Citi Custom Cash® Card Review: Automatic 5% Rewards in Your Top Category

Features

• Annual Fee: $0, making it a budget-friendly option.
• Rewards: Earn 5% cash back in your highest spending category each billing cycle (on up to $500 spent, 1% thereafter), plus an unlimited 1% back on all other purchases.
• Sign-Up Bonus: Earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 in the first 6 months. The bonus is fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, redeemable for $200 cash back.
• Intro APR: 0% on Purchases and Balance Transfers for 15 months, after which a variable APR of 19.24%-29.24% applies.
• Recommended Credit Score: 630-850 (Fair to Excellent).

Benefits

• Highly Rewarding: 5% cash back in the top spending category each cycle without needing to activate or select categories.
• Flexible Rewards: Automated adjustment of the 5% bonus category based on your spending.
• Introductory Offers: Generous sign-up bonus and introductory APR period.
• No Annual Fee: Maximize rewards without worrying about an annual cost.

Drawbacks

• Low Spending Cap for 5% Rewards: The $500 cap on the 5% cash-back category may quickly limit the benefits for those with high spending in a particular category, making the card less rewarding for significant expenses.
• Limited to One Bonus Category: Being restricted to earning elevated rewards in only one spending category per billing cycle means you might miss out on higher rewards on diverse spending, making it a bit cumbersome for those with varied monthly expenses.

Product Summary

The Citi Custom Cash® Card distinguishes itself in the cash-back credit card market with its unique offer of 5% cash back in the cardholder’s highest spending category each billing cycle, up to $500. This automated approach means cardholders earn optimized rewards based on their actual spending without the need for manual category selection or activation. The straightforward 1% cash back on all other purchases rewards all spending. The combination of a $200 cash-back sign-up bonus, a 0% introductory APR for 15 months, and no annual fee makes the Citi Custom Cash® Card an attractive choice for those seeking simple yet flexible cash-back rewards. While the $500 cap on 5% cash back may limit maximum rewards, the card’s ease of use and adaptability to changing spending patterns offer significant value. Ideal for those who prefer a low-maintenance card that still provides meaningful returns on various spending categories.