Choosing the right credit card can feel overwhelming with so many options promising unique perks and rewards. If you’re weighing Citi’s popular cards—Custom Cash, Double Cash, and Diamond Preferred—you likely want the best fit for your spending habits and financial goals.
Understanding the strengths of each card is essential. In this article, we’ll break down their key features, compare benefits and drawbacks, and offer practical tips to help you make a confident, informed choice.
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Citi Custom Cash vs Double Cash vs Diamond Preferred: Which Card is Right for You?
When it comes to choosing the right Citi credit card, three popular options often come to the forefront: Citi Custom Cash, Citi Double Cash, and Citi Diamond Preferred. Each of these cards caters to specific financial needs and spending habits. Whether you’re looking for cash back rewards, a reliable low-interest card, or a strategic balance transfer tool, understanding the highlights and differences between these cards can help you choose the best fit for your wallet.
Let’s break down how each card works, explore their key features, and highlight the pros, cons, and practical tips to maximize your benefits.
Comparing the Three Citi Cards at a Glance
Before diving into details, here’s a quick comparison of the cards:
| Card Name | Main Benefit | Annual Fee | Rewards Structure | Intro APR Offers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citi Custom Cash | 5% cash back in top category | $0 | 5% in highest spend category (up to $500/mo), 1% elsewhere | 0% on purchases & balance transfers (limited time) |
| Citi Double Cash | 2% cash back everywhere | $0 | 1% when you buy + 1% when you pay | 0% on balance transfers |
| Citi Diamond Preferred | Low APR & balance transfers | $0 | No rewards | 0% on purchases & balance transfers (longer duration) |
1. Citi Custom Cash Card
What Makes It Stand Out
The Citi Custom Cash card gives you a flexible way to earn cash back — automatically. It rewards you with 5% cash back on your top eligible spending category every billing cycle, up to $500 per month, then 1% after that and on other purchases.
Top-Eligible Categories Include:
- Restaurants
- Gas stations
- Grocery stores
- Select travel and transit
- Select streaming services
- Drugstores, home improvement, and more
Key Features and Benefits
- No Annual Fee: Enjoy generous rewards with no annual cost.
- Automatic Category Selection: You don’t need to enroll or choose your 5% category; Citi detects where you spent the most.
- Intro APR Offer: Enjoy a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers (for a limited period).
- Redemption Options: Redeem your cash back for statement credits, direct deposit, or gift cards.
Challenges to Consider
- Monthly Cap: The attractive 5% rate applies only to the first $500 in your top category each month.
- Flat Rate Elsewhere: All non-top-category purchases earn just 1% cash back.
Best For
- People with consistent high spending in one of the bonus categories.
- Those who want a “set it and forget it” cash back card.
- Budgeters who maximize higher-rate rewards.
2. Citi Double Cash Card
What Makes It Stand Out
The Citi Double Cash card is famous for its straightforward value: 2% cash back on all purchases — 1% when you buy, and another 1% as you pay off those purchases.
Key Features and Benefits
- No Annual Fee: Keep 100% of your rewards.
- Simplicity: Earn the same high rate everywhere without worrying about categories.
- Intro Balance Transfer Offer: Get a 0% APR on transfers for an introductory period.
- Flexible Redemption: Get your rewards as a statement credit, direct deposit, or check.
Challenges to Consider
- No Bonus Categories: You won’t get the extra push on groceries, gas, or restaurants some cards offer.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: Think twice before using it abroad.
- No Intro APR on Purchases: The intro APR focuses on transfers, not new purchases.
Best For
- People who value simplicity and don’t want to track spending categories.
- Those looking to pay down transferred balances interest-free.
- Anyone who wants predictable, no-nonsense rewards.
3. Citi Diamond Preferred Card
What Makes It Stand Out
The Citi Diamond Preferred card is all about low interest and balance transfers. It’s not a rewards card, but it offers one of the longest introductory 0% APR periods available for both purchases and balance transfers.
Key Features and Benefits
- No Annual Fee: Enjoy valuable benefits without a yearly cost.
- Long 0% Intro APR: Excellent for big one-time purchases or consolidating and paying down debt.
- Perks: Get access to Citi Entertainment for event tickets and special deals.
Challenges to Consider
- No Rewards: You won’t earn points or cash back for spending on the card.
- Balance Transfer Fee: Like most cards, there’s a fee on each balance transferred.
- Regular APR: After the intro period, the variable APR may apply (know your rate).
Best For
- People looking to finance a big purchase interest-free.
- Those aiming to pay off high-interest credit card debt.
- Anyone who doesn’t care about rewards and wants a solid “debt tool.”
How to Choose the Right Card for You
Choosing between these three cards comes down to your personal spending habits and financial needs. Here’s a step-by-step approach to help guide your decision.
1. Identify Your Spending Patterns
Ask yourself:
– Do you spend more in a specific category (like groceries or gas) each month?
– Is your spending spread evenly across various categories?
– Are you planning a large purchase or hoping to pay off existing credit card debt?
2. Match Your Needs to Card Features
- Go for Citi Custom Cash if you regularly spend up to $500 monthly in one major category.
- Pick Citi Double Cash if you want universal cash back on all spending, no fuss.
- Choose Citi Diamond Preferred if your top priority is saving on interest — either on big-ticket purchases or to transfer and pay off existing balances.
3. Think About Introductory Offers
Some intro offers suit particular goals:
– 0% purchase APR: Great for financing planned expenses.
– 0% balance transfer APR: Ideal for tackling existing debt.
– Sign-up bonuses: Sometimes available for Custom Cash, giving an extra boost.
4. Consider Your Redemption Preferences
- Do you want cash back statements, direct deposits, or gift cards?
- If you value rewards and flexibility, focus on Custom Cash or Double Cash.
- If your only goal is to manage debt, Diamond Preferred is simpler.
Pros and Cons Table
| Card | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Citi Custom Cash | 5% back in highest spend category, no annual fee; intro APR on purchases & transfers | Monthly cap on bonus rewards, 1% elsewhere |
| Citi Double Cash | Easy-to-earn 2% cash back everywhere; no annual fee | No category bonuses, limited to balance transfer offer |
| Citi Diamond Preferred | Long 0% intro APR, great for debt management, no annual fee | No cash back or points; balance transfer fees |
Tips to Maximize Your Chosen Card
For Citi Custom Cash
- Plan your larger purchases in one eligible category per month to squeeze out 5% on $500 of spending.
- Rotate your spending if your needs change seasonally (e.g., summer on gas, winter on groceries).
- Pair with Double Cash if you regularly exceed the $500 cap and want high rewards everywhere else.
For Citi Double Cash
- Use as your primary card for all expenses outside Custom Cash’s $500 bonus cap.
- Pay your bill in full to maximize the 2% cash back (you only get the second half when you pay).
- Transfer balances from higher-interest cards during the intro period and avoid interest (watch transfer fees).
For Citi Diamond Preferred
- Transfer high-interest balances as soon as you receive the card to get the most out of the intro offer.
- Use for big purchases you can pay off during the intro period to save on interest.
- Don’t use for everyday spending if you value rewards; stick to planned financing or debt payoff.
Smart Cost Management Tips
While these cards don’t charge annual fees, you can still maximize your value by being cost-conscious:
- Pay on time: Avoid late fees and penalty APRs by setting automatic payments.
- Watch your balance transfer fees: Even with 0% APR, each transfer often has a 3-5% fee — factor this into your payoff plan.
- Avoid cash advances: High fees and immediate interest make this feature costly.
- International travel: Check your card’s foreign transaction fees before using it abroad (Double Cash, for example, charges extra).
Conclusion: The Best Citi Card Depends on Your Goals
Each of these Citi cards — Custom Cash, Double Cash, and Diamond Preferred — offers compelling reasons for different types of cardholders.
- The Citi Custom Cash shines for those who can concentrate their spending in one category and want maximum rewards up to a cap.
- The Citi Double Cash is unbeatable for simplicity and predictable 2% cash back on every purchase.
- The Citi Diamond Preferred is outstanding for anyone laser-focused on avoiding or minimizing interest, especially for balance transfers and big purchases.
Ideally, you can even combine two cards (Custom Cash for bonus category, Double Cash for everything else) to earn the most rewards.
Choose based on your current financial goals, and you’ll have a powerful tool in your wallet — whether to save, earn, or pay off debt.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the main difference between Citi Custom Cash and Citi Double Cash?
The main difference is in their rewards structures. Custom Cash gives you 5% cash back in your highest eligible spending category (up to $500 per month), then 1% elsewhere. Double Cash gives 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay), with no limits or category tracking required.
Does Citi Diamond Preferred have any rewards?
No, Citi Diamond Preferred is not a rewards card. Instead, it’s designed for people who want to save money on interest, offering a long 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers.
Can I have more than one Citi credit card?
Yes, Citi allows you to hold multiple credit cards. In fact, combining Custom Cash and Double Cash is a popular strategy to maximize rewards by covering both bonus categories and everyday spending.
Are there any annual fees with these Citi cards?
All three cards — Citi Custom Cash, Citi Double Cash, and Citi Diamond Preferred — have no annual fees. You can keep them without worrying about yearly costs.
Which Citi card is best for paying off credit card debt?
The Citi Diamond Preferred is generally best for paying off debt, thanks to its extended 0% introductory APR on balance transfers and purchases. Just make sure you complete payments before the promotional period ends to avoid interest charges.