Citi Aadvantage miles rewards credit cards: Gold vs. new MileUp

Sometime ago, I saw an advertisement of the Citi AAdvantage MileUp credit card as a replacement of the older Aadvantage Bronce card. However, recently I looked at it in more detail and found out that it is also a good replacement for the Aadvantage Gold card that carries a $50 annual fee.

In the table bellow, I compared the 3 Aadvantage rewards cards that are useful for accumulating miles with day to day shopping. I haven't included the Advantage® Executive card, since I don't find much value on it (high $450 fee and only 1 mile per dollar); it may be useful for some heavy travelers but still I'm not sure due to the high annual fee. Also, I haven't included the Business card options (but they are very useful to get them in addition to personal cards in order to get more miles).

The choice of card depends on individual situation and goals. But by looking at the options available, it seems to me that a good option is having a MileUP card for the long term -without annual fee-, and a Platinum card that can be closed/reopened every few years in order to get bonus points.

The extra points for gas and grocery are very good. However, I rather use an American Express Blue Cash Preferred® Card to get 6% back on grocery and 3% back on gas.

The Platinum card still has some unique advantages such as 10% miles back on reward travel, 2 miles at restaurant and zero international transaction fee (but this zero fee is also given by other non-fee cards)

Holders of Aadvantage Gold cards can call Citibank and ask to replace it with a Aadvantage MileUp card, keeping the credit limit and credit history, eliminating the annual fee at the same time :-)