Skip to content
Credit Card Coups
COMPARE/UNITED EXPLORER VS CITI STRATA ELITE
FIRST CARD
SECOND CARD

Chase United Explorer or Citi Strata Elite?

Chase United Explorer returns $230 over its fee and Citi Strata Elite returns $135, so the fee difference comes down to which categories you use.

Chase United Explorer
Chase United ExplorerChase · $150 fee · 4 credits
Citi Strata Elite
Citi Strata EliteCiti · $595 fee · 4 credits
NET VALUE+$230$380 credits
NET VALUE+$135$730 credits
BEST NET VALUE
Chase United Explorer
CHASEChase United Explorer
FEE$150
CREDITS$380
NET+$230
Category wins1 of 4
Citi Strata Elite
CITICiti Strata Elite
FEE$595
CREDITS$730
NET+$135
Category wins3 of 4
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
LOUNGE ACCESS
Admirals Club Day Passes
TAKE THE UNITED EXPLORER IF

You use food & dining. Food & Dining alone is worth $120 here and nothing on the Citi Strata Elite.

TAKE THE CITI STRATA ELITE IF

You use travel, transportation, entertainment & media. Entertainment & Media alone is worth $200 here and nothing on the United Explorer.

Track what you useAdd your card and mark the credits you collect. The calculator does the rest.
Start tracking free

Frequently asked questions

Which is better, Chase United Explorer or Citi Strata Elite?

The Chase United Explorer is better with $230 net annual value compared to the Citi Strata Elite at $135. The Chase United Explorer wins by $95/year.

What's the difference between Chase United Explorer and Citi Strata Elite?

The key differences: Citi Strata Elite has a $595 annual fee and $730 in annual benefits, while Chase United Explorer has a $150 annual fee and $380 in annual benefits. The annual fee difference is $445.

Which has a lower annual fee, Chase United Explorer or Citi Strata Elite?

The Chase United Explorer has a lower annual fee at $150 compared to the Citi Strata Elite at $595. However, the Citi Strata Elite offers $730 in total annual benefits.

Is the Chase United Explorer worth it compared to the Citi Strata Elite?

Yes, the Chase United Explorer offers better value with $230 net annual value compared to $135 for the Citi Strata Elite. It also has a lower annual fee.

Chase vs Citi: which issuer is better?

For these specific cards, Chase's Chase United Explorer offers better value with $230 net annual value. Consider which issuer's broader ecosystem (transfer partners, redemption options) fits your needs.

Which card is better for travel?

The Citi Strata Elite is better for travel with $500 in annual travel benefits compared to $200 for the Chase United Explorer.

Should I get the Chase United Explorer?

If you're deciding between the Chase United Explorer and Citi Strata Elite, the Chase United Explorer is the better choice with $230 net annual value. However, make sure you can use the key benefits to maximize value. Compare the full benefit breakdown to see which fits your spending better.

Other comparisons

NET VALUE SHOWN FOR EACH
American Express Platinum+$2,109
VS
Chase Sapphire Reserve+$2,348
See the breakdown →
American Express Platinum+$2,109
VS
Capital One Venture X-$65
See the breakdown →
Capital One Venture X-$65
VS
Chase Sapphire Reserve+$2,348
See the breakdown →
American Express Business Platinum+$1,284
VS
Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business+$1,155
See the breakdown →
American Express Delta SkyMiles Reserve-$60
VS
Chase United Quest+$456
See the breakdown →
American Express Gold+$99
VS
American Express Platinum+$2,109
See the breakdown →

MORE UNITED EXPLORER COMPARISONS

MORE CITI STRATA ELITE COMPARISONS