Citi Adds Lifetime Language to Strata Card Bonuses

Citi just changed the welcome bonus terms on its popular Strata, Strata Premier, and Strata Elite cards. In the past, you were able to get the card's bonus so long as you hadn't earned it within the past 48 months. Now, the new wording says the bonus isn't available if you currently have or previously had the card at any point, and on the Strata Premier card, that includes the older Citi Premier.

We don't know yet how far back Citi will look in practice, or whether it will enforce the language exactly as written. The terms also state that you may still be ineligible based on your history of opening, closing, and using cards. It's unclear whether Citi will tell you upfront if you don't qualify for a bonus, as American Express does with new card applications.

Right now, this appears limited to the Strata card lineup. Citi's AAdvantage cards still use the 48-month wording for the time being.

Andrew's Take

This is a bigger deal than a longer wait between bonuses, because it turns every welcome offer on these cards into a one-shot decision. You should now take extra care to only apply for cards when there's a best-ever sign-up bonus available.