Citi Double Cash® Card
vs. Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

Both the Citi Double Cash® Card and the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi cater to cash back enthusiasts, but they serve different niches. The Citi Double Cash edges ahead with its generous 2% cash back on all purchases, appealing if you prefer simplicity and broad earning potential.

The Costco Anywhere excels with higher cash back rates in specific categories like gas, travel and dining, making it ideal for Costco members who frequently shop there. Although the Citi Double Cash is more accessible with its lower credit score requirement, the Costco Anywhere remains a strong contender for dedicated Costco shoppers.

You might prefer the Citi Double Cash if you value simplicity and flexibility in earning cash back. With a flat 2% cash back on all purchases and an introductory 0% APR on balance transfers for 18 months, it's a straightforward choice if you want to earn rewards on every purchase without tracking spending categories.

You might prefer the Costco Anywhere if you're a frequent Costco shopper and spend a lot on gas, dining and travel. With higher cash back rates in these categories and additional benefits for Costco members, this card maximizes rewards for specific spending habits and offers value for loyal Costco customers.

Evaluating features like APRs, fees, credit requirements, rewards and introductory offers will clarify which card is for you. For example, if you frequently shop at Costco, the Costco Anywhere card's higher cash back rates on gas and Costco purchases may be advantageous. Conversely, the Citi Double Cash's flat-rate cash back on all purchases could be more beneficial for diverse spending outside of Costco.

The Citi Double Cash simplifies earning with a flat 2% cash back on all purchases. This includes 1% when you buy and another 1% as you pay, making it a solid choice for consistent rewards across all spending without having to track category bonuses.

On the other hand, the Costco Anywhere tailors its rewards to specific categories, offering a higher return on gas, dining and travel. With 4% back on gas and EV charging (capped at $7,000 annually, then 1%), 3% on dining and eligible travel, and 2% on Costco purchases, it's particularly advantageous for frequent Costco shoppers and those who spend more in these areas.

While both cards offer compelling rewards, the Costco Anywhere may win for if you have heavy spending in its bonus categories, despite its more limited redemption options. The table of bonus categories shows a visual comparison of the rewards.

The Citi Double Cash allows for cash back redemption via direct deposit, statement credit, or check, with a simple 1:1 value and no expiration. By contrast, the Costco Anywhere card issues rewards annually as a certificate, redeemable only at Costco warehouses for merchandise or cash back, and must be used by December 31 of the year issued. This could influence your choice if immediate access to rewards or flexibility in redemption is a priority.

MoneyGeek analyzes credit cards like the Citi Double Cash and Costco Anywhere using a tailored scoring system for 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.