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Citi Custom Cash® Card – 5% Cash Back on Your Top Category
February 6, 2025
The Citi Custom Cash® Card is a no-annual-fee cash-back credit card that automatically adapts to your spending. It offers 5% cash back on up to $500 spent in whichever eligible category you spend the most on each billing cycle, plus a generous intro APR and welcome bonus. Is this flexible 5% card the right addition to your wallet? Let's break down its features, perks, and how to maximize its rewards.
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How the Citi Custom Cash Card Works
The Citi Custom Cash is designed to maximize rewards in your top spending category each month without any manual effort. Each billing cycle, you automatically earn 5% back on purchases in your highest eligible spending category, up to $500 in that cycle. Any other purchases earn 1% cash back. This means if you spend the most on, say, groceries one month and restaurants the next, the 5% bonus will adapt to those categories automatically – no activation or category selection needed.
There are 10 eligible 5% categories, covering many everyday expenses: for example restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, select travel, select transit, streaming services, drugstores, home improvement stores, live entertainment, and fitness clubs. The flexibility is a game changer, especially if your spending varies month to month. By automatically focusing your rewards on where you spend most, the Custom Cash “empower[s] customers to earn and redeem rewards their way” according to Citi’s head of U.S. branded cards.
Key details:
- Welcome bonus: Earn $200 after spending $1,500 in the first 6 months – a solid, easily achievable bonus for a no-annual-fee card.
- Intro APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR. This intro period can help with big purchases or debt consolidation.
- Fees: $0 annual fee. Foreign transaction fee 3%. Balance transfers incur a fee.
- Earnings currency: Rewards are earned as Citi ThankYou® Points, redeemable for cash back as statement credit, direct deposit, check, etc. You can also redeem points for travel, gift cards or more through Citi, but straightforward cash back is the highlight.
Kudos Tip: Using multiple cards to maximize rewards? Kudos can help by automatically recommending the best card for each purchase, so you always earn the most cash back effortlessly. It’s like having a personal rewards assistant in your browser!
Why It’s a Standout Cash-Back Card
The Custom Cash has a unique value proposition in the world of no-fee cards. Here are its top benefits and features that make it shine:
5% Category Rewards Made Easy
Many cash-back cards offer 5% in rotating categories with quarterly activations or complex spending hoops. Citi Custom Cash keeps it simple – you always get 5% back on whatever you spent most on that month. There’s no need to enroll or guess categories in advance. For busy people or “set-it-and-forget-it” folks, this low-maintenance approach is a huge plus.
This flexibility lets you maximize rewards organically. If you consistently max out the $500 cap, that’s $25 in rewards each month from the 5% category – $300 a year from just your top spend alone. Even if you wouldn’t normally track category bonuses, Custom Cash ensures you’re getting an outsized 5% in at least one area without any extra work.
Importantly, the 5% categories cover useful everyday spending (dining, gas, groceries, transit, etc.), not obscure niches. The card basically acts like 10 cards in one, always picking the most rewarding category for you. That’s a level of hassle-free optimization we’re fans of.
$0 Fees, Big Bonus and 0% Intro APR
Despite its robust rewards, the Citi Custom Cash® Card charges no annual fee, so any cash back you earn is pure profit. You don’t have to worry about “earning back” a yearly fee – even occasional use can be worth it. The card also has no gimmicks or tiered membership: just solid rewards for free.
New cardmembers get a hefty welcome bonus for a no-fee card: $200 back after $1,500 spend in 6 months. That’s effectively an extra 13% back on that spending, which is a nice head start. Pro tip: $1,500 in 6 months is about $250 a month – put a few regular bills or groceries on the card and you’ll easily hit that.
Additionally, the 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers can save you money on interest if you need to carry a balance short-term Overall, these perks – strong bonus, intro APR, no fee – make the Custom Cash very attractive, whether you’re looking for your next everyday card or a complementary card to boost certain rewards.
Comparing Citi Custom Cash® Card with Other Credit Cards
When considering the Citi Custom Cash® Card, it's helpful to compare it with other popular options in the cashback credit card category:
- Annual fee: $0
- Sign-up bonus: Cash bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% on dining and drugstores, 1.5% on all other purchases
- Standout feature: Flexible redemption options including cash back, travel, and gift cards
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card:
- Annual fee: $0
- Sign-up bonus: Cash bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 3% on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and grocery stores
- Standout feature: No foreign transaction fees
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express (rates & fees):
- Annual fee: $0
- Welcome offer: Cash bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 3% at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%), 3% cash back up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout
- Standout feature: This card offers a generous intro of APR on purchases and balance transfers
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.
Each card offers unique benefits tailored to different spending habits and preferences. Consider your personal financial goals when choosing the best card for you.
Key Takeaways:
- Citi Custom Cash® Card excels in providing painless cash back rewards
- Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers diverse category bonuses
- Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card rewards dining and entertainment spending
- Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express provides strong rewards on everyday purchases
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Is the Citi Custom Cash Card Right for You?
The Citi Custom Cash delivers tremendous value for a wide range of users, but it also has some limitations. Consider the following to see if it’s a good fit for your needs:
Spending Habits
This card is ideal if your spending tends to concentrate in one or two categories at a time. For instance, one month you might spend heavily on home improvement, another month more on dining out. The Custom Cash will reward that top category generously. However, if your spending is spread evenly across many categories every month, a flat-rate 2% cash-back card could earn you more overall on non-bonus spend. Similarly, if you routinely spend well above $500 in one category each month, note that earnings above $500 revert to 1% – you might max out the bonus quickly. In that case, pairing this card with another 5% card or using a card with higher caps could help.
Comparison – Custom Cash vs. Others
The Custom Cash’s closest rivals are other 5% cards. The Chase Freedom Flex℠, for example, also offers 5% in bonus categories but they rotate quarterly and require activation, with a $1,500 quarterly cap. Freedom Flex’s categories are set by Chase, whereas Custom Cash’s category is determined by your spending. Discover it Cash Back Credit Card is another 5% rotating category card with similar activation and cap requirements. The Custom Cash is more convenient than both because you don’t have to keep track of changing categories or activation dates – it’s always on. On the flip side, those cards let you earn 5% in multiple categories per quarter, whereas Custom Cash is limited to one category at 5% each cycle. Depending on your preference, you might favor one approach over the other – some enthusiasts even carry both styles of cards.
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Travel and Point Strategies:
If you prefer travel rewards, note that Custom Cash’s rewards currency can be combined with Citi’s premium cards. On its own, Custom Cash points redeem at 1¢ each. This card can thus play a key role in a Citi trifecta strategy: use Custom Cash for 5% categories, Citi Double Cash® Card for 2% on everything else, and Citi Strata Premier℠ Card for travel transfers. If that sounds too complicated, don’t worry – as a pure cash-back card, the Custom Cash is still excellent. But it’s nice to have the option to unlock more value down the road.
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The Citi Custom Cash® Card is a fantastic choice if you value effortless rewards on everyday spending. It’s especially rewarding for moderate spenders who want great cash back without juggling categories or paying fees. If your spending patterns change month to month – and you have the credit score to get approved – this card can continuously adapt to keep your rewards optimized. In our view, it lives up to the hype as a flexible 5% cash-back “game changer” in the industry.
And remember, as you rack up those rewards, Kudos can help you even further by tracking your cards and making sure you’re always using the best one for each purchase. That way, you’ll never miss an opportunity to earn max cashback (and maybe even discover new card combos to supercharge your savings).
FAQ
Does the Citi Custom Cash Card have an annual fee?
No, the Citi Custom Cash® Card has no annual fee. You can keep it in your wallet and earn rewards without ever paying a yearly cost.
Does the Citi Custom Cash Card charge foreign transaction fees?
Yes, it has a 3% foreign transaction fee on purchases made outside the U.S.. If you travel abroad frequently, use a no-FTF card for those purchases to avoid this surcharge.
Is the Citi Custom Cash a good first credit card?
No, the Custom Cash is generally not ideal for first-time credit card users. It typically requires a good credit score for approval, so newcomers or those with limited credit history might not qualify. Consider starting with a student or secured card to build credit, then graduate to the Custom Cash later.
Does the Citi Custom Cash Card offer a sign-up bonus?
Yes, new cardholders can earn a $200 bonus (awarded as 20,000 points) after spending $1,500 in the first 6 months. This is a great one-time perk that adds extra value in your early months with the card.
Can I choose the 5% category on the Custom Cash Card?
No, you don’t manually choose the category – the card automatically applies 5% to whichever eligible category you spent the most on that billing cycle. There’s no activation required and no way to “force” a category; the highest spend wins. This automatic feature ensures you always get a 5% reward where you spend most.
Conclusion
The Citi Custom Cash® Card proves that earning great cash-back rewards can be painless. With its automatic 5% category, decent intro bonus, and $0 annual fee, it’s a friend to everyday spenders who want solid returns without the chore of managing rotating categories. While it has a few constraints, these are easy to navigate for most users – and the payoff is a card that consistently delivers excellent cashback tailored to your spending.
If you’re looking for a flexible cashback card to add to your arsenal, Custom Cash is absolutely worth considering. And when you’re ready to apply or start maximizing rewards, Kudos will be there to help you make the most of every swipe.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
