Amex Blue Cash Preferred is Claire's recommendation for most people reading this comparison. Score: 8.3/10. Best grocery card. 6% is the highest available. Math works at $250+/month.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Citi Double Cash or Amex Blue Cash Preferred?
Amex Blue Cash Preferred (8.3/10) wins for most people. Best grocery card. 6% is the highest available. Math works at $250+/month. Citi Double Cash is the right choice if: no-fee flat-rate cashback.
What is Claire's score for Citi Double Cash?
Claire rates Citi Double Cash 8.1/10. Verdict: The math floor. 2% everywhere, no fee, no categories to track.
What is Claire's score for Amex Blue Cash Preferred?
Claire rates Amex Blue Cash Preferred 8.3/10. Verdict: Best grocery card. 6% is the highest available. Math works at $250+/month.
Who should choose Citi Double Cash?
No-fee flat-rate cashback.
Who should choose Amex Blue Cash Preferred?
Families spending $250+/month at US supermarkets.
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Head to head, by the numbers
Citi Double Cash Card
Amex Blue Cash Preferred
Claire's score
8.1/10
8.3/10
Price
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—
Top strength
2% on everything (no categories)
6% at US supermarkets up to $6,000/year
Biggest drawback
No bonus categories
$95 annual fee from year two
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)
The case for Amex Blue Cash Preferred
6% at US supermarkets up to $6,000/year
6% on select streaming services
3% at US gas stations
$0 first-year annual fee
Bottom line
Amex Blue Cash Preferred takes this one on the numbers (8.3/10 vs 8.1/10). Best grocery card for families. 6% at US supermarkets up to $6,000/year is the highest earn rate in the category.
That said, Citi Double Cash Card isn't a loser — it's a different answer. The best flat-rate no-annual-fee card. 2% on everything with no complexity and no fee. The math floor for any card comparison.