The Citi Custom Cash℠ Card is as unique as it is popular. The cash back credit card from Citi offers 5% cash back on purchases in a top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 in spending each month, and 1% cash back on all other purchases. But how does the Custom Cash stack up against the competition? Here is everything you need about the Citi Custom Cash Card vs. its biggest rivals:
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Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
- 18.99% – 28.99% (Variable) Regular Purchase APR
- 18.99% – 28.99% (Variable) Balance Transfer APR
- 29.99% (Variable) Cash Advance APR
- 0% for 15 months on Purchases Intro Purchase APR
At a Glance
The Citi Custom Cash? Card is a generous cash back credit card that offers up to 5% back on eligible purchases. The card, from Citi, does not charge an annual fee and rewards 5% back on the top spending category each month, with options including transit, travel, gas, groceries, dining, and more.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
- 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.99% – 28.99%, based on your creditworthiness.
- Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- No rotating bonus categories to sign up for – as your spending changes each billing cycle, your earn adjusts automatically when you spend in any of the eligible categories.
- No Annual Fee
- Citi will only issue one Citi Custom Cash℠ Card account per person.
- Intro Purchase APR: 0% for 15 months on Purchases
- Regular Purchase APR: 18.99% – 28.99% (Variable)
- Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 15 months on Balance Transfers
- Balance Transfer APR: 18.99% – 28.99% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
- Cash Advance APR: 29.99% (Variable)
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: 5% of each cash advance; $10 minimum
- Penalty APR: Up to 29.99% (Variable)
- Annual Fee: $0
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
- You want to earn 5% back but do’t want quarterly categories
- You plan on spending $1,500 within the first 90 days
- You have a large purchase in mind that you want to pay down over time
- You plan on transferring an existing balance within the first four months
- You don’t want to pay an annual fee
Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
The Citi Custom Cash℠ Card is one of the most popular cash back credit cards available today. It offers enhanced earning of 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, and 1% cash back thereafter. Plus, you’ll earn 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically.
Additionally, the Custom Cash Card comes with a lengthy 0% intro APR period on purchases and balance transfers (BTs), an easily attainable cash back welcome bonus, and no annual fee.
Here are the 5% back categories in which Custom Cash cardmembers can earn 5% back on the first $500 spent every billing period:
| Dining | Fitness clubs | Grocery stores |
| Drugstores | Gas stations | Home improvement stores |
| Travel & transit (select) | Live entertainment | Streaming service (select) |
And here is a quick breakdown of all the other current offers with the Custom Cash Card:
- No annual fee
- 0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. After that, the APR will be variable and based on your creditworthiness.
- Earn $200 cash back after you spend $750 on purchases in the first three months of account opening
How Does the Citi Custom Cash Compare to Other Cash Back Cards?
Are you thinking about applying for the Citi Custom Cash Card? While the card is an exceptional value, here is how it compares to many of the leading competitors on the cash back card market:
Chase Freedom Flex
Chase Freedom Flex
Chase Freedom Flex
- 20.49% to 29.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 20.49% to 29.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
- 0% for 15 months from account opening date Intro Purchase APR
At a Glance
The Chase Freedom Flex is a hybrid cash back credit card that offers something for everyone. The card earns 3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases, plus up to 5% back on rotating categories each quarter after activation – all for no annual fee.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn 5% on up to $1,500 on combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate
- Earn 5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- Earn 3% on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services
- Earn 3% on drugstore purchases
- Earn 1% on all other purchases
- 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.24%-27.99%
- No annual fee – You wo’t have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex℠ card
- Intro Purchase APR: 0% for 15 months from account opening date
- Regular Purchase APR: 20.49% to 29.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 15 months from account opening date
- Balance Transfer APR: 20.49% to 29.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Intro fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, on transfers made within 60 days of account opening. After that: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
- Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Penalty APR: Up to 29.99%
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- You want a versatile cash back credit card that earns rewards across various categories
- You don’t mind the lower cash back rates for dining and drugstore purchases over previous Chase cards
- You prefer to book travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- You don’t want to pay an annual fee for premium Mastercard features
Chase Freedom Flex
The Chase Freedom Flex is one of the most popular 5% back credit cards, thanks to its quarterly rotating cash back categories. These categories offer lucrative savings on things like gas stations, home improvement, groceries, and more.
For example, the Freedom Flex 5% cash back categories for Q2 of 2022 are Amazon.com and streaming services. Freedom Flex cardmembers earn 5% back on the first $1,500 spent on eligible purchases per quarter, and 1% after that.
Chase not listing the upcoming quarterly categories at the beginning of the year is the biggest letdown with the Freedom Flex. Chase announces the new bonus categories several weeks before they activate, making it difficult to plan your spending ahead of time.
On the other hand, the Citi Custom Cash doesn’t rely on rotating categories. Instead, the card offers 5% back on your top spending category. Additionally, the 5% back categories are known, making it easier to plan purchases ahead of schedule with the Custom Cash.
Discover it® Cash Back
Discover it® Cash Back
Discover it® Cash Back
- 17.24% to 28.24% variable based on creditworthiness and Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 17.24% to 28.24% variable based on creditworthiness and Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
- 0% for 18 months from account opening Intro Purchase APR
At a Glance
The Discover It Cash Back Card is a cash back credit card that offers enhanced earning potential in a selection of rotating categories. Cardholders earn 5% back on purchases in categories that rotate each quarter, and 1% on all other purchases. The card also features 0% intro APR for the first 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, Discover’s 100% U.S.-based customer service, Discover’s bonus cash back match, and no annual fee or foreign transaction fees.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- 5% cash back in rotating categories each quarter, up to the quarterly maximum, when you activate
- Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically
- Discover matches all of the cash back earned by the cardholder at the end of the first year automatically; there is no limit to how much cash back is matched
- Cash back rewards never expire, earn unlimited cash back
- Use rewards at Amazon checkout
- No annual fee
- Intro Purchase APR: 0% for 18 months from account opening
- Regular Purchase APR: 17.24% to 28.24% variable based on creditworthiness and Prime Rate
- Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 18 months from date of first transfer
- Balance Transfer APR: 17.24% to 28.24% variable based on creditworthiness and Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: 3% of the amount of each transfer posted at the promotional rate. After that, 5% of the amount of each transfer
- Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: None the first time you pay late. After that, up to $41
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
- You want to earn 5% back on select category purchases each quarter, including restaurants, gas stations, select rideshares, and online shopping
- You don’t want to pay an annual fee or foreign transaction fees
- You want 100% U.S.-based customer service
- You don’t mind rotating categories changing every three months
Discover it Cash Back
The Discover It Cash Back is another 5% cash back card. Like the Freedom Flex (and the old Citi Dividend Card – no longer accepting new applicants), It cardholders earn 5% cash back on the first $1,500 in quarterly spending on rotating categories. For Q2 2022, Discover cardholders earn 5% back on Target and gas station purchases.
Unlike the Flex, Discover makes its entire cashback calendar available to cardholders in November, making it easier to plan potential spending for the next year. Discover keeps its calendar fairly consistent, making it a reliable card year after year.
Discover’s Cashback match is another highlight of Discover credit cards. The Cashback Match means Discover will automatically match all of your cash back for the first year. Earn $200 in cash back? Discover will automatically match that, giving your $400 back in year one.
This welcome offer is very competitive for new applicants. It can easily surpass the current welcome offer for the Custom Cash. Still, the Custom Cash might provide better value for those wanting a welcome bonus in the first three months – and not after the first year.
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
- 18.24% to 28.24% variable based on creditworthiness and Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 18.24% to 28.24% variable based on creditworthiness and Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 21.24% to 30.24% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
- 0% for 18 billing cycles from account opening date Intro Purchase APR
At a Glance
The Bank of America® Cash Rewards Credit Card boasts impressively flexible cash rewards on purchases in the category of your choice, on top of cash back for groceries and other everyday purchases. This card also offers an attractive introductory APR for purchases and balance transfers, making it a great all-around rewards card for those with dynamic purchase habits.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- 3% cash back on the category of your choice: gas, EV charging, phone, internet, and cable plans, select streaming, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement
- Earn automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases)
- 1% on all other purchases
- Introductory 0% APR for the first 15 billing cycles from the date you open your account
- Free FICO® Score reports updated monthly so you can monitor your credit score
- Intro Purchase APR: 0% for 18 billing cycles from account opening date
- Regular Purchase APR: 18.24% to 28.24% variable based on creditworthiness and Prime Rate
- Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 18 billing cycles on transfers made within 60 days from account opening date
- Balance Transfer APR: 18.24% to 28.24% variable based on creditworthiness and Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 3% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 21.24% to 30.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater.
- Penalty APR: Up to 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- You want the flexibility to choose your cash back category from month to month
- You’re looking for a generous rewards credit card with no annual fee
- You plan to take advantage of the long introductory APR period with a significant purchase or balance transfer
- You have a Bank of America checking or savings account and qualify for a Preferred Rewards membership
Bank of America Customized Cash
The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Card is another direct competitor – albeit offering rewards at a lower rate than the Custom Cash Card by Citi. Customized Cash cardholders earn 3% cash back on the first $3,500 in spending per quarter in their choice of the following categories: gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement.
This 3% back earing rate is well below the 5% back on the top category you’d get with the Custom Cash. Additionally, Citi offers automatic category adjustments versus the manual selection found with the U.S. Bank rewards credit card.
Where the U.S. Bank Cash+ has the upper hand on the Custom Cash is the addition of secondary bonus categories that earn enhanced rewards. Cardholders also earn 2% back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs and 1% cash back on all other purchases. In comparison, the Custom Cash only offers one accelerator cash back category.
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
- 19.74% to 29.74% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 19.74% to 29.74% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
- 0% for 15 months from account opening Intro Purchase APR
At a Glance
The U.S. Bank Cash + Visa Signature Card is an excellent cash back credit card that gives holders the power to decide how they earn their cash back. The card earns 5% back on two select categories you choose, 2% back on one “everyday” category a user selects, and 1% back on all other purchases.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- New! $200 bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening
- 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on two categories you choose
- 5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Travel Center
- 2% cash back on one everyday category, like Gas Stations/EV Charging Stations, Grocery Stores or Restaurants
- 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases
- No Annual Fee
- Pay over time by splitting eligible purchases of $100+ into equal monthly payments with U.S. Bank ExtendPay™ Plan
- Terms and conditions apply
- Intro Purchase APR: 0% for 15 months from account opening
- Regular Purchase APR: 19.74% to 29.74% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 15 months on transfers made within 60 days from account opening date
- Balance Transfer APR: 19.74% to 29.74% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 2% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
- You want the ability to choose your enhanced cash back categories
- You like the freedom of switching categories each quarter
- You don’t want to pay an annual fee
U.S. Bank Cash+
The U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa is a more direct competitor to the Citi Custom Cash than either the Discover It or the Chase Freedom Flex. The selling point of the Cash+ is the ability to select your categories to maximize your cash back earnings – the same selling point as the Custom Cash.
Cash+ cardholders earn 5% back on the first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases the following categories:
| TV, internet, and streaming services | Cell phone providers | Electronics stores |
| Fast food | Home utilities | Furniture stores |
| Department stores | Clothing stores | Movie theaters |
| Ground transportation | Fitness centers | Sporting goods stores |
The great thing about the Cash+ is that you select two categories to earn up to 5% back. The drawback, however, is that the categories must be activated and are set for the full quarter.
Alternatively, the Citi Custom Cash offers 5% back on your top spending category each billing period. This feature means your cash back is always maximized automatically, with no activation enquired.
Related Article: The Ultimate Guide to Credit Cards for Groceries & Delivery Services
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