Best Citi Credit Cards of 2024
4.9
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
On Citi's Website
Up to 5% Reward Rate
5% cash back on up to $500 in purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle. 4% cashRead More
Welcome Bonus
$200
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
19.24% - 29.24% (Variable)
Credit Score
Excellent, Good, Fair
Our Expert Take
The Citi Custom Cash is a great option for people looking to maximize cash back rewards without having to worry about activating or selecting bonus categories.
Expert Commentary
Julian Kheel
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert
With over 15 years of professional experience studying credit cards and travel loyalty programs, Julian Kheel has served as CNN’s senior editor covering travel and credit cards, as well as the editorial director for The Points Guy, and worked as a consultant for the biggest airlines. He is currently the CEO of Tripsight Inc., an award tools company that recently released Points Path, the first browser extension that automatically adds the prices of flights in miles into Google Flights search results to help travelers decide when to best use their travel rewards.
Julian first learned the ins and outs of credit card rewards and travel loyalty programs while flying more than 200,000 miles a year as a TV producer and director for World Wrestling Entertainment. (And yes, of course it’s all real.) He has previously written about travel and credit cards for U.S. News & World Report, Upgraded Points and Going, and created weekly columns for the travel websites Frequent Miler and Travel Codex.
In addition to appearing as a TV analyst to discuss travel and loyalty programs on national segments for CNN, Bloomberg News, CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Yahoo Finance and Cheddar TV, Julian has also been featured on ABC and CBS Radio, and has been quoted in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and the Chicago Tribune on travel-related topics as well.
Julian Kheel
Julian Kheel
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert
With over 15 years of professional experience studying credit cards and travel loyalty programs, Julian Kheel has served as CNN’s senior editor covering travel and credit cards, as well as the editorial director for The Points Guy, and worked as a consultant for the biggest airlines. He is currently the CEO of Tripsight Inc., an award tools company that recently released Points Path, the first browser extension that automatically adds the prices of flights in miles into Google Flights search results to help travelers decide when to best use their travel rewards.
Julian first learned the ins and outs of credit card rewards and travel loyalty programs while flying more than 200,000 miles a year as a TV producer and director for World Wrestling Entertainment. (And yes, of course it’s all real.) He has previously written about travel and credit cards for U.S. News & World Report, Upgraded Points and Going, and created weekly columns for the travel websites Frequent Miler and Travel Codex.
In addition to appearing as a TV analyst to discuss travel and loyalty programs on national segments for CNN, Bloomberg News, CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Yahoo Finance and Cheddar TV, Julian has also been featured on ABC and CBS Radio, and has been quoted in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and the Chicago Tribune on travel-related topics as well.
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert
If you’ve always wanted a credit card that adapts to your lifestyle instead of you having to adapt to it, you’ve found what you’re looking for with the Citi Custom Cash. You’ll never have to worry again about making sure you’re earning bonus points at the places you shop the most, because this card will automatically do it for you — even if those places change every month.
Pros & Cons
- No registration required to earn bonus rewards
- Cash-back categories are unique categories that other cards may not offer bonus rewards for
- Introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers
- No annual fee
- High balance transfer fee
- High foreign transaction fee
- Some everyday rewards categories are neglected
Card Details
- Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
- 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% – 29.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
- Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. Special Travel Offer: Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2025.
- No rotating bonus categories to sign up for – as your spending changes each billing cycle, your earn adjusts automatically when you spend in any of the eligible categories.
- No Annual Fee
- Citi will only issue one Citi Custom Cash® Card account per person.
Earn $200 in cash back after you spend $1500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best for Low Intro APR on Balance Transfers
Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card
On Citi's Website
4.8
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
On Citi's Website
No Rewards
The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card does not offer rewards on purchases
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
18.24% - 28.99% (Variable)
Credit Score
Excellent, Good
Our Expert Take
Those looking to consolidate debt and pay it off over time will appreciate the long introductory offer on balance transfers. A $0 annual fee further enhances its frugal appeal. On the downside, this card is light on perks and comes with a heavy balance transfer fee.
Expert Commentary
Jon Nickel-D'Andrea
Credit Cards Expert Writer
For more than 10 years, Jon Nickel-D'Andrea has been a sought-after expert on how to travel the world using rewards points and miles. Jon has been featured in local and national publications and as a speaker at various seminars across the world. Combining his deep knowledge of credit cards, rewards programs, airlines and hotels with his unique style and sense of humor, Jon makes the complex web of these programs more fun and easy to understand. He lives in Seattle with his husband Ben and their 4-year-old beagle pup.
Jon Nickel-D'Andrea
Jon Nickel-D'Andrea
Credit Cards Expert Writer
For more than 10 years, Jon Nickel-D'Andrea has been a sought-after expert on how to travel the world using rewards points and miles. Jon has been featured in local and national publications and as a speaker at various seminars across the world. Combining his deep knowledge of credit cards, rewards programs, airlines and hotels with his unique style and sense of humor, Jon makes the complex web of these programs more fun and easy to understand. He lives in Seattle with his husband Ben and their 4-year-old beagle pup.
Credit Cards Expert Writer
While the focus with this card is the long introductory period for balance transfers, very often throughout the year Citi will send offers for other balance transfer deals. This means you could hold this card long term and still have the chance to get great balance transfer offers throughout the year.
Pros & Cons
- $0 annual fee
- Lengthy introductory APR offer on balance transfers
- 0% intro APR period for new purchases
- 3% foreign transaction fee
- No rewards program
- High variable APR when introductory period ends
Card Details
- 0% Intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers from date of first transfer and 0% Intro APR for 12 months on purchases from date of account opening. After that the variable APR will be 18.24% – 28.99%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.
- There is a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Get free access to your FICO® Score online.
- With Citi Entertainment®, get special access to purchase tickets to thousands of events, including concerts, sporting events, dining experiences and more.
- No Annual Fee – our low intro rates and all the benefits don’t come with a yearly charge.
N/A
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
TIE Best for Low Intro APR on Balance Transfers
Citi Simplicity® Card *
4.8
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
No Rewards
This card does not earn rewards
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
19.24% - 29.99% (Variable)
Credit Score
Excellent, Good(700 - 749)
Our Expert Take
The Citi Simplicity Card offers a very long intro APR offer for balance transfers, with the catch that each transfer incurs a fee. You’ll also get an intro APR offer on purchases. However, there is no rewards program nor any welcome bonus, making this truly a “simple” card for those looking to hold a balance for a long period of time.
Expert Commentary
Adam Frankel
Credit Cards Writer
With over four decades of experience as a portfolio manager and educator, Adam B. Frankel simplifies credit card strategies and complex personal finance topics for anyone seeking to gain a better understanding of how to manage their money. His work has been featured in national personal finance sites including Forbes Advisor, Fortune, MarketWatch and CardRatings.
Adam Frankel
Adam Frankel
Credit Cards Writer
With over four decades of experience as a portfolio manager and educator, Adam B. Frankel simplifies credit card strategies and complex personal finance topics for anyone seeking to gain a better understanding of how to manage their money. His work has been featured in national personal finance sites including Forbes Advisor, Fortune, MarketWatch and CardRatings.
Credit Cards Writer
The Citi Simplicity’s intro APR offer on purchases and balance transfers can help ease the financial strain of having to shell out for a big purchase or expedite paying down existing debt. Once that intro offer expires though, the card doesn’t have much to offer.
Pros & Cons
- No late fees
- No penalty APR
- No annual fee
- Intro APR offer on purchases and balance transfers
- High regular APR
- No rewards program
Card Details
- No late fees or penalty rates
- No annual fee
- Introductory APR offer
- No liability on unauthorized charges
N/A
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
3.6
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
On Citi's Website
Up to 2% Reward Rate
First, you earn 1% unlimited cash back on every purchase you make. Then, as you pay for those purchases, youRead More
Welcome Bonus
Earn $200 cash back
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
19.24% - 29.24% (Variable)
Credit Score
Excellent, Good, Fair
Our Expert Take
The Citi Double Cash card’s simple cash back structure and long-lasting balance transfer APR offer make the Citi Double Cash a favorite among those who want to set it and forget it. It offers a solid cashback rate on all purchases and 0% intro APR on balance transfers, all without an annual fee.
Expert Commentary
Julian Kheel
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert
With over 15 years of professional experience studying credit cards and travel loyalty programs, Julian Kheel has served as CNN’s senior editor covering travel and credit cards, as well as the editorial director for The Points Guy, and worked as a consultant for the biggest airlines. He is currently the CEO of Tripsight Inc., an award tools company that recently released Points Path, the first browser extension that automatically adds the prices of flights in miles into Google Flights search results to help travelers decide when to best use their travel rewards.
Julian first learned the ins and outs of credit card rewards and travel loyalty programs while flying more than 200,000 miles a year as a TV producer and director for World Wrestling Entertainment. (And yes, of course it’s all real.) He has previously written about travel and credit cards for U.S. News & World Report, Upgraded Points and Going, and created weekly columns for the travel websites Frequent Miler and Travel Codex.
In addition to appearing as a TV analyst to discuss travel and loyalty programs on national segments for CNN, Bloomberg News, CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Yahoo Finance and Cheddar TV, Julian has also been featured on ABC and CBS Radio, and has been quoted in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and the Chicago Tribune on travel-related topics as well.
Julian Kheel
Julian Kheel
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert
With over 15 years of professional experience studying credit cards and travel loyalty programs, Julian Kheel has served as CNN’s senior editor covering travel and credit cards, as well as the editorial director for The Points Guy, and worked as a consultant for the biggest airlines. He is currently the CEO of Tripsight Inc., an award tools company that recently released Points Path, the first browser extension that automatically adds the prices of flights in miles into Google Flights search results to help travelers decide when to best use their travel rewards.
Julian first learned the ins and outs of credit card rewards and travel loyalty programs while flying more than 200,000 miles a year as a TV producer and director for World Wrestling Entertainment. (And yes, of course it’s all real.) He has previously written about travel and credit cards for U.S. News & World Report, Upgraded Points and Going, and created weekly columns for the travel websites Frequent Miler and Travel Codex.
In addition to appearing as a TV analyst to discuss travel and loyalty programs on national segments for CNN, Bloomberg News, CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Yahoo Finance and Cheddar TV, Julian has also been featured on ABC and CBS Radio, and has been quoted in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and the Chicago Tribune on travel-related topics as well.
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert
Not everyone wants to chase bonus categories or shuffle cards in their wallet, which makes the Citi Double Cash the perfect “set it and forget it” credit card. It’s one of the only cards around that not only earns 2% cash back on all purchases—1% when purchases are made and another 1% when they’re paid off but also offers a path to using that cash back in the form of more valuable travel points down the road when you’re ready to take the next step.
Pros & Cons
- Earn up to 2% cash back—1% when the purchase is made and 1% when payment is made on the account
- No cash-back cap—no limit on the amount of cash back that can be earned
- No annual fee
- Introductory APR period for balance transfers
- Foreign transaction fee
- Balance transfer fee
- Lack of benefits seen in other no annual fee cards
- No introductory 0% APR on purchases
Card Details
- Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
- Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, for a limited time, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/24.
- Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% – 29.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
- Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
- If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
- There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
3.6
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
On Citi's Website
Up to 5X Reward Rate
Earn 2X ThankYou® Points per dollar at supermarkets and gas stations for the first $6,000 per year and then 1XRead More
Welcome Bonus
20,000 points
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
18.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
Credit Score
Excellent, Good(700 - 749)
Our Expert Take
The Citi Rewards+® Card is an intriguing option as an everyday card for small purchases. In terms of rewards earnings, Citi rounds up all purchases to the next 10 points. Meaning, that a $3 purchase will earn 10 points. Earn additional rewards with a 10% redemption bonus each year (on up to 100,000 redeemed points) plus an increased earning rate on supermarkets and gas spending up to the annual $6,000 cap— with no annual fee.
Expert Commentary
Julian Kheel
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert
With over 15 years of professional experience studying credit cards and travel loyalty programs, Julian Kheel has served as CNN’s senior editor covering travel and credit cards, as well as the editorial director for The Points Guy, and worked as a consultant for the biggest airlines. He is currently the CEO of Tripsight Inc., an award tools company that recently released Points Path, the first browser extension that automatically adds the prices of flights in miles into Google Flights search results to help travelers decide when to best use their travel rewards.
Julian first learned the ins and outs of credit card rewards and travel loyalty programs while flying more than 200,000 miles a year as a TV producer and director for World Wrestling Entertainment. (And yes, of course it’s all real.) He has previously written about travel and credit cards for U.S. News & World Report, Upgraded Points and Going, and created weekly columns for the travel websites Frequent Miler and Travel Codex.
In addition to appearing as a TV analyst to discuss travel and loyalty programs on national segments for CNN, Bloomberg News, CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Yahoo Finance and Cheddar TV, Julian has also been featured on ABC and CBS Radio, and has been quoted in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and the Chicago Tribune on travel-related topics as well.
Julian Kheel
Julian Kheel
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert
With over 15 years of professional experience studying credit cards and travel loyalty programs, Julian Kheel has served as CNN’s senior editor covering travel and credit cards, as well as the editorial director for The Points Guy, and worked as a consultant for the biggest airlines. He is currently the CEO of Tripsight Inc., an award tools company that recently released Points Path, the first browser extension that automatically adds the prices of flights in miles into Google Flights search results to help travelers decide when to best use their travel rewards.
Julian first learned the ins and outs of credit card rewards and travel loyalty programs while flying more than 200,000 miles a year as a TV producer and director for World Wrestling Entertainment. (And yes, of course it’s all real.) He has previously written about travel and credit cards for U.S. News & World Report, Upgraded Points and Going, and created weekly columns for the travel websites Frequent Miler and Travel Codex.
In addition to appearing as a TV analyst to discuss travel and loyalty programs on national segments for CNN, Bloomberg News, CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Yahoo Finance and Cheddar TV, Julian has also been featured on ABC and CBS Radio, and has been quoted in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and the Chicago Tribune on travel-related topics as well.
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert
For those who never carry cash and use their credit card for even the smallest purchases, the “round up” feature of the Citi Rewards+ can quickly add up. But don’t sleep on the card’s 10% rebate on point redemptions up to the yearly cap, either. Take advantage of both of these features, and you’ll soon find yourself with a larger stack of rewards.
Pros & Cons
- All purchases rounded up to the nearest 10 rewards points.
- 10% points bonus added to the first 100,000 points redeemed annually.
- No rotating categories to manage.
- Foreign transaction fee.
- Potentially high APR depending on your creditworthiness.
- High balance transfer fee
- Annual $6,000 spending cap on 2x points category.
Card Details
- Earn 20,000 bonus points after you spend $1,500 in purchases with your card within 3 months of account opening; redeemable for $200 in gift cards at thankyou.com
- Plus, as a special offer, earn a total of 5 ThankYou®Points per $1 spent onhotel, car rentals and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com through December 31, 2025.
- 0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months from date of first transfer and on purchases from date of account opening. After that, the variable APR will be 18.74% – 28.74%, based on your creditworthiness. There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
- Earn 2X ThankYou® Points at Supermarkets and Gas Stations for the first $6,000 per year and then 1X Points thereafter. Plus, earn 1X ThankYou® Points on All Other Purchases.
- The Citi Rewards+® Card – the only credit card that automatically rounds up to the nearest 10 points on every purchase – with no cap.
- No Annual Fee
Earn 20,000 bonus points after you spend $1,500 in purchases with your card within 3 months of account opening; redeemable for $200 in gift cards at thankyou.com
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
3.4
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
On Citi's Website
Up to 3X Reward Rate
Earn 3x points at gas stations; Earn 2x points at grocery stores; Earn 1x points on all other purchases.
Welcome Bonus
$100 Statement Credit
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
21.24% - 29.24% (Variable)
Credit Score
Good(700 - 749)
Our Expert Take
This card allows you to turn your spending into credits for AT&T phone service. Plus, you’ll earn versatile Citi ThankYou Points—with extra points in popular shopping categories.
Pros & Cons
- Earns Citi ThankYou Points that can be consolidated with other ThankYou Points-earning credit cards
- Opportunity to earn up to $240 in statement credits annually when meeting certain criteria
- No annual fee
- Must have AT&T bill on autopay and paperless billing to receive the monthly credit
- The reward potential decreases once you hit $1,000 of monthly spend on the card
- No additional bonus points earned on AT&T purchases
- Foreign transaction fees
Card Details
- Earn a $100 Statement Credit after spending $1,000 in qualifying activities in the first 3 months of account opening
- Earn up to an additional $240 back toward your qualifying AT&T Wireless bills every year after eligible spend
- Earn 3 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent at Gas Stations
- Earn 2 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent at Grocery Stores
- Earn 1 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on all other purchases
- No limit to the amount of points you can earn, and your points will not expire.
- No Annual Fee
Earn a $100 Statement Credit after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases in the first 3 months of account opening
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best Secured Card
Citi® Secured Mastercard® *
3.1
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
27.74% (Variable)
Credit Score
New to Credit
Our Expert Take
The Citi® Secured Mastercard® is a no-frills option that can help build credit over time. It has no rewards, but also none of the excessive up-front or annual fees charged by many other secured cards. Pay on-time for 18 months, and you may be upgraded to an unsecured card. Steer clear of holding a balance to avoid the high APR.
Pros & Cons
- No annual, monthly or setup fees
- Secured credit limit from $200 to $2,500
- High regular APR
- Foreign transaction fee
- High cash advance fee
- Cannot have filed for bankruptcy within the past 2 years
Card Details
- No annual fee
- Designed to help you build your credit
- Choose your payment due date
- Digital wallet compatible
- Security deposit required
N/A
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best American Airlines Card for Lounge Access
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® *
2.9
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Up to 10X Reward Rate
Earn 10 AAdvantage miles for every $1 spent on eligible hotels and car rentals booked through aa.com; 4 miles forRead More
Welcome Bonus
70,000 miles + Admirals Club membership
Annual Fee
$595
Regular APR
21.24% - 29.99% (Variable)
Credit Score
Excellent, Good(700 - 749)
Our Expert Take
For the AA frequent flier who will use the complimentary Admirals Club lounge access, this alone more than offsets the annual fee. Considering that all authorized cardholders are eligible, this can be an incredible value. Extra perks such as VIP check-in, priority boarding, concierge service, and free checked bag sweeten the deal.
Pros & Cons
- Free checked bag on domestic American Airlines flights for up to eight companions on the same reservation
- Discounted Admiral Club membership
- High annual fee with no first-year waiver
- Lackluster rewards rates
- Requires excellent credit
Card Details
- Earn 70,000 AAdvantage bonus miles after spending $7,000 in the first 3 months of account opening. Plus, receive a complimentary Admirals Club membership (a value of up to $850)
- Earn 10 miles per dollar spent on eligible hotels and car rentals booked through aa.com, 4 miles for every dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases and 1 mile for all other purchases
- Admirals Club Membership: Access to nearly 50 lounge locations worldwide for you and your immediate family (or up to 2 traveling guests that accompany you)
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application fee credit up to $100 every 4 years
Earn 70,000 AAdvantage bonus miles after spending $7,000 in the first 3 months of account opening. Plus, Admirals Club membership (a value of up to $850)
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best Mid-Range American Airlines card
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® *
2.8
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Up to 2X Reward Rate
Earn 2 AAdvantage miles per dollar spent at gas stations, restaurants, and qualifying American Airlines purchases; Earn 1 mile perRead More
Welcome Bonus
50,000 bonus miles
Annual Fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $99
Regular APR
21.24% - 29.99% (Variable)
Credit Score
Excellent, Good(700 - 749)
Our Expert Take
For American Airlines frequent fliers, this card brings a nice set of perks and a strong welcome bonus. The miles you can earn on American Airlines, gas and restaurant purchases can easily justify the annual fee – so long as you don’t carry a balance on this high APR card.
Pros & Cons
- Free checked bag for you and up to four companions on domestic American Airlines flights
- Preferred boarding privileges
- No foreign transaction fees
- No limit on mileage earnings
- Lackluster ongoing rewards
- First checked bag free perk not applicable for international flights
- Doesn’t have other perks like lounge access or travel protections
Card Details
- Earn 50,000 AAdvantage bonus miles after spending $2,500 in purchases in the first 3 months of account opening
- Earn 2miles per dollar spent at gas stations, restaurants, and qualifying American Airlines purchases
- Earn 1 mile per every dollar spent on all other eligible purchases
- Earn a $125 American Airlines flight discount after spending $20,000 or more in qualifying purchases during your card membership year and renew your card
- First checked bag is free for you and up to four companions on domestic American Airlines flights when traveling on the same reservation
- Preferred boarding privileges on American Airlines flights
Earn 50,000 AAdvantage bonus miles after spending $2,500 in purchases in the first 3 months of account opening
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best for Costco Shoppers
Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi *
2.1
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Up to 4% Reward Rate
Earn 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 spent annually, 1% thereafter; 3%Read More
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
20.49% variable APR
Credit Score
Excellent(750 - 850)
Our Expert Take
With 4% back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases, 3% on restaurants and travel and 2% on your Costco shopping, this card has the potential to reward Costco shoppers and road warriors generously.
Pros & Cons
- High rewards rates in bonus categories
- No foreign transaction fee
- Use the Costco Anywhere Visa card as your Costco membership ID
- Requires an active Costco membership
- Rewards can only be cashed out at Costco via an annual certificate
- Certificate expires at year-end
Card Details
- Earn 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 spent annually, 1% thereafter
- Earn unlimited 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases
- Earn 2% cash back on purchases from Costco and Costco.com and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases
- No annual fee with paid Costco membership
- No foreign transaction fees
N/A
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best No Annual Fee American Airlines Card
American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Mastercard® *
1.6
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Up to 2X Reward Rate
Earn 2x AAdvantage miles per dollar on groceries and eligible American Airlines purchases and 1x AAdvantage mile per dollar onRead More
Welcome Bonus
15,000 AAdvantage® bonus miles
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
21.24% – 29.99% variable
Credit Score
Excellent, Good
Our Expert Take
This card makes sense for a narrow range of people: Casual AA fliers seeking a no-annual-fee card with moderate rewards and with no need to carry a balance. To maximize rewards earnings, spend on AA purchases and groceries to score 2x miles. The 3% foreign transaction fee and a lack of perks will turn off frequent international travelers.
Pros & Cons
- No annual fee
- Earn unlimited miles
- 25% discount on in-flight purchases
- Earn 2 miles per dollar on groceries and AA purchases
- 3% foreign transaction fee
- Lackluster travel perks
- Blackout dates apply to some redemptions
Card Details
- Earn 15,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
- Earn 2x AAdvantage miles per dollar on groceries and eligible American Airlines purchases
- Earn 1x AAdvantage mile per dollar on all other purchases
- No annual fee
- 25% savings on inflight food and beverage purchases on American Airlines flights when card is used
Earn 15,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
