Citi Custom Cash® Card vs. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Side-by-side comparison · Updated 2026 · Independently reviewed

Citi logo
Citi Custom Cash® Card
Citi
4.6

5% cash back on your top eligible category each month.

Full review →
American Express logo
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
American Express
4.6

6% at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6k/yr). 6% on select streaming.

Full review →
WealthSpott Verdict

Citi Custom Cash® Card wins on more measurable categories — particularly annual cost. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express may still win for your wallet depending on how you spend.

Feature
Citi Custom Cash®
Blue Cash Preferred®
Annual Fee
$0 Best
$95/yr
Sign-up Bonus
$200
$350
Rewards Rate
1%-5%
1%-6%
Rewards Type
Cash Back
Cash Back
0% Intro APR
0% for 15 months
0% for 12 months
Regular APR
19.24%-29.99% Variable
19.24%-29.99% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fee
Yes
Yes
Recommended Credit Score
670-850
670-850
Citi Custom Cash® Card
Pros
  • 5% on top category (up to $500/quarter)
  • No annual fee
  • Categories include gas, groceries, dining
Cons
  • Only one category earns 5% per month
  • Foreign transaction fee
Full review
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Pros
  • 6% back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6k/year)
  • 6% on select streaming subscriptions
  • $0 intro annual fee for first year
Cons
  • $95 annual fee after first year
  • 6% grocery bonus caps at $6,000/year
  • Foreign transaction fee
Full review

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