The Citi Custom Cash® Card is a cashback credit card designed to offer flexibility and value for consumers who want to earn cash rewards based on their spending habits.
Unlike traditional cashback cards that offer a fixed rateon all purchases, the Citi Custom Cash® Card offers a unique feature: it gives 5% cashback on the category where you spend the most each month (up to $500).
This makes it a great choice for individuals who have dynamic spending patterns and want to maximize their cashback potential.
Additionally, the card comes with a $200 cash bonus if you spend $750 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
About Citi
Citigroup Inc., commonly known as Citi, is a leading global financial services corporation.
Established in 1812, Citihas a long history of providing a wide range of financial products and services to individuals, businesses, governments, and institutions.
Citi operates in over 160 countries and offers products in banking, lending, investment, and wealth management.
Known for its customer-focused approach, Citi has continuously developed innovative financial products, including credit cards like the Citi Custom Cash® Card, which cater to a variety of needs.
Who is this card for?
The Citi Custom Cash® Card is ideal for:
- Consumers with changing spending habits: The flexible 5% cashback category makes it great for people who don’t have a fixed monthly spending pattern. Whether you spend most of your money on groceries, dining, or entertainment, this card allows you to earn high rewards where it matters most.
- People looking for straightforward cashback rewards: If you prefer a simple and easy-to-understand rewards system, the Citi Custom Cash® Card is perfect. There’s no need to worry about complex point systems or rotating categories.
- Individuals looking to earn a bonus: The $200 cash bonus for meeting the spending threshold is an enticing offer for those who want to earn rewards quickly and easily.
- Frequent spenders: For those who make regular purchases in a specific category, this card offers 5% cashback (on the first $500 spent in each billing cycle), providing great value for ongoing spending.
Card Advantages
The Citi Custom Cash® Card offers several key advantages:
- 5% Cashback on Top Spending Category: Earn 5% cashback on your top eligible spend category (on the first $500 spent each billing cycle), such as restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations, travel, or streaming services. After $500, you’ll earn 1% cashback on these purchases.
- Cash Bonus: Get a $200 cash bonus if you spend $750 in the first 3 months from account opening. This is an excellent perk for new cardholders who want to earn a substantial bonus quickly.
- 1% Unlimited Cashback: You’ll earn 1% cashback on all other purchases, making the card ideal for both high and low-frequency spenders.
- No Annual Fee: The Citi Custom Cash® Card comes with no annual fee, making it a low-cost option for those who want to earn cashback without paying extra fees.
- 0% Intro APR: For new cardholders, the Citi Custom Cash® Card offers 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months. This can be a great way to save money on interest during the first year of use.
- Access to Citi Entertainment®: Cardholders get access to Citi Entertainment®, which provides exclusive presale tickets and special access to popular events like concerts, sports events, dining experiences, and more.
- Apple Pay and Google Pay Compatibility: The card is compatible with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other mobile payment solutions, allowing for contactless payments for added convenience and security.
- Fraud Protection: Citi offers zero liability protection for unauthorized transactions, ensuring that you are not held responsible for fraud or theft on your account.
- Flexible Cash Redemption: The card allows for easy cashback redemption. You can choose to apply your cashback as a statement credit, check, or deposit into your eligible Citi account.
Additional Benefits
- Mobile App and Online Banking: With the Citi mobile app and online banking, you can easily manage your account, track rewards, set up alerts, and make payments, making it easier to stay on top of your finances.
- Customer Support: Citi provides 24/7 customer service to assist you with any account-related inquiries or concerns.
- Security Features: The card comes with chip technology for enhanced security, and you can also set up account alerts to monitor your spending and keep track of unusual transactions.
- Global Acceptance: The Citi Custom Cash® Card is accepted worldwide, making it a convenient option for both domestic and international purchases.
Fees and charges
APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers; then 18.24%–28.24% variable APR. Transfers must be done within 4 months;
Balance Transfer Fee: $5 or 5% per transfer.
Expert review
The Citi Custom Cash® Card is a versatile option for those who want automatic 5% cash back on their top eligible spending category each billing cycle (up to $500).
This feature makes it a great choice for maximizing rewards without tracking bonus categories.
With no annual fee and a solid welcome bonus, it’s attractive for everyday use.
However, rewards are capped at $500 per month, and foreign transaction fees make it less ideal for international spending.
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+Positive points
- 5% cash back: Earn 5% cash back on your top eligible spending category each billing cycle (up to $500).
- Automatic category selection: No need to track or activate rotating bonus categories.
- No annual fee: Enjoy all the benefits with a $0 annual fee.
- Welcome bonus: Earn a $200 cash back bonus after spending $1,500 in the first 3 months.
- 0% intro APR: Get 15 months of 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers.
- Negative points
- Rewards cap: The 5% cash back applies only to the first $500 per month, then drops to 1%.
- Foreign transaction fee: Charges a 3% fee on international purchases.
- Limited 5% categories: Only specific spending categories qualify for the highest rewards.
