Compare the Features and Benefits of Instacart Mastercard® Credit Card and
Citi Strata℠ Card

This card is designed for heavy Instacart uses. Much like the Amazon credit card only makes sense if you spend a ton at Amazon, the Instacart credit card only makes sense if you already spend a ton at Instacart as the 5% back will add up – and it’s a no annual fee credit card.

If you are looking for a powerful card for all supermarket purchases, you’d be much better off with one of our top credit cards for supermarkets like the American Express Gold Card, which earns 4X Membership Rewards at supermarkets, up to $25,000 a year (earn 1X thereafter).

But if you are loyal to Instacart, this card is worth considering.

It is a World Elite Mastercard, so it does come with some additional benefits as well.

Additional Benefits include:

• World Elite Concierge
• Baggage Delay Insurance
• Extended Warranty Protection
• Purchase Protection
• Lost Luggage Reimbursement
• Travel Accident Insurance
• Roadside Assistance
• Secondary Car Rental Collision Damage Waiver coverage

Overall, if you are a huge Instacart user, this card is worth it for the 5% back on all your purchases. But if you aren’t, you might find a better card for your spend in our Famous Card Explorer.

As a no-annual-fee card, the Citi Strata℠ Card doesn’t come with a ton of additional benefits. However, the primary thing to note before applying is the impressive earning potential. As we’ve already mentioned, you’ll earn 3 points per $1 at supermarkets and on gas purchases. You’ll earn 2 points per $1 at restaurants, and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.

In addition, you have the opportunity to self-select a 3X earning category from a list of options: fitness clubs, select streaming services, live entertainment, cosmetic stores/barber shops/hair salons, and pet supply stores. Sure, it would be nice to see travel listed as a self-select option, but we can’t have it all. The ability to personalize your earning potential is fantastic.

If you subscribe to every streaming service out there, you can earn a solid chunk of points each month. If you have a pricey gym membership, you might as well earn as much as possible while you’re working out. And if you love going to concerts, live entertainment is your best option.

You’ll also earn 5 points per $1 on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through cititravel.com. If you prefer to book directly with the provider, this won’t do you much good. However, you can try to book your attractions through the portal when you go on vacation to maximize your earning potential.

The welcome bonus, although not extremely high, is easily accessible for most people. You can spend your bonus points by booking travel through Citi Travel at a flat rate of 1 cent per point. Or, you can stretch your points farther by taking advantage of Citi’s comprehensive list of transfer partners — which includes American Airlines. Although you’ll transfer at a lower ratio than if you held the Citi Strata Elite℠ or the Citi Strata Premier®, having access to American Airlines is phenomenal.

Unfortunately, cardholders won’t be able to take advantage of any statement credits or be covered by things like trip cancellation coverage or cell phone insurance. Still, the Citi Strata℠ Card is worth considering.