American Express Gold Card vs. Citi Double Cash Card
On the criteria below, American Express Gold Card wins 3 of 5. The verdict depends on which criteria matter to you.
American Express Gold Card
Amex
Citi Double Cash Card
Citi
American Express Gold Card wins 3 of 5 criteria here, making it the stronger all-rounder.
American Express Gold Card wins on first-year math, travel insurance, and foreign transactions; Citi Double Cash Card wins on annual fee.
Pick the American Express Gold Card if year-one math is your priority; take the Citi Double Cash Card if you want a cheaper card to keep long-term.
Who wins what
3 vs 1 (1 tie)- First-year math American Express Gold Card
American Express Gold Card wins on bonus value minus annual fee.
- Annual fee Citi Double Cash Card
Citi Double Cash Card is $325 cheaper to keep.
- Earning ceiling Tie
Same peak earning rate.
- Travel insurance American Express Gold Card
American Express Gold Card carries built-in travel insurance.
- Foreign transactions American Express Gold Card
American Express Gold Card has a lower (or zero) foreign transaction fee.
By the numbers
- Annual fee
- $325
- Free
- Welcome offer (typical value)
- $1,600
- $200
- First-year net
- +$1,275
- +$200
- Peak earning rate
- 5×
- 5×
- Top categories
- Dining Worldwide, Flights, Prepaid Hotels
- Travel Portal
- Lounge access
- No
- No
- Travel insurance
- Yes
- No
- Elite status
- Yes
- No
- Foreign transaction fee
- None
- 3.00%
- Reward currency
- American Express Membership Rewards
- Citi ThankYou Points
Welcome-offer dollar values use each program's typical-tier valuation from our signup bonus calculator. See the methodology page for sourcing details.