Citi Doubles Down on Luxury: Weekend Dining Rewards to Lure Elite Cardholders

Citi just fired the latest salvo in the premium credit card wars—and this one’s aimed straight at your weekend brunch tab.

The banking giant’s new rewards play dangles juicy restaurant bonuses to lock in high-net-worth customers. Because nothing says 'financial innovation' like bribing rich people with truffle fries.

Here’s the meat:

• Weekend dining cashback spikes to 5X points (because Monday-Friday peasants don’t deserve perks)

• Exclusive reservations access through concierge (read: overworked interns scrambling for OpenTable slots)

• ‘Secret’ bonus categories (that’ll last exactly until competitors copy them)

It’s all part of Citi’s desperate bid to keep pace with Amex’s Centurion crowd and Chase’s Sapphire elite. Because in 2025, banks measure loyalty in avocado toast multipliers.

Pro tip: These perks will vanish faster than a hedge fund’s conscience once the next recession hits. Enjoy while it lasts.

What Citi Doesn't Offer: A Branded Lounge Network

The Citi Strata Elite's annual fee is $200 higher than Capital One Financial (COF) Venture X's $395, but below those of JPMorgan Chase's (JPM) Chase Sapphire Reserve ($795) or the American Express (AXP) Platinum ($695, but expected to rise soon).

Capital One, Chase, and AmEx, however, all have branded airport lounges offering free food and drinks to premium cardholders, something Citi does not.

The Citi Strata Elite does include other benefits, including a "Splurge Credit" that grants up to $200 in annual statement credits at a range of companies; the option to turn ThankYou Points into American Airlines AAdvantage miles; and four Admirals Club passes, which can be used at nearly 50 lounges worldwide.

Primary Citi Strata Elite cardmembers and authorized users will also get Priority Pass Select membership, which grants access to a network of more than 1,500 lounges worldwide, the bank said. Up to two guests will be able to get into some lounges for free, Citi added. The Capital One Venture X, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and American Express Platinum cards also offer complimentary Priority Pass memberships in addition to branded airport lounges.