Card comparison

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express vs Citi Custom Cash® Card

Compare fees, rewards, welcome offers, APR terms, protections, and long-term value for Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express and Citi Custom Cash® Card.

Citi Custom Cash® Card

★★★★★4.7Wafacard score
Issuer page
Recommended credit
Excellent (720+)

Why compare Blue Cash Preferred from American Express and Citi Custom Cash?

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express and Citi Custom Cash® Card belong on the same shortlist when the goal is to balance rewards with the real cost of carrying a card. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is issued by American Express and currently shows a $95 annual fee, while Citi Custom Cash® Card comes from Citi with a $0 annual fee. That fee difference is the first useful dividing line, but it is not the whole decision.

The comparison becomes more meaningful after matching each rewards structure to actual spending. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express currently reports See reward details earning, and Citi Custom Cash® Card reports 1%. Those shorthand rates do not show category caps, redemption restrictions, transfer partners, or enrollment rules, so readers should use them as a starting point and verify the detailed issuer terms.

Citi Custom Cash® Card has the lower listed annual fee. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express therefore needs to return enough extra value through rewards, credits, protections, or convenience to justify its additional cost. People comparing travel benefits, everyday rewards, a welcome offer, or long-term account value should keep reading because the winner changes with the way the card will be used.

This Wafacard comparison uses the same Sanity records that power each individual review and category page. Unknown facts are marked Not Available rather than inferred. Rates and offers can change, so the final application decision should always be based on the issuer's current disclosures.

Quick winner

Overall winner

No verified winner

A overall winner will be shown after both card records pass Wafacard's comparison review

Best for travel

No verified winner

A travel winner will be shown after both card records pass Wafacard's comparison review

Best for cashback

No verified winner

A cashback winner will be shown after both card records pass Wafacard's comparison review

Best for beginners

No verified winner

A beginner winner will be shown after both card records pass Wafacard's comparison review

Best long-term value

No verified winner

A long term winner will be shown after both card records pass Wafacard's comparison review

Best welcome bonus

No verified winner

A welcome winner will be shown after both card records pass Wafacard's comparison review

Side-by-side comparison

Every available normalized field from the two Sanity card records appears below. Not Available means Wafacard does not currently hold a verified value for that field.

FeatureBlue Cash Preferred® Card from American ExpressCiti Custom Cash® Card
IssuerAmerican ExpressCiti
NetworkAmexMastercard
Card typecashbackcashback
Annual fee$95$0
Regular APRAPR range: 19.49% - 28.49%APR range: 17.49% - 27.49%
Intro APR0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening.0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months
Balance transfer APR0% intro balance-transfer period for 12 months; variable APR applies after.0% intro balance-transfer period for 15 months; variable APR applies after.
Balance transfer feeNot AvailableNot Available
Foreign transaction feeNot AvailableNot Available
Credit score neededExcellent (720+)Excellent (720+)
Rewards rateSee reward details1%
Sign-up bonus300 points or cash-equivalent units200 points or cash-equivalent units
Welcome offerIntro value may include 300 points. Confirm current requirements with the issuer.Intro value may include 200 points. Confirm current requirements with the issuer.
Point valueNot AvailableNot Available
Cashback structureWafacard summary: this cash-back card shows cash-back earning from 1%-6% depending on the purchase type and issuer rules. Check the issuer page for eligible categories, caps, and current terms.Wafacard summary: this cash-back card shows cash-back earning from 1%-5% depending on the purchase type and issuer rules. Check the issuer page for eligible categories, caps, and current terms.
Travel benefitsCar rental loss and damage insurance — Enrollment, payment requirements, coverage limits and issuer exclusions may apply. Review the current benefit terms. — IncludedNot Available
Purchase protectionPurchase protection — Enrollment, payment requirements, coverage limits and issuer exclusions may apply. Review the current benefit terms. — IncludedNot Available
Extended warrantyExtended warranty — Enrollment, payment requirements, coverage limits and issuer exclusions may apply. Review the current benefit terms. — IncludedNot Available
Rental insuranceCar rental loss and damage insurance — Enrollment, payment requirements, coverage limits and issuer exclusions may apply. Review the current benefit terms. — IncludedNot Available
Airport lounge accessNot AvailableNot Available
Global Entry creditNot AvailableNot Available
Hotel benefitsNot AvailableNot Available
Airline benefitsNot AvailableNot Available
Mobile wallet supportDigital-wallet support — Issuer lists Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, PayPal and Amazon Pay support. — IncludedNot Available
Business or personalPersonalPersonal
Intro offer expiryNot AvailableNot Available
Card imagePlaceholder artworkPlaceholder artwork
Current statusListed in Wafacard databaseListed in Wafacard database

Feature-by-feature comparison

Rewards: Blue Cash Preferred from American Express vs Citi Custom Cash

For rewards structures, Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express currently lists Wafacard summary: this cash-back card shows cash-back earning from 1%-6% depending on the purchase type and issuer rules. Check the issuer page for eligible categories, caps, and current terms.. By comparison, Citi Custom Cash® Card lists Wafacard summary: this cash-back card shows cash-back earning from 1%-5% depending on the purchase type and issuer rules. Check the issuer page for eligible categories, caps, and current terms.. The practical winner depends on whether the documented feature matches spending that would happen anyway. A higher headline value is less useful when categories, caps, exclusions, or redemption rules make it difficult to use.

Before choosing on this feature alone, confirm the current issuer disclosure for both cards. Wafacard marks missing information as Not Available and does not treat an undocumented benefit as included. This makes the comparison deliberately conservative while still showing the strongest factual difference between the two records.

Welcome bonus: Blue Cash Preferred from American Express vs Citi Custom Cash

For welcome offers, Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express currently lists Intro value may include 300 points. Confirm current requirements with the issuer.. By comparison, Citi Custom Cash® Card lists Intro value may include 200 points. Confirm current requirements with the issuer.. The practical winner depends on whether the documented feature matches spending that would happen anyway. A higher headline value is less useful when categories, caps, exclusions, or redemption rules make it difficult to use.

Before choosing on this feature alone, confirm the current issuer disclosure for both cards. Wafacard marks missing information as Not Available and does not treat an undocumented benefit as included. This makes the comparison deliberately conservative while still showing the strongest factual difference between the two records.

Annual fee: Blue Cash Preferred from American Express vs Citi Custom Cash

For annual fees, Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express currently lists $95. By comparison, Citi Custom Cash® Card lists $0. The practical winner depends on whether the documented feature matches spending that would happen anyway. A higher headline value is less useful when categories, caps, exclusions, or redemption rules make it difficult to use.

Before choosing on this feature alone, confirm the current issuer disclosure for both cards. Wafacard marks missing information as Not Available and does not treat an undocumented benefit as included. This makes the comparison deliberately conservative while still showing the strongest factual difference between the two records.

Travel benefits: Blue Cash Preferred from American Express vs Citi Custom Cash

For travel benefits, Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express currently lists Car rental loss and damage insurance — Enrollment, payment requirements, coverage limits and issuer exclusions may apply. Review the current benefit terms. — Included. By comparison, Citi Custom Cash® Card lists Not Available. The practical winner depends on whether the documented feature matches spending that would happen anyway. A higher headline value is less useful when categories, caps, exclusions, or redemption rules make it difficult to use.

Before choosing on this feature alone, confirm the current issuer disclosure for both cards. Wafacard marks missing information as Not Available and does not treat an undocumented benefit as included. This makes the comparison deliberately conservative while still showing the strongest factual difference between the two records.

Cashback: Blue Cash Preferred from American Express vs Citi Custom Cash

For cash-back potential, Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express currently lists Wafacard summary: this cash-back card shows cash-back earning from 1%-6% depending on the purchase type and issuer rules. Check the issuer page for eligible categories, caps, and current terms.. By comparison, Citi Custom Cash® Card lists Wafacard summary: this cash-back card shows cash-back earning from 1%-5% depending on the purchase type and issuer rules. Check the issuer page for eligible categories, caps, and current terms.. The practical winner depends on whether the documented feature matches spending that would happen anyway. A higher headline value is less useful when categories, caps, exclusions, or redemption rules make it difficult to use.

Before choosing on this feature alone, confirm the current issuer disclosure for both cards. Wafacard marks missing information as Not Available and does not treat an undocumented benefit as included. This makes the comparison deliberately conservative while still showing the strongest factual difference between the two records.

APR: Blue Cash Preferred from American Express vs Citi Custom Cash

For purchase APR, Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express currently lists APR range: 19.49% - 28.49%. By comparison, Citi Custom Cash® Card lists APR range: 17.49% - 27.49%. The practical winner depends on whether the documented feature matches spending that would happen anyway. A higher headline value is less useful when categories, caps, exclusions, or redemption rules make it difficult to use.

Before choosing on this feature alone, confirm the current issuer disclosure for both cards. Wafacard marks missing information as Not Available and does not treat an undocumented benefit as included. This makes the comparison deliberately conservative while still showing the strongest factual difference between the two records.

Balance transfers: Blue Cash Preferred from American Express vs Citi Custom Cash

For balance-transfer terms, Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express currently lists 0% intro balance-transfer period for 12 months; variable APR applies after.. By comparison, Citi Custom Cash® Card lists 0% intro balance-transfer period for 15 months; variable APR applies after.. The practical winner depends on whether the documented feature matches spending that would happen anyway. A higher headline value is less useful when categories, caps, exclusions, or redemption rules make it difficult to use.

Before choosing on this feature alone, confirm the current issuer disclosure for both cards. Wafacard marks missing information as Not Available and does not treat an undocumented benefit as included. This makes the comparison deliberately conservative while still showing the strongest factual difference between the two records.

Foreign transaction fees: Blue Cash Preferred from American Express vs Citi Custom Cash

For international-use costs, Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express currently lists Not Available. By comparison, Citi Custom Cash® Card lists Not Available. The practical winner depends on whether the documented feature matches spending that would happen anyway. A higher headline value is less useful when categories, caps, exclusions, or redemption rules make it difficult to use.

Before choosing on this feature alone, confirm the current issuer disclosure for both cards. Wafacard marks missing information as Not Available and does not treat an undocumented benefit as included. This makes the comparison deliberately conservative while still showing the strongest factual difference between the two records.

Insurance: Blue Cash Preferred from American Express vs Citi Custom Cash

For insurance benefits, Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express currently lists Not Available. By comparison, Citi Custom Cash® Card lists Not Available. The practical winner depends on whether the documented feature matches spending that would happen anyway. A higher headline value is less useful when categories, caps, exclusions, or redemption rules make it difficult to use.

Before choosing on this feature alone, confirm the current issuer disclosure for both cards. Wafacard marks missing information as Not Available and does not treat an undocumented benefit as included. This makes the comparison deliberately conservative while still showing the strongest factual difference between the two records.

Purchase protection: Blue Cash Preferred from American Express vs Citi Custom Cash

For purchase protections, Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express currently lists Purchase protection — Enrollment, payment requirements, coverage limits and issuer exclusions may apply. Review the current benefit terms. — Included. By comparison, Citi Custom Cash® Card lists Not Available. The practical winner depends on whether the documented feature matches spending that would happen anyway. A higher headline value is less useful when categories, caps, exclusions, or redemption rules make it difficult to use.

Before choosing on this feature alone, confirm the current issuer disclosure for both cards. Wafacard marks missing information as Not Available and does not treat an undocumented benefit as included. This makes the comparison deliberately conservative while still showing the strongest factual difference between the two records.

Customer support: Blue Cash Preferred from American Express vs Citi Custom Cash

For customer support, Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express currently lists Not Available. By comparison, Citi Custom Cash® Card lists Not Available. The practical winner depends on whether the documented feature matches spending that would happen anyway. A higher headline value is less useful when categories, caps, exclusions, or redemption rules make it difficult to use.

Before choosing on this feature alone, confirm the current issuer disclosure for both cards. Wafacard marks missing information as Not Available and does not treat an undocumented benefit as included. This makes the comparison deliberately conservative while still showing the strongest factual difference between the two records.

Approval requirements: Blue Cash Preferred from American Express vs Citi Custom Cash

For approval requirements, Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express currently lists Excellent (720+). By comparison, Citi Custom Cash® Card lists Excellent (720+). The practical winner depends on whether the documented feature matches spending that would happen anyway. A higher headline value is less useful when categories, caps, exclusions, or redemption rules make it difficult to use.

Before choosing on this feature alone, confirm the current issuer disclosure for both cards. Wafacard marks missing information as Not Available and does not treat an undocumented benefit as included. This makes the comparison deliberately conservative while still showing the strongest factual difference between the two records.

Business features: Blue Cash Preferred from American Express vs Citi Custom Cash

For business tools, Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express currently lists Not Available. By comparison, Citi Custom Cash® Card lists Not Available. The practical winner depends on whether the documented feature matches spending that would happen anyway. A higher headline value is less useful when categories, caps, exclusions, or redemption rules make it difficult to use.

Before choosing on this feature alone, confirm the current issuer disclosure for both cards. Wafacard marks missing information as Not Available and does not treat an undocumented benefit as included. This makes the comparison deliberately conservative while still showing the strongest factual difference between the two records.

Pros and cons

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express pros

  • $95 listed annual fee provides a clear cost baseline.
  • See reward details earning summary helps identify its likely rewards fit.
  • A documented welcome offer is available for comparison.
  • Excellent (720+) guidance helps applicants assess likely fit before applying.
  • Amex is documented for acceptance planning.
  • Included in Wafacard's cashback category.
  • Included in Wafacard's balance transfer category.

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express cons

  • The $95 annual fee must be recovered through useful value.
  • Issuer terms can change after this comparison is published.
  • Carrying a balance can reduce or erase rewards value at the listed APR.
  • Protection claims remain subject to exclusions and claim procedures.
  • Airport lounge access is not documented.
  • Approval and the final APR depend on the issuer's underwriting decision.

Citi Custom Cash® Card pros

  • $0 listed annual fee provides a clear cost baseline.
  • 1% earning summary helps identify its likely rewards fit.
  • A documented welcome offer is available for comparison.
  • Excellent (720+) guidance helps applicants assess likely fit before applying.
  • Mastercard is documented for acceptance planning.
  • Included in Wafacard's cashback category.
  • Included in Wafacard's no annual fee category.

Citi Custom Cash® Card cons

  • A no-fee structure does not guarantee the highest earning rate.
  • Issuer terms can change after this comparison is published.
  • Carrying a balance can reduce or erase rewards value at the listed APR.
  • Purchase protection details are not available.
  • Airport lounge access is not documented.
  • Approval and the final APR depend on the issuer's underwriting decision.

Who each card is best for

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is best for

  • People whose spending matches its cashback positioning.
  • Applicants comfortable with a $95 annual fee and Excellent (720+) credit guidance.
  • Cardholders who can use its documented See reward details earning structure without carrying interest-bearing debt.
  • People willing to verify current reward categories, caps, exclusions, and redemption rules before applying.

Citi Custom Cash® Card is best for

  • People whose spending matches its cashback positioning.
  • Applicants comfortable with a $0 annual fee and Excellent (720+) credit guidance.
  • Cardholders who can use its documented 1% earning structure without carrying interest-bearing debt.
  • People willing to verify current reward categories, caps, exclusions, and redemption rules before applying.

Winner by category

Best rewards

No verified winner

A overall winner will be shown after both card records pass Wafacard's comparison review

Best cashback

No verified winner

A cashback winner will be shown after both card records pass Wafacard's comparison review

Best travel

No verified winner

A travel winner will be shown after both card records pass Wafacard's comparison review

Best balance transfer

No verified winner

A balance transfer winner will be shown after both card records pass Wafacard's comparison review

Best students

No verified winner

A beginner winner will be shown after both card records pass Wafacard's comparison review

Best business

No verified winner

A business winner will be shown after both card records pass Wafacard's comparison review

Best premium

No verified winner

A premium winner will be shown after both card records pass Wafacard's comparison review

Best no annual fee

No verified winner

A no fee winner will be shown after both card records pass Wafacard's comparison review

Best dining

No verified winner

A dining winner will be shown after both card records pass Wafacard's comparison review

Best grocery

No verified winner

A grocery winner will be shown after both card records pass Wafacard's comparison review

Best gas

No verified winner

A gas winner will be shown after both card records pass Wafacard's comparison review

Best lounge access

No verified winner

A lounge winner will be shown after both card records pass Wafacard's comparison review

Best purchase protection

No verified winner

A protection winner will be shown after both card records pass Wafacard's comparison review

Best international travel

No verified winner

A international winner will be shown after both card records pass Wafacard's comparison review

Similar cards to consider

Related comparisons

Frequently asked questions

Which card is better overall: Blue Cash Preferred from American Express or Citi Custom Cash?

No verified winner is the current overall Wafacard pick because a overall winner will be shown after both card records pass wafacard's comparison review That verdict is not universal. A cardholder who spends in different categories, values a particular issuer ecosystem, or can use a specific protection may reasonably prefer the other card. Compare the annual fee against rewards and benefits you can realistically use, then confirm the issuer's live terms before applying.

Which card earns more rewards?

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express currently shows See reward details, while Citi Custom Cash® Card shows 1%. Headline rates are only part of the answer because category definitions, caps, redemption values, and transfer options can change the realized return. Estimate rewards using a normal month of spending rather than an idealized maximum. If neither published structure clearly matches your expenses, the simpler or lower-fee card may produce better long-term value.

Is Blue Cash Preferred from American Express harder to get than Citi Custom Cash?

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is associated with Excellent (720+) guidance, compared with Excellent (720+) for Citi Custom Cash® Card. These ranges are directional rather than approval guarantees. Issuers can also evaluate income, existing debt, recent applications, account history, and identity information. Applicants should avoid treating a score range as a promise and should use issuer prequalification tools when available.

Which card has the better welcome bonus?

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express lists Intro value may include 300 points. Confirm current requirements with the issuer., while Citi Custom Cash® Card lists Intro value may include 200 points. Confirm current requirements with the issuer.. A larger number is not automatically more valuable because points, miles, and cash rewards can have different redemption values. Check the required spending, qualifying purchase window, eligibility restrictions, and whether the reward can be used for your intended redemption before naming a personal winner.

Which card is better for travel?

No verified winner has the stronger documented travel fit in this comparison. A travel winner will be shown after both card records pass Wafacard's comparison review Travelers should also check foreign transaction fees, acceptance network, rental coverage, trip protections, baggage benefits, lounge rules, and transfer partners. Any benefit marked Not Available should be treated as absent until the issuer confirms it in the current guide to benefits.

Which card is better for cashback?

No verified winner has the stronger documented cash-back fit. A cashback winner will be shown after both card records pass Wafacard's comparison review The useful comparison is the net cash earned after annual fees, category caps, activation requirements, and excluded purchases. A flat-rate card can outperform a higher category rate when most spending falls outside bonus categories, while a category card can win for concentrated household spending.

Which card has lower fees?

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express lists an annual fee of $95 and Citi Custom Cash® Card lists $0. Annual fees are only one cost. Review purchase APR, balance-transfer fees, foreign transaction fees, cash-advance charges, and late-payment terms. Paying in full and avoiding fee-triggering transactions matters more than a small rewards difference for many cardholders.

Can I have both Blue Cash Preferred from American Express and Citi Custom Cash?

It may be possible to hold both cards, subject to each issuer's approval rules and any product-family restrictions. Holding both makes sense only when their reward categories and benefits complement one another enough to justify the combined complexity and annual fees. Consider application timing, credit inquiries, minimum-spending requirements, and whether splitting purchases would make rewards harder to manage.

Which card is better for everyday spending?

For everyday spending, compare Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express's See reward details summary with Citi Custom Cash® Card's 1% summary across groceries, dining, gas, transit, utilities, and uncategorized purchases. Use actual statements to estimate the result. The card with the highest maximum rate may not win if that rate applies to a narrow or capped category, so simplicity and broad earning can be valuable.

Should I upgrade or switch later?

A later product change can be useful when spending, travel frequency, or willingness to pay an annual fee changes. Issuer rules determine whether an upgrade, downgrade, or new application is available and whether it earns a welcome offer. Revisit this comparison before renewal, calculate the value received during the year, and ask the issuer how a product change would affect account age, benefits, and existing rewards.

Blue Cash Preferred from American Express vs Citi Custom Cash: final verdict

Citi Custom Cash® Card has the lower annual fee, while Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express may justify its fee for the right user. The overall score favors No verified winner, but the right choice depends on which documented rewards and benefits will actually be used. Compare the annual fee against realistic yearly value, avoid carrying interest for the sake of rewards, and confirm every current term with the issuer before applying.