Editorial take: Chase Sapphire Reserve
Recently revamped with over $3,000 in annual credits and perks. If you travel three or more times a year and live near an airport with a Sapphire lounge, this card is a smart choice.
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Side-by-side
Chase Sapphire Reserve vs Citi Double Cash
Both are well-respected travel cards. The Chase Sapphire Reserve comes from Chase at $795/yr; the Citi Double 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 Chase Sapphire Reserve is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($2,300 more in estimated value) than the Citi Double Cash's. Get the Chase Sapphire Reserve first; revisit the Citi Double Cash after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | Chase Sapphire Reserve | Citi Double Cash |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $795 | $0 |
| Sign-up bonus | 125,000 points | $200 cash back |
| Bonus value (est.) | $2,500 | $200 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $6,000 in 3 mo | $1,500 in 6 mo |
| Issuer | Chase | Citi |
| Card category | travel | cashback |
| Best earning category (Chase_travel) | 8x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | chase-ur | citi-ty |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
Chase Sapphire Reserve
$795/yr · 125,000 points
Read the full review
Citi Double Cash
$0/yr · $200 cash back
Editorial take: Citi Double Cash
The OG flat 2% card. Pairs with Custom Cash + Premier to form Citi's trifecta, turns your combined cash back into transferable ThankYou Points. Rock solid for non-bonus spend.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Chase Sapphire Reserve or Citi Double Cash?
- The Chase Sapphire Reserve has the bigger bonus, 125,000 points, worth roughly $2,500, versus $200 cash back (~$200) on the Citi Double Cash.
- Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve's $795 annual fee worth it compared to the Citi Double Cash?
- Premium cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve ($795/yr) earn their fee through credits, travel, dining, lounge access, statement reimbursements. If you'd actively use $795+ of those credits, the math works. The Citi Double Cash at $0/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
- Can I have both the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Citi Double Cash?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (Chase 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 Chase Sapphire Reserve or the Citi Double Cash first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Chase Sapphire Reserve: $6,000 spend in 3 months. Citi Double 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.