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 Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa
Both are well-respected travel cards. The Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select comes from Citi at $99/yr; the Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa from Upgrade 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 Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa's. Get the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select first; revisit the Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select | Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $99 | $0 |
| Sign-up bonus | 60,000 miles | $200 statement bonus |
| Bonus value (est.) | $840 | $200 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $3,500 in 4 mo | $0 in 2 mo |
| Issuer | Citi | Upgrade |
| Card category | travel | cash-back |
| 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
Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa
$0/yr · $200 statement bonus
Editorial take: Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select or Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa?
- The Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select has the bigger bonus, 60,000 miles, worth roughly $840, versus $200 statement bonus (~$200) on the Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa.
- Is the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select's $99 annual fee worth it compared to the Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa?
- 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 Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select and Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (Citi and Upgrade) 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 Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select: $3,500 spend in 4 months. Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa: $0 in 2 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.