ByCiti confirms the launch of its new premium Strata Elite card for Q3 2025. Plus, American Express unveils Sidecar Lounges to ease Centurion overcrowding and opens a new Centurion Lounge in Tokyo Haneda.
Citi Strata Elite Card Announced, Amex Launches New Lounge Concept & Opens Tokyo Centurion Lounge
In a major week for travel credit card and lounge enthusiasts, we now have confirmation of Citi’s upcoming premium Strata Elite card, a brand-new Centurion Lounge at Tokyo Haneda Airport, and American Express’s Sidecar lounge concept, designed to reduce overcrowding in existing lounges.
Ben Hedges (aka The Credit Shifu) covers it all in a new video, detailing what we know about each of these exciting announcements.
Citi Strata Elite Credit Card to Launch Q3 2025
Citi has officially confirmed that its long-rumored Strata Elite premium credit card will launch in Q3 of 2025. After years of speculation following trademark filings, the card was mentioned in Citi’s Q2 2025 earnings report.
Here’s what we know:
- Name: Citi Strata Elite
- Launch Date: Q3 2025
- Target Audience: Affluent consumers
- Rewards: Will earn Citi ThankYou Points
- Purpose: Intended to replace the discontinued Citi Prestige card
While specific features and annual fees haven’t been confirmed, the Strata Elite will likely come in above the previous $495 price point, given rising market competition from the Amex Platinum and Chase Sapphire Reserve, both priced higher and loaded with travel credits.
Citi may revive fan-favorite perks like the 4th night free hotel benefit, once offered by the Prestige card.
New Centurion Lounge Opens at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport
American Express has opened a brand-new Centurion Lounge at Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) as of July 16th. This is Amex’s first Centurion Lounge in Japan and one of the most elegant yet.
Lounge Highlights:
- Located in Terminal 3, near Gate 114
- 7,500 sq. ft. of space
- Live open kitchen
- Buffet with Japanese and Western cuisine
- A dedicated sweets bar celebrating Japan’s snack culture
- Private meditation phone rooms with curated audio
- Stunning interior decor inspired by traditional Japanese design (e.g., Japan Blue dye)
Though modestly sized compared to some U.S. locations, the Haneda lounge brings localized elegance to the Centurion brand.
Amex Introduces “Sidecar” Lounge Concept to Combat Overcrowding
In response to rising complaints about Centurion Lounge overcrowding, American Express has revealed a new concept: Sidecar Lounges.
These secondary lounges will appear only at U.S. airports that already have a main Centurion Lounge, offering an express option for travelers in a rush.
What is a Sidecar Lounge?
- Entry limit: Only for passengers within 90 minutes of departure
- First Location: Las Vegas (LAS) – opening in 2026
- Amenities:
- Drinks & light snacks
- Restrooms
- No workstations, showers, or private booths
Think of it as a minimalist lounge for quick visits—similar to Capital One’s grab-and-go concept, but elevated.
“Many of our visitors spend less than an hour in our lounges, and we’ve created Sidecar specifically for them,” said Audrey Hendley, President of American Express Travel.
🧠 Final Thoughts
Between Citi’s long-awaited Strata Elite card, Amex’s new Centurion Lounge in Tokyo, and the innovative Sidecar lounge model, it’s clear that competition among premium travel brands is heating up.
While we wait for full details on the Strata Elite’s rewards and fees, and for Sidecar to go live in Las Vegas, travelers have more to look forward to than ever.
