Amex Business Gold vs Citi Double Cash: Which Is Better In 2026?

Citi Double Cash® Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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This section breaks down the key reasons we think the Citi Double Cash® Card is a standout choice.

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• Its straightforward rewards structure means you earn cash back on every purchase without having to track rotating categories.
• The card is an excellent tool for debt consolidation thanks to its introductory offer on balance transfers.
• With no annual fee, all the rewards you earn are pure upside.

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Pros

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• Earns a high, flat rate of cash back on everything you buy, with no complicated categories to track.
• One of the longest introductory APR periods for balance transfers on the market, making it a powerful tool for paying down debt.
• New cardholders can earn a welcome bonus, and rewards can be redeemed flexibly for cash back or converted to travel points.

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Cons

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• The 0% intro APR offer applies only to balance transfers and does not extend to new purchases.
• It’s not ideal for use abroad, as it charges a fee on foreign transactions.
• Balance transfers are not eligible to earn cash back rewards.

Citi Double Cash® vs American Express® Business Gold Card

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Categories

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When comparing these two cards, the question of which is better, Amex Business Gold or Citi Double Cash, comes down to whether you prioritize business-focused rewards or personal debt management.

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• American Express® Business Gold Card is a versatile tool designed for business owners. It's ideal for companies with variable expenses that want to maximize rewards on their most common spending categories.
• Citi Double Cash® Card excels in the balance transfers category. This card is best suited for individuals looking to consolidate and pay down existing credit card debt.

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Redemption

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American Express® Business Gold Card: This card earns flexible rewards points that can be redeemed in a variety of ways. Its points are especially valuable when transferred to airline and hotel loyalty programs, offering premium travel opportunities.

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Citi Double Cash® Card: Rewards are earned as straightforward cash back, which can be redeemed with minimal fuss. You can receive your earnings as a statement credit or have them deposited directly into a bank account.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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For a more personalized comparison, tools like Kudos can help you evaluate top-rated cards based on your unique spending habits.

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• Test Drive Cards: Simulate your potential earnings with any card using your actual spending data—no applications or hard credit pulls required.
• Approval Odds Analysis: Receive a detailed, personalized analysis of your chances of being approved for specific cards.
• Welcome Offer Guarantee: If you get approved for a card through Kudos and find a better public welcome offer within three months, Kudos will match it.
• Kudos Boost: Earn extra rewards on top of your card’s regular earnings when you shop at participating online stores.
• Comprehensive Card Database: Access and compare nearly 3,000 credit cards, ensuring you see a wide range of options beyond just those that pay affiliate commissions.

Who Should Choose the American Express® Business Gold Card?

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The American Express® Business Gold Card is best suited for business owners with significant and variable expenses, particularly those spending over $50,000 annually. Cardholders can maximize its value by concentrating their spending in their top two eligible categories each billing cycle to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on up to $150,000 in combined purchases annually. Ultimately, it's a premium card for growing companies that value flexible rewards and travel protections enough to offset the $375 annual fee (Terms Apply).

Who Should Choose the Citi Double Cash®?

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The Citi Double Cash® Card is an excellent choice for consumers who value simplicity and want to earn a high, flat cash back rate on all their spending without tracking categories. It's also particularly well-suited for individuals looking to pay down existing high-interest credit card debt, thanks to its generous 0% introductory APR on balance transfers. Ultimately, this card is ideal for the budget-conscious spender who wants a no-annual-fee card that provides consistent value on every purchase.

Alternatives to Consider

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If our Amex Business Gold vs Citi Double Cash comparison has left you feeling like neither card is the right fit, don't worry. There are plenty of other excellent options on the market that might better suit your spending habits and rewards goals.

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_{Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.}

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Tips for Application Success

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Before You Apply

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• Check your credit score. Most issuers require good to excellent credit for approval.
• Plan your spending. Ensure you can meet any Welcome Offer requirements without overspending.
• Know your rewards strategy. Understand how the card's rewards structure fits your spending habits.

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Application Strategy

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• Time your application around a large planned purchase to help meet spending requirements.
• Be aware of issuer-specific rules, like limits on earning welcome bonuses.
• Try using different browsers or incognito windows to find the best available offers.

Our Methodology

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We evaluate nearly 3,000 credit cards across the U.S. market — far more than the ~150 cards commonly featured on sites that focus only on products tied to affiliate commissions. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, unbiased view of the credit card landscape so you can make confident, data-driven decisions.

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Our editorial team combines deep industry experience with rigorous verification standards. While our experts surface the most relevant recommendations in our guides, you can also explore the full dataset yourself through our card explorer tool, which includes thousands of cards — more than 95% of which do not provide us with commissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Can I use the Citi® Double Cash Card for business expenses?

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While you can technically use a personal card like the Citi® Double Cash Card for business spending, it's generally not recommended. Mixing personal and business finances can create accounting headaches and may violate the card's terms.

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Do I need an established business to get the American Express® Business Gold Card?

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You don't necessarily need a formal business structure like an LLC to qualify for the American Express® Business Gold Card. Sole proprietors, freelancers, and gig economy workers can often be approved based on their personal credit and business income.

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What are the annual fees for these cards?

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The American Express® Business Gold Card comes with a significant annual fee (Terms apply), while the Citi® Double Cash Card typically has no annual fee. Always check the issuer's current terms for the most up-to-date fee information.

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