Blue Cash Everyday® Card From American Express
vs. Citi Double Cash® Card

Both the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express and the Citi Double Cash® Card offer enticing cash back rewards without annual fees, appealing if you value straightforward savings on their purchases. In benefits face-off, the Citi Double Cash Card edges ahead with its simple 2% cash back on all purchases, making it a compelling choice for those who prefer a no-fuss rewards structure.

But the Blue Cash Everyday Card should not be overlooked, especially if you frequently spend at U.S. supermarkets, online retailers and gas stations, where it provides a higher cash back rate. Ultimately, the right card for you depends on where your spending is concentrated.

You might prefer the Blue Cash Everyday if you frequently shop at U.S. supermarkets, gas stations and online retailers. The card's tiered cash back rewards are tailored for these categories, and the introductory offer adds immediate value. The introductory APR on purchases can also help with larger, planned expenses.

You might prefer the Citi Double Cash if you value simplicity in your rewards program and have a variety of expenses that don't fit into specific categories. The flat-rate cash back on all purchases, regardless of the category, along with a longer balance transfer introductory period, makes this card a flexible option for managing your finances.

Evaluating features like APRs, fees, credit requirements, rewards and introductory offers will clarify which card is for you. For instance, if you frequently shop at supermarkets, the Blue Cash Everyday may offer more value, whereas the Citi Double Cash is optimal for straightforward cash back on all purchases.

If you value simplicity and consistent rewards across all spending, the Citi Double Cash is compelling. It offers an uncomplicated 2% cash back on every purchase: 1% when you buy and another 1% as you pay. This straightforward approach applies to all purchases without category restrictions.

By contrast, the Blue Cash Everyday caters to specific spending habits. It's advantageous if you frequently shop at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and online U.S. retailers, offering 3% cash back in these categories, up to a $6,000 annual limit per category, then 1%. For all other purchases, it provides 1% cash back.

While the Citi Double Cash Card maintains a consistent reward rate, the Blue Cash Everyday Card could yield more rewards for those with high spending in its bonus categories. The table of bonus categories for both cards will help you compare at a glance.

The Blue Cash Everyday allows you to redeem your cash back directly at Amazon.com or as a statement credit, offering flexibility without a minimum redemption threshold. Importantly, your cash back won't expire, ensuring you can use your rewards at your convenience.

On the other hand, the Citi Double Cash provides the option to redeem your cash back for a direct deposit, statement credit or a check, catering to different preferences. The rewards on this card also do not expire as long as your account remains open.

MoneyGeek analyzes credit cards like the Blue Cash Everyday and Citi Double Cash based on their performance in various use cases. This approach ensures that the score reflects the card's performance in the scenario where it provides the most value.

For cash back cards, the primary factors we consider are the effective reward rate and the return on investment for offers. These elements — along with annual fees, introductory purchase rates and issuer satisfaction — contribute to a card's overall score.

For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday® Card From American Express, please click here.