Citi has quietly tightened the welcome bonus eligibility for its Strata cards, moving from a 48-month rule to a once-per-lifetime restriction. This change means applicants can now only earn the welcome bonus on the Citi Strata Premier Card once in their lifetime, according to the latest card terms.
What Changed
- Bonus eligibility: Previously, applicants could earn a Strata card bonus once every 48 months (four years). We have no tracked record of the prior offer in our database, but sources confirm the old rule was 48 months.
- New rule: Now, the welcome bonus is available only once per lifetime per person. This applies to all Citi Strata cards. The change was observed on September 21, 2026, but no effective date was stated by Citi.
Our Take
Bad news for Citi Strata bonus seekers. This shift to a lifetime restriction is a significant tightening, especially for those who have previously earned a Strata card bonus and hoped to reapply after four years. It brings Citi's policy in line with some of the stricter rules seen at other issuers, making it harder for repeat applicants to benefit.
