Simple cash back and a fair intro APR? The Citi Custom Cash℠ Card does both.
Cash back posts as ThankYou® Points you can redeem for cash back or other options.
Citi also adds 4% additional cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through Citi Travel for a limited time.
Key Benefits (what you get)
5% on one top category each cycle up to $500, then 1%.
Eligible categories: restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, select travel, select transit, select streaming services, drugstores, home improvement stores, fitness clubs, and live entertainment. No category activation.
Typical public terms show 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. After that, a variable APR applies.
Many public offers show $200 after $1,500 in purchases in the first 6 months (paid as 20,000 ThankYou® Points). Offers can vary by application path.
Citi allows one Custom Cash account per person.
You are not eligible for a new-card bonus if you received a Custom Cash new-account bonus in the past 48 months.
Earning and Redeeming
You automatically earn 5% in your top category each cycle, up to $500.
You don’t pick categories, and you don’t activate. The card detects your highest eligible category. You earn 1% on everything else.
Your 5% and 1% earnings come as ThankYou® Points. Redeem for cash back via statement credit, direct deposit, or check, or for travel and gift cards.
Rates and Fees
Citi’s official “Pricing & Information” controls. Your exact APR and fees depend on your credit and the specific landing page.
Always open and read the IPI when you apply.
- Intro APR: 0% for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers (typical public terms).
- Ongoing purchase APR (variable): ranges commonly listed between 17.99%–27.99% or 18.24%–28.24%, set at approval based on credit. Check the “Important Pricing & Information” (IPI) for the offer you see when applying.
- Balance transfer fee: $5 or 5% of each transfer, whichever is greater.
- Foreign transaction fee: 3% of each purchase in U.S. dollars.
- Cash advance fee: $10 or 5% of each advance, whichever is greater. A penalty APR up to 29.99% variable may apply for certain events.
- Annual fee: $0.
Who This Card Fits
You spend at least ~$500 per month in one of the eligible categories.
You want a set-and-forget 5% in your natural top category, not rotating calendars.
You want no annual fee and a 0% intro APR runway to pay off a planned purchase.
Potential Drawbacks
The 5% cap is $500 per billing cycle. Past that, it drops to 1% in that same category.
If you spread spending across many categories, your average earnings can fall.
A 3% foreign transaction fee limits the card’s value abroad.
How to Apply For Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
Go to Citi’s Custom Cash page and select Apply Now. You can open the Important Pricing & Information from that page.
Review the IPI PDF (APR, fees, promotional terms). Provide personal info, income, housing, and SSN/TIN.
Submit. Citi often returns a decision quickly. You may get a response in under a minute.
Tips to Maximize Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
If your spending often clusters (e.g., groceries one month, gas the next), time larger purchases so the right category is your top category.
Keep total category spend near $500 per cycle for maximum 5% value.
If you travel, consider a no-FX-fee card abroad, and keep Custom Cash for U.S. purchases. (It has a 3% foreign fee.)
Citi Cards Comparison
Here’s a fast side-by-side so you can size up Citi Custom Cash℠ against other popular Citi cards.
| Card | Annual fee | Rewards highlights | Ongoing APR (var.) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citi Custom Cash℠ | $0 | 5% back (as ThankYou® Points) in your top eligible category each billing cycle, up to $500 spend; 1% on other purchases. | ~18.24%–28.24% after intro, based on credit. | You want set-and-forget 5% on what you spend the most on (up to $500/mo). |
| Citi® Double Cash | $0 | 2% on everything (1% when you buy + 1% when you pay). | ~17.99%–27.99%. | You want straightforward, uncapped cash back or a BT window. |
| Citi Strata℠ (no-annual-fee) | $0 | 5x Citi Travel hotels/car rentals/attractions; 3x supermarkets, select transit, gas & EV; 3x one self-select category; 2x restaurants; 1x other. | ~18.99%–28.99%. | You want everyday multipliers without an annual fee. |
| Citi Strata Premier® | $95 | 10x on Citi Travel hotels/car rentals/attractions; 3x air travel/other hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, gas & EV; 1x other. | ~19.99%–27.99%. | You spend in travel/dining/grocery and want no FTFs. |
| Citi Simplicity® | $0 | No rewards. | ~17.99%–28.74%. | You need the longest BT window and payment-forgiveness features. |
| Citi® Diamond Preferred® | $0 | No rewards. | ~16.99%–27.74%. |
APRs are variable and change with the Prime Rate. Always confirm the exact rates and fees in the IPI on the application page.
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Useful Contacts and Address
Citi Cards (general support): 1-800-950-5114. Outside the U.S. (collect): 1-605-335-2222. TTY: 711. Spanish: 1-800-947-9100. Available 24/7.
Apply by phone (Custom Cash): 1-800-362-0526. TTY: 711.
Corporate address (Citigroup / Citibank, N.A. presence): 388 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10013.
Bottom Line
The Citi Custom Cash℠ Card combines reliable 5% on everyday spend, a simple path to cash back, and an intro APR window to smooth a purchase.
Keep spending near the $500 cap to lock in value. Read the IPI when you apply so you know your exact APR and fees.
If you need no-FX-fee travel spending, pair this card with a travel card and use Custom Cash in the right category at home.
Disclaimer: This article is for education, not financial advice. Card terms, APRs, fees, welcome offers, and benefits change without notice and vary by offer and credit profile. Always review Citi’s Important Pricing & Information and Cardmember Agreement at the application. Figures are based on public issuer materials and reputable financial portals as of October 9, 2025, and may differ from your specific offer.
