Ever wondered how the Citi Custom Cash Card can fit seamlessly into your lifestyle and maximize your rewards? With credit cards offering more tailored perks than ever, knowing how to get the most out of your Citi Custom experience matters.
Understanding how this card works can help you earn valuable cash back on your top spending categories and make every purchase count.
In this article, we’ll break down exactly how Citi Custom Cash works, how to use it wisely, and practical tips for making the most of your rewards.
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What Is the Citi Custom Cash Card?
The Citi Custom Cash Card is a unique credit card designed to reward you with cash back where you spend the most each month. It automatically adjusts to your spending habits, offering enhanced rewards on your top eligible spending category—without requiring you to manually select a category. With no annual fee, this card is an appealing option for everyday expenses and those seeking flexibility and value in their cash back strategy.
How Does the Citi Custom Cash Card Work?
Automatic 5% Cash Back on Your Top Category
Each billing cycle, the Citi Custom Cash Card tracks your purchases and applies 5% cash back (up to a limit) to the category in which you spend the most among eligible options. You don’t have to enroll, activate, or pick a category—the card does the hard work for you.
Eligible 5% Spending Categories
Here’s a list of common categories that may qualify for the 5% cash back each billing cycle:
- Restaurants
- Grocery Stores
- Gas Stations
- Select Travel
- Select Transit
- Select Streaming Services
- Drugstores
- Fitness Clubs
- Home Improvement Stores
- Live Entertainment
You’ll earn:
- 5% cash back on up to $500 in purchases in your top eligible category each billing cycle.
- 1% cash back on all other purchases (including amounts over $500 in your top category).
This simple system means you’re always maximizing your rewards without much effort.
Key Benefits of the Citi Custom Cash Card
Let’s break down what makes this card a standout option:
1. No Annual Fee
- You can carry this card in your wallet year after year with no annual cost.
- This makes it a risk-free way to earn rewards.
2. Flexible and Automatic Rewards
- The card tracks where you spend the most and applies 5% cash back, helping you maximize benefits automatically.
- Ideal if your spending habits change from month to month.
3. Simple Redemption Options
- The cash back you earn comes in the form of Citi ThankYou Points.
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Points can be redeemed for:
-
Direct cash back via statement credit
- Check or direct deposit
- Gift cards
- Travel
- Shopping with select partners
4. Introductory Bonuses
- Usually features an attractive sign-up bonus (like a lump sum of points or cash back after meeting an initial spend within the first few months).
- Often includes a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for a set period, helping save on interest.
5. Security and Convenience Features
- $0 liability on unauthorized purchases.
- Digital wallet compatibility (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay).
- Contactless pay for tap-and-go convenience.
What Makes the Citi Custom Cash Card Stand Out?
True Customization—No Manual Categories
Many cards with rotating category bonuses require you to log in every quarter and enroll in the bonus category. With the Citi Custom Cash Card, there is no need to track or activate anything. The card does the work for you, making it practically “set and forget.”
Consistent Value
Even after the $500 monthly cap at 5% (equals $25 max rewards per month), you continue to earn 1% cash back on any further purchases—ensuring you always get something back for your spending.
Ability to Pair with Other Citi Cards
If you already use a card like the Citi Double Cash Card or Citi Premier Card, you can combine points for more flexibility and value, especially for travel redemptions.
Simple Breakdown: Earning Rewards Each Month
Let’s see an example so it’s perfectly clear how the card adapts:
- In January, you spend the most at grocery stores ($400) and $300 at restaurants:
- 5% on $400 groceries = $20
- 1% on $300 restaurants = $3
- In February, your top spending switches to gas stations ($450):
- 5% on $450 gas = $22.50
- 1% on everything else
If you happen to spend more than $500 in your top category, only the first $500 earns 5%. All spending beyond that earns 1%.
Potential Challenges and Things to Watch For
While the Citi Custom Cash Card is generous and flexible, there are some limitations to be aware of:
- $500 monthly 5% cap: You can only earn the elevated 5% rate on up to $500 per month in your top spend category.
- Not all purchases earn 5%: Only certain categories qualify, so large purchases outside those categories (like utilities or insurance) will earn just 1%.
- No category stacking: Only one top category per cycle is eligible for 5%, regardless of ties.
If you typically spend a lot in more than one category each month, consider pairing this card with others to maximize your rewards.
Practical Tips for Maximizing Your Citi Custom Cash Card
- Plan your major purchases: Time your grocery runs, gas fill-ups, or home improvement buys for when you know you’ll spend the most in that category, making sure to stay under the $500 cap for 5% rewards.
- Pair with a flat-rate card: Use a card like Citi Double Cash for purchases in categories that don’t usually hit the 5% bonus. This ensures you always earn at least 2% back elsewhere.
- Check your monthly statements: Take a quick peek at your spending summary to see which category earned 5%, helping you adjust next month if you want to target a different area.
- Redeem points smartly: Redeem Citi ThankYou Points for direct cash back when you want flexibility, or consider pooling with other Citi cards if you plan to use rewards for travel.
- Take advantage of promos: Look out for limited-time offers or bonus opportunities, especially around the holidays or back-to-school seasons.
Managing Costs and Fees
The Citi Custom Cash Card is built around cost efficiency:
- No annual fee: There’s no ongoing cost just for having the card.
- Intro 0% APR: If you’re planning a larger purchase, use the introductory 0% APR period to pay over time interest-free. Just be sure to pay off the balance before the promo period ends.
- Watch for balance transfer fees: If you use a balance transfer offer, factor in the upfront transaction fee (typically a small percentage of the amount transferred).
- Avoid interest and late fees: Pay your statement balance in full and on time whenever possible to completely avoid paying extra.
By managing your usage carefully, you can ensure your cash back benefits aren’t eaten away by avoidable fees.
Who Should Consider the Citi Custom Cash Card?
This card is well-suited for a wide range of users, especially:
- Shoppers whose spending habits change month-to-month.
- Those looking for a no-annual-fee card with high rewards in everyday categories.
- People who want to avoid the hassle of tracking rotating or quarterly bonus categories.
- Citi loyalists who want to maximize the ThankYou Points program.
- Anyone seeking a simple, smart way to earn meaningful cash back on routine purchases.
Citi Custom Cash Compared to Other Popular Cash Back Cards
To help you decide if this card is right for you, here are a few quick comparisons:
Citi Custom Cash vs. Citi Double Cash Card
- Custom Cash: 5% on one chosen category (up to $500/month), then 1% elsewhere.
- Double Cash: Flat 2% cash back on everything (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay).
- Strategy: Use Custom Cash for targeted categories and Double Cash for all other purchases for the best of both worlds.
Citi Custom Cash vs. Rotating Category Cards
Unlike cards with fixed quarterly categories that require manual activation and tracking, the Citi Custom Cash auto-adjusts based on your spending—no activation needed.
Citi Custom Cash vs. Premium Rewards Cards
Premium rewards cards may offer broader perks, such as travel insurance and lounge access, but often charge annual fees and are best for heavy spenders. The Citi Custom Cash is simple, free, and flexible, working especially well for modest spenders.
Final Thoughts
The Citi Custom Cash Card delivers a fresh approach to cash back. With automatic adjustment to your spending priorities, solid earning potential, and no annual fee, it suits both planners and spontaneous spenders. While the $500 monthly cap limits maximized rewards, it’s hard to beat the convenience and flexibility if you want hands-off, set-it-and-forget-it cash back. For many people, it will be a valuable addition to their wallet, especially paired with other rewards cards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What purchases earn 5% cash back with the Citi Custom Cash Card?
You’ll earn 5% cash back on your highest eligible spending category each billing cycle. This includes categories like restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations, select travel, streaming services, drugstores, and more—up to $500 per month.
Is there an annual fee for the Citi Custom Cash Card?
No, the Citi Custom Cash Card does not charge an annual fee. It’s free to keep, making it easy to maximize your rewards without worrying about extra costs.
Can you combine Citi Custom Cash rewards with other Citi cards?
Yes! If you have other Citi cards that earn ThankYou Points, you can combine your points from the Custom Cash Card with them, giving you more options for redemptions, especially for travel.
Do you have to activate or select categories for 5% cash back?
No activation or selection is needed. The card automatically applies the 5% bonus to whichever eligible category you spend the most in each billing cycle.
What happens if I spend more than $500 in my top category in a month?
Only the first $500 in your top eligible category will earn 5% cash back for the billing cycle. Any amount above $500, or spending in other categories, will earn 1% cash back.
With its thoughtful design and smart rewards system, the Citi Custom Cash Card makes it easy to earn meaningful cash back wherever your life and spending take you. If you’re looking for a fuss-free way to get more from your everyday spending, the Citi Custom Cash Card may be just what you need.