United Gateway vs Citi Double Cash: Which Is Better In 2025?

Citi Double Cash® Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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Here’s a closer look at what makes the Citi Double Cash® Card a compelling option.

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• The card offers a straightforward 2% cash back on all purchases—1% when you buy and another 1% as you pay.
• It comes with no annual fee, though it does have fees for foreign transactions and balance transfers.
• Transferring a $5,000 balance from a high-interest card could save you over $1,000 in interest payments during the introductory period, even after accounting for the one-time transfer fee (publisher-formulated estimate).

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Pros

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• Straightforward cash back on every purchase, with no need to track or activate bonus categories.
• A generous introductory offer on balance transfers can help you manage existing debt from other cards.
• No annual fee, which means all the rewards you earn are pure upside.

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Cons

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• The introductory 0% APR offer applies only to balance transfers, not to new purchases.
• It charges a foreign transaction fee, making it less than ideal for use outside the U.S.
• The card lacks bonus categories, so you won’t earn accelerated rewards on specific types of spending.

Citi Double Cash® vs United Gateway

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Categories

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When considering which is better United Gateway or Citi Double Cash, it's important to look at your primary spending habits and financial goals. Each card excels in different areas, catering to distinct types of users.

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• United Gateway℠ Card is ideal for occasional United Airlines flyers and credit card beginners who want to earn travel rewards without committing to an annual fee.
• Citi Double Cash® Card excels for users seeking straightforward, high-rate cash back on everyday spending or those looking to consolidate debt with a lengthy balance transfer offer.

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Redemption

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United Gateway℠ Card: Rewards are earned as miles that can be redeemed for flights with United and its partners, as well as for other travel-related purchases like hotel stays and car rentals.

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Citi Double Cash® Card: This card offers flexible cash back that can be redeemed as a statement credit, direct deposit, or a check, providing a simple way to get value from your spending.

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Travel Perks

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• United Gateway℠ Card:
  • As a co-branded airline card, its travel ecosystem is built around the United MileagePlus program. Miles can be redeemed for flights with United and its Star Alliance partners through the airline's booking platform.
  • It does not charge foreign transaction fees, making it suitable for international spending.
  • Cardholders get a statement credit back on in-flight purchases like food, drinks, and Wi-Fi aboard United flights.
  • This card does not include complimentary airport lounge access.
• Citi Double Cash® Card:
  • This card is focused on cash back and does not have a dedicated travel ecosystem. While the cash back earned can be put toward travel expenses, there are no integrated booking portals or travel-specific redemption bonuses.
  • It charges a foreign transaction fee on purchases made outside the U.S.
  • It does not offer any specific in-flight benefits or travel credits.
  • Airport lounge access is not a feature of this card.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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To help you find the best card for your wallet, you can use a tool like Kudos to compare top-rated credit cards based on your own spending.

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• Test drive credit cards: The platform's “Test Drive” feature allows you to simulate how much you would earn with a new card by analyzing your real transaction history before you apply.
• Welcome offer guarantee: Kudos offers a guarantee to match any better welcome offer you find within three months of approval.
• Detailed approval odds: Receive a comprehensive analysis of your approval odds based on your credit report.
• $100 Kudos Kickstart+ bonus: You can unlock a $100 bonus by adding certain approved cards to your Kudos Wallet.
• Personalized financial tracking: Monitor your transactions, spending habits, and credit score all in one place.

Who Should Choose the United Gateway?

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The United Gateway℠ Card is an excellent choice for occasional United Airlines flyers who want to earn miles without committing to an annual fee. It's particularly well-suited for credit card beginners and budget-conscious travelers, as it offers a straightforward way to accumulate rewards and avoids foreign transaction fees on international trips. This makes it a practical entry point into the world of travel rewards for those who value simplicity and cost-effectiveness, as detailed in this card review.

Who Should Choose the Citi Double Cash®?

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The Citi Double Cash® Card is ideal for consumers who value simplicity and want to earn a high, flat-rate cash back on all their everyday spending without tracking categories. It's also particularly well-suited for individuals looking to consolidate and pay down high-interest credit card debt, thanks to its lengthy 0% introductory APR on balance transfers. With no annual fee, the card offers a straightforward way to maximize rewards for those who prefer a no-fuss approach to their finances.

Alternatives to Consider

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Deciding between the United Gateway℠ Card and the Citi® Double Cash Card often comes down to a choice between travel rewards and simple cash back. If neither of those paths suits your spending habits or financial goals, let's explore a few other cards that might be a better fit.

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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.}

Tips for Application Success

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Before You Apply

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• Check your credit score – Most rewards cards require a good to excellent credit history for approval.
• Plan your spending – Ensure you can naturally meet any minimum spending requirements for a welcome offer.
• Review card benefits and limitations – Understand key features like rewards programs and any potential fees for foreign transactions.

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Application Strategy

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• Time your application – Apply before a large planned purchase to help meet spending goals faster.
• Consider your primary goal – Choose a card for its specific strengths, like a long balance transfer offer or no annual fee.
• Know the issuer’s rules – Be aware of application rules from issuers like Chase or Citi that might affect your approval.

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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Which card is better for travel rewards?

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The United Gateway Card is tailored for those who frequently fly with United Airlines, offering rewards directly in MileagePlus miles. The Citi Double Cash Card provides flexible cash back that can be used for any travel expense, but without airline-specific perks.

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Do the United Gateway and Citi Double Cash cards have an annual fee?

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No, neither the United Gateway Card nor the Citi Double Cash Card charges an annual fee. This makes them both cost-effective options to carry long-term.

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What kind of rewards do you earn with each card?

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With the United Gateway Card, you earn United MileagePlus miles on all your purchases. The Citi Double Cash Card earns cash back, which you receive as ThankYou Points that can be redeemed for a statement credit or direct deposit.

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