Citi Custom Cash – How to Apply
The Citi Custom Cash stands out in a crowded field of rewards credit cards by offering an adaptive cash back structure that tailors itself to your spending.
Instead of requiring users to choose a category or activate rotating rewards each quarter, this card does the work for you—automatically giving you 5% back on your highest eligible spending area every month.
For anyone who values convenience and rewards without complexity, this is one of the best no-annual-fee cards available.
The unique thing about the Citi Custom Cash is that it intelligently recognizes your habits. Whether you spend more on dining one month or gas the next, the card adjusts accordingly, ensuring your biggest purchases always deliver the most value.
Citi Custom Cash
0% intro APR Foreign transaction fee appliesHow Does the Citi Custom Cash Credit Card Work?
Each billing cycle, Citi reviews your spending and automatically applies 5% cash back on up to $500 of purchases in your highest spending category. Eligible categories include restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, streaming services, fitness clubs, live entertainment, transit, and more.
This feature removes the stress of manually activating categories or trying to time your purchases. After hitting the $500 cap, you earn 1% cash back on any additional spending, as well as on all purchases outside your top category.
Unlike many cash back cards that reward in dollars, Citi Custom Cash earns Citi ThankYou® Points. You receive 5 points per dollar on your top category (up to 2,500 points per month), and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
These points are redeemable for travel, gift cards, direct deposits, and more through the Citi ThankYou portal.
The card also includes a 0% introductory APR on both purchases and balance transfers for 15 months. After the promotional period ends, a variable APR applies based on your creditworthiness.
Main Benefits of the Citi Custom Cash Credit Card
One of the biggest draws of this card is its automatic adaptability. You don’t have to remember to activate anything, choose your category, or monitor a rewards calendar. Citi does the heavy lifting, ensuring that you’re always getting the most cash back from your normal routine.
Another standout benefit is the broad range of eligible categories. Most people will find that at least one of their major expenses—groceries, gas, restaurants, streaming, fitness—is included. That makes this card highly relevant for everyday spenders.
The card’s ThankYou Points ecosystem also opens up more redemption flexibility. You’re not locked into simple cash back; you can transfer points, book travel, or grab useful gift cards, depending on your preferences.
Combined with the 0% intro APR and no annual fee, the Citi Custom Cash delivers excellent value for new cardholders and experienced users alike.
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Cons of the Citi Custom Cash Credit Card
As with most no-annual-fee cash back cards, there are a few limitations. The 5% bonus is capped at $500 per month, which limits your maximum monthly bonus to $25. For bigger spenders, this cap might feel restrictive.
Also, the card only applies the 5% bonus to one category per month—not multiple. If you split your spending across several big categories, you’ll only earn 5% on the top one and 1% on the rest.
Another drawback is the foreign transaction fee of 3%, which makes this card less suitable for international travel. And since your rewards are issued as ThankYou Points, cash back isn’t always as straightforward as it is with cards that pay in pure dollars.
APR and Fees
The Citi Custom Cash has a very consumer-friendly fee structure:
- $0 annual fee
- 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
- Variable APR of 19.24%–29.24% after intro period
- Balance transfer fee: 5% (minimum $5)
- Foreign transaction fee: 3%
- Late payment fee: up to $41
There’s no penalty APR, but it’s still important to pay on time to avoid fees and maintain your score.
How to Apply for the Citi Custom Cash Credit Card
- Visit Citi’s official website and locate the Custom Cash card page.
- Click “Apply Now” to start your secure online application.
- Enter your personal, income, and employment details accurately.
- Review the terms and submit your application.
- Most applicants receive a decision in just a few minutes.
Once approved, you’ll receive your card by mail and can begin earning rewards immediately.
