Chip Lupo, Credit Card Writer
@CLoop
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is better than the Citi Custom Cash® Card because it offers higher cash back reward rates for important everyday spending categories and a slightly better initial bonus offer. Blue Cash Preferred can also save you more money overall, despite a $95 annual fee after the first year.
Citi Custom Cash isn’t far behind, though, with a $0 annual fee and better 0% intro APR offers on purchases and balance transfers. In addition, Citi Custom Cash has a higher WalletHub Rating.
How to Choose Between Citi Custom Cash & Blue Cash Preferred
- Blue Cash Preferred is better for people who want maximum cash back rewards at U.S. supermarkets and on select U.S. streaming services.
- Citi Custom Cash is a good choice for people who want to automatically earn 5% cash back in their top spending category, up to $500 spent per billing cycle.
- If you spend a lot on transit, you’ll benefit more from Blue Cash Preferred, as it offers 3% cash back on taxi fares, rideshare services, tolls, train travel, bus rides, and more.
- Citi Custom Cash is the preferred card for anyone who wants a longer promotional period to finance purchases or pay off high-interest debt.
Citi Custom Cash vs. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
| Card | ||
| WalletHub Rating | 4.26 / 5 | 4.03 / 5 |
| Ongoing Rewards | 5% cash back in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle (up to $500 spent, 1% back thereafter), an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked with Citi Travel, as well as 1% back on all other purchases | 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 spent per year), 6% back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% back at eligible U.S. gas stations and on transit, and 1% back on other eligible purchases, received as rewards dollars (which can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout) |
| Initial Bonus | $200 for spending $1,500 in the first 6 months | $250 statement credit for spending $3,000 on eligible purchases in the first 6 months |
| Annual Fee | $0 | $0 intro 1st yr, $95 after |
| Intro APR for Purchases | 0% for 15 months | 0% for 12 months |
| Intro Balance Transfer APR | 0% for 15 months | 0% for 12 months |
| Balance Transfer Fee | 5% (min $5) | 3% (min $5) |
| Regular APR | 17.99% - 27.99% (V) | 19.99% - 28.99% (V) |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 3% | 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars |
| Credit Requirement | Good credit | Good credit |
Both Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express and Citi Custom Cash® Card are available to people with good or excellent credit. Before you apply, you can check your credit score for free here on WalletHub to make sure you meet the minimum credit requirements for either card.
To learn more, check out WalletHub’s full reviews of Citi Custom Cash and Blue Cash Preferred.
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People also ask
What are the disadvantages of the Citi Custom Cash card?
The biggest disadvantage of the Citi Custom Cash® Card is that it has a high APR, at 17.99% - 27.99% (V). As a result, carrying a balance on the Citi Custom Cash® Card is very expensive, but you can avoid this drawback if you pay your bill in full every month. That way, you won’t owe any interest.
Citi Custom Cash Disadvantages
- High APR: The Citi Custom Cash has a relatively high APR, at 17.99% - 27.99% (V).
- Foreign transaction fee: You will be charged a fee...
Can you upgrade from Blue Cash Everyday to Preferred?
You can upgrade from the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express to the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express. However, keep in mind that your Amex Blue Cash Everyday account has to be open for at least 12 months to be eligible for an upgrade.
Here’s How the Blue Cash Preferred Upgrade Works
- When you request an upgrade from Amex Blue Cash Everyday to Blue Cash Preferred, there’s no hard inquiry on your credit report. So, there’s no effect on your credit score.
- Approval for an upgrade typically takes just a few...
What are the disadvantages of the Blue Cash Preferred?
The biggest disadvantage of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is that it is available to people with at least good credit, which means the average person may struggle to qualify. There are a few other disadvantages of the Blue Cash Preferred to be aware of, too.
Blue Cash Preferred Disadvantages
- Requires high credit scores: The Blue Cash Preferred requires at least good credit for approval.
- Annual fee: The annual fee is $0 intro 1st yr, $95 after.
- High APR: The Blue Cash Preferred has a relatively...
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