Head-to-head · 🇺🇸 United States
American Express Gold vs Citi Double Cash
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
US
American Express
American Express Gold
AMERICAN
EXPRESS
EXPRESS
Wins 3 of 10
US
Citi
Citi Double Cash
Wins 3 of 10
Verdict
It's a true tie — neither dominates. Pick the one whose boost categories match where you actually spend.
Side-by-side
| Criterion | American Express Gold | Citi Double Cash |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · $325 | No annual fee |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | 4% (dining) | · 2% (general) |
| Base reward rate | · 1% | 2% |
| Forex markup | No FX fee | · 3% |
| Welcome bonus | = 60,000 Membership Rewards points after $6,000 in 6 months | = $200 cash back after spending $1,500 in first 6 months |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = N/A (no fee) |
| Min income | = — | = — |
| Min credit score | · 700 | 670 |
| Editorial rating | 4.6/5 | · 4.5/5 |
Benefits compared
American Express Gold
- 4x points at restaurants worldwide (incl. Uber Eats)
- 4x at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25K/year)
- 3x on flights booked direct or via amextravel.com
- $120 annual dining credit ($10/mo at select partners)
- $120 annual Uber Cash
- No foreign transaction fees
Citi Double Cash
- 1% cash back when you buy + 1% when you pay
- No annual fee
- No category restrictions or rotating bonuses
- 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months
- Convert cash back to ThankYou Points (transferable to airline partners)
FAQ
›American Express Gold vs Citi Double Cash: which is better?
It's a true tie — pick the one whose boost categories match your spend. American Express Gold wins on 3 criteria, Citi Double Cash on 3.
›Can I get both?
Yes — if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use American Express Gold for its best categories, Citi Double Cash for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
American Express Gold: 60,000 Membership Rewards points after $6,000 in 6 months. Citi Double Cash: $200 cash back after spending $1,500 in first 6 months.