Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select vs US Bank Cash+
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
US Bank Cash+ wins 4-1. 5% on 2 chosen categories + 2% on 1 chosen, fully customizable. Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select is still the right call if american airlines loyalists, free checked bag + boarding..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select | US Bank Cash+ |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · $99 | No annual fee |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | · 2% (travel) | 5% (shopping) |
| Base reward rate | = 1% | = 1% |
| Forex markup | No FX fee | · 3% |
| Welcome bonus | = 50,000 AA miles after $2,500 spend in 3 months | = $200 statement credit after $1,000 spend in 120 days |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = N/A (no fee) |
| Min income | = None stated | = None stated |
| Min credit score | · 700 | 670 |
| Editorial rating | · 4/5 | 4.4/5 |
Benefits compared
Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select
- 2x miles on American Airlines + dining + gas
- 1x on everything else
- Free first checked bag for cardholder + 4 companions
- Preferred boarding
- Annual fee waived first year
US Bank Cash+
- 5% on 2 categories you choose ($2,000 quarterly cap)
- 2% on 1 chosen everyday category (gas, grocery, restaurants)
- 1% on everything else
- No annual fee
- Quarterly category swap
FAQ
›Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select vs US Bank Cash+: which is better?
US Bank Cash+ wins on more dimensions (4 vs 1). But the right answer depends on your specific spending pattern. Run your own monthly spend through the maximizer to see which one pays you more.
›Can I get both?
Yes, if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select for its best categories, US Bank Cash+ for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select: 50,000 AA miles after $2,500 spend in 3 months. US Bank Cash+: $200 statement credit after $1,000 spend in 120 days.