U.S. Bank

Fees & Welcome Offer

Annual Fee

$595

Welcome Bonus

75,000 Flex point

—

Earn Rates

Category	Citi Strata Elite℠ Card	U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
Dining Citi Nights	6X	1X

Category-by-Category Winner

The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card wins in 10 of 13 categories. The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card leads in 3.

Dining Citi Nights

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card earns 6X vs 1X

Dining

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card earns 3X vs 2X

Telecom

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card earns 5X vs 1.5X

Streaming

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card earns 5X vs 1.5X

Entertainment

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card earns 5X vs 1.5X

Transit

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card earns 5X vs 1.5X

Fitness & Gyms

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card earns 5X vs 1.5X

Department Stores

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card earns 5X vs 1.5X

Electronic Stores

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card earns 5X vs 1.5X

The Bottom Line

The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card has a lower annual fee ($0 vs $595), making it the more accessible option.

The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card justifies its higher fee with premium perks like lounge access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card worth the higher annual fee?: The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card costs $595/yr vs $0/yr for the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card. The higher fee includes lounge access that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Which card earns more rewards, the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card or U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card?: The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card has a higher base earn rate (1.5X vs 0X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.
What benefits does the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card have that the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card doesn't?: The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card offers lounge access. The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.
Should I get the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card or the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card?: Choose the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card if you spend enough to justify the $595/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Explore More

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card — Full Review All Citi Cards

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card — Full Review All U.S. Bank Cards

Browse all comparisons →Browse all card categories →

Official issuer pages: Citi cards · U.S. Bank cards

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card vs U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card

Citi

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card

U.S. Bank

Fees & Welcome Offer

Annual Fee

$595

Welcome Bonus

75,000 Flex point

—

Earn Rates

Category	Citi Strata Elite℠ Card	U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
Dining Citi Nights	6X	1X

Category-by-Category Winner

The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card wins in 10 of 13 categories. The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card leads in 3.

Dining Citi Nights

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card earns 6X vs 1X

Dining

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card earns 3X vs 2X

Telecom

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card earns 5X vs 1.5X

Streaming

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card earns 5X vs 1.5X

Entertainment

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card earns 5X vs 1.5X

Transit

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card earns 5X vs 1.5X

Fitness & Gyms

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card earns 5X vs 1.5X

Department Stores

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card earns 5X vs 1.5X

Electronic Stores

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card earns 5X vs 1.5X

The Bottom Line

The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card has a lower annual fee ($0 vs $595), making it the more accessible option.

The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card justifies its higher fee with premium perks like lounge access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card worth the higher annual fee?: The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card costs $595/yr vs $0/yr for the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card. The higher fee includes lounge access that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Which card earns more rewards, the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card or U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card?: The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card has a higher base earn rate (1.5X vs 0X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.
What benefits does the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card have that the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card doesn't?: The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card offers lounge access. The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.
Should I get the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card or the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card?: Choose the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card if you spend enough to justify the $595/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Explore More

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card — Full Review All Citi Cards

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card — Full Review All U.S. Bank Cards

Browse all comparisons →Browse all card categories →

Official issuer pages: Citi cards · U.S. Bank cards

Benefits & Features

Network

MASTERCARD

VISA

Key Benefits

✓Lounge access

✓Global Entry credit

None

Pros & Cons

Pros

+12X on hotels, car rentals, and attractions via Citi Travel portal
+6X on dining during Citi Nights℠ (Fri/Sat evenings)
+Up to $700 in annual statement credits ($300 hotel + $200 Splurge + $200 Blacklane)
+Priority Pass Select + 4 AA Admirals Club passes per year
+ThankYou points transfer to AA, JetBlue, Virgin Atlantic, and 15+ other partners

+5% cash back on two categories of your choice (from 12+ options)
+2% on one everyday category (dining, gas, or grocery)
+No annual fee
+Visa Signature benefits
+$200 welcome bonus

Cons

−High $595 annual fee requires maximizing statement credits to offset
−Best earn rates require booking through Citi Travel portal (lose hotel loyalty credit)
−Citi Nights dining bonus limited to Fri/Sat 6PM-6AM ET timezone
−Only 4 Admirals Club passes (not unlimited access)
−Authorized user fee of $75 per user

−Must select 5% categories each quarter (defaults to 1% if forgotten)
−$2,000 combined quarterly cap on 5% categories
−3% foreign transaction fee
−Base rate only 1% on non-category spend

Home Improvement

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card earns 5X vs 1.5X

Gas Stations

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card earns 2X vs 1.5X

Grocery Stores

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card earns 2X vs 1.5X

Everyday purchases

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card earns 1.5X on all other spending vs 1X

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card costs $595/yr — that's $595 more than the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card (no annual fee). To justify that gap, you need to extract at least $595 in annual value from the card's higher earn rates and benefits.

The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card offers lounge access, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit. Whether that justifies the fee depends on how often you use these benefits.

Bottom line: The $595 gap is significant. Choose the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card only if you spend heavily on dining citi nights and dining and will use its premium benefits regularly — otherwise the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card delivers strong value at a fraction of the cost.

What You Give Up

Choosing one card means missing out on these benefits from the other.

Choosing U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card means losing:

-Airport lounge access
-Global Entry credit

Which Card Is Right for You?

Get the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card if you:

+Fly frequently and value airport lounge access
+Prefer a high flat rate across all spending

Get the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card if you:

+Do most of your spending at grocery stores
+Want strong rewards without a large annual fee commitment

Benefits & Features

Network

MASTERCARD

VISA

Key Benefits

✓Lounge access

✓Global Entry credit

None

Pros & Cons

Pros

+12X on hotels, car rentals, and attractions via Citi Travel portal
+6X on dining during Citi Nights℠ (Fri/Sat evenings)
+Up to $700 in annual statement credits ($300 hotel + $200 Splurge + $200 Blacklane)
+Priority Pass Select + 4 AA Admirals Club passes per year
+ThankYou points transfer to AA, JetBlue, Virgin Atlantic, and 15+ other partners

+5% cash back on two categories of your choice (from 12+ options)
+2% on one everyday category (dining, gas, or grocery)
+No annual fee
+Visa Signature benefits
+$200 welcome bonus

Cons

−High $595 annual fee requires maximizing statement credits to offset
−Best earn rates require booking through Citi Travel portal (lose hotel loyalty credit)
−Citi Nights dining bonus limited to Fri/Sat 6PM-6AM ET timezone
−Only 4 Admirals Club passes (not unlimited access)
−Authorized user fee of $75 per user

−Must select 5% categories each quarter (defaults to 1% if forgotten)
−$2,000 combined quarterly cap on 5% categories
−3% foreign transaction fee
−Base rate only 1% on non-category spend

Home Improvement

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card earns 5X vs 1.5X

Gas Stations

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card earns 2X vs 1.5X

Grocery Stores

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card earns 2X vs 1.5X

Everyday purchases

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card earns 1.5X on all other spending vs 1X

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card offers lounge access, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit. Whether that justifies the fee depends on how often you use these benefits.

What You Give Up

Choosing one card means missing out on these benefits from the other.

Choosing U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card means losing:

-Airport lounge access
-Global Entry credit

Which Card Is Right for You?

Get the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card if you:

+Fly frequently and value airport lounge access
+Prefer a high flat rate across all spending

Get the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card if you:

+Do most of your spending at grocery stores
+Want strong rewards without a large annual fee commitment

Benefits & Features

Network

MASTERCARD

VISA

Key Benefits

✓Lounge access

✓Global Entry credit

None

Pros & Cons

Pros

+12X on hotels, car rentals, and attractions via Citi Travel portal
+6X on dining during Citi Nights℠ (Fri/Sat evenings)
+Up to $700 in annual statement credits ($300 hotel + $200 Splurge + $200 Blacklane)
+Priority Pass Select + 4 AA Admirals Club passes per year
+ThankYou points transfer to AA, JetBlue, Virgin Atlantic, and 15+ other partners

+5% cash back on two categories of your choice (from 12+ options)
+2% on one everyday category (dining, gas, or grocery)
+No annual fee
+Visa Signature benefits
+$200 welcome bonus

Cons

−High $595 annual fee requires maximizing statement credits to offset
−Best earn rates require booking through Citi Travel portal (lose hotel loyalty credit)
−Citi Nights dining bonus limited to Fri/Sat 6PM-6AM ET timezone
−Only 4 Admirals Club passes (not unlimited access)
−Authorized user fee of $75 per user

−Must select 5% categories each quarter (defaults to 1% if forgotten)
−$2,000 combined quarterly cap on 5% categories
−3% foreign transaction fee
−Base rate only 1% on non-category spend

Home Improvement

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card earns 5X vs 1.5X

Gas Stations

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card earns 2X vs 1.5X

Grocery Stores

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card earns 2X vs 1.5X

Everyday purchases

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card earns 1.5X on all other spending vs 1X

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card offers lounge access, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit. Whether that justifies the fee depends on how often you use these benefits.

What You Give Up

Choosing one card means missing out on these benefits from the other.

Choosing U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card means losing:

-Airport lounge access
-Global Entry credit

Which Card Is Right for You?

Get the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card if you:

+Fly frequently and value airport lounge access
+Prefer a high flat rate across all spending

Get the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card if you:

+Do most of your spending at grocery stores
+Want strong rewards without a large annual fee commitment