Rules · Citi · Welcome bonus eligibility
Citi: Strata cards, once per lifetime
Citi's Strata cards now pay their welcome bonus once per lifetime: the bonus isn't available if you have or have ever had that Strata card.
In the issuer's terms The issuer states this, in a card's terms or an official statement.
What counts, and what doesn't
Applies to: Citi Strata, Citi Strata Premier and Citi Strata Elite
“New account bonus offer is not available if you currently have or previously had a Citi Strata Elite account.”
From the card's terms
- It is per card: having had the Strata Premier doesn't, by these terms, block the Strata Elite.
- The change was spotted in Citi's terms on 20 September 2026 without an announcement, so enforcement is not yet known.
- The Citi AAdvantage cards were not changed and keep 48 months.
Changed September 20, 2026. Replaced 48 months between bonuses. Citi hasn't said whether people who earned a bonus under the old rule are affected.
Sources
- One Mile at a Time: Citi Strata cards get new bonus eligibility rules (20 Sep 2026)
- Upgraded Points: Citi adds once per lifetime rules
Issuers can approve, decline or withhold a bonus for any reason. These rules describe what usually happens, not a promise of what will. Last verified September 26, 2026.
More Citi rules
One card in 8 days, two in 65Reported by applicants
Citi usually approves no more than one card every 8 days, and no more than two in any 65 days.
48 months between bonusesIn the issuer's terms
On most Citi cards you can earn a card's welcome bonus again once 48 months have passed since you last received it.