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Citi Double Cash vs Chase Sapphire Reserve

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

Chase Sapphire Reserve (8.2/10) wins for most people. Citi Double Cash wins for a specific profile.

Runner-up
Citi Double Cash
8.1/10
Fee: $0
2% on everything
Full review →
Winner
Chase Sapphire Reserve
8.2/10
Fee: $550
3x travel, 3x dining
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 Chase Sapphire Reserve

Frequent travelers who use airport lounges. Better than Preferred at $500+/month travel spend. Lounge access tips the math.

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Head to head, by the numbers

Citi Double Cash Chase Sapphire Reserve
Claire's score8.1/108.2/10
Price$550.
Top strength2% on everything (no categories)$300 travel credit nearly halves the effective fee
Biggest drawbackNo 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 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.

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