Capital One Spark Cash Plus vs Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
It's a true tie — neither dominates. Pick the one whose boost categories match where you actually spend.
Side-by-side
| Criterion | Capital One Spark Cash Plus | Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · $150 | $99 |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | = 2% (general) | = 2% (travel) |
| Base reward rate | 2% | · 1% |
| Forex markup | = No FX fee | = No FX fee |
| Welcome bonus | = $1,200 cash bonus after $30,000 spend in first 3 months | = 50,000 AA miles after $2,500 spend in 3 months |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = No waiver |
| Min income | = — | = — |
| Min credit score | · 720 | 700 |
| Editorial rating | 4.5/5 | · 4/5 |
Benefits compared
Capital One Spark Cash Plus
- Unlimited 2% cashback on every purchase
- 5% on hotels and rental cars via Capital One Travel
- No preset spending limit
- Annual fee refund of $150 if you spend $150K/year
- No foreign transaction fees
Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select
- 2x miles on American Airlines + dining + gas
- 1x on everything else
- Free first checked bag for cardholder + 4 companions
- Preferred boarding
- Annual fee waived first year
FAQ
›Capital One Spark Cash Plus vs Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select: which is better?
It's a true tie — pick the one whose boost categories match your spend. Capital One Spark Cash Plus wins on 2 criteria, Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select on 2.
›Can I get both?
Yes — if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use Capital One Spark Cash Plus for its best categories, Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
Capital One Spark Cash Plus: $1,200 cash bonus after $30,000 spend in first 3 months. Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select: 50,000 AA miles after $2,500 spend in 3 months.