Citi Custom Cash® Card

Quick Snapshot

• Annual Fee: $0
• APR: 0% intro for 15 months, then 18.24%-28.24% variable
• Rewards: 5% cash back on top spending category (up to $500/month), 1% on all else
• Bonus: $200 cash back after $1,500 spend in 6 months
• Best For: Automatic category optimization, flexible spending patterns
• Credit Needed: Good to Excellent (670+)

Overview

The Citi Custom Cash® Card is an innovative no annual fee cash back credit card that automatically rewards you with 5% cash back in your top eligible spending category each billing cycle - up to $500 in purchases. No activation required, no category selection needed. The card does the work for you, making it perfect for those who want maximum rewards without the hassle.

This card stands out in the crowded cash back market by eliminating the manual work of category tracking and activation. Whether you're spending on restaurants this month or gas stations next month, the card automatically identifies your highest spending category and applies 5% cash back. Combined with a 15-month 0% intro APR on both purchases and balance transfers, this is one of the most versatile no annual fee cards available.

APR Breakdown

• Purchase APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening, then 18.24%-28.24% variable
• Balance Transfer APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on balance transfers, then 18.24%-28.24% variable
• Cash Advance APR: 29.49% variable
• Penalty APR: None

Note: Strong 15-month 0% intro APR on both purchases and balance transfers provides excellent flexibility for large purchases or debt consolidation.

Benefits Overview

Travel Benefits

• Trip Cancellation & Interruption Protection: Coverage for prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses
• 5% cash back on select travel categories (if it's your top spending category)
• Select Transit: Eligible for 5% when it's your top category

Everyday Benefits

• Purchase Protection: Coverage for eligible new purchases against damage or theft for 120 days
• Extended Warranty Protection: Extends eligible manufacturer warranties by an additional year
• Identity Theft Solutions: Assistance if you become a victim of identity theft
• 24/7 fraud monitoring with zero liability protection
• Automatic category optimization: No activation or tracking required

Lifestyle Benefits

• Citi Entertainment: Access to presale tickets and exclusive experiences for concerts, sporting events, and more
• Select streaming services: Eligible for 5% when it's your top spending category
• Fitness clubs: Eligible for 5% when it's your top spending category
• Live entertainment: Eligible for 5% when it's your top spending category
• Points pooling with other Citi ThankYou cards for maximum flexibility

Rewards & Cash Back

• 5% cash back on up to $500 in purchases in your top eligible spending category each billing cycle (automatically selected)
• 1% cash back after the $500 monthly cap and on all other purchases
• Eligible 5% categories include:
  • Restaurants (including takeout and delivery)
  • Gas stations
  • Grocery stores
  • Select travel
  • Select transit
  • Select streaming services
  • Drugstores
  • Home improvement stores
  • Fitness clubs
  • Live entertainment
• No activation required - the card automatically tracks and applies 5% to your highest spending category
• Cash back is earned as ThankYou Points and does not expire as long as your account is open
• Redemption options: Cash back, statement credit, direct deposit, gift cards, or pool with other Citi ThankYou cards

Maximum 5% Earning: Up to $25 cash back per month in your top category ($300 per year), plus 1% on all other spending.

Welcome Bonus

Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening.

This bonus is fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back or other redemption options. The $1,500 spending requirement is very achievable through everyday spending.

Fees Summary

• Annual Fee: $0
• Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%
• Balance Transfer Fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
• Cash Advance Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount, whichever is greater
• Late Payment Fee: Up to $40
• Returned Payment Fee: Up to $40

Who This Card Is Best For

Ideal For

• Flexible spenders whose top spending category changes monthly
• Category card simplifiers who want 5% rewards without manual activation
• Strategic card pairing enthusiasts who combine with other cards (like Citi Double Cash)
• Intro APR seekers needing 15 months for purchases or balance transfers
• Everyday shoppers who spend heavily in one category each month
• Citi ecosystem members who want to pool ThankYou Points across cards

Not Good For

• High spenders in one category who exceed $500/month (rewards drop to 1% after cap)
• International travelers (3% foreign transaction fee is a dealbreaker)
• Low spenders who won't maximize the $500 monthly cap
• Premium rewards seekers wanting travel benefits or lounge access
• Those wanting to choose categories manually (it's automatic only)

Key Pros & Cons

Pros

• No annual fee makes it accessible for long-term use
• Automatic 5% cash back - no need to track, activate, or choose categories
• Wide range of eligible 5% categories covers most common spending
• Extended 15-month 0% intro APR period on both purchases and balance transfers
• Flexible $500 monthly cap that resets each billing cycle
• Cash back earned as flexible ThankYou Points with multiple redemption options
• Can be paired with other Citi cards for comprehensive rewards strategy
• Strong purchase protections and travel insurance for a no annual fee card

Cons

• 5% cash back limited to $500 per month ($25 max per month in top category)
• After monthly cap, earn rate drops to 1% on all purchases
• Must spend in eligible categories to maximize value (not truly "unlimited")
• 3% foreign transaction fee limits international use
• Welcome bonus only available to new Citi cardholders
• Variable APR can be high (up to 28.24%) after intro period
• Cannot manually select which category earns 5% - it's automatic based on spending
• Lower maximum annual 5% earnings compared to some rotating category cards

Alternatives to Consider

How the Rewards Add Up

Example Annual Value

If you spend $18,000 per year with strategic category distribution:

Total First Year Value: $620
Ongoing Annual Value: $420

Optimization Strategy: Pair with Citi Double Cash for a powerful combo:

• Use Custom Cash for up to $500/month in your top category (5% = $300/year max)
• Use Double Cash for everything else (2% = unlimited earning)

This combination gives you 5% on your highest spending category and 2% on everything else, with no annual fees.

Should You Get This Card?

You Should Get It If…

• Your top spending category varies month-to-month (automatic optimization is perfect)
• You want 5% cash back without the hassle of activating rotating categories
• You spend $500+ per month in at least one eligible category
• You need a 0% intro APR for purchases or balance transfers (15 months is generous)
• You're building a Citi card strategy and want to pool ThankYou Points
• You value simplicity and automation over manual category management
• You want strong rewards without an annual fee

You Should Skip It If…

• You regularly spend more than $500/month in your top category (you'll hit the cap quickly)
• You travel internationally frequently (3% foreign fee is costly)
• You prefer to manually select your bonus categories each quarter
• You want truly unlimited high-rate cash back (the cap limits earning potential)
• You're looking for premium travel benefits or protections
• You already have a 5% category card and don't need another
• Your spending doesn't align with the eligible 5% categories

Apply Now

Apply for Citi Custom Cash® Card

Information accurate as of December 2025. Terms and conditions apply. Please visit the issuer's website for the most current information.