Chase Sapphire Reserve is Claire's recommendation for most people reading this comparison. Score: 8.2/10. Better than Preferred at $500+/month travel spend. Lounge access tips the math.
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 Chase Sapphire Reserve?
Chase Sapphire Reserve (8.2/10) wins for most people. Better than Preferred at $500+/month travel spend. Lounge access tips the math. 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 Chase Sapphire Reserve?
Claire rates Chase Sapphire Reserve 8.2/10. Verdict: Better than Preferred at $500+/month travel spend. Lounge access tips the math.
Who should choose Citi Double Cash?
No-fee flat-rate cashback.
Who should choose Chase Sapphire Reserve?
Frequent travelers who use airport lounges.
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Head to head, by the numbers
Citi Double Cash Card
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Claire's score
8.1/10
8.2/10
Price
—
$550.
Top strength
2% on everything (no categories)
$300 travel credit nearly halves the effective fee
Biggest drawback
No bonus categories
$550 annual fee requires high spend to justify
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 Chase Sapphire Reserve
$300 travel credit nearly halves the effective fee
3x on all travel and dining
Priority Pass lounge access
1.5cpp through Chase travel portal
Bottom line
Chase Sapphire Reserve takes this one on the numbers (8.2/10 vs 8.1/10). The better card if you spend $500+ per month on travel. The $550 fee math only works at high spend.
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.