Citi Custom Cash℠ Review: A Flexible Cashback Card for Everyday Spending

ByThiago SF

The Citi Custom Cash℠ is a versatile cashback credit card designed for consumers who want automatic rewards without managing rotating categories or activating bonuses.

Its structure adapts to your spending habits, making it ideal for people whose top spending category changes month to month.

This card primarily targets cashback seekers, budget-conscious consumers, and individuals who prefer a simple, optimized rewards system.

It is not built for travel miles, luxury perks, or premium cardholders. Instead, it focuses on maximizing everyday value through an easy and automated cashback model.

Main Benefits and Rewards

The Citi Custom Cash℠ offers a straightforward but attractive rewards program that adjusts to your spending patterns.

Rewards Structure

  • 5% cashback on your top eligible spending category each billing cycle, up to $500 in purchases.
  • 1% cashback on all other purchases.
  • Rewards are issued as Citi ThankYou® Points, where each point equals approximately one cent when redeemed for cash back.

Eligible 5% categories include:

  • Restaurants
  • Gas stations
  • Grocery stores
  • Select travel
  • Select streaming services
  • Drugstores
  • Home improvement stores
  • Fitness clubs
  • And more within the rotating eligible list

Welcome Bonus

New cardholders can typically earn:

  • $200 cash back after spending $1,500 within the first 6 months of account opening (offer may vary by issuer).

Additional Benefits

Although the Citi Custom Cash℠ is primarily a cashback card, it still provides:

  • Purchase protection
  • Extended warranty on eligible items
  • Access to Citi Entertainment® presale and exclusive event tickets
  • Contactless payment support
  • 24/7 fraud monitoring and zero liability protection

Competitive Advantage

Its biggest strength is automation. You don’t need to track categories or enroll in rotating bonuses.

The card detects your highest spending category each month and automatically applies the 5% reward. This feature sets it apart in the U.S. cashback market.

Annual Fee and Overall Costs

One of the biggest advantages of the Citi Custom Cash℠ is its affordability.

  • Annual Fee: $0
  • First-year fee: Not applicable, as it has no annual fee at all

Because it’s a no-annual-fee card, it remains valuable even if you use it as a secondary or backup card.

When the Fee Is Worth It

Since the card has no annual fee, any rewards you earn are pure profit. It is especially cost-effective for:

  • Dining
  • Gas
  • Groceries
  • Small recurring expenses that rotate month to month

Other Costs

Other potential charges include:

  • Balance transfer fees
  • Interest charges if you carry a balance
  • Foreign transaction fees

Rates and Fees

Understanding the cost structure is essential for responsible use.

  • Regular Purchase APR: Typically ranges between 19%–29% variable, depending on creditworthiness.
  • Penalty APR: May apply if payments are late.
  • Balance Transfer Fee: Usually 3%–5% of each transfer.
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: Around 3%, making it less ideal for international travel.
  • Interest Charges: Best avoided by paying the balance in full each month.

The Citi Custom Cash℠ is not the best option for international use due to foreign transaction fees, but it shines in domestic spending.

Approval Requirements

The Citi Custom Cash℠ generally requires:

  • Credit Score: Good to excellent (typically 690+)
  • Income: Reasonable, stable income for repayment ability
  • Credit History: Clean history with low delinquencies
  • Approval Difficulty: Moderate—easier than premium cards but harder than beginner cards

Pros and Cons of the Citi Custom Cash℠

Pros

  • 5% cashback on top spending category
  • No annual fee
  • Automatic category selection
  • Strong welcome bonus
  • Citi ThankYou® Points flexibility

Cons

  • 5% cap limited to $500 per billing cycle
  • 3% foreign transaction fee
  • Not suited for heavy travelers
  • Rewards categories may not fit every lifestyle
  • Requires good credit for approval

Who Should Apply for the Citi Custom Cash℠?

This card is ideal for:

  • Cashback seekers who want automatic monthly optimization
  • Young professionals whose expenses vary month to month
  • Students or beginners with good credit who want a safe, no-fee card
  • Budget-conscious consumers who want simplicity and value

Best use cases include:

  • Switching top categories naturally (e.g., travel one month, groceries the next)
  • Pairing with another Citi rewards card for point maximization

Competitor Comparison

Citi Custom Cash℠ vs. Chase Freedom Flex℠

  • Custom Cash℠: Automatic 5% on top category
  • Freedom Flex℠: Rotating 5% categories requiring activation
    Choose Custom Cash℠ if you want simplicity; choose Freedom Flex℠ if you prefer seasonal bonus categories.

Citi Custom Cash℠ vs. Discover it® Cash Back

  • Discover it®: 5% rotating categories quarterly
  • Custom Cash℠: Monthly top category without activation
    Choose Custom Cash℠ if your spending varies monthly; choose Discover it® for quarterly bonus structures.

Final Thoughts on the Citi Custom Cash℠

The Citi Custom Cash℠ is one of the most flexible and consumer-friendly cashback cards in the U.S. Its automatic 5% category selection eliminates guesswork and delivers consistent value.

It is especially beneficial for everyday spenders, younger cardholders, and anyone who wants strong rewards without paying an annual fee.

If you want a simple, no-hassle cashback card, the Citi Custom Cash℠ is an excellent choice.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with banks, card issuers, or financial institutions. All fees, rates, and benefit details may change at any time.

Always check the official website of the card issuer for the most accurate and updated information before applying.

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