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 Double Cash
Both are well-respected travel cards. The United Gateway Card comes from Chase at $0/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
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 Double 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 Double Cash
$0/yr · $200 cash back
Editorial take: Citi Double Cash
The OG flat 2% card. The cash back is paid as ThankYou Points, and those points transfer directly to Citi's airline and hotel partners at 0.7 of the premium ratio (1,000 points = 700 miles at most partners); moving them onto a Citi Strata Premier or Strata Elite account gets the printed ratios, 1:1 at most partners. Rock solid for non-bonus spend.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, United Gateway Card or Citi Double Cash?
- The United Gateway Card has the bigger bonus, 30,000 miles, worth roughly $390, versus $200 cash back (~$200) on the Citi Double Cash.
- Is the United Gateway Card's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the Citi Double Cash?
- The United Gateway Card has no annual fee, so the question is whether the Citi Double Cash's $0 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the Citi Double 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 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 United Gateway Card or the Citi Double 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 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.