Choosing between the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express ($95/yr) and the Citi Strata Premier Card ($95/yr) comes down to where you spend most. Both cards can deliver real value — let’s break it down, then run your numbers to find the winner.
Strongest in groceries at 6% (up to $6,000/yr). 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets and streaming, 3% on transit and gas.
Perfect if: Your monthly spending stays within the bonus cap for maximum value.
Apply NowStrongest in travel at 3%. 10x points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on cititravel.com; 3x on air travel, restaurants, supermarkets, gas & EV charging.
Perfect if: You want a strong rewards rate with no spending caps to worry about.
Apply Now| Feature | Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express | Citi Strata Premier Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $95 | $95 |
| Sign-Up Bonus | $250 after $3,000 spend in 6 months | 60,000 points after $4,000 spend in 3 months |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 2.7% | 0% |
| Base Reward Rate | <strong>1.0%</strong> | <strong>1.0%</strong> |
| Travel Rewards | 3% | 3% |
| Dining Rewards | 1% | <strong>3%</strong> |
| Groceries Rewards | <strong>6% (up to $6,000/yr)</strong> | 3% |
| Gas Rewards | 3% | 3% |
| Key Benefits | 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets and streaming, 3% on transit and gas. | 10x points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on cititravel.com; 3x on air travel, restaurants, supermarkets, gas & EV charging. |
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express pulls ahead for groceries spending.
Citi Strata Premier Card wins on dining.
Not sure which fits your life? Enter your spending below and we’ll do the math.
Enter your typical monthly spending and we’ll show you exactly which card earns more — including fees and bonuses.