If you’re looking for a credit card that adapts to your spending habits instead of boxing you into fixed categories, the Citi Custom Cash® Card might just be what your wallet needs. This smart, user-friendly cashback card earns 5% back in your top eligible spending category each billing cycle—automatically. That means you don’t need to remember rotating categories or sign up for quarterly bonus offers. Just use the card as you normally would, and the rewards follow your lifestyle.
Whether you’re spending on groceries, dining out, or filling up the tank, this card figures out where you spend the most and rewards you accordingly. Let’s break down everything the Citi Custom Cash Card has to offer and help you decide if it’s a good match for your financial goals.
What You Get with the Citi Custom Cash Card
5% Cash Back That Adjusts Automatically
The biggest selling point of this card is its automated 5% cash back on up to $500 spent per billing cycle in your highest eligible category. After that, you’ll earn 1% back in that category. All other purchases earn a flat 1%.
Eligible 5% categories include:
- Restaurants
- Grocery stores
- Gas stations
- Select travel
- Select streaming services
- Drugstores
- Fitness clubs
- Home improvement stores
This flexibility means that if you dine out a lot one month and then spend more on gas the next, the card will automatically reward you based on where your money goes. It’s a great option for people whose spending habits vary.
No Annual Fee and Easy Rewards Redemption
There’s no annual fee, which is a major plus for budget-conscious users. And because the rewards come in the form of ThankYou® Points, you can redeem them for a wide range of options:
- Statement credits
- Direct deposits
- Gift cards
- Travel bookings
- Shopping with Amazon or PayPal
This gives you greater freedom in how you use your rewards—whether you’re paying down your balance or treating yourself.
Welcome Bonus for New Cardholders
New Citi Custom Cash® cardmembers can enjoy a $200 cash back bonus (in the form of 20,000 ThankYou® Points) after spending $1,500 on purchases within the first 6 months of account opening. It’s a nice extra that makes getting started even more rewarding.
Other Key Benefits
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months
- Free access to your FICO® score
- Contactless payment and digital wallet compatibility
Things to Know Before You Apply
Before jumping in, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Credit Score Requirements
To qualify for this card, you’ll likely need a good to excellent credit score (typically 690+). Citi evaluates your application based on income, existing debt, and credit history.
Spending Cap on 5% Category
The 5% cash back applies only to the first $500 you spend per billing cycle in your top category. That’s a maximum of $25 cash back per month at the 5% rate. After that, all spending earns 1%.
ThankYou® Points Limitations
While ThankYou Points are versatile, their value can vary depending on how you redeem them. For example, using points for statement credits might not offer as much value as redeeming for gift cards or travel.
Fees and Rates: Know What to Expect
- Annual Fee: $0
- Purchase APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months, then variable 19.24%–29.24%
- Balance Transfer Fee: 5% (minimum $5)
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%
- Penalty Fees: Up to $41 for late or returned payments
This card offers competitive features, especially for someone looking to avoid an annual fee and take advantage of a long introductory APR period.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the Citi Custom Cash Card
1. Visit Citi’s Official Application Page
Head over to citi.com:
And click “Apply Now.”
2. Complete the Online Form
Enter your personal details:
- Full name and date of birth
- Social Security Number
- Employment and income information
- Contact information
3. Review and Submit
Check the terms, review your info, and submit your application. Some applicants get an instant decision, while others may need additional review.
4. Manage Your Account Digitally
Once approved, you can manage your card using the Citi Mobile® App or online banking portal to pay bills, track rewards, and set up notifications.
Need Help? Citi Has You Covered
If you have any questions or run into issues with your application or account, here’s how to get support:
- Customer Service: 1-800-950-5114
- TTY (hearing impaired): 1-800-325-2865
- Website: citi.com/customcash
- Mobile App: Citi Mobile® App available for iOS and Android
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to activate categories to get 5%?
Nope! The card automatically applies the 5% rate to your highest eligible category each billing cycle—no activation required.
2. Can I use ThankYou Points for travel?
Yes. Points can be redeemed for travel through the Citi ThankYou portal, or transferred to select airline partners if you have a premium Citi card.
3. Is there a cap on rewards?
The 5% rate applies to the first $500 spent in your top category per billing cycle. All other spending earns 1%.
4. Will the 0% APR apply to balance transfers?
Yes—balance transfers made within the first 4 months of account opening qualify for the 0% intro APR for 15 months (fees apply).
5. Does the card work with mobile wallets?
Absolutely. The Citi Custom Cash Card supports Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other major digital wallets.
If you’re looking for a flexible, no-annual-fee card that rewards your real-life spending, the Citi Custom Cash® Card checks a lot of boxes. With its smart cashback system, easy rewards, and practical extras, it could be the ideal choice for everyday earners.
