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The Citi Custom Cash® Card is a versatile and flexible credit card from Citi that allows users to earn 5% cash back on their top eligible spending category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent.

It also offers 1% cash back on all other purchases.

The card comes with no annual fee, making it a cost-effective option for those looking to earn rewards while keeping expenses low.

Reasons to Choose the Citi Custom Cash Card

5% Cash Back on Top Spending Category

The Citi Custom Cash® Card offers 5% cash back on your top eligible spending category each billing cycle, which can include categories like restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, and more.

This feature is especially beneficial for those who have variable spending habits.

No Annual Fee

The Citi Custom Cash® Card comes with no annual fee, making it an attractive option for those who don’t want to pay extra just to earn rewards.

$200 Sign-Up Bonus

The card offers a generous $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases within the first 6 months from account opening.

This bonus is a great incentive for new cardholders to start using the card.

Automatic Category Selection

Unlike many other cards, which require you to manually select or enroll in categories to earn higher rewards, the Citi Custom Cash® card automatically chooses the category where you spend the most, making it easier to earn the highest rewards without any extra effort on your part.

No Foreign Transaction Fees

The Citi Custom Cash® Card does not charge any foreign transaction fees, which makes it a good option for international travel.

You can use it abroad without incurring extra charges for purchases made in foreign currencies.

Flexible Cash Back Redemption Options

You can redeem your cash back as a statement credit, direct deposit, or even for gift cards.

The flexibility in redemption options allows you to choose how you want to use your rewards.

Introductory 0% APR on Purchases and Balance Transfers

The card offers a 0% introductory APR for the first 15 months on purchases and balance transfers.

After that, the APR rises to a variable rate of 16.24% to 26.24%, depending on your creditworthiness.

This can be beneficial for those looking to make large purchases or transfer high-interest balances from other cards.

Access to Citi® Entertainment

As a Citi cardholder, you gain access to exclusive entertainment benefits, such as access to presale tickets and special events, making this card an attractive choice for those who enjoy live shows and exclusive events.

Negative Factors of the Citi Custom Cash® Card

Limited to $500 per Category per Billing Cycle

While the 5% cash back on the top eligible category is a fantastic benefit, it is limited to the first $500 spent in the category each billing cycle.

After that, you earn 1% cash back for the rest of your spending in that category. This cap may not be ideal for individuals who spend heavily in a single category every month.

Higher APR After Introductory Period

Although the card offers a 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months, the APR can rise to a variable rate of 16.24% to 26.24% after the introductory period ends.

This could result in high interest charges for people who carry a balance after the introductory period.

Limited High-Earning Categories

The 5% cash back is limited to one category per billing cycle, and while the card covers popular categories like restaurants and gas stations, it may not be ideal for those who prefer a more expansive set of categories to earn higher rewards.

Cash Back Redemption Requires $25 Minimum

While the card offers flexible redemption options, there is a minimum redemption threshold of $25, meaning you’ll need to accumulate at least this amount in rewards before you can redeem them. For those who prefer smaller, more frequent redemptions, this could be a disadvantage.

No Rewards for Rotating Categories

Unlike other cards that offer 5% cash back on rotating categories, the Citi Custom Cash® Card does not have this feature.

While the automatic category selection is convenient, some users may prefer a more predictable reward structure where they know exactly when they’ll earn the higher cashback rate.

How to Apply for the Card

Visit the Official Citi Website: Begin by navigating to the official Citi website. Look for the section dedicated to the Citi Custom Cash Credit Card, where you can find comprehensive details about its features, benefits, and eligibility criteria.

Complete the Online Application Form: Fill out the online application with your accurate personal and financial details. Ensure that all information is up-to-date, as inaccuracies may delay the analysis process.

Submit Required Documentation: Depending on your financial situation, you may be asked to provide additional documentation, such as proof of income, identification, or residency. Having these documents prepared in advance can help expedite the review.

Review the Terms and Conditions: Carefully read through the terms and conditions associated with the card. It is essential to understand details such as interest rates, fees, and the specific mechanics of the dynamic cashback rewards.

Submit Your Application: After verifying that all necessary fields are complete, submit your application. You will receive an email confirmation along with details about the next steps and an estimated timeframe for the analysis.

Fees and Costs

Here are the key fees and costs associated with the Citi Custom Cash® Card:

Annual Fee: $0

Balance Transfer Fee: 5% of each balance transfer or $5, whichever is greater.

Cash Advance Fee: 5% of each cash advance or $10, whichever is greater.

Late Payment Fee: Up to $40.

Returned Payment Fee: Up to $40.

Foreign Transaction Fee: $0.

APR (After Introductory Period):

  • Purchase APR: 16.24% to 26.24% (Variable)
  • Balance Transfer APR: 16.24% to 26.24% (Variable)
  • Cash Advance APR: 26.24% (Variable)

Frequently Asked Questions 

What categories earn 5% cash back on the Citi Custom Cash® Card?

The card earns 5% cash back on your top eligible spending category, which can include categories like restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, select travel, and select streaming services.

How much can I earn in 5% cash back each month?

You can earn 5% cash back on up to $500 spent in your top spending category each billing cycle. After that, you earn 1% on additional purchases in that category.

Is there a sign-up bonus for the Citi Custom Cash® Card?

Yes, you can earn a $200 cash back bonus after you spend $1,500 in the first 6 months from account opening.

How do I redeem my cash back?

You can redeem your cash back as a statement credit, direct deposit, or for gift cards. Redemptions require a minimum of $25.

Is there a foreign transaction fee for the Citi Custom Cash® Card?

No, the Citi Custom Cash® Card has no foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for international travel.


The Citi Custom Cash® Card is an excellent choice for people who want to earn 5% cash back on their top eligible spending category each month, without the complexity of rotating categories.

The card’s no annual fee, introductory 0% APR, and sign-up bonus make it a highly attractive option for individuals looking to maximize their rewards without incurring extra costs.

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