Smart Shoppers Opt for Blue Cash Preferred Over Citi Double Cash Due to Rewards Benefits
For consumers looking for high cash-back rates, the Citi Double Cash® Card and the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express stand out as strong contenders. While both cards offer attractive rewards, they cater to different spending habits and preferences.
Rewards Structure Comparison
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card (Amex) offers higher rewards rates in certain categories. It provides 6% cash back on U.S. supermarkets, up to $6,000 per year, then 1% thereafter. Additionally, it offers 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions and transit, plus 3% on gas. The card has an annual fee of $95, but its high rewards rates can easily offset this for those who spend heavily on groceries and the other bonus categories. However, it's important to note that the 6% supermarket rate excludes supermarkets like wholesale clubs (e.g., Sam's Club) and superstores (e.g., Walmart, Target).
On the other hand, the Citi Double Cash® Card offers a simpler, flat-rate cash-back on all purchases. It provides 2% total cash back on every purchase (1% when you buy, +1% when you pay off the purchase). The card has no annual fee, making it a popular choice for those seeking a straightforward rewards structure without category restrictions.
Pros and Cons
| Feature | Blue Cash Preferred® Card (Amex) | Citi Double Cash® Card | |----------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------| | Grocery rewards | 6% cash back on up to $6,000/year at U.S. supermarkets | 2% cash back on all purchases | | Annual fee | $95 (can be offset by rewards) | None | | Category restrictions | Excludes wholesale clubs & superstores for grocery rewards | None (flat-rate rewards) | | Other bonus categories | 6% on U.S. streaming, 3% on gas & transit | No category bonuses | | Ease of earning rewards | Requires tracking category spend & caps | Straightforward, no tracking needed | | Welcome offers | Often includes a welcome offer | Usually no welcome bonus | | Best for | Heavy grocery shoppers and those who spend on gas, streaming, transit | Those wanting simple, flat-rate cash back without an annual fee |
In summary, if you regularly spend $6,000 or more annually at U.S. supermarkets (excluding wholesale clubs and superstores) and want the highest possible grocery rewards despite paying an annual fee, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card is likely the better choice. However, if you prefer simplicity, no annual fee, and solid rewards on all purchases without category limitations, the Citi Double Cash® Card is a reliable alternative.
It's also worth mentioning that the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express offers a 0% balance transfer period, but it's shorter than the one from Citi Double Cash® Card. Additionally, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card provides access to the Citi Entertainment ticket portal and offers a Disney Bundle credit when enrolled and paid with the card. Using both cards can provide high rewards rates on various categories and a 2% rate on everything else.
[1] Citi Double Cash® Card Information [2] Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express Information [3] Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express Rewards Structure [4] Citi Double Cash® Card Rewards Structure [5] Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express Grocery Rewards Exclusions
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