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Side-by-side

Citi Double Cash vs USAA Rewards American Express

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Citi Double Cash comes from Citi at $0/yr; the USAA Rewards American Express from USAA at $0/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

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.

FeatureCiti Double CashUSAA Rewards American Express
Annual fee$0$0
Sign-up bonus$200 cash back2,500 USAA Rewards points
Bonus value (est.)$200$25
Min spend to unlock bonus$1,500 in 6 mo$0 in 0 mo
IssuerCitiUSAA
Card categorycashbackrewards
Best earning category (Citi_travel_hotel_car_attractions)5x1x
Transfer partnersciti-tyNone
Headline benefits
  • 2% everywhere
  • No annual fee
  • TY transfers at 0.7 of premium
  • Simple earning
    Read the full review
    Citi Double Cash
    $0/yr · $200 cash back
    Read the full review
    USAA Rewards American Express
    $0/yr · 2,500 USAA Rewards points

    Editorial take: Citi Double Cash

    The OG flat 2% card. The cash back is paid as ThankYou Points, and those points transfer directly to Citi's airline and hotel partners at 0.7 of the premium ratio (1,000 points = 700 miles at most partners); moving them onto a Citi Strata Premier or Strata Elite account gets the printed ratios, 1:1 at most partners. Rock solid for non-bonus spend.

    Editorial take: USAA Rewards American Express

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Citi Double Cash or USAA Rewards American Express?
    The Citi Double Cash has the bigger bonus, $200 cash back, worth roughly $200, versus 2,500 USAA Rewards points (~$25) on the USAA Rewards American Express.
    Is the Citi Double Cash's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the USAA Rewards American Express?
    The Citi Double Cash has no annual fee, so the question is whether the USAA Rewards American Express's $0 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the USAA Rewards American Express's benefits to clear $0 in value annually, it's worth it; otherwise stick with the Citi Double Cash.
    Can I have both the Citi Double Cash and USAA Rewards American Express?
    Yes, since they're from different issuers (Citi and USAA) 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 Double Cash or the USAA Rewards American Express first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Citi Double Cash: $1,500 spend in 6 months. USAA Rewards American Express: $0 in 0 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.