Head-to-head · 🇺🇸 United States
American Express Platinum vs Citi Custom Cash
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
US
Premium
American Express
American Express Platinum
AMERICAN
EXPRESS
EXPRESS
Wins 2 of 10
US
Citi
Citi Custom Cash
Wins 2 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 Platinum | Citi Custom Cash |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · $695 | No annual fee |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | = 5% (travel) | = 5% (shopping) |
| Base reward rate | = 1% | = 1% |
| Forex markup | No FX fee | · 3% |
| Welcome bonus | = 80,000 Membership Rewards points after $8,000 in 6 months | = $200 cashback after $1,500 in 6 months |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = N/A (no fee) |
| Min income | = — | = — |
| Min credit score | · 720 | 670 |
| Editorial rating | 4.6/5 | · 4.5/5 |
Benefits compared
American Express Platinum
- 5x points on flights booked direct or via amextravel
- Centurion Lounge + Priority Pass + Delta SkyClub access
- $200 annual airline fee credit + $200 Uber Cash
- $200 hotel credit + $189 CLEAR credit
- Marriott Bonvoy Gold + Hilton Honors Gold status
- No foreign transaction fees
Citi Custom Cash
- 5% cashback in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle (up to $500)
- 1% on everything else
- Eligible categories: restaurants, gas, grocery, travel, etc.
- No annual fee
- 0% intro APR for 15 months
FAQ
›American Express Platinum vs Citi Custom Cash: which is better?
It's a true tie — pick the one whose boost categories match your spend. American Express Platinum wins on 2 criteria, Citi Custom Cash on 2.
›Can I get both?
Yes — if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use American Express Platinum for its best categories, Citi Custom Cash for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
American Express Platinum: 80,000 Membership Rewards points after $8,000 in 6 months. Citi Custom Cash: $200 cashback after $1,500 in 6 months.