Editorial take: United Gateway Card
The no-fee United card. Doesn't include free bags (that starts with the Explorer), so it's really only worth it for credit-building purposes.
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Side-by-side
United Gateway Card vs Citi Custom Cash
Both are well-respected travel cards. The United Gateway Card comes from Chase at $0/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
These cards are close on the fundamentals (similar bonus value, similar fee). The right pick depends on which category you spend the most in and which transfer partners best fit your travel goals.
| Feature | United Gateway Card | Citi Custom Cash |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 | $0 |
| Sign-up bonus | 30,000 miles | $200 cash back |
| Bonus value (est.) | $390 | $200 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $1,000 in 3 mo | $1,500 in 6 mo |
| Issuer | Chase | Citi |
| Card category | travel | cashback |
| Best earning category (United) | 2x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | None | citi-ty |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
United Gateway Card
$0/yr · 30,000 miles
Read the full review
Citi Custom Cash
$0/yr · $200 cash back
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, United Gateway Card or Citi Custom Cash?
- The United Gateway Card has the bigger bonus, 30,000 miles, worth roughly $390, versus $200 cash back (~$200) on the Citi Custom Cash.
- Is the United Gateway Card's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the Citi Custom Cash?
- The United Gateway Card has no annual fee, so the question is whether the Citi Custom Cash's $0 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the Citi Custom Cash's benefits to clear $0 in value annually, it's worth it; otherwise stick with the United Gateway Card.
- Can I have both the United Gateway Card and Citi Custom 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 United Gateway Card or the Citi Custom Cash first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. United Gateway Card: $1,000 spend in 3 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.