Unlock the potential of your spending with our comprehensive guide to Citi Custom Cash categories! Tailored for savvy shoppers, this guide will help you maximize rewards on everyday purchases. Whether you’re dining out, shopping for groceries, or fueling up, understanding these customizable cash back categories can significantly enhance your savings. Dive in to discover how to make the most of your Citi Custom Cash Card and elevate your shopping experience!
Comprehensive Guide to Citi Custom Cash Categories
The Citi Custom Cash® Card is a unique cash-back credit card that offers a flexible rewards structure, allowing cardholders to earn up to 5% cash back on their top spending category each billing cycle. This shopping guide will help you understand how to maximize the benefits of the Citi Custom Cash Card, covering its everyday usage, benefits, tips for choosing the right categories, and practical advice for making the most of this card.
Comparison Table of Citi Custom Cash Categories
| Category Type | Description | Bonus Cash Back Rate | Monthly Cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grocery Stores | Includes supermarkets and grocery retailers | 5% | Up to $500 |
| Restaurants | Dining at restaurants, cafes, and food delivery services | 5% | Up to $500 |
| Gas Stations | Fuel purchases at gas stations | 5% | Up to $500 |
| Select Travel | Travel-related expenses (not airfare) | 5% | Up to $500 |
| Select Transit | Public transportation, rideshares, and taxis | 5% | Up to $500 |
| Streaming Services | Subscriptions to streaming platforms | 5% | Up to $500 |
| Drugstores | Purchases at pharmacies and drugstores | 5% | Up to $500 |
| Home Improvement Stores | Purchases at hardware and home improvement retailers | 5% | Up to $500 |
| Fitness Clubs | Memberships and purchases at gyms and fitness centers | 5% | Up to $500 |
| Live Entertainment | Tickets for concerts, sporting events, and theater productions | 5% | Up to $500 |
Everyday Usage of the Citi Custom Cash Card
The Citi Custom Cash Card is designed for everyday spending, making it an excellent companion for anyone looking to earn cash back without the hassle of activating bonus categories. Here’s how to effectively use the card in your daily life:
- Identify Your Spending Habits: Take note of where you spend the most each month. The card will automatically adjust to give you 5% cash back in the category where you spend the most, ensuring you earn the highest rewards possible.
- Use for Major Expenses: If you have upcoming expenses in one of the eligible categories, plan to make those purchases during the billing cycle. For instance, if you know you’ll spend heavily on groceries or gas, use the card to max out your rewards.
- Pair with Other Cards: Consider pairing the Citi Custom Cash Card with a flat-rate cash back card, like the Citi Double Cash Card, for spending in non-bonus categories to ensure you earn the most rewards overall.
Benefits of the Citi Custom Cash Card
The Citi Custom Cash Card offers several benefits that make it a compelling choice for consumers looking for a cash-back credit card:
- No Annual Fee: There’s no cost to hold the card, allowing you to earn rewards without worrying about fees.
- Flexible Cash Back: You earn 5% cash back on your highest spending category, which changes monthly based on your spending habits. This flexibility ensures that you can maximize rewards regardless of how your spending patterns shift.
- Welcome Bonus: New cardholders can earn a substantial welcome bonus of $200 in cash back (20,000 ThankYou Points) after spending $1,500 in the first six months, providing an excellent incentive to start using the card.
- 0% Introductory APR: The card offers a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months, which is beneficial for managing larger expenses or consolidating debt.
- Additional Cash Back Offers: Through June 30, 2026, cardholders can earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through the Citi Travel portal.
How to Choose the Right Categories
Choosing the right categories is crucial to maximizing your rewards with the Citi Custom Cash Card. Here are some tips to help you make the best choices:
- Analyze Your Spending: Look at your past spending habits to identify which categories you consistently spend the most on. This will help you select the category that will yield the most rewards.
- Consider Upcoming Expenses: If you anticipate large purchases in a particular category, consider using the card for those purchases within the billing cycle to maximize your cash back.
- Rotate Categories: Since the card automatically adjusts to your highest spending category, you don’t need to worry about selecting or activating categories each month. Just focus on using the card where it makes sense for you.
User Tips for Maximizing Benefits
To get the most out of your Citi Custom Cash Card, consider the following practical tips:
- Track Spending: Keep an eye on your spending in each category to ensure you’re maximizing the 5% cash back. If you reach the $500 cap, switch to another card for further purchases in that category.
- Utilize the Intro APR: Take advantage of the 0% intro APR period for larger purchases or balance transfers to manage your finances effectively without incurring interest.
- Leverage the Welcome Bonus: Plan your spending to meet the $1,500 requirement for the welcome bonus within the first six months. This can significantly boost your cash back earnings.
- Use for Gift Cards: If you find you’re close to the cap in a specific category, consider purchasing gift cards from retailers in that category to reach the limit.
- Consider Authorized Users: Adding an authorized user can help you reach the spending cap faster, as their purchases will also count toward your cash back in the designated category.
Technical Features of the Citi Custom Cash Card
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| Cash Back Rate | 5% on top category (up to $500), 1% on all other purchases |
| Welcome Bonus | $200 cash back after $1,500 spent in first 6 months |
| Intro APR | 0% for first 15 months on purchases and balance transfers |
| Standard APR | 18.24% – 28.24% Variable |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 3% |
| Credit Score Requirement | Fair to Excellent (580-850) |
Related Video
Conclusion
The Citi Custom Cash Card is a versatile option for anyone looking to earn cash back on everyday purchases without the hassle of managing rotating categories. Its unique ability to adapt to your spending habits, coupled with no annual fee and a generous welcome bonus, makes it an excellent addition to your wallet. By understanding how to effectively use the card and choosing the right categories, you can maximize your rewards and enjoy significant cash back on your everyday expenses.
FAQ
What is the Citi Custom Cash Card?
The Citi Custom Cash Card is a cash-back credit card that offers 5% cash back on your highest spending category each month, up to $500, with no annual fee.
How do I earn cash back with the Citi Custom Cash Card?
You earn 5% cash back on your top eligible spending category up to $500 each billing cycle and 1% on all other purchases.
What categories qualify for the 5% cash back?
Eligible categories include grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, select travel, select transit, streaming services, drugstores, home improvement stores, fitness clubs, and live entertainment.
Is there an annual fee for the Citi Custom Cash Card?
No, the Citi Custom Cash Card has no annual fee.
What is the welcome bonus for new cardholders?
New cardholders can earn $200 in cash back after spending $1,500 within the first six months of account opening.
How does the introductory APR work?
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% – 28.24% applies.
Can I use the Citi Custom Cash Card for international purchases?
Yes, but there is a foreign transaction fee of 3% on purchases made outside the U.S.
What happens if I reach the $500 cap on my top category?
Once you reach the $500 cap, any additional purchases in that category will earn 1% cash back.
Can I combine rewards from the Citi Custom Cash Card with other Citi cards?
Yes, if you have other Citi cards that earn ThankYou Points, you can pool your rewards for potentially higher redemption value.
How can I maximize my cash back with the Citi Custom Cash Card?
Track your spending, use the card for major purchases in your top category, and consider pairing it with another cash-back card for non-bonus category spending.
