Head-to-head · 🇺🇸 United States
Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Citi Double Cash
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
US
Premium
Chase
Chase Sapphire Preferred
VISA
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 | Chase Sapphire Preferred | Citi Double Cash |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · $95 | No annual fee |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | 5% (travel) | · 2% (general) |
| Base reward rate | · 1% | 2% |
| Forex markup | No FX fee | · 3% |
| Welcome bonus | = 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in first 3 months (~$750 in travel) | = $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 | 4.7/5 | · 4.5/5 |
Benefits compared
Chase Sapphire Preferred
- 5x points on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- 3x on dining (incl. takeout & delivery)
- 2x on all other travel
- 25% more value when redeeming for travel via Chase Ultimate Rewards portal
- No foreign transaction fees
- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance, primary auto rental coverage
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
›Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Citi Double Cash: which is better?
It's a true tie — pick the one whose boost categories match your spend. Chase Sapphire Preferred 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 Chase Sapphire Preferred 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?
Chase Sapphire Preferred: 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in first 3 months (~$750 in travel). Citi Double Cash: $200 cash back after spending $1,500 in first 6 months.