Unlock a world of rewards with the Citi Custom Cash Card! Tailored for savvy shoppers, this versatile credit card allows you to earn 5% cash back on your top eligible spending category each month, making it perfect for those who want to maximize their rewards effortlessly. Whether you’re dining, shopping, or fueling up, discover how the Citi Custom Cash can elevate your everyday expenses into rewarding experiences!
Citi Custom Cash Shopping Guide
The Citi Custom Cash® Card is a versatile cash-back credit card designed to adapt to your spending habits, making it an excellent choice for consumers looking to maximize their rewards without the hassle of rotating categories. This shopping guide will help you understand the card’s features, benefits, and how to effectively use it to enhance your everyday purchases.
Comparison Table: Citi Custom Cash Features
| Feature | Citi Custom Cash® Card |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| Cash Back Rate | 5% on top eligible category (up to $500/month) |
| Other Purchases Cash Back Rate | 1% |
| Special Travel Offer | 4% on travel booked via Citi Travel (until 6/30/2026) |
| Welcome Bonus | $200 after spending $1,500 in the first 6 months |
| Introductory APR | 0% for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers |
| Regular APR | 18.24% – 28.24% Variable |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 3% |
| Redemption Options | Statement credit, direct deposit, checks, gift cards |
| FICO Score Access | Yes, free monthly updates |
Everyday Usage of Citi Custom Cash
The Citi Custom Cash® Card is tailored for everyday spending, providing users with rewards on essential purchases. Here’s how you can maximize its benefits:
Eligible Spending Categories
Each billing cycle, the card automatically identifies your highest spending category from a predefined list, allowing you to earn 5% cash back on up to $500 spent in that category. These categories include:
- Grocery Stores
- Restaurants
- Gas Stations
- Streaming Services
- Drugstores
- Home Improvement Stores
- Fitness Clubs
- Select Travel
- Select Transit
- Live Entertainment
By using the card for regular expenses, you can quickly accumulate rewards without the need to activate or manage rotating categories manually.
Using the Card Effectively
- Maximize Your Top Category: Pay attention to which category you spend the most in, and focus your purchases there to take advantage of the 5% cash back.
- Combine with Other Cards: Pair the Citi Custom Cash® Card with a flat-rate cash back card like the Citi Double Cash® Card to maximize your overall cash back on all purchases.
- Utilize the Introductory APR: Take advantage of the 0% introductory APR for 15 months to make larger purchases without immediate interest, helping to manage your cash flow effectively.
Benefits of Citi Custom Cash
No Annual Fee
One of the most appealing aspects of the Citi Custom Cash® Card is that it comes with no annual fee, meaning every dollar you earn in rewards is pure profit.
Flexible Cash Back Structure
The card’s ability to automatically adjust your cash back category based on your spending habits means you don’t have to worry about keeping track of rotating categories. This flexibility is ideal for consumers whose spending patterns may change month-to-month.
Welcome Bonus
New cardholders can benefit from a generous welcome bonus of $200 after spending $1,500 in the first six months. This bonus is a great way to kickstart your cash back earnings.
Additional Travel Rewards
For those who enjoy traveling, the card offers an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through the Citi Travel portal until June 30, 2026. This can significantly boost your rewards if you frequently travel.
How to Choose the Right Features
When considering the Citi Custom Cash® Card, keep the following factors in mind:
- Spending Habits: Analyze your monthly expenses to identify which categories you spend the most on. This will help you understand how much cash back you could potentially earn.
- Usage Frequency: If you frequently make purchases in multiple eligible categories, the card’s automatic adjustment feature will benefit you greatly.
- Payment Strategy: If you plan to carry a balance, consider the variable APR after the introductory period, as it can be quite high. If you typically pay off your balance, the Citi Custom Cash® Card may be a great fit.
User Tips for Citi Custom Cash
- Track Your Spending: Use the Citi mobile app to monitor your spending and cash back earnings. This will help you stay on top of your financial goals.
- Set Up Alerts: Enable transaction alerts for real-time notifications on purchases, helping you detect unauthorized charges quickly.
- Redeem Wisely: Explore different redemption options for your ThankYou Points, such as using them for travel or gift cards, which may offer more value than cash back.
- Consider Payment Due Dates: You can choose your payment due date, allowing you to align it with your income schedule for better cash flow management.
Technical Features of Citi Custom Cash
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Card Type | Cash Back Credit Card |
| Cash Back Structure | 5% cash back on eligible category; 1% on others |
| Reward Points Value | 1 cent per point when redeemed for cash back |
| Introductory Balance Transfer Fee | 5% or $5 minimum |
| Cash Advance Fee | $10 or 5% of the amount, whichever is greater |
| Contactless Payment | Yes |
| Virtual Card Numbers | Available for online shopping |
Conclusion
The Citi Custom Cash® Card is an excellent option for consumers seeking a straightforward, no-annual-fee credit card that rewards everyday spending. With its flexible cash back structure and the ability to adapt to your spending habits, it simplifies the rewards process while providing significant benefits, especially for those who frequently spend in specific categories. By understanding how to utilize this card effectively, you can maximize your cash back and enjoy its various perks.
FAQ
What is the Citi Custom Cash® Card?
The Citi Custom Cash® Card is a cash-back credit card that automatically adjusts to your highest spending category each billing cycle, allowing you to earn 5% cash back on up to $500 spent in that category and 1% on all other purchases.
Is there an annual fee for the Citi Custom Cash® Card?
No, the Citi Custom Cash® Card has no annual fee, meaning you can earn rewards without any cost.
What are the eligible spending categories for cash back?
Eligible categories include grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, streaming services, drugstores, home improvement stores, fitness clubs, select travel, select transit, and live entertainment.
How does the welcome bonus work?
New cardholders can earn a $200 cash back bonus after spending $1,500 on purchases within the first six months of account opening.
Can I redeem my rewards for cash?
Yes, rewards can be redeemed for cash back via statement credit, direct deposit, or check. You can also redeem for gift cards or travel.
What is the introductory APR for the card?
The card offers a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months, after which a variable APR of 18.24% to 28.24% applies.
Are there any foreign transaction fees?
Yes, there is a 3% foreign transaction fee for purchases made outside the United States.
How can I track my spending and rewards?
You can use the Citi mobile app to monitor your spending, cash back earnings, and account activity in real-time.
What happens if I don’t spend in my top category?
If you do not spend in your top category, you will earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Can I combine my rewards with other Citi cards?
Yes, you can combine your ThankYou Points with other Citi cards that earn ThankYou Points for potentially greater rewards, especially for travel redemptions.
