Editorial take: American Express Gold Card
The ultimate foodie card, earning bonus points at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. Plus over $400 in easy-to-use statement credits make the annual fee a no-brainer.
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Side-by-side
American Express Gold Card vs Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select
Both are travel travel cards. The American Express Gold Card comes from American Express at $325/yr; the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select from Citi at $99/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
Bottom line
For most people the American Express Gold Card is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($1,160 more in estimated value) than the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select's. Get the American Express Gold Card first; revisit the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | American Express Gold Card | Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $325 | $99 |
| Sign-up bonus | 100,000 points | 60,000 miles |
| Bonus value (est.) | $2,000 | $840 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $8,000 in 6 mo | $3,500 in 4 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | Citi |
| Card category | travel | travel |
| Best earning category (Prepaid_hotels_amex) | 5x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | amex-mr | None |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
American Express Gold Card
$325/yr · 100,000 points
Read the full review
Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select
$99/yr · 60,000 miles
Editorial take: Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select
The free checked bag covers the fee on just one round-trip with a partner. Good if you fly AA more than twice a year, otherwise AAdvantage is worth collecting through other means.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, American Express Gold Card or Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select?
- The American Express Gold Card has the bigger bonus, 100,000 points, worth roughly $2,000, versus 60,000 miles (~$840) on the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select.
- Is the American Express Gold Card's $325 annual fee worth it compared to the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select?
- At $325/yr, the American Express Gold Card is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the American Express Gold Card and Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and Citi) the application rules don't conflict. Many points enthusiasts hold both, they pair well when one earns flexible bank points and the other earns a different currency.
- Should I get the American Express Gold Card or the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. American Express Gold Card: $8,000 spend in 6 months. Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select: $3,500 in 4 months. Pick the easier minimum spend if you're new to points; pick the larger bonus if you have planned big purchases coming up.
Card details on this page reflect the most recent data we've verified against the issuer's own site. Sign-up bonuses and fees can change at any time, confirm the current offer on the issuer's page before applying.