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Side-by-side

Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select vs Macy's American Express Card

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select comes from Citi at $99/yr; the Macy's American Express Card from Department Stores National Bank 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 Macy's American Express Card's. Get the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select first; revisit the Macy's American Express Card after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureCiti AAdvantage Platinum SelectMacy's American Express Card
Annual fee$99$0
Sign-up bonus60,000 miles
Bonus value (est.)$840-
Min spend to unlock bonus$3,500 in 4 mo-
IssuerCitiDepartment Stores National Bank
Card categorytravelcashback
Best earning category (American)2x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • Free checked bag
  • Priority boarding
  • 2x on AA + dining + gas
  • First year free
    Read the full review
    Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select
    $99/yr · 60,000 miles
    Read the full review
    Macy's American Express Card
    $0/yr ·

    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.

    Editorial take: Macy's American Express Card

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select or Macy's American Express Card?
    The Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select has a public bonus (60,000 miles, worth roughly $840), while the Macy's American Express Card doesn't advertise one right now.
    Is the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select's $99 annual fee worth it compared to the Macy's American Express 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 Macy's American Express Card's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
    Can I have both the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select and Macy's American Express Card?
    Yes, since they're from different issuers (Citi and Department Stores National Bank) 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 Macy's American Express 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. Macy's American Express 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.