Choosing between the The Platinum Card from American Express ($695/yr) and the Citi Double Cash Card (no annual fee) 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 travel at 5% via portal. 5X on flights and prepaid hotels through Amex Travel. Global Lounge Collection access.
Perfect if: You maximize portal bookings and want premium perks to offset the fee.
Apply NowStrongest in travel at 5%. Unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases. Earns a solid 2.0% on everything else.
Perfect if: You want solid rewards without paying an annual fee.
Apply Now| Feature | The Platinum Card from American Express | Citi Double Cash Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $695 | $0 |
| Sign-Up Bonus | 80,000 points after $8,000 spend in 6 months | $200 after $1,500 spend in 6 months |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 0% | 3% |
| Base Reward Rate | 1.0% | <strong>2.0%</strong> |
| Travel Rewards | 5% | 5% |
| Key Benefits | 5X on flights and prepaid hotels through Amex Travel. Global Lounge Collection access. | Unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases. |
Citi Double Cash Card wins on dining, groceries, gas.
The $695/year fee difference means The Platinum Card from American Express needs to earn at least that much more in rewards to justify its cost.
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.