American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card vs Citi Double Cash
Both are well-respected travel cards. The American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card comes from Citi 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.
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 | American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card | Citi Double Cash |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 | $0 |
| Sign-up bonus | Not advertised | $200 cash back |
| Bonus value (est.) | - | $200 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | - | $1,500 in 6 mo |
| Issuer | Citi | Citi |
| Card category | travel | cashback |
| Best earning category (Airline) | 2x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | None | citi-ty |
| Headline benefits |
|
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, American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card or Citi Double Cash?
- The Citi Double Cash has a public bonus ($200 cash back, worth roughly $200), while the American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card doesn't advertise one right now.
- Is the American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the Citi Double Cash?
- The American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp 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 American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card.
- Can I have both the American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card and Citi Double 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 American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card or the Citi Double Cash first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card: no published min spend. 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.
