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Citi Double Cash vs Amex Blue Cash Preferred

Claire's comparison  ·  June 2026  ·  Last verified June 2026
Claire's Quick Verdict

Amex Blue Cash Preferred (8.3/10) wins for most people. Citi Double Cash wins for a specific profile.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Runner-Up
Citi Double Cash
8.1
Fee: $0
2% on everything
Full review →
Winner
Amex Blue Cash Preferred
8.3
Fee: $95
6% groceries, 6% streaming
Full review →

Who Should Choose Citi Double Cash

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

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Who Should Choose Amex Blue Cash Preferred

Families spending $250+/month at US supermarkets. Best grocery card. 6% is the highest available. Math works at $250+/month.

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Claire's Final Verdict

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 CardAmex Blue Cash Preferred
Claire's score8.1/108.3/10
Price
Top strength2% on everything (no categories)6% at US supermarkets up to $6,000/year
Biggest drawbackNo bonus categories$95 annual fee from year two

The case for Citi Double Cash Card

The case for Amex Blue Cash Preferred

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.

Read the full breakdowns: Citi Double Cash Card review · Amex Blue Cash Preferred review · all rankings.