Home / Compare / Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Citi Double Cash

Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Citi Double Cash

Claire's comparison · last verified June 2026
Claire's quick verdict

Chase Sapphire Preferred (8.7/10) wins for most people. Citi Double Cash wins for a specific profile.

Winner
Chase Sapphire Preferred
8.7/10
Fee: $95
3x dining, 2x travel
Full review →
Runner-up
Citi Double Cash
8.1/10
Fee: $0
2% on everything
Full review →
Who should choose Chase Sapphire Preferred

Entry-level premium travel card for $300+/month dining. Best first rewards card. 3x dining + $95 fee = correct math for most people.

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Who should choose Citi Double Cash

No-fee flat-rate cashback. The math floor. 2% everywhere, no fee, no categories to track.

Apply now →

Head to head, by the numbers

Chase Sapphire Preferred Citi Double Cash
Claire's score8.7/108.1/10
Price——
Top strength3x points on dining2% on everything (no categories)
Biggest drawback$95 annual feeNo bonus categories
The case for Chase Sapphire Preferred
•3x points on dining
•2x on all travel
•1x on everything else
•60,000 point welcome bonus (worth $750+)
The case for Citi Double Cash Card
•2% on everything (no categories)
•No annual fee
•No foreign transaction fee
•Balance transfer option (0% intro periods available)
Bottom line

Chase Sapphire Preferred is Claire's recommendation for most people reading this comparison. Score: 8.7/10. Best first rewards card. 3x dining + $95 fee = correct math for most people.

Citi Double Cash (8.1/10) is the right choice for a specific situation: no-fee flat-rate cashback. If that describes you, the full review has the complete math.

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