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

Both the Citi Double Cash® Card and the Blue Cash Preferred® Card From American Express cater to those who value cash back rewards. However, they shine in different scenarios. The Citi Double Cash offers 2% cash back on all purchases, making it the better option for straightforward, across-the-board rewards.

However, the Blue Cash Preferred offers 6% cash back on supermarket purchases and streaming services, making it a strong contender for those who spend heavily in these categories. While the Blue Cash Preferred Card has an annual fee after the first year, its targeted rewards can outweigh this cost for the right user.

You might prefer the Citi Double Cash if you value simplicity and consistent rewards across all your spending. With no annual fee and a flat 2% cash back on every purchase, it's a straightforward choice for those who want to earn cash back without tracking bonus categories or spending caps.

You might prefer the Blue Cash Preferred if your spending aligns with its bonus categories. With 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets and on select streaming subscriptions, plus additional rewards on gas and transit, this card can offer significant value, especially if you can offset the annual fee with the cash back earned.

Evaluating APRs, fees, credit requirements, rewards, introductory offers and other features will clarify the differences between the Citi Double Cash and Blue Cash Preferred. Choose the card with benefits that align with your spending habits, such as Citi Double Cash for flat-rate rewards or Blue Cash Preferred for higher cash back on supermarket purchases.

The Blue Cash Preferred is better for those who frequently spend at U.S. supermarkets and on select U.S. streaming services. It offers an impressive 6% cash back in these categories. It also provides 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit, which can benefit daily commuters.

However, Citi Double Cash is a strong contender for its simplicity. It offers a flat 2% cash back on all purchases — 1% when you buy and another 1% as you pay for those purchases — without the need to track specific categories. While it doesn't offer the same high rewards rate on groceries or gas, its consistent reward structure across all spending makes it a versatile choice for those who prefer a straightforward rewards program.

The table below outlines bonus categories to help you compare the rewards programs of both cards at a glance.

The Citi Double Cash allows for cash back redemption via direct deposit, statement credit or check, with no expiration for the life of the account.

The Blue Cash Preferred offers redemption as a statement credit or for purchases at Amazon.com, also without expiration.

MoneyGeek evaluates credit cards like the Citi Double Cash and Blue Cash Preferred using a tailored scoring system for various use cases. In this comparison, both cards are assessed based on their performance in the cash back category. The largest factors influencing their scores include the effective reward rate and the return on investment for offers. For a detailed understanding of our scoring process, you can review our ranking methodology.

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