Citi Custom Cash Credit Card Review
Key Takeaways
This is one of three no-fee Citi cards that we will never recommend to anyone whose priority is collecting points and miles for travel. While this card offers cash back that could be used for travel expenses, there are better options available that would provide more value for travelers. Given that you can only open five new personal credit cards in a 24-month period, using one of those opportunities on this card doesn't make strategic sense for travel rewards enthusiasts.
Why This Card Could Be Right For You
The Citi Custom Cash card offers a straightforward way to earn cash back with minimal effort. Here's what makes this card appealing:
- $200 sign-up bonus after spending $1,500 in the first 6 months, comparable to other no-annual-fee cash back cards
- Automatic 5% cash back on your highest eligible spending category each billing cycle (up to $500), potentially earning you an extra $25 monthly
- No manual category selection required - the card automatically calculates your top spending category
- 1% cash back on all other purchases outside your top category
- 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through the Citi Travel portal
What sets this card apart is its "set it and forget it" approach to rewards. Unlike other cards that require you to activate or select bonus categories quarterly, the Citi Custom Cash automatically identifies where you spend the most and rewards you accordingly. This works particularly well for consumers with consistent spending patterns, such as those who regularly use the card for groceries, dining, gas stations, or other eligible categories.
Redemption options are also flexible. Cardholders can redeem their points for:
- Statement credits
- Direct deposits to a bank account
- Cash
- Gift cards
- Travel bookings
- Shopping with points on Amazon
For those who also hold a Citi Strata Premier or Prestige card, there's added value in the ability to transfer points to those cards and ultimately to airline or hotel partners, enhancing the overall flexibility of your rewards strategy.
When The Usual Advice Doesn't Apply
This card might not be right for you if:
- You're seeking a higher sign-up bonus and more benefits beyond spending multipliers
- You want to easily use points for free travel, which this card doesn't maximize
What to Know About Citi ThankYou Points
Citi points have limited utility; we don’t collect them without a clear use in mind
- If you need to take a break from Chase, already have the top Cap One cards, and Amex isn’t offering elevated SUBs, only then should you consider a Citi card
- Only the Strata Premier card is worth the trouble as it’s the only Citi card with transferable miles and a 60-80k point SUB
- Points are flexible with a breadth of airline partners, some exclusive to Citi (like Avianca, Cathay Pacific, Turkish, and Singapore, amongst others)
How The Citi Custom Cash Credit Card Fits In The Citi ThankYou Points Ecosystem
The Citi credit card lineup offers different options based on your rewards preferences and willingness to pay an annual fee. Understanding how the Custom Cash fits among these options helps you make a strategic choice:
- Citi Strata Premier ($95 annual fee) - The only Citi card we recommend for serious travel rewards collectors. This card offers:
- Higher welcome offer (60,000 points after $4,000 spending in 3 months)
- Ability to transfer ThankYou points to airline and hotel partners
- Additional perks that may justify the annual fee
- Citi Double Cash (no annual fee) - Offers:
- Same sign-up bonus as the Custom Cash ($200)
- Flat 2% points on all purchases with no spending limits
- 5% back on travel booked through the Citi portal
- Redemption options including statement credits, direct deposits, and checks
The Custom Cash card occupies a middle position - it offers better rewards than many basic cards through its 5% category bonus, but lacks the premium travel benefits of the Strata Premier. For everyday non-travel spenders who want to maximize returns in their top spending category, it provides value without an annual fee commitment.
However, if your goal is to accumulate travel rewards, the Strata Premier remains the superior choice despite its annual fee, as the transfer partner capability dramatically increases the potential value of your ThankYou points.
Card Information
| Bonus Points | Minimum Spend | Point Value | Annual Value | Annual Fee |
1st Year Value
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20,000 | $1,500 | 1.2 ¢ | $0 | $0 |
$258
|
Spend Categories
1X points
1.2¢ Per Dollar Spent
5X points
6¢ Per Dollar Spent
5X points
6¢ Per Dollar Spent
5X points
6¢ Per Dollar Spent
4X points
4.8¢ Per Dollar Spent
5X points
6¢ Per Dollar Spent
4X points
4.8¢ Per Dollar Spent
5X points
6¢ Per Dollar Spent
5X points
6¢ Per Dollar Spent
Point Transfer Options
Transfer To Spouse/Partner Yes
Transfer To Friends Yes
Travel Partner Transfers
Citi ThankYou Points Outside Point System
Transfers Out To
1:1 117% value retained
1:1.12 112% value retained
1:1 100% value retained
1:1 100% value retained
1:0.8 80% value retained
1:1 100% value retained
1:1 100% value retained
1:1 108% value retained
1:1 100% value retained
1:1 117% value retained
1:0.8 67% value retained
Citi Custom Cash Application Rules
Card approval not subject to 5-personal-cards-in-24-months rule
You'll be declined if you apply for a second Citi business card within 95 days
You'll be declined if you apply for a third Citi card within 65 days
You'll be declined if you apply for a second Citi card (business and/or personal) within 8 days
You'll be declined if there are 6 or more hard inquiries on your credit report the past 6 months
