Citi Custom Cash Card Review

The Citi Custom Cash Card is a precision tool for strategic consumers, delivering 5% cash back on top monthly spending categories.

For the consumer who approaches their finances with a strategic mindset, the Citi Custom Cash Card is not just an everyday credit card; it is a specialized instrument for maximizing returns in a multi-card financial portfolio. The card’s unique design—offering a high 5% cash back rate on a user’s top spending category each month—allows it to function as a high-precision tool, capable of delivering exceptional value when used with a deliberate plan.

This analysis will provide a strategic review of the card’s mechanics, focusing on how to best deploy it to fill a specific role in your wallet. We will examine how to isolate spending categories to guarantee your 5% return and how to integrate this card into the broader Citi ThankYou® Rewards ecosystem to unlock even greater value. For the U.S. consumer with good to excellent credit who wants to optimize their rewards, this card is an essential component.

CREDIT CARD

Citi Custom Cash

$200 cash back up to 5% cash back

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Key Financial Benefits and Features

• 5% Cash Back on up to $500: Earn a high return rate in one of ten broad categories each billing cycle, automatically applied to your top eligible spending area.
• $0 Annual Fee: A critical feature for a specialized card, ensuring it provides positive value without eroding rewards with yearly costs.
• $200 Welcome Bonus: A solid upfront return, requiring $1,500 in spending over 6 months—a strong incentive for new cardholders.
• 15-Month 0% Intro APR on Purchases and Balance Transfers: A long interest-free period that can be used strategically for financing planned expenses or consolidating existing debt.
• 1% Unlimited Cash Back on All Other Purchases: Even when you’re not in your 5% category, every purchase earns a steady, reliable return.
• Flexible Redemption Options: Rewards can be redeemed as statement credits, direct deposits, checks, or converted into ThankYou® Points for travel, gift cards, and more.
• Automatic Category Selection: No need to track or activate categories—the card automatically identifies where you spend the most and applies the 5% cash back.
• Balance Transfer Opportunity: The 0% intro APR period includes balance transfers, helping cardholders manage debt more efficiently without paying interest for 15 months.
• Worldwide Mastercard® Acceptance: Backed by the Mastercard network, your card is accepted at millions of locations in the U.S. and abroad.
• Digital Account Management: Track rewards, payments, and spending through Citi’s online portal or mobile app, offering convenience and full transparency.

Who Can Apply: Eligibility Criteria

This card is intended for applicants in the U.S. with a solid credit profile.

• Credit Score: A good to excellent credit score is recommended (generally a FICO score of 670 or higher).
• Age and Residency: Must be at least 18 years of age and a U.S. resident.
• Identification: A valid Social Security Number or ITIN is required.
• Account Limitation: Be aware that Citi’s policy generally limits individuals to holding only one Citi Custom Cash® Card account.

How to Apply: The Application Process

1. Visit the Citi Website: Navigate to the official application page.
2. Check for Prequalified Offers: It is advisable to use Citi’s online tool to check for pre-qualified offers. This uses a soft inquiry and does not impact your credit score.
3. Complete the Full Application: The online form requires standard personal and financial information.
4. Submit for a Credit Decision: A decision is often provided within minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions for the Strategist

• What is the best eligible category to dedicate this card to?
  The best category is one where your monthly spending is consistently at or slightly above the $500 cap to maximize the 5% return. For most people, this is either grocery stores or gas stations. Restaurants are also a strong choice.
• How does the card’s 5% on “select travel” work?
  The “select travel” category includes airlines, hotels, cruise lines, and travel agencies. It does not include the broad transit category. If you have a large, one-time flight purchase under $500, you could use the card for that month to capture the 5% back.
• Does the 5% cash back apply if I spend over $500 in my top category?
  The 5% rate applies only to the first $500 of spending. Any amount over $500 in that same category during the same billing cycle will earn the standard flat rate of 1% cash back.
• Is it worth getting this card if I only plan to redeem for cash back?
  Yes, absolutely. Even without utilizing the advanced travel transfer strategies, a no-annual-fee card that provides an automatic 5% cash back on a major spending category is an exceptionally valuable tool for cash back maximization.

CREDIT CARD

Citi Custom Cash

$200 cash back up to 5% cash back

APPLY NOW You will be redirected