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CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard vs Citi Custom Cash
Both are well-respected travel cards. The CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard comes from Citi at $99/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 CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($873 more in estimated value) than the Citi Custom Cash's. Get the CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard first; revisit the Citi Custom Cash after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard | Citi Custom Cash |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $99 | $0 |
| Sign-up bonus | 65,000 miles | $200 cash back |
| Bonus value (est.) | $1,073 | $200 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $4,000 in 4 mo | $1,500 in 6 mo |
| Issuer | Citi | Citi |
| Card category | travel | cashback |
| Best earning category (Travel) | 2x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | aadvantage | citi-ty |
| Headline benefits |
|
Read the full review
CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard
$99/yr · 65,000 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, CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard or Citi Custom Cash?
- The CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard has the bigger bonus, 65,000 miles, worth roughly $1,073, versus $200 cash back (~$200) on the Citi Custom Cash.
- Is the CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard's $99 annual fee worth it compared to the Citi Custom Cash?
- At $99/yr, the CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard 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 CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard and Citi Custom Cash?
- Yes, though both are issued by Citi so the same issuer-specific application rules apply (Chase 5/24 if applicable, Amex once-per-lifetime bonus, etc.). 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 CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard or the Citi Custom Cash first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard: $4,000 spend in 4 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.