Citi Custom Cash Card Review

Cash back should work for you, not the other way around. Here’s how to unlock every ounce of value.

A Real-World Guide to Using Your Card Strategically

You already know the Citi Custom Cash Card gives 5% cash back in your top spending category each month. But how do you translate that into real, ongoing value? Here’s how:

• Focus your spending intentionally: If your grocery bill typically hovers around $450/month, make it your go-to category. You’ll maximize the 5% cap without wasting any potential.
• Use this card only where it shines: For other purchases like airfare or large electronics, consider using a different card that offers flat-rate rewards or travel points.
• Track which categories trigger 5%: Use the Citi app or your online statements to see what was classified as your top category. Over time, this helps you predict future rewards and shift spending accordingly.
• Pay recurring charges from eligible categories: Subscriptions like Hulu, Disney+, and Spotify all fall under “select streaming services,” making them ideal to concentrate spending if you’re not hitting the $500 cap elsewhere.

Smart FAQs: What Most Users Don’t Ask (But Should)

1. Can I game the system to always get 5% in a different category each month?
Yes—Citi automatically adjusts based on your top eligible category. For example, if you spend $500 at gas stations in June and $500 at restaurants in July, you’ll earn 5% on gas in June and 5% on dining in July. 

2. Are there any merchant types that don’t qualify for 5%?
Yes. Large retailers like Costco, Walmart, or Target may not count as “grocery stores” and could fall under a general merchandise category, yielding only 1%. Always check how purchases are categorized in your statements.

3. Does the 5% reset with each billing cycle or calendar month?
It resets with each billing cycle. Your “top category” is calculated monthly based on your posted transactions during that statement period.

4. Can I add an authorized user and still get 5%?
Yes, and their spending contributes to your total. However, only the combined top category earns 5%. It’s not calculated separately per user.

5. What’s the best time to redeem rewards?
There’s no bad time. Rewards are redeemable at any amount for statement credits, bank deposits, or gift cards. Some gift card redemptions even offer bonus value.

6. Can I still qualify if my credit isn’t excellent?
Applicants generally need good to excellent credit, typically a score of 700 or higher. However, Citi also considers income, debt-to-income ratio, and recent credit behavior.

7. What’s the best backup card for non-category spending?
Consider pairing it with a flat-rate card like the Citi Double Cash (2% on everything) or Wells Fargo Active Cash for purchases outside the Custom Cash’s bonus areas.

8. Will I lose unredeemed rewards if I close the account?
Yes. If your account closes in bad standing or you forget to redeem prior, you forfeit any remaining cash back. Always redeem before closing.

9. Does it work with mobile wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay?
Absolutely. All eligible purchases made through mobile wallets still earn rewards as long as the underlying merchant category qualifies.

10. Can I use this card abroad?
Yes, but it charges a 3% foreign transaction fee, making it less than ideal for international purchases. Bring a no-foreign-fee card when traveling overseas.

Insider Tips to Go Beyond the Basics

1. Set monthly “spend triggers”
If you typically spend across multiple categories, plan monthly budgets to consolidate purchases in one. For example, focus on grocery shopping in January, gas in February, and entertainment in March.

2. Monitor category overlaps
Streaming subscriptions may post as part of your internet provider or phone plan. When possible, separate these payments to ensure they qualify as “streaming.”

3. Use Citi’s Purchase Tracking Tool
This allows you to monitor which categories dominate each cycle, making future planning easier. You’ll see if drugstore spending unexpectedly pushed out your restaurant purchases as the top category.

4. Automate routine expenses
Recurring payments like gym memberships, digital media, or prescriptions can count toward categories like fitness, entertainment, or drugstores—often overlooked but easy to max out monthly.

5. Leverage for big-ticket seasonal expenses
Home improvement stores are an eligible category. If you’re planning a renovation or big hardware store haul, time it smartly to fully use your 5% cap in that month.

Maximizing Long-Term Value

To keep earning consistently and minimize effort:

• Set reminders every 28–30 days to audit the prior billing cycle’s category.
• Use a dual-card strategy: Combine Custom Cash with a 2% flat-rate card to make sure every dollar earns at least 2%.
• Monitor Citi promotions: Occasionally, Citi offers limited-time boosts like 5% on all categories for 3 months for eligible cardholders. Don’t miss these.
• Keep reward redemption fluid: Rather than hoarding cash back, use small amounts monthly to offset bills or unexpected expenses.

Alternatives & Strategic Pairings 

If you’re looking to complement the Citi Custom Cash Card, one smart option is pairing it with a flat-rate rewards card like the Citi Double Cash, which gives you 2% back on all purchases—perfect for the months when your spending doesn’t concentrate in one category. 

Another good match is the Blue Cash Everyday from American Express, offering 3% on groceries, gas, and online shopping with no annual fee—ideal for more lifestyle-based spending. 

For users who enjoy seasonal variety, the Discover it Cash Back card could add value with its 5% rotating categories, though it does require manual activation. 

Each of these alternatives works well alongside the Custom Cash, helping you cover broader spending with competitive returns.

Final Take: Who Should Use the Citi Custom Cash Card? 

The Citi Custom Cash Card is a great fit for people who tend to spend consistently in one main area—like groceries, dining, or gas—but whose top category may shift slightly from month to month. If you’re someone who values cash back over travel points and prefers a low-maintenance way to earn, this card adapts to your habits without requiring extra effort. 

While it might not suit those with highly scattered expenses across multiple categories, it’s an excellent choice for anyone who wants their credit card to work in the background—quietly optimizing rewards while you go about your life.

Why to Apply?

The Citi Custom Cash Card offers a rare blend of automation, flexibility, and meaningful cash back for real-world spending. With its smart 5% structure and low-friction user experience, it’s ideal for anyone who values convenience and consistent rewards.

Whether you’re grabbing groceries, commuting daily, or paying for gym classes, this card does the thinking for you—so your cash back keeps flowing, one swipe at a time.

Want more value from every purchase? Combine the Custom Cash with a solid 2% base card and rotate your high-spend categories. The result? A smart, dynamic cash back strategy with long-term impact.

CREDIT CARD

Citi Custom Cash

Earn 5% cash back 0% Intro APR

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