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American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited vs Citi Custom Cash

Both are well-respected travel cards. The American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited comes from American Express at $295/yr; the Citi Custom Cash from Citi at $0/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 ($1,300 more in estimated value) than the Citi Custom Cash's. Get the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited first; revisit the Citi Custom Cash after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureAmerican Express Graphite Business Cash UnlimitedCiti Custom Cash
Annual fee$295$0
Sign-up bonus$1,500 cash back$200 cash back
Bonus value (est.)$1,500$200
Min spend to unlock bonus$50,000 in 6 mo$1,500 in 6 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressCiti
Card categorybusinesscashback
Best earning category (Amex_travel_flights_prepaid_hotels)5x1x
Transfer partnersNoneciti-ty
Headline benefits
    • 5% on top category
    • Auto-selected monthly
    • No annual fee
    • Convert to TY Points
    Read the full review
    American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited
    $295/yr · $1,500 cash back
    Read the full review
    Citi Custom Cash
    $0/yr · $200 cash back

    Editorial take: American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited

    Editorial take: Citi Custom Cash

    Genuinely clever. 5% on whichever category you spent most on each month, capped at $500/month. Earns $25/month = $300/year effortlessly. Pairs with Premier to convert to transferable ThankYou Points.

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited or Citi Custom Cash?
    The American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited has the bigger bonus, $1,500 cash back, worth roughly $1,500, versus $200 cash back (~$200) on the Citi Custom Cash.
    Is the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited's $295 annual fee worth it compared to the Citi Custom Cash?
    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 Custom Cash's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
    Can I have both the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited and Citi Custom Cash?
    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 Custom Cash 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 Custom Cash: $1,500 in 6 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.