Is a Credit Score Required for the Citi Strata Premier Card?

Key insights:

• The Citi Strata Premier^® Card earns points on both eligible everyday and travel expenses, and offers a range of benefits for cardmembers 
• You do need a credit score to qualify for the Citi Strata Premier Card, but that’s not the only factor 
• You can apply online for the Citi Strata Premier card today  

The Citi Strata Premier^® Card offers a range of benefits, including the opportunity to earn points on both eligible everyday purchases and travel. From earning 3 points per dollar spent at supermarkets and restaurants to a $100 annual hotel credit, Citi Strata Premier is great as both an everyday and travel card. 

If the Citi Strata Premier sounds like the right card for you, you may be wondering how to qualify. Like many rewards credit cards, the Citi Strata Premier Card does require a credit score, but that’s not the only factor. A combination of criteria — including income and creditworthiness — may affect your chances of approval. Let’s look at the specifics in more detail. 

What factors impact qualification for the Citi Strata Premier Card?

Some factors that may be considered when you apply for the Citi Strata Premier include:  

• Payment history: Payment history plays a big role in determining your credit score. A consistent history of on-time payments can signal that you’re a reliable borrower.  
• Credit utilization: This is how much of your total credit limit you’re using. In general, the lower your utilization, the better. 
• Credit mix: Your credit mix refers to the types of credit accounts currently open in your name. You might, for example, have a car loan, a student loan and a credit card. A varied credit mix can show that you’re capable of managing debt. 
• Annual income: Lenders want to know you have enough income to make payments.  
• Debt-to-income ratio (DTI): Your DTI shows how much of your gross (pre-tax) income goes toward debt payments every month. A lower DTI can show lenders that you’re able to cover monthly payments.  
• Recent credit applications: Several applications in a short period can signal risk to lenders. 

How can you improve your credit?

If you’re looking to build or establish your credit before applying for a credit card, here are some tips to get you started:  

• Make on-time payments: Payment history plays a significant role in your credit score. Consistently paying your credit cards and loans on time may help improve your creditworthiness.   
• Lower your credit utilization: Consistently keeping your credit utilization low can help improve your credit over time. 
• Become an authorized user: You may be able to build credit by becoming an authorized user on someone else’s credit card account. Their responsible use can help improve your score, but things like missed or late payments may hurt it, too. 

Apply for the Citi Strata Premier Card

Ready to start enjoying everyday and travel perks with the Citi Strata Premier Card? Learn more about the benefits and apply online.  

Disclosure: This article is for educational purposes. It is not intended to provide legal, investment, or financial advice and is not a substitute for professional advice. It does not indicate the availability of any Citi product or service. For advice about your specific circumstances, you should consult a qualified professional.