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.
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Side-by-side
Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select vs Discover it Cash Back
Both are well-respected travel cards. The Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select comes from Citi at $99/yr; the Discover it Cash Back from Discover 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 ($640 more in estimated value) than the Discover it Cash Back's. Get the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select first; revisit the Discover it Cash Back after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select | Discover it Cash Back |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $99 | $0 |
| Sign-up bonus | 60,000 miles | Cashback Match (first year, unlimited) |
| Bonus value (est.) | $840 | $200 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $3,500 in 4 mo | $0 in 12 mo |
| Issuer | Citi | Discover |
| Card category | travel | cashback |
| Best earning category (American) | 2x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | None | None |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select
$99/yr · 60,000 miles
Read the full review
Discover it Cash Back
$0/yr · Cashback Match (first year, unlimited)
Editorial take: Discover it Cash Back
The first-year Cashback Match effectively doubles your earnings, someone who earns $300 in cash back gets $600 total. It's the best no-fee first card for building credit with real rewards.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select or Discover it Cash Back?
- The Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select has the bigger bonus, 60,000 miles, worth roughly $840, versus Cashback Match (first year, unlimited) (~$200) on the Discover it Cash Back.
- Is the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select's $99 annual fee worth it compared to the Discover it Cash Back?
- 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 Discover it Cash Back's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select and Discover it Cash Back?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (Citi and Discover) 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 Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select or the Discover it Cash Back first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select: $3,500 spend in 4 months. Discover it Cash Back: $0 in 12 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.