Head-to-head · 🇺🇸 United States

American Express Platinum vs Citi Premier

Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.

US
Premium
American Express
American Express Platinum
AMERICAN
EXPRESS
Wins 2 of 10
US
Citi
Citi Premier
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

CriterionAmerican Express PlatinumCiti Premier
Annual fee
·
$695
$95
Joining fee
=
None
=
None
Top reward rate
5% (travel)
·
3% (travel)
Base reward rate
=
1%
=
1%
Forex markup
=
No FX fee
=
No FX fee
Welcome bonus
=
80,000 Membership Rewards points after $8,000 in 6 months
=
60,000 ThankYou points after $4,000 in 3 months
Fee waiver threshold
=
No waiver
=
No waiver
Min income
=
=
Min credit score
·
720
700
Editorial rating
4.6/5
·
4.4/5

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 Premier

  • 3x ThankYou points on travel (incl. gas)
  • 3x on dining
  • 3x on supermarkets
  • Transferable to 16 airline partners
  • $100 annual hotel credit
  • No foreign transaction fees

FAQ

American Express Platinum vs Citi Premier: 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 Premier 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 Premier 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 Premier: 60,000 ThankYou points after $4,000 in 3 months.