Editorial take: Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select
The free checked bag covers the fee on just one round-trip with a partner. Good if you fly AA more than twice a year, otherwise AAdvantage is worth collecting through other means.
All credit cards
Side-by-side
Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select vs Citi Simplicity Card
Both are well-respected travel cards. The Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select comes from Citi at $99/yr; the Citi Simplicity Card 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 Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($840 more in estimated value) than the Citi Simplicity Card's. Get the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select first; revisit the Citi Simplicity Card after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select | Citi Simplicity Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $99 | $0 |
| Sign-up bonus | 60,000 miles | No welcome bonus; product is a 0% intro APR balance-transfer card with no late fees, no penalty APR, and no rewards program |
| Bonus value (est.) | $840 | - |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $3,500 in 4 mo | - |
| Issuer | Citi | Citi |
| Card category | travel | |
| Best earning category (American) | 2x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | None | None |
| Headline benefits |
|
Read the full review
Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select
$99/yr · 60,000 miles
Read the full review
Citi Simplicity Card
$0/yr · No welcome bonus; product is a 0% intro APR balance-transfer card with no late fees, no penalty APR, and no rewards program
Editorial take: Citi Simplicity Card
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select or Citi Simplicity Card?
- The Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select has a public bonus (60,000 miles, worth roughly $840), while the Citi Simplicity Card doesn't advertise one right now.
- Is the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select's $99 annual fee worth it compared to the Citi Simplicity Card?
- At $99/yr, the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the Citi Simplicity Card's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select and Citi Simplicity Card?
- 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 Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select or the Citi Simplicity Card first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select: $3,500 spend in 4 months. Citi Simplicity Card: no published min spend. 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.