Citi Custom Cash® Card: Cash Back That Works the Way You Spend

A smarter cash back card designed to adapt to your everyday spending.

The Citi Custom Cash® Card was created for consumers who want strong cash back rewards without the complexity that often comes with category-based credit cards. Instead of asking you to activate offers or predict spending patterns in advance, this card adapts automatically—rewarding you in the category where you spend the most each billing cycle.

This approach makes the Citi Custom Cash® Card especially appealing in today’s fast-paced financial environment, where simplicity, automation, and clarity matter more than ever. Backed by Citi’s robust digital ecosystem and consumer protections, the card is designed to deliver consistent value month after month—without forcing you to think like a rewards strategist.

Key Benefits and Features of the Citi Custom Cash® Card

Automatic 5% Cash Back on Your Top Spending Category

The standout feature of the Citi Custom Cash® Card is its automatic category optimization. Each billing cycle, the card identifies your highest eligible spending category and applies 5% cash back to those purchases—up to a monthly spending cap. There is no enrollment, no activation, and no rotating calendar to follow.

Eligible categories include everyday expenses such as:

• Restaurants
• Gas stations
• Grocery stores
• Select travel purchases
• Transit and commuting
• Drugstores
• Home improvement stores
• Fitness clubs
• Live entertainment

This flexibility allows the card to adapt naturally as your lifestyle changes throughout the year.

Unlimited 1% Cash Back on All Other Purchases

All purchases that do not fall into your top eligible category automatically earn 1% cash back, with no limits. This ensures that every transaction contributes to rewards, even outside your primary spending area.

Welcome Bonus for New Cardmembers

New cardmembers can earn a cash back bonus after meeting a minimum spending requirement within the first few months of account opening. This introductory offer provides immediate value and accelerates early rewards accumulation.

No Annual Fee

The Citi Custom Cash® Card comes with no annual fee, making it an attractive long-term option. You can keep the card open year after year without worrying about offsetting a recurring cost, which is also beneficial for maintaining credit history.

Flexible Redemption Options

Cash back rewards are issued in the form of ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed in multiple ways:

• Statement credits
• Direct deposits
• Checks by mail
• Gift cards
• Travel bookings through Citi

This flexibility allows cardholders to use rewards in a way that best fits their financial goals.

Advanced Digital Tools and Account Management

Citi provides a comprehensive digital experience through its mobile app and online banking platform. Cardholders can:

• Track spending by category
• Monitor rewards in real time
• Set alerts and notifications
• Lock or unlock the card instantly
• Access customer support efficiently

These tools enhance control and transparency, especially for users who prefer managing finances digitally.

Security, Protections, and Peace of Mind

The Citi Custom Cash® Card includes several built-in protections, such as:

• $0 liability for unauthorized charges
• Fraud monitoring and alerts
• Contactless payment technology
• Secure online and mobile transactions

These features ensure safety without complicating the user experience.

Rates, Fees, and Key Costs

Below is a simple and objective overview of the main rates and fees associated with the Citi Custom Cash® Card.

Fee or Rate	Details
Annual Fee	$0
Purchase APR	Variable APR, based on creditworthiness
Intro Balance Transfer APR	0% Intro APR on balance transfers for a limited time, then a variable APR applies
Balance Transfer Fee	5% of the amount transferred (minimum fee applies)
Foreign Transaction Fee	3% of each foreign transaction
Late Payment Fee	Up to the maximum amount allowed by law
Cash Advance Fee	The greater of a flat fee or a percentage of the cash advance
Cash Advance APR	Higher variable APR applies

Terms and rates may vary based on credit profile and market conditions.

Requirements and How to Apply

Basic Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Citi Custom Cash® Card, applicants typically need:

• Good to excellent credit history
• Stable income
• U.S. residency and valid Social Security number
• Ability to meet Citi’s underwriting standards

Approval decisions are based on a comprehensive credit evaluation.

How to Apply

Applying for the Citi Custom Cash® Card is straightforward:

1. Visit Citi’s official website
2. Complete the secure online application
3. Submit required personal and financial information
4. Receive a decision, often within minutes

Once approved, cardholders can usually access their account digitally before the physical card arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does the Citi Custom Cash® Card require category activation?

No. The card automatically applies the highest cash back rate to your top eligible spending category each billing cycle.

2. Can my top category change from month to month?

Yes. The card recalculates your highest spending category every billing cycle, allowing rewards to adapt automatically.

3. Is there a limit to the 5% cash back category?

Yes. The higher earning rate applies up to a monthly spending cap; purchases beyond that earn at the base rate.

4. Are rewards easy to redeem?

Yes. ThankYou® Points can be redeemed for cash back, deposits, gift cards, or travel with minimal friction.

5. Is this card suitable for long-term use?

Absolutely. With no annual fee and consistent earning potential, the Citi Custom Cash® Card is well-suited for long-term ownership.

Final Thoughts: A Cash Back Card That Thinks for You

The Citi Custom Cash® Card delivers a rare combination of automation, flexibility, and strong everyday value. By eliminating the need for category management while still offering elevated rewards, it aligns perfectly with how people actually spend.

For consumers seeking a credit card that rewards real-life habits—without unnecessary complexity—this card stands out as a smart, modern solution. The absence of an annual fee, the strength of Citi’s digital tools, and the card’s adaptive earning structure make it a compelling option for both new and experienced cardholders.

If your goal is to earn meaningful cash back with minimal effort, the Citi Custom Cash® Card proves that sometimes the smartest rewards strategy is the one you don’t have to think about.