Citi Strata℠ Card Self-Select Categories: Which One is Right for You?
Accurate as of: March 14, 2026
One of the most unique features of the no-annual-fee Citi Strata℠ Card is its ability to adapt to your spending habits via the Self-Select Category feature. This allows you to choose where you earn accelerated rewards, making the card highly personalized.
This guide will explain how the feature works and help you choose the category that maximizes your ThankYou® Point earnings.
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Earning 3x Points Your Way
The Citi Strata℠ Card offers 3 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent in an eligible Self-Select Category of your choice.
The Eligible Categories
The current options available for selection are:
- Fitness Clubs
- Select Streaming Services (The default if you don't choose one)
- Live Entertainment
- Cosmetic Stores/Barber Shops/Hair Salons
- Pet Supply Stores
You must choose your eligible Self-Select Category on Citi Online or by calling customer service.
How to Maximize Your Choice
To get the most out of this feature, evaluate where your household spends the most money after considering the card's fixed 3x categories.
For example:
- If you pay a high monthly gym fee or have a large family membership, Fitness Clubs is likely your best choice.
- If you pay for multiple streaming services (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, etc.), Select Streaming Services might add up fastest.
- If you frequently attend concerts, theater shows, or sporting events, Live Entertainment could be a winner.
For a full breakdown of all earning rates and card benefits, refer to our main review: The Citi Strata℠Card: Review, Rewards, and How to Maximize Your ThankYou® Points.
Important Fine Print
- Category Changes: While you can select a category, Citi typically allows changes on a specific schedule (e.g., once per year or quarter). Check the official Citi terms for the current rules on when you can switch.
- Merchant Category Codes (MCCs): Citi uses standardized MCCs to determine if a purchase qualifies. A big-box store might not code correctly for "Pet Supply Stores" even if you bought pet food there. Stick to dedicated retailers for the best results.
Making Your Selection
The power of this card lies in its flexibility. By actively choosing a category that aligns with your current lifestyle, you ensure you are maximizing every dollar spent.
Ready to customize your rewards? Review the details and apply on the official Citi Strata℠ Card Website.
Want to Estimate Your Citi Strata℠ Points?
Use our Citi Strata℠ Card Points Calculator to see how many ThankYou® Points you could earn annually, including your Self-Select category and signup bonus.
Citi Strata℠ Card
- Earn 20,000 bonus Points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.
- 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months; after that, the variable APR will be 18.49% - 28.49%, based on your creditworthiness. There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
- Earn 3 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent in an eligible Self-Select Category of your choice (Fitness Clubs, Select Streaming Services, Live Entertainment, Cosmetic Stores/Barber Shops/Hair Salons, or Pet Supply Stores). Choose your eligible Self-Select Category on Citi Online or by calling customer service. The default Self-Select Category is Select Streaming Services.
- Earn 5 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals and Attractions booked on Citi Travel® via cititravel.com; earn 3 ThankYou Points for each $1 spent at Supermarkets, on Select Transit purchases, and at Gas & EV Charging Stations.
- Earn 2 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent at Restaurants; earn 1 ThankYou® Point for each $1 spent on All Other Purchases.
- No Annual Fee
Found this guide helpful? Bookmark it for future reference as you continue your financial journey!
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FICO® Credit Score Facts
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