Head-to-head · 🇺🇸 United States
Citi Double Cash vs American Express Platinum
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
US
Citi
Citi Double Cash
Wins 3 of 10
US
Premium
American Express
American Express Platinum
AMERICAN
EXPRESS
EXPRESS
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 | Citi Double Cash | American Express Platinum |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | No annual fee | · $695 |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | · 2% (general) | 5% (travel) |
| Base reward rate | 2% | · 1% |
| Forex markup | · 3% | No FX fee |
| Welcome bonus | = $200 cash back after spending $1,500 in first 6 months | = 80,000 Membership Rewards points after $8,000 in 6 months |
| Fee waiver threshold | = N/A (no fee) | = No waiver |
| Min income | = — | = — |
| Min credit score | 670 | · 720 |
| Editorial rating | · 4.5/5 | 4.6/5 |
Benefits compared
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)
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
FAQ
›Citi Double Cash vs American Express Platinum: which is better?
It's a true tie — pick the one whose boost categories match your spend. Citi Double Cash wins on 3 criteria, American Express Platinum on 3.
›Can I get both?
Yes — if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use Citi Double Cash for its best categories, American Express Platinum for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
Citi Double Cash: $200 cash back after spending $1,500 in first 6 months. American Express Platinum: 80,000 Membership Rewards points after $8,000 in 6 months.