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American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited vs Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select

Both are well-respected travel cards. The American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited comes from American Express at $295/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 Graphite Business Cash Unlimited is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($660 more in estimated value) than the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select's. Get the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited first; revisit the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureAmerican Express Graphite Business Cash UnlimitedCiti AAdvantage Platinum Select
Annual fee$295$99
Sign-up bonus$1,500 cash back60,000 miles
Bonus value (est.)$1,500$840
Min spend to unlock bonus$50,000 in 6 mo$3,500 in 4 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressCiti
Card categorybusinesstravel
Best earning category (Amex_travel_flights_prepaid_hotels)5x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
    • Free checked bag
    • Priority boarding
    • 2x on AA + dining + gas
    • First year free
    Read the full review
    American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited
    $295/yr · $1,500 cash back
    Read the full review
    Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select
    $99/yr · 60,000 miles

    Editorial take: American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited

    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 Graphite Business Cash Unlimited or Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select?
    The American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited has the bigger bonus, $1,500 cash back, worth roughly $1,500, versus 60,000 miles (~$840) on the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select.
    Is the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited's $295 annual fee worth it compared to the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select?
    At $295/yr, the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited 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 Graphite Business Cash Unlimited 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 Graphite Business Cash Unlimited or the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited: $50,000 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.