Tips & Advices
Frequently Asked Questions: Traveling to Los Angeles Right Now

Updated: May 23, 2025
If you have an upcoming trip, are considering a future vacation, or are currently in the Los Angeles County area, you may have questions. From understanding current air quality conditions and road closures to knowing which attractions are open and why to plan a trip right now, we’ve compiled essential information to help you navigate your visit to L.A. responsibly and safely. For even more resources, visit our Travel Alerts page.
Where are the California fires right now?
There are no active wildfires. More than 98 percent of Los Angeles is undamaged, and the city is ready to welcome visitors.
Is it safe to travel to California right now?
Yes. The Golden State is vast—ranking as the third-largest state in the U.S. The majority of the state was untouched by the fires and remains safe for travel. To get the latest air quality and weather information on any California destinations, check AirNow.gov and the National Weather Service.
Should I change my plans to travel to Los Angeles?
No, the majority of the main attractions in Los Angeles are open. Below are updates on a few attractions in the Los Angeles area, but it’s best to contact each local business directly for current information.
- Universal Studios Hollywood is operating regular hours.
- The Santa Monica Pier and Pacific Park are operating regular hours. You can see current conditions on the park’s high-definition live cams.
- Television shows including The Price is Right, The Jennifer Hudson Show, Wheel of Fortune, and Jimmy Kimmel Live! have resumed taping. You can access more shows offering tickets at On Camera Audiences and 1Iota.
- The Getty Center has reopened; the Getty Villa is currently closed but will be reopening on June 27. Fires burned some vegetation at the Villa, but officials said the building and art collections remained safe.
- The Griffith Observatory reopened on Jan. 24.
- Many Los Angeles parks have reopened, but a few remain closed until further notice.
- The Hollywood Sign was located close to the Sunset Fire, but was unaffected.
- The Angeles National Forest has reopened but the Eaton Canyon Trails remain closed. The new Eaton Fire closure will be in place from Jan. 30 through Dec. 31, 2025. The Bridge Fire closure, previously in place, remains active through Dec. 31, 2026.
- Six Flags Magic Mountain is open and operating its usual seasonal calendar, and therefore closed on some weekdays.
- Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park is operating regular hours.
Is it safe to travel in Los Angeles right now?
Fortunately, more than 98 percent of Los Angeles County is not in an affected area. The city’s iconic sites and experiences—the Hollywood Sign, Universal Studios Hollywood, the Santa Monica Pier, Griffith Observatory, and many more—remain intact and are accessible to visitors from around the world.
Is it safe to visit L.A.’s neighboring cities?
Yes, visiting Pasadena, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Santa Clarita, and Marina del Rey is safe and highly recommended. These cities are welcoming visitors, with major attractions, hotels, restaurants, and businesses fully operational. These destinations are prepared to offer a safe and enjoyable experience, ensuring travelers can enjoy their visits with peace of mind.
What are some immediate ways I can help support L.A.’s recovery?
The success of local businesses is reliant on visitor patronage. Supporting small, locally-owned businesses directly benefits the community by sustaining the livelihoods of many residents. Los Angeles’ hotels, restaurants, museums, amusement parks, and shops now face the daunting task of healing, and your patronage makes a huge difference.
Is it safe to travel to Disneyland right now?
Yes. Disneyland Resort is located about 45 miles from the most wildfire-affected areas of Los Angeles and the two parks have not closed during the wildfires.
Is it appropriate for me to travel to Los Angeles right now?
Yes, L.A. is ready to welcome visitors. The key to traveling responsibly and respectfully is avoiding areas in distress and showing kindness. The majority of travel attractions remain open and are not impacted by the fires. L.A. local businesses will be grateful for your patronage during this time as they work to support their employees and the greater community.
Can I fly into LAX, Burbank, or other nearby airports?
Yes, you can fly into both the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and the Hollywood Burbank Airport. Both airports remain open and operational as of today. It’s always recommended to check your flight status directly with your airline for the most current information.
What roads are closed as a result of the wildfires?
The sections of Highway 1 (aka Pacific Coast Highway) near Malibu and Chautauqua Blvd. just north of Santa Monica that were closed due to wildfire-related reasons have reopened. For the most updated information on road impacts, check the Caltrans QuickMap, where you can see closures and alerts on a map, or enter a highway number to see if that road is affected.
Is public transportation running in Los Angeles?
The LA Metro continues to be in service and all rail lines are running their regular service. You can find service-alert posts on Metro’s social media channels (@metrolosangeles), and on the Metro’s Alerts and Advisories and Service Impacts pages.
Is it safe to swim in the ocean at L.A.’s beaches right now?
For information on the status of ocean water in Los Angeles, check the L.A. County Beach Water Quality Advisories page.
How can I best help wildfire victims?
Explore this list of reputable organizations to find meaningful ways to lend your support.
Are Orange County and San Diego affected by the wildfires?
Orange County and San Diego County are unaffected by the wildfires in Los Angeles County. To get the latest weather information for your destination, check the National Weather Service site.
Tips & Advices
Norway Joins France, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, and Croatia as UK Announces Travel Advisory for New Schengen Border Entry Requirements

Published on
August 7, 2025 |
By: TTW News Desk
Norway joins France, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, and Croatia as the UK issues new travel restrictions due to change in border entry requirements which will come into effect on the 12th of October, 2025. This is in parallel with the additional biometric security features set to be implemented by the EU on its new border control system, the Entry/Exit System (EES). The UK is warning its travelers to be prepared for additional security finger, face, and eye recognition checks on entering these countries, which will need to implement tighter border security and reduce the risk of illegal immigration for the Schengen countries.]
As the European Union prepares to roll out its new Entry/Exit System (EES) on October 12, 2025, the UK FCDO has issued a new travel advisory for British citizens traveling to the Schengen area. This update comes as several Schengen nations, including Norway, France, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, and Croatia, implement new entry protocols that will affect travelers arriving from the UK. The EES will introduce new biometric checks and further border regulations, impacting travelers’ experience at the border.
Norway: Updated Travel Rules and Entry Requirements
Norway is one of the Schengen countries where UK citizens will face new entry requirements starting October 12, 2025. As a part of the Schengen area, Norway will introduce the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES). This means travelers will need to undergo biometric screening, including fingerprint and facial recognition, when entering or leaving the country. These checks will be part of the broader European effort to enhance border security and streamline immigration processes.
For British travelers, the following requirements will apply:
- Passport Validity: UK travelers must ensure their passports meet Schengen rules. Your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before your arrival in Norway and must remain valid for at least 3 months after your intended departure from the Schengen area.
- Visa Requirements: UK travelers can visit Norway for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa for tourism, business, or short-term studies. However, the new EES could slightly increase wait times at border crossings.
- Travel Insurance: While travel insurance is not compulsory, it is strongly recommended. Insurance should cover emergencies, such as health issues, cancellations, and trip interruptions.
- Onward Tickets and Financial Proof: Travelers may be asked to show a return or onward ticket and prove sufficient funds to cover their stay.
France: Stricter Schengen Entry and Biometric Checks
France has long been a popular destination for UK travelers, but starting on October 12, 2025, visitors will face tighter entry controls. Like other Schengen nations, France will implement the new EES system, which involves biometric data collection (fingerprints and facial photos) at border entry and exit points.
For UK passport holders traveling to France, these changes mean:
- Passport Validity: UK passports must meet the Schengen validity requirements. If your passport was issued more than 10 years ago (before October 1, 2018), ensure that it meets the criteria set by the Schengen area for entry.
- Visa-free Travel: Travelers can still enter France for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism or business without a visa. However, overstays could result in a three-year ban from entering any Schengen country.
- Proof of Funds and Accommodation: Travelers may be asked to provide evidence of sufficient funds for the duration of their stay and proof of accommodation, such as hotel bookings.
- Travel Insurance: It is advisable to obtain comprehensive travel insurance, particularly to cover any medical emergencies or trip cancellations.
Denmark: Enhanced Border Security with EES and New Travel Guidelines
Denmark, another prominent Schengen country, will also implement the EU’s Entry/Exit System starting on October 12, 2025. For British travelers, this means additional biometric checks, including fingerprint and facial recognition scans, when entering or leaving the country.
Key travel considerations for Denmark include:
- Passport Validity: Ensure that your UK passport is not older than 10 years from the date of arrival in Denmark, and that it has at least 3 months of validity remaining after your intended departure from the Schengen area.
- Visa Requirements: As a tourist, UK travelers do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This applies for business, tourism, and short-term study trips.
- Travel Insurance: While travel insurance is not mandatory, it is highly recommended for your protection during your travels. Ensure your insurance covers health emergencies and trip cancellations.
- Proof of Funds: Be prepared to show financial evidence of your ability to cover your expenses during your stay, especially if traveling to multiple countries in the Schengen area.
Estonia: New Schengen Rules for Short Stays and Longer Visits
Estonia, one of the Baltic nations in the Schengen zone, will also be rolling out the new EES system from October 12, 2025. British citizens traveling to Estonia should be aware of the following updates:
- Passport Validity: As with other Schengen countries, UK passport holders must ensure their passport was issued within the last 10 years and remains valid for at least 3 months after departure from Estonia.
- Visa-Free Travel: UK nationals can continue to travel to Estonia for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for business, tourism, or short-term studies without the need for a visa.
- Additional Border Controls: With the introduction of the EES, travelers will be required to undergo biometric screening at border entry and exit points. This is a new measure aimed at improving security across the Schengen area.
- Travel Insurance: Ensure that you have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, cancellations, and other unexpected issues during your stay in Estonia.
- Proof of Funds: Be ready to show proof that you can financially support yourself for the duration of your trip, especially if your stay includes multiple Schengen countries.
Greece: Updated Border Controls and EES Implementation
Greece, a key destination for British tourists, will implement the new EES system on October 12, 2025, affecting travelers’ entry and exit procedures. Here’s what UK travelers need to know:
- Passport Validity: Ensure that your UK passport is no older than 10 years from your arrival date in Greece and valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from the Schengen area.
- Visa-Free Travel: UK passport holders can visit Greece for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism, business, or short-term studies without requiring a visa.
- EES Impact: As part of the EES system, UK travelers will need to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photos) upon arrival and departure. While this is intended to enhance border security, it may result in longer waiting times at entry points.
- Travel Insurance: While not mandatory, travel insurance that covers medical expenses, cancellations, and other emergencies is highly recommended.
- Financial Requirements: Border officials may ask for proof that you have enough funds to cover your stay in Greece. Be prepared to present evidence of sufficient funds, especially for extended stays or travel to multiple Schengen countries.
Croatia: Transition to Schengen Rules and Enhanced Entry Procedures
Croatia, which recently joined the Schengen area, will implement the new EES system as part of the EU’s updated border security measures. British travelers should prepare for the following changes:
- Passport Validity: UK passport holders must ensure their passports are valid for at least 3 months after their departure from Croatia and that they were issued within the last 10 years.
- Visa Requirements: UK nationals can travel to Croatia for up to 90 days in a 180-day period without a visa for tourism or business purposes.
- Biometric Screening: Starting in October 2025, travelers will need to undergo biometric screening at the border. This process involves fingerprint and facial recognition, and may increase processing times.
- Travel Insurance: Although travel insurance is not mandatory, it is recommended for covering unforeseen circumstances such as medical emergencies or travel delays.
- Proof of Financial Support: Border guards may ask for evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Croatia. Be ready to present evidence of accommodation and financial support.
Norway, along with France, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, and Croatia, is now part of the UK’s updated travel advisory due to the new Schengen entry regulations coming into effect on October 12, 2025. These changes, including biometric checks and stricter border controls, are being implemented to enhance security and streamline immigration processes across the Schengen area.
Starting October 12, 2025, when the Schengen zone implements new biometric entry and exit systems, British travelers to Norway, France, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, and Croatia will face increased scrutiny at border control. These alterations represent the European Union’s attempts to improve security procedures and streamline the flow of immigration. Following the new entry protocols, having valid passports, needed documents, and appropriate travel insurance will ease your travel throughout the Schengen area. Always review the most recent travel warnings and comply with the policies of every individual country to ensure timely travel or issues throughout the journey.
Tips & Advices
Record number of Kiwis making travel insurance claims in Europe

Tips & Advices
Citi Strata Elite Card 2025 Review

The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card is the bank’s newest addition to its Strata line of cards and its first premium card since the Citi Prestige® Card, which is no longer available to new applicants.
The card comes with nearly $1,500 in value each year through perks like the $200 annual Splurge credit and a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership. Citi is also furthering its partnership with American Airlines and offering some AA-specific perks that frequent flyers will appreciate.
CNBC Select dives into Citi’s newest premium option to see how it stacks up against a very competitive travel credit card landscape.
The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card aims to brings premium restaurant rewards and travel benefits to users, including an annual hotel benefit of $300.
- High rewards rate on travel
- 6X on restaurants
- Can transfer points to American Airlines at a 1:1 rate
- Up to $200 annual splurge credit
- High annual fee
- Limited rewards categories
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select’s editorial staff.
- Earn 80,000 bonus Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening
- Earn 12 Points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on cititravel.com and 6 Points per $1 spent on Air Travel booked on cititravel.com
- Earn 6 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants including Restaurant Delivery Services on CitiNights℠ purchases, every Friday and Saturday from 6 PM to 6 AM ET. Earn 3 Points per $1 spent any other time
- Earn 1.5 Points per $1 spent on All Other Purchases
- Up to $300 Annual Hotel Benefit: Each calendar year, enjoy up to $300 off a hotel stay of two nights or more when booked through cititravel.com.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
Balance transfer fee
Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
Citi Strata Elite Card review
Welcome bonus
If you’re approved for the Citi Strata Elite Card, for a limited time, you can earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months of account opening. With these points generally valued at around 1.75 cents per point by the industry, this welcome bonus is worth about $1,400, which is a great return.
This bonus is earned in the form of Citi ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed in a number of ways, from simple statement credits, to paying with points or transferring them to one of Citi’s travel partners.
Benefits and perks
The Citi Strata Elite comes with several perks, with the bulk of its value in travel and lifestyle categories.
Statement credits
- $300 Annual Hotel Benefit: Enjoy up to $300 off a hotel stay of two nights or more booked through Citi Travel every calendar year.
- $200 annual Splurge credit: Every calendar year, earn up to $200 in statement credits from your choice of up to two of the following brands: 1stDibs, American Airlines, Best Buy, Future Personal Training and Live Nation, with the option to change your selection at any time.
- $200 annual Blacklane credit: Enjoy up to $200 in statement credits, every calendar year, when booking with Blacklane, up to $100 from January through June and up to $100 from July through December.
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® credit: Receive a statement credit of up to $120 every four years as reimbursement for either the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee.
While you do have to book via Citi Travel, the $300 hotel credit isn’t tied to any specific brand, meaning you’ll have more options. The $200 splurge credit is another welcome addition that gives you more control over how you earn rewards, letting you choose and switch between several brands, ranging from tickets to technology.
One credit that isn’t as common is the one for Blacklane, a global chauffeur service. While it might serve as a nice luxury option for special occasions, odds are that you’ll have an easier time with a taxi or public transportation.
Additional offerings
In addition to straightforward statement credits, the Strata Elite also offers some extra benefits:
- American Airlines Admirals Club passes: Every calendar year, you’ll receive four Admirals Club Citi Strata Elite passes, good for entry to 50+ Admirals Club lounges.
- Complimentary Priority Pass Select membership: Access to 1,500+ airport lounges worldwide for the primary cardholder and authorized users, plus up to two guests.
- Access to The Reserve by Citi Travel: A collection of 4.5- to 5-star hotels.
- Travel and shopping protections: Perks like trip delay protection, enhanced trip cancellation and trip interruption protection, plus lost or damaged luggage protection, MasterRental coverage, extended warranty and purchase assurance plus.
- Mastercard World Legend benefits: The newest premium tier to the Mastercard Collection, offering priority reservations at restaurants, including in Europe through Mastercard’s partnership with TheFork, ticketing access and more.
If Citi happens to be a company you bank with, it’s possible that you could be eligible for additional savings through an offer just for Citi customers:
- Citigold® Private Client Relationship Tier credit: Citigold Private Clients who qualify for the card will receive a first-year banking credit of $595, covering the card’s annual fee. You’ll then receive a $145 annual credit each following year, with an open and current Strata Elite card.
- Citigold® Relationship Tier credit: Citigold Clients who qualify for the card will receive a $145 banking credit with an open and current Strata Elite card.
How to earn and redeem Citi ThankYou Points
Earning
The Citi Strata Elite has a high earnings rate when you book via the Citi Travel portal, and it offers elevated earnings rates during certain eligible times:
- Earn 12X points on hotels, car rentals and attractions booked on cititravel.com
- Earn 6X points on air travel booked on cititravel.com
- Earn 6X points at restaurants on Citi Nights℠ purchases, every Friday and Saturday, from 6 PM to 6 AM ET; earn 3X points any other time
- Earn 1.5X points on all other purchases
What jumps out first is the very high 12X on hotels and more, but it is tied to the issuer’s travel portal, a common theme with premium travel cards. It’s also the first time we’ve seen a card that has a timed window to earn elevated rewards. It earns a higher rate at restaurants on Friday and Saturday nights, which could make your weekend date nights a little more affordable.
Redeeming
When redeeming the Citi ThankYou Points earned by your Strata Elite, you have several options to choose from, like:
- Travel
- Gifts cards
- Cash back
- Shopping via select retailers
- Charitable donations
While options like cash back and gift cards are usually the simplest, they often don’t provide you with the best value; the highest value usually comes from taking advantage of the transfer partners offered through Citi:
- AAdvantage® Program (1:1 ratio for Citi Strata Elite, Citi Strata Premier and Citi Prestige cardmembers)
- ALL Accor Live Limitless (2:1 ratio)
- Aeromexico (1:1 ratio)
- Air France-KLM Flying Blue (1:1 ratio)
- Avianca LifeMiles (1:1 ratio)
- Cathay Pacific Asia Miles (1:1 ratio)
- Choice Privileges (1:2 ratio or 2:3 with select Citi cards)
- Emirate Skywards (1:1 ratio)
- Etihad Guest (1:1 ratio)
- EVA Air (1:1 ratio)
- JetBlue TrueBlue (1:1 ratio or 5:4 with select Citi cards)
- Leaders Club (5:1 ratio)
- Preferred Hotels & Resorts (1:4 ratio)
- Quantas Frequent Flyer (1:1 ratio)
- Qatar Airways Privilege Club (1:1 ratio)
- Shop Your Way (1:10 ratio)
- Singapore Airlines (1:1 ratio)
- Thai Royal Orchard Plus (1:1 ratio)
- Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles (1:1 ratio)
- Virgin Atlantic Flying Club & Virgin Red (1:1 ratio)
- Wyndham Rewards (1:1 ratio or 5:4 with select Citi cards)
Rates and fees
The Citi Strata Elite was built to compete with some of the most popular travel credit cards, and its $595 annual fee represents that. The card has no foreign transaction fees and a late or returned payment fee of $41. The card’s variable purchase APR ranges from 21.24% to 29.24%, depending on creditworthiness.
Card comparison
Citi Strata Elite Card vs. The Platinum Card from American Express
The Platinum Card® from American Express is a premium card loaded with annual statement credits, entertainment benefits, extensive airport lounge access, elite status perks and more. (Enrollment required for select benefits mentioned)
- Access to 1,400+ airport lounges, including Priority Pass™ Select lounges (enrollment required) and Amex Centurion lounges
- Statement credit offers worth up to twice what the annual fee costs
- Elite status perks for hotels and rental cars (Enrollment required for select benefits mentioned)
- High annual fee
- Many statement credit offers are complicated and are earned in increments or limited to specific purchases
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select’s editorial staff.
- You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel® up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel®.
- $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
- $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
- Enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection, with over $500 of annual value if you visit Centurion Lounges and each of our partner lounges including Delta Sky Club® lounges when flying an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations) , select Lufthansa lounges when flying Lufthansa, Plaza Premium lounges and Escape Lounges, and enroll in Priority Pass Select. See terms.
- A Walmart+ membership can get you free shipping with no order minimum on eligible items shipped by Walmart. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) and receive one statement credit for up to $12.95 (plus applicable taxes. Plus Ups not eligible) each month. Free Shipping excludes most Marketplace items, freight & certain location surcharges. Paramount+ Essential plan only, separate registration required.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
- $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card® Members can ride or dine in style with $15 in Uber Cash each month, plus a bonus $20 in December after adding their Card to their Uber account. Use your Uber Cash on rides and orders in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps get you to your gate faster by using unique facial attributes to verify you are you at 50+ airports nationwide. Receive up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for your CLEAR Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) with the Platinum Card®.
- Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
- Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- Use Global Dining Access by Resy to access premium dining experiences. Receive Priority Notify and unlock insider access to some of the world’s most sought-after restaurants with Global Dining Access by Resy. Download the Resy iOS app or log into Resy.com and add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile to take advantage of your special benefits and discover restaurants near you.
- $695 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Balance transfer fee
Foreign transaction fee
The Platinum Card® from American Express offers more value in the form of statement credits, making it a good option for those seeking direct value from the card. Amex’s Platinum also comes with hotel status upgrades and permanent access to Amex’s Global Lounge Collection, including its Centurion Lounges. While enrollment is not necessary for Centurion Lounge access, some other lounge programs within the American Express Global Lounge Collection, such as Priority Pass, do require enrollment. The Strata Elite offers a high rewards rate on restaurants and a flexible $200 Splurge credit. The ability to earn up to 12X on hotels and 6X on air travel booked through Citi Travel can help you rack up ThankYou Points very quickly and help finance even more getaways.
Citi Strata Elite Card vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a standout premium credit card with plenty of luxury perks and statement credits to justify its annual fee.
- Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority PassTM Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests.
- Up to $300 in annual travel credit each account anniversary year
- You can transfer rewards to all of Chase’s travel partners including World of Hyatt, Southwest Rapid Rewards and many more
- Top-tier travel and shopping protections
- High annual fee
- Requires a high credit score
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select’s editorial staff.
- Earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase TravelSM promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
- Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase TravelSM, including The EditSM and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
- $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
- Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority PassTM Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® every 4 years
- Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
- Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music — all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 — a value of $250 annually
- Member FDIC
Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater
Is the Citi Strata Elite Card right for you?
The Citi Strata Elite is a great fit for those who don’t mind booking primarily through travel portals, and for American Airlines customers eager to have a card that earns rewards that can be transferred to the AAdvantage program. The card comes with up to $300 in annual hotel benefits and a flexible $200 Splurge credit, both fairly easy credits to redeem. If you’re invested in the Citi ThankYou Points system or looking for a card that earns rewards compatible with American Airlines, this card is the next perfect addition to your wallet.
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At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every credit card review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of credit card products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics.
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