The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express boasts generous cashback on everyday essentials like groceries and streaming services, while the Citi Custom Cash Card takes a versatile approach with its dynamic cashback categories.
Let's unravel the features, fees, and fine print to help you decide which card is the cashback champion for your lifestyle.
General Comparison
If your main focus is earning cashback rewards for your day-to-day spending, especially at U.S. Supermarkets and gas stations, then the Blue Cash Preferred might be the more suitable choice.
The Citi Custom cash offers high cashback on your preferred category, but it's limited to $500 each month, and then the rewards rate ratio decreases drastically.
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Credit Card Cashback Battle: A Side-by-Side Analysis
In terms of pure rewards rates, the Amex Blue Cash Preferred can offer higher cashback rates in most categories like U.S. supermarkets, streaming services, and gas.
Therefore, for the average consumer, the Blue Cash Preferred seems to be more attractive.
|  | |
|---|---|---|
Spend Per Category | Amex Blue Cash Preferred | Citi Custom Cash Card |
$15,000 – U.S Supermarkets | $450 | $390 |
$5,000 – Restaurants
| $50 | $50 |
$4,000 – Airline | $40 | $40 |
$3,000 – Hotels | $30 | $30 |
$4,000 – Gas | $120 | $40 |
Estimated Annual Value | $690 | $550 |
Which Extra Benefits You'll Get With Each Card?
There are some additional types of perks that you will see with both of these cards. The Blue Cash Preferred offer statement credits and broader protections compared to the Custom Cash Card.
Amex Blue Cash Preferred
- $120 Equinox+ Credit: When you use your Blue Cash Preferred credit card to pay for your Equinox+, you’ll receive $10 a month in statement credit. Terms Apply.
- Additional Car Rental Insurance: When you use your Blue Cash Preferred card to reserve and pay for your car rental, you’ll receive additional car rental loss, damage, and theft insurance.
- Purchase Return Protection: You can enjoy return protection on eligible items with up to $300 per item and a cap of $1,000 per year. You must make your purchases with your card and negotiate with the seller first.
- Exclusive Ticket Presale Access: Via American Express Experiences, you can obtain exclusive access to card member only events and ticket presales for concerts, sporting events, shows, and family events. Terms Apply.
- $84 Disney Bundle Credit: Earn an $84 Disney Bundle Credit by receiving a monthly $7 statement credit when you use your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred® Card to make monthly subscription payments of $9.99 or more.
Citi Custom Cash Card
$0 Liability on Unauthorized Charges: Enjoy complete protection against any unauthorized charges on your account at Citi. You won't be held responsible for charges you didn't authorize, whether online or otherwise.
Free Access to your FICO® Score: Monitor your FICO® Score effortlessly with no impact on your credit score. Accessible anytime, the score is updated monthly and easily accessible through the Citi Mobile® App and Citi® Online. Explore the key factors influencing your score and more.
24/7 Customer Service: Experience round-the-clock assistance from our customer service representatives, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to address your needs.
When You Might Prefer the Blue Cash Preferred?
You may prefer the American Express Blue Cash Preferred over the Citi Customer Cash card in the following situations:
You Want To Maximize Benefits: Despite the annual fee, the Blue Cash Preferred may be preferable for those who can maximize its benefits, especially with its generous welcome bonus, additional perks like extended warranty protection, and a potentially higher overall cashback return, depending on spending habits.
Grocery and Streaming Enthusiasts: If a significant portion of your budget goes to U.S. supermarket purchases and streaming services, the Blue Cash Preferred takes the lead.
Gas Guzzler: For individuals who frequently find themselves at the pump, the Blue Cash Preferred offers higher cashback on U.S. gas station purchases. If fuel is a significant part of your monthly expenses, this card provides enhanced rewards in a category where the Citi Custom Cash Card doesn't specialize.
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When You Might Prefer The Citi Custom Cash Card?
You may prefer the Citi Customer Cash Card over the Amex Blue Cash Preferred in the following situations:
Variable Spending Patterns: If your spending habits vary widely and don't align with fixed categories, the Citi Custom Cash Card could be your go-to, as it automatically adapts its cashback categories based on where you spend the most, offering flexibility that the Blue Cash Preferred's fixed categories may not match.
No Annual Fee Preference: If you prefer a credit card with no annual fee while still enjoying cashback rewards, the Citi Custom Cash Card might be the better choice, as it offers a straightforward cashback program without the annual fee that comes with the Blue Cash Preferred.
You have fair or good credit. The Citi Custom Cash Card is available to people with fair or good credit (FICO scores of 630 or higher). The Blue Cash Preferred Card is available to people with good or excellent credit (FICO scores of 680 or higher).
Compare The Alternatives
There are a couple of alternatives that you may want to take a look at before applying:
 |
|
| |
|---|---|---|---|
Chase Freedom Flex℠ Card | Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | American Express EveryDay® Card | |
Annual Fee | $0
| $95
| $0
|
Rewards |
1-5%
|
2X – 5X
2X miles per dollar on every purchase, plus 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
|
1X – 2X
2X points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1X), 2X points on prepaid rental cars booked through American Express Travel and 1X points on all other purchases
|
Welcome bonus |
$200
|
75,000 miles
75,000 miles once they spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
|
10,000 points
10,000 points after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new card within the first 3 months
|
Foreign Transaction Fee | 3%
| $0
| 2.7%
|
Purchase APR | 20.49%–29.24% variable
| 19.99% – 29.99% (Variable)
| 18.24% – 28.24% Variable
|
Compare Amex Blue Cash Preferred
In terms of cashback rates, the Blue Cash Preferred is a clear winner. But is it still apply if you're a high spender?
Here's our analysis: Amex Blue Cash Preferred vs Chase Freedom Unlimited
Cash back or Amex membership rewards? Annual fee with higher rewards or no annual fee? Here's our full analysis – which is better for you?
Amex Everyday® Card vs Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
When it comes to travel benefits, there is a clear winner. But what about if you're looking for rewards on everyday spending?
While the Amex Gold Card is more expensive than the Blue Cash Preferred, its rewards program and other benefits are more lucrative.
Amex Blue Cash Preferred vs. Amex Gold: Which One Gives You More?
If you can maximize supermarket benefits, the Amex Blue Cash Preferred may be more suitable than the Everyday card despite the annual fee.
American Express Blue Cash Everyday vs. Preferred: Side By Side Comparison
Compare Citi Custom Cash Card
If you're a high spender, the Citi Double Cash Card can give you more. But what if you're just looking for everyday rewards?
Citi® Double Cash Card vs Citi Custom Cash℠ Card : Which Card Wins?
When it comes to cashback potential, the Chase Freedom Unlimited wins, especially for those who frequently engage in travel-related expenses
Chase Freedom Unlimited vs. Citi Custom Cash Card: Which Card Is Best?
Both cards provide comparable cashback terms, with Citi Custom Cash being more flexible as it autonomously selects your preferred category.
Unlike the Amex Blue Cash Everyday, Citi Custom Cash automatically adjusts its cashback categories based on your spending habits.
Citi Custom Cash vs. Amex Blue Cash Everyday: Which Card Is Best?
Citi Custom Cash Card and the BofA Customized Cash Rewards have similar reward structures but some significant differences. How they compare?
Citi Custom Cash Card vs. BofA Customized Cash Rewards: Which Card Is Best?
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