Citi Custom Cash® Card review: Low-Maintenance, High Rewards

The Citi Custom Cash® Card is designed for those who seek convenience and high rewards with minimal effort. Here’s why it stands out:

What Makes the Citi Custom Cash® Card Special?

A Tailored Rewards System
The Citi Custom Cash® Card distinguishes itself with its unique rewards structure. Each billing cycle, the card automatically adjusts to provide 5% cash back on your highest spending category, up to $500. This means you don’t need to remember to activate rotating categories – the card does the work for you!

No Annual Fee
Unlike many high-reward credit cards, the Citi Custom Cash® Card charges no annual fee. This is a significant perk, ensuring that all the rewards you earn directly benefit you without any yearly cost.

Key Features of the Citi Custom Cash® Card

1. Rewards Rate

5% Cash Back: Earn 5% cash back on up to $500 spent in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle.
1% Cash Back: Receive 1% cash back on all other purchases, and on spending beyond the $500 cap in your top category.

2. Welcome Bonus

$200 Cash Back: New cardholders can earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases within the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus is provided as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.

3. Introductory APR Offer

0% Intro APR: Enjoy a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months. After this period, a variable APR of 19.24%-29.24% will apply, based on your creditworthiness.

4. Additional Travel Rewards

Special Offer: Until June 30, 2025, earn an extra 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through the Citi Travel℠ portal. This offer enhances the card’s value for travelers looking to maximize their rewards.

Citi Custom Cash® Card: Detailed Review

Pros and Cons

Pros:

No Annual Fee: Keep all your earnings without the burden of an annual fee.
Automatic Category Adjustment: The card’s ability to automatically adjust to your highest spending category each billing cycle ensures maximum rewards with minimal effort.
Intro APR Period: The 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers provides financial flexibility.

Cons:

Low Bonus Cap: The 5% cash back is limited to $500 per billing cycle, which may be restrictive for high spenders.
Limited High Rewards Categories: If your spending habits are diverse, earning high rewards on only one category per billing cycle could be a limitation.

Maximizing Rewards with the Citi Custom Cash® Card

Understanding Bonus Categories
The Citi Custom Cash® Card offers 5% cash back on the following categories:

Grocery stores
Restaurants
Gas stations
Streaming services
Drugstores
Home improvement stores
Fitness clubs
Select travel and transit
Live entertainment

This diverse range of categories means that no matter your lifestyle, you can benefit from elevated rewards in a way that suits your spending patterns.

How the Rewards System Works
In each billing cycle, the card automatically selects your highest spending category and applies the 5% cash back rate up to $500. All other purchases in that category, as well as all spending in other categories, earn 1% cash back. This automated system means you never have to manually select or activate categories, making it a low-maintenance option.

Comparing to Other Cash Back Cards

Chase Freedom Flex℠ vs. Citi Custom Cash® Card

Chase Freedom Flex℠: Requires activation of quarterly rotating categories, which might not always align with your spending habits.
Citi Custom Cash® Card: Offers automated adjustments to your top spending category, ensuring that you always maximize your rewards without additional effort.

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card vs. Citi Custom Cash® Card

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card: Allows you to choose your 5% categories but requires quarterly activation. Offers higher spending caps in selected categories.
Citi Custom Cash® Card: Automatically adjusts the bonus category, making it simpler for those who prefer a hands-off approach.

Who Should Consider the Citi Custom Cash® Card?

Ideal for:

Low-Maintenance Maximizers: If you want high rewards without the hassle of managing bonus categories, this card is perfect.
Moderate Spenders: The $500 cap on 5% cash back is suitable for those with moderate monthly expenses.
Travel Enthusiasts: The additional travel rewards offer makes it attractive for those who frequently book hotels and car rentals.

Less Ideal for:

High Spenders: If your spending in a single category exceeds $500 per month regularly, you might find the cap restrictive.
Varied Spenders: Those with diverse monthly spending might benefit more from a card with multiple high-reward categories.

How to Make the Most of Your Citi Custom Cash® Card

1. Focus Your Spending
To maximize the 5% cash back, try to concentrate your spending in one of the eligible categories. For example, if you have high grocery expenses one month, focus on using the card for grocery shopping to maximize your rewards.

2. Utilize the Intro APR Offer
The 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months can be a great way to finance large purchases or consolidate debt. Plan your spending to take full advantage of this period.

3. Book Travel Through Citi’s Portal
Until June 30, 2025, use the Citi Travel℠ portal to book hotels, car rentals, and attractions. This will earn you an additional 4% cash back, significantly boosting your rewards.

4. Pair with Other Citi Cards
Consider pairing the Citi Custom Cash® Card with the Citi Double Cash® Card. This combination allows you to earn 5% cash back in your top category and 2% on all other purchases, maximizing your overall rewards.

The Citi Custom Cash® Card is a standout option for those seeking a low-maintenance, high-reward credit card. Its automatic adjustment of bonus categories, lack of an annual fee, and generous introductory offers make it an attractive choice for moderate spenders and those who value simplicity.

If you’re looking for a credit card that adapts to your spending habits and offers substantial cash back without the hassle of managing rotating categories, the Citi Custom Cash® Card could be your perfect match.

Remember, as with any financial product, it’s essential to consider your spending habits and financial goals. The Citi Custom Cash® Card offers significant benefits, but it’s crucial to use it wisely to maximize its value. Happy spending!