Amex vs. Citi Credit Cards – Which Is Best? [2024]

American Express and Citi are two of the most talked-about banks in the U.S. With storied pasts, both of these New York-based companies offer clients tons of value, whether they’re small business owners, consumers, or large corporations.

And it’s no doubt that both Amex and Citi have become 2 of the most important leaders in the space of credit card rewards. Amex and Citi join the likes of Chase and Capital One to make up the “big 4” credit card issuers for rewards.

As a general rule, each of these credit card issuers tends to have product lines that differ greatly, offering value to different ideal customers.

Both Amex and Citi offer attractive credit cards, but in this guide, we’ll zero in on the best credit cards you should be getting in each of the major card markets.

Let’s get right into it, starting with a comparison of Amex’s and Citi’s rewards points systems.

Comparing Amex Membership Rewards and Citi ThankYou Rewards

American Express Membership Rewards is the name of the major credit card rewards currency that Amex is known for. The points you earn and redeem are Amex Membership Rewards points.

Citi offers a similar type of credit card rewards program known as Citi ThankYou Rewards. The points you earn and redeem are Citi ThankYou Points.

Both Amex and Citi have a unique variety of credit cards that earn either Amex points or Citi points. Each credit card has a unique structure for earning points, different credit card benefits, and so on.

Here are all the ways you can use Amex points:

• Points transfers with Amex transfer partners
• Eligible flights booked through AmexTravel.com via Pay With Points (up to 35% airline bonus or ~1.53 cents per point)
• Other flights, hotels, car rentals, and travel booked through AmexTravel.com
• Best Buy purchases
• PayPal transactions
• Gift cards
• Statement credits
• Online shopping
• Amazon.com purchases

But just because you can use Amex points in these ways doesn’t mean you’ll get good value with 100% certainty.

You’ll get the most value from your points by transferring them to airline and hotel partners to book luxury award travel. This way, you can get upwards of 10 cents per point of value!

Another great way to use points is for eligible flights booked via AmexTravel.com using Pay With Points, which can net you a 1.53 cent-per-point redemption value.

All of the other ways to use points are either mediocre or subpar, so just keep that in mind. You’ll get 1 cent per point or less in value those ways.

Here are all of the ways you can use Citi points:

• Points transfers with airline and hotel partners
• Travel booked through the Citi Travel Center
• Gift cards
• Cash-back
• Shop with Points (online shopping)
• Amazon.com purchases

Similar to Amex, the best way to use Citi points is, without a doubt, to transfer them to travel partners for award travel. You can get up to 10 cents per point of value through these redemptions.

Otherwise, you’ll only get a maximum of 1 cent per point of value from redemptions such as gift cards, and Amazon.com.

Transfer Partnerships

One of the biggest reasons you’d want to collect American Express and Citi points is that both have the ability to transfer to airlines and hotels for outsized value. You can then use these points to book some incredible flights on Emirates first class, Singapore Airlines first class, Lufthansa first class, and Air France business class.

Both of these banks maintain independent lists of transfer partners. Some transfer partners are linked to both Amex and Citi:

Meanwhile, Amex offers a few incredibly useful transfer partnerships that Citi does not:

On the flip-side, Citi offers a few additional transfer partnerships that Amex does not:

• EVA Air Infinity MileageLands
• Qatar Airways Privilege Club
• Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus
• Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles
• Wyndham Rewards

Based on the transfer partnerships offered, we believe Amex points are significantly more valuable than Citi points. In fact, the flights and airlines bookable using points with Amex are far more vast than Citi’s. Plus, Amex has a domestic U.S. airline transfer partner in Delta, while Citi does not.

For these reasons, we value Amex points at around 2.2 cents each, while Citi points are worth 1.6 cents each.

Bottom Line: No matter how you slice it, Amex points are significantly more valuable than Citi points. There are only a couple of niche instances where Citi might offer better redemption value overall. These include transfers to Choice Privileges at a 1:2 ratio to book certain Preferred Hotels or transfers to Turkish Airlines to book specific award flights on Star Alliance airlines.

Best Overall Travel Rewards Card

If you’re looking for a fantastic middle-of-the-road way to earn travel rewards points between Amex and Citi, read this section in-depth to get the inside scoop!

Winner: American Express^® Gold Card

BEST FOR DINING

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

American Express^® Gold Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

American Express^® Gold Card

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

60,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,200

Annual Fee

$325

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The American Express^® Gold Card is a game-changer.

With this card, you can earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants, up to $50,000 per calendar year, and you’ll also earn 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1x.

There isn’t another card on the market that offers a 1-2 punch like this. Of course, there are several other benefits of the Gold Card as well, including extra monthly dining rewards and more.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 4x points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, up to $50,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
• 4x points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
• 3x points per dollar on flights purchased directly from airlines or at AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $325 annual fee (rates and fees)
• No lounge access

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 2X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 1X Membership Rewards^® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
• $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express^® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations.
• $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express^® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express^® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
• Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. Eligible charges vary by property.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $325.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 90k points with the Amex Gold card. The current public offer is 60,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

The Amex Gold card has always been and remains one of the best cards you can hold. This everyday heavy-hitter offers a great welcome bonus, plus best-in-class earning structures with up to 4x Membership Rewards points:

• 4x points at global restaurants (up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1x thereafter), plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
• 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per calendar year)
• 3x points on airfare booked directly with airlines or via AmexTravel.com

Earning 4x Membership Rewards points is equivalent to an 8.8% return on spending, which is industry-leading.

Also, the Amex Gold card allows you to get up to $424 in statement credits every year:

• Up to $120 every year in Uber Cash for Uber rides or Uber Eats orders in the U.S. ($10 per month)
• Up to $120 every year in dining credits at participating partners, including Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys (enrollment required).
• New $100 Resy Credit: $100 annual statement credit ($50 semi-annually), redeemable at any U.S. Resy restaurant and other eligible Resy purchases. Enrollment required through your Amex account.
• New Dunkin’ Credit: $84 annual statement credit ($7/month), redeemable at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.

And holding the Amex Gold card allows you to book stays at The Hotel Collection, which offers a $100 hotel credit and room upgrade (subject to availability) on select stays of at least 2 nights.

This card happens to have no preset spending limit*, which can go a long way if you need to make large one-off purchases that a normal credit card might decline.

Plus, enjoy entry-level travel insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and up to 5 no-additional fee authorized users (rates & fees).

Runner-up: Citi Strata Premier℠ Card

Citi Strata Premier℠ Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Citi Strata Premier℠ Card

Welcome Offer

For a limited time: Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $750 in gift cards or travel rewards on thankyou.com.

75,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,200

Annual Fee

$95

APR

20.49% to 28.49% Variable APR

Why We Like This Card

The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card is a great all-around travel rewards card that allows you to earn big rewards on a variety of purchases like air travel, at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, and more, along with flexible redemption options, all for a modest annual fee.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 10x points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com
• 3x points on air travel, other hotel purchases, restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, and EV charging stations
• $100 annual hotel benefit

Cons

• $95 annual fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• For a limited time: Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $750 in gift cards or travel rewards on thankyou.com.
• Earn 10X points per $1 spent on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.
• Earn 3X points per $1 on air travel and other hotel purchases, at restaurants, supermarkets, gas and EV charging stations.
• Earn 1X point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
• $100 Annual Hotel Benefit: Once per calendar year, enjoy $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) when booked through CitiTravel.com. Benefit applied instantly at time of booking.
• No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card.
• No foreign transaction fees on purchases.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.49% to 28.49% Variable APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Arguably, the best credit card in Citi’s entire portfolio is the Citi Strata Premier card. It’s known for its abundance of bonus categories with a focus on rewards over travel benefits.

You can enjoy 10x points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com, 3x ThankYou Points at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, EV charging stations, air travel, and hotels, with 1x ThankYou Points on other purchases.

Earning 3x ThankYou Points is equivalent to a return on spending of 4.8%, which isn’t nearly as impressive as the 8.8% return on spending from the Amex Gold card. But it does cover more bonus categories than the Amex Gold card, including hotels, air travel, and gas stations.

You also get to use a $100 annual hotel savings benefit on a single stay of at least $500, excluding taxes and fees, when booked through CitiTravel.com.

Additionally, you can use this card for access to Citi Entertainment and enjoy no foreign transaction fees and no-additional fee authorized user cards.

Best Overall Business Card

If you’re running a business, having the right card in your wallet can help you reap the rewards you deserve!

Here are our best overall business cards between Amex or Citi.

Winner: American Express^® Business Gold Card

ELEVATED OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

American Express^® Business Gold Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Get 4x points in 2 select categories where your business spends the most each month (on your first $150,000 spent each year).

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

American Express^® Business Gold Card

Get 4x points in 2 select categories where your business spends the most each month (on your first $150,000 spent each year).

Welcome Offer

Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*

100,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$2,200

Annual Fee

$375

APR

18.49% - 27.49% Variable,0% on purchases for 6 months from date of account opening

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The American Express^® Business Gold Card is excellent at racking up rewards for your business spend.

The card earns a whopping 4x points per $1 in the 2 categories (from a list of 6) that your business spends the most money on each month. With no need to opt-in or preselect your categories, so you can focus on what matters most — running your business.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 4x points per dollar spent on your 2 highest purchase categories each month up to $150,000 each calendar year in purchases; categories include:
  • Transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways
  • U.S. purchases made from electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers
  • Monthly wireless telephone service charges made directly from a wireless telephone service provider in the U.S.
  • U.S. purchases at gas stations
  • U.S. purchases at restaurants, including takeout and delivery
  • Purchases at U.S. media providers for advertising in select media (online such as Google Ads, Facebook Ads, plus TV and radio)
• 3x points per dollar on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card
• Access to Amex’s The Hotel Collection

Cons

• $375 annual fee (rates and fees)
• No elite travel benefits like airport lounge access or elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Welcome Offer: Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*
• 0% Intro APR ¤ for 6 months from the date of account opening on purchases eligible for Pay Over Time, then a 18.49% to 27.49% variable APR.*
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards^® points on the top two eligible categories where your business spends the most each month from 6 eligible categories. While your top 2 categories may change, you will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Only the top 2 categories each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap.*
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards^® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card.*
• Earn up to $20 in statement credits monthly after you use the Business Gold Card for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and Office Supply Stores. This can be an annual savings of up to $240. Enrollment required.
• Get up to a $12.95** statement credit back each month after you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your Business Gold Card. **Up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes on one membership fee.*
• The Business Gold Card now comes in three metal designs: Gold, Rose Gold and Limited Edition White Gold. White Gold design is only available while supplies last. Make your selection when you apply on Americanexpress.com.
• *Terms Apply

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 18.49% - 27.49% Variable,0% on purchases for 6 months from date of account opening
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 200k points with the Amex Business Gold card. The current public offer is 100,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

The Amex Business Gold card is the business version of the Amex Gold card. Although their names are similar, these products are totally different.

This card earns 4x Membership Rewards points on the top 2 categories in which your business spends the most every month (up to $150,000 in combined purchases every calendar year):

• Transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways
•  U.S. purchases made from electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers
• Monthly wireless telephone service charges made directly from a wireless telephone service provider in the U.S.
• U.S. purchases at gas stations
• U.S. purchases at restaurants, including takeout and delivery
• Purchases at U.S. media providers for advertising in select media (online, TV, radio)

You won’t need to select any bonus categories, since your rewards are automatically chosen by Amex based on where you’ll earn the maximum rewards every month.

Getting 4x points is worth a return on spending of 8.8%, which means that if you maximize the full $150,000 in combined bonus purchases every year, you’d be flush with 600,000 Amex points, which are worth $13,000 by our valuations.

Furthermore, you’ll enjoy no preset spending limit*, access to Pay Over Time, Amex Offers, no foreign transaction fees, and the annual fee for employee cards is just $95 for the first five cards and then $95 for each card thereafter, up to 99 cards (rates & fees).

Runner-up: The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express

ELEVATED OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

Welcome Offer

Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.

150,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$3,300

Annual Fee

$695

APR

18.49% - 27.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express is a premium travel rewards card tailored toward business owners who are frequent travelers with a high number of annual expenses.

When you factor in the large number of perks that the card offers like the best airport lounge access at over 1,400 lounges, along with tons of annual credits, it’s easy to see why this card can is a top option for frequent traveling business owners.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x Membership Rewards points per $1 on flights and prepaid hotels at Amex Travel
• Access to over 1,400 worldwide airport lounges as part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection
• Get 50% more Membership Rewards points (1.5 points per $1) on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more (cap applies)

Cons

• High annual fee of $695 (rates & fees)
• Airline fee credit does not cover airfare, only incidentals like checked bags

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Welcome Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
• 5X Membership Rewards^® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
• Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more, on up to $2 million per Card Account per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
• Unlock over $1,000 in statement credits on select purchases, including tech, recruiting and wireless in the first year of membership with the Business Platinum Card^®. Enrollment required. See how you can unlock over $1,000 annually in credits on select purchases with the Business Platinum Card^®, here.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to the Card.
• $199 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR^® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use the Business Platinum Card^®.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection^® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market as of 03/2023.
• $695 Annual Fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 18.49% - 27.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 250k points with the Amex Business Platinum card. The current public offer is 150,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

Although the Amex Business Platinum card is arguably more famous than the Amex Business Gold card, you might be surprised to see us rank it as a runner-up to the Amex Business Gold card.

The Amex Business Gold card excels in offering top-notch rewards, while the Amex Business Platinum card offers the best overall luxury travel benefits.

Still, you can earn up to 5x Membership Rewards points on purchases:

• 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels booked via AmexTravel.com
• 1.5x points in key business categories and on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else (up to $2 million in purchases every year)
• 1x Membership Rewards points on other purchases

The Amex Business Platinum card offers an impressive list of travel benefits:

• Access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, which includes Aspire Lounges, Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta the same day), Escape Lounges – The Centurion Studio Partner, select Lufthansa Lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, Priority Pass Lounges, and select Virgin Clubhouses (enrollment required for some of these benefits)
• Access to Fine Hotels & Resorts and The Hotel Collection
• Complimentary Hilton Honors (Gold) and Marriott Bonvoy (Gold Elite) status upon enrollment
• Rental car privileges with Avis, Hertz, and National
• 35% airline bonus when using Pay With Points for eligible flights booked through AmexTravel.com
• Superb travel insurance, including trip interruption and cancellation insurance, baggage insurance, and more
• Up to $200 in airline incidental fee credits
• Up to $199 in CLEAR Plus credits
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credits

To help you run and operate your business, the Amex Business Platinum card also offers these statement credits:

• Up to $400 in Dell purchases in the U.S.
• Up to $360 in Indeed credits
• Up to $150 in Adobe credits
• Up to $120 in wireless credits

All in all, it shouldn’t be difficult to get some phenomenal value from this card, including through ancillary perks like purchase protection, extended warranty, cell phone insurance, and no foreign transaction fees (rates & fees).

Best Premium Travel Rewards Card

To elevate your experiences while traveling, you might want to consider getting a premium travel rewards card.

Let’s take a look at the undisputed winner in this segment!

Winner: The Platinum Card^® from American Express

BEST LOUNGE ACCESS

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Welcome Offer

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

80,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,760

Annual Fee

$695

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card^® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $695 annual fee (rates and fees)
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card^®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card^® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection^® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card^® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card^®.
• $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card^® Members can get out and about and explore their local area with $15 in Uber Cash for US rides each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings. Simply download the Uber app and add your Platinum Card^® to your Uber account to get started. Available to Basic Card Member only. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
• $199 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: CLEAR^® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck^® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card^®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card^®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card^® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 125k (or 150k) points with the Amex Platinum. The current public offer is 80,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

The Amex Platinum card simply oozes luxury and status, even with its crisp card design.

Currently, it’s one of the best travel rewards cards in the business, and you can earn up to 5x Membership Rewards points:

• 5x points on airfare purchased directly with the airline or through AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 on these purchases every calendar year)
• 5x points on prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com
• 1x points on other purchases

With maximum earnings of 5x points, you can top out at a maximum ROI of 11% by our valuations.

Even more impressive is the laundry list of fabulous luxury travel benefits (many of which are shared by the Amex Business Platinum card):

• Access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection
• Access to Fine Hotels & Resorts and The Hotel Collection
• Hotel and rental card elite status
• High-end travel insurance and protections
• Up to $200 in airline fee credits
• Up to $200 in prepaid hotel credits
• Up to $200 in Uber Cash
• Up to $199 CLEAR Plus credit
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit

When you’re not traveling, the Amex Platinum card offers lifestyle benefits, too:

• Up to $100 in Saks Fifth Avenue credits
• Up to $240 in digital entertainment credits
• Up to $300 in Equinox credits
• Up to $155 in Walmart+ credits

Enrollment is required for some of the benefits mentioned.

Lastly, this card has no preset spending limit*, no foreign transaction fees (rates & fees), purchase protection, extended warranty, cell phone insurance, and return protection.

Best Premium Travel Rewards Business Card

If you value having a seamless, luxurious travel experience, whether you’re traveling on your time off or attending an important client meeting as a business owner, check out our best premium travel rewards business card here!

Winner: The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express

If you’re looking for a premium business card, there’s no better way to go than the Amex Business Platinum card, which we detailed previously.

Remember, this is the business version of the Amex Platinum card, though the rewards and benefits are slightly different, even though there are many common benefits.

You’ll earn up to 5x Membership Rewards points:

• 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com
• 1.5x points on purchases in key business categories and on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, up to $2 million in these purchases per year
• 1x points on other purchases

Cardholders will also benefit from abundant luxury travel benefits and a healthy variety of statement credits.

The Amex Business Platinum card is one of the few cards with no preset spending limit*, which can go hand-in-hand with the purchase protection, extended warranty, return protection, cell phone insurance, and no foreign transaction fees.

Best Card for Cash-back

Some people say “cash is king.” If this is a philosophy you believe in, it should translate over to your credit card practices.

In this section, we’ll outline the best cash-back cards offered by Amex or Citi.

Winner: Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express

HIGHEST CASH BACK

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This card is great for those who want to earn cash-back with U.S. supermarkets, U.S. streaming subscriptions, transit, and U.S. gas stations.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express

This card is great for those who want to earn cash-back with U.S. supermarkets, U.S. streaming subscriptions, transit, and U.S. gas stations.

Welcome Offer

Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.

$250

Annual Fee

$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.

APR

18.24%-29.24% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 months

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express is a stellar cash-back credit card for those looking to maximize every purchase they make.

With bonus categories like U.S. supermarkets, select U.S. streaming services, U.S. gas stations, and transit purchases, this card rewards you for the items you spend the most on in a big way! For those looking to earn up to 6% cash-back on their purchases, this could be the card for you!

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 6% cash-back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year)
• 6% cash-back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
• 3% cash-back on U.S. gas stations and transit (including rideshares, parking, etc.)

Cons

• $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 annual fee (rates and fees)

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
• $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
• Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It^® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months from the date of account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
• Low Intro APR: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 18.24% - 29.24%.
• 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
• 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
• 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations.
• 3% Cash Back on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
• 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
• Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
• $84 Disney Bundle Credit: With your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred Card, spend $9.99 or more each month on an auto-renewing Disney Bundle subscription, to receive a monthly statement credit of $7. Valid only at Disney Plus.com, Hulu.com or Plus.espn.com in the U.S.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 18.24%-29.24% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 months
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.

Rewards Center

Redeem cash-back through your American Express account

While Citi tends to focus a lot on cash-back, you might be surprised that our favorite cash-back card is from American Express.

The Amex Blue Cash Preferred card offers new cardmembers a sizable welcome bonus, plus up to 6% cash-back, which is exceedingly rare:

• 6% cash-back on select U.S. streaming services
• 6% cash-back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%
• 3% cash-back on U.S. gas stations
• 3% cash-back on transit (including rideshares, parking, tolls, trains, buses, and more)
• 1% cash-back on other purchases

With the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card, you can also get secondary rental car insurance, return protection, and fraud protection. Plus, authorized users can be added for no additional annual fee (rates & fees).

Runner-up: Blue Cash Everyday^® Card from American Express

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Blue Cash Everyday^® Card from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This cash-back card offers a capped 3% at U.S. supermarkets, 3% at U.S. gas stations, and 3% on U.S. online retail purchases!

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Blue Cash Everyday^® Card from American Express

This cash-back card offers a capped 3% at U.S. supermarkets, 3% at U.S. gas stations, and 3% on U.S. online retail purchases!

Welcome Offer

Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.

$200

Annual Fee

$0

APR

18.24%-29.24% Variable,0% on purchases for 15 months

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cash-back credit cards, there are dozens of options to choose from. So what sets the Blue Cash Everyday^® Card from American Express apart from the rest?

This card is excellent at earning cash-back on your everyday purchases at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and on U.S. online retail purchases. So if you regularly spend money on everyday purchases, this could be the perfect card to add to your wallet.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 3% back on purchases at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in purchases each year, then 1% back after.
• 3% back on purchases at U.S. gas stations on up to $6,000 in purchases each year, then 1% back after.
• 3% back on purchases on online retail purchases on up to $6,000 in purchases each year, then 1% back after.

Cons

• Rewards are not flexible and can only be redeemed for cash-back. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
• No Annual Fee.
• Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, 18.24% to 29.24% variable APR.
• 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
• 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
• 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
• Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
• Thinking about getting the Disney Bundle which can include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your Blue Cash Everyday^® Card. Enrollment required.
• Enjoy up to $15 back per month when you purchase a Home Chef meal kit subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday^® Card.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 18.24%-29.24% Variable,0% on purchases for 15 months
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.

Our runner-up choice is the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card, which many would describe as a toned-down version of the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card.

There’s an attractive welcome bonus on this card, plus up to 3% cash-back on a healthy selection of bonus categories:

• 3% cash-back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%
• 3% cash-back at U.S. gas stations on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%
• 3% cash-back on U.S. online retail purchases on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%
• 1% cash-back on other purchases

Also, you’ll get a $7 monthly credit towards The Disney Bundle and a $15 monthly credit towards Home Chef, which totals up to $264 in annual credits!

Still, the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card has secondary rental car insurance, purchase protection, fraud protection, and authorized user cards for no additional annual fee (rates & fees).

Best Business Card for Cash-back

If cash-back is still the name of the game for you as a business owner, check out this section outlining the best business cards for cash-back.

Winner: The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Take control of your cash-back with the Amex Blue Business Cash card, and earn 2% cash-back on up to $50,000 in purchases each year.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card

Take control of your cash-back with the Amex Blue Business Cash card, and earn 2% cash-back on up to $50,000 in purchases each year.

Welcome Offer

Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.

$250

Annual Fee

No annual fee

APR

17.49% - 25.49% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

Looking for a way to keep tabs on your office supply costs and business travel expenses while earning cash-back? Then The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card could be a good fit.

This card offers expense management solutions that are designed to give companies more control, along with a much clearer picture of their business spending. In doing so, the more you spend, the more cash-back you can earn.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 2% cash-back on up to $50,000 in spend, then 1% back thereafter
• No annual fee
• Travel and purchase protection

Cons

• Not ideal for those who spend a lot on a specific category like groceries or gas

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
• 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 17.49% – 25.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%
• Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%. Cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement.
• From workflow to inventory to floor plans, your business is constantly changing. That’s why you’ve got the power to spend beyond your credit limit with Expanded Buying Power.
• The amount you can spend above your credit limit is flexible, so it adapts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors. Just remember, the amount you can spend with Expanded Buying Power is not unlimited.
• No Annual Fee
• Terms Apply

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 17.49% - 25.49% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.

The Amex Blue Business Cash card is our favorite business credit card out there for cash-back because it earns simple cash-back rewards with as little in the way of fees as possible.

There’s a welcome bonus on this card for new cardholders, but you’ll want to pay close attention to the rewards because you’ll earn 2% cash-back on everyday business purchases (up to $50,000 per calendar year, 1% thereafter).

Your rewards are automatically credited to your statement every month, too. No need to redeem your rewards!

Although the Amex Blue Business Cash card is a credit card, you can use a unique perk called Expanded Buying Power, which gives you the freedom to spend beyond your credit limit to help get business done, although the amount you can spend with Expanded Buying Power is not unlimited.

Other benefits that come with this card include secondary rental car coverage, access to the Global Assist hotline, purchase protection, extended warranty, and access to Amex Offers.

Runner-up: Costco Anywhere Visa^® Business Card by Citi

Costco Anywhere Visa^® Business Card by Citi

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Earn 4% cash-back on gas/EV charging purchases, 3% cash-back at restaurants and travel, 2% cash-back at Costco, and 1% on all other purchases.

Costco Anywhere Visa^® Business Card by Citi

Earn 4% cash-back on gas/EV charging purchases, 3% cash-back at restaurants and travel, 2% cash-back at Costco, and 1% on all other purchases.

Welcome Offer

None

Annual Fee

$0

APR

19.74% - 27.74% Variable

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 4% back on gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter
• 3% back on restaurants and eligible travel, including Costco Travel
• 2% back on purchases from Costco and Costco.com

Cons

• You only receive your cash-back rewards once per year
• The 4% cash-back on gas purchases is limited to up to $7,000 in purchases per year

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Discover the only business credit card designed exclusively for Costco members
• 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter
• 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases
• 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com
• 1% cash back on all other purchases
• No annual fee with your paid Costco membership and enjoy no foreign transaction fees on purchases
• Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, enjoy no foreign transaction fees on purchases
• Receive an annual credit card reward certificate, which is redeemable for cash or merchandise at U.S. Costco warehouses, including Puerto Rico

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.74% - 27.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

The Costco Anywhere Business card is one of the best cash-back credit cards Citi has to offer, even if you’re making purchases outside of Costco.

Here’s how the rewards are broken down:

• 4% cash-back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases, including gas at Costco, up to $7,000 per year and 1% after that
• 3% cash-back on restaurants worldwide and on eligible travel purchases worldwide
• 2% cash-back on other purchases from Costco and Costco.com
• 1% cash-back on other purchases

You’ll get purchase protection, access to Citi Entertainment, digital wallets, contactless payments, no foreign transaction fees, and no annual fee with your paid Costco membership.

Best Balance Transfer Card

The very last section we’ll walk you through in our complete Amex vs. Citi comparison guide is the best balance transfer cards.

Balance transfer cards are often used to consolidate high-interest debt, so we’ll show you the best products here!

Winner: Citi Double Cash^® Card

Citi Double Cash^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Great card for the average spender with no specific focus category; worry-free cash-back earning on everything!

Citi Double Cash^® Card

Great card for the average spender with no specific focus category; worry-free cash-back earning on everything!

Welcome Offer

Earn $200 cash-back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening.

$200 cash-back

Annual Fee

$0

APR

0% Intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers, then 18.49% to 28.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Fair to Excellent (580-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Citi Double Cash^® Card has long been one of the top cash-back credit cards on the market, and the card now has the ability to earn Citi ThankYou Points!

This means that cardholders of the Double Cash card will now earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. Cash back is earned in the form of ThankYou Points. This means each billing cycle, you will earn 1 ThankYou point per $1 spent on purchases and an additional ThankYou point for every $1 paid on your purchase balance as long as there is a corresponding balance in your Purchase Tracker.

Citi has turned the Double Cash card into a top choice for those who are looking for an everyday, no-fuss credit card.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Uncapped 2% for every $1 spent (1% when you buy and another 1% when you pay)
• Flexible redemption options
• No annual fee

Cons

• No bonus categories
• 3% foreign transaction fees

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Bonus Offer: Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou^® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
• Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
• To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time.
• Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% Intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers; after that, the variable APR will be 18.49% to 28.49%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
• If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
• 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).
• Citi Double Cash^® Card Travel Portal Special Offer
  Earn a total of 5 ThankYou^® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rental, and attractions, excluding air travel, when booked through the Citi Travel℠ portal via cititravel.com or by calling 1-833-737-1288 (TTY: 711). Offer is valid through 12/31/2025.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 0% Intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers, then 18.49% to 28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of the U.S. dollar amount of each purchase

Rewards Center

Citi ThankYou Rewards

One of the best balance transfer credit cards available is the Double Cash card. Because it offers impressive cash-back rewards with the ability to convert your points to transferable rewards and an awesome balanced transfer promotion, the Double Cash card tops our list.

Right now, there’s a limited-time welcome bonus that includes cash-back. Normally, the welcome bonus only includes a promotional balance transfer APR and balance transfer fee.

The balance transfer offer has 2 components:

• 0% introductory APR on balance transfers
• Introductory reduced balance transfer fee

Also, you’ll earn 2% cash-back, 1% when you buy and 1% when you pay. These cash-back rewards are denominated in ThankYou Points, but they can only be redeemed through the full transfer partner list if you also have the Citi Strata Premier card.

If you don’t have the Citi Strata Premier card, you’ll redeem your rewards for cash-back, direct deposit, transfers to JetBlue or Citi’s hotel partners, or gift cards.

Lastly, the Double Cash card has fraud protection, authorized user cards for no additional annual fee, and access to Citi Entertainment.

Runner-up: Blue Cash Everyday^® Card from American Express

Currently, our runner-up in the best balance transfer card section is the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card, described previously above.

At the moment, there’s an attractive 0% introductory APR offer on purchases and balance transfers (rates & fees), plus reduced Plan It^® fees.

You’ll enjoy a welcome bonus, plus up to 3% cash-back:

• 3% cash-back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%
• 3% cash-back at U.S. gas stations on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%
• 3% cash-back on U.S. online retail purchases on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%
• 1% cash-back on other purchases

There’s a $7 monthly statement credit on The Disney Bundle, a $15 monthly statement credit on Home Chef purchases, secondary rental car coverage, purchase protection, fraud protection, and no-additional fee authorized user cards (rates & fees).

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, both Amex and Citi are worthwhile issuers of cards to help facilitate your everyday personal (and business) finances.

Even though it’s clear that Amex Membership Rewards points are more valuable than Citi ThankYou Points, choosing the best card for your situation requires a bit of nuance.

Amex clearly focuses its efforts on the premium card crowd, especially if you’re looking for outstanding travel benefits or luxury lifestyle perks.

Citi offers mid-market products with decent rewards, but it clearly also focuses on the cash-back and no-annual-fee segments.

All in all, you have all of the most current information on which cards are the best between Amex and Citi!

*No Preset Spending Limit on an American Express card means your spending limit is flexible. Unlike a traditional card with a set limit, the amount you can spend adapts based on factors such as your purchase, payment, and credit history. 

For the car rental collision damage coverage benefit of The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car rental loss or damage coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. For the trip cancellation, trip delay and interruption insurance benefits of The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

For the baggage insurance plan benefit of The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the extended warranty and purchase protection benefits of The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the return protection benefit of The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

For the cell Phone protection benefit of The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

For the extended warranty and purchase protection benefits of The Platinum Card^® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the return protection benefit of The Platinum Card^® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

For the cell phone protection benefit of The Platinum Card^® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

For the car rental collision damage coverage benefit of the Blue Cash Preferred^® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car rental loss or damage coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

For the return protection benefit of the Blue Cash Preferred^® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. 

For the car rental collision damage coverage benefit of the Blue Cash Everyday^® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car rental loss or damage coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

For the purchase protection benefit of the Blue Cash Everyday^® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the car rental collision damage coverage benefit of The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car rental loss or damage coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

For the extended warranty and purchase protection benefits of The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. For the global assist hotline benefit of The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Card members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.