0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from account opening.
Pros
- Automatic 5% cash back in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle (up to $500).
- $0 annual fee, so your rewards don’t have to “pay for the card.”
- Flexible redemptions (cash back via statement credit/direct deposit/check, plus gift cards, travel, and Shop with Points).
- Extra travel earn via Citi Travel bookings.
- Strong intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months.
Cons
- The 5% rate is capped (max $500 spend per billing cycle in the top category).
- 3% foreign transaction fee may make it a poor fit for international travel/spend.
- Outside the top category (and beyond the $500 cap), you earn 1%, which can feel light versus flat 2% cards.
Company Overview
Citi is a long-established global bank that provides a wide range of financial services, including credit cards designed for everyday spending, balance transfers, and rewards earning.
Within Citi’s cash-back lineup, the Citi Custom Cash® Card stands out because it adjusts to your habits automatically. Instead of asking you to activate rotating categories, the card identifies your highest eligible spending category each billing cycle and rewards it at a higher rate.
The result is a “low-effort, high-return” structure that works especially well for people whose biggest monthly spending tends to land in one major category like groceries, gas, or dining.
Ideal For
The Citi Custom Cash® Card is ideal for people who want strong cash back without tracking bonus calendars or remembering quarterly activations. The card automatically gives you its best rate where you spend the most (within the cap), making it easy to optimize without thinking about it.
It’s also a good match for budgeters who want flexible redemption options, cash back via statement credit, direct deposit, or check—while still staying inside Citi’s ThankYou® ecosystem if they prefer points-style value.
Interest and Fees
The card has no annual fee, which keeps the long-term value straightforward.
For financing flexibility, many listings note a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, followed by a 17.49%–27.49% variable APR based on creditworthiness.
On balance transfers, an intro transfer fee may apply for transfers completed early in the account life, with a higher fee after that (details vary by offer/terms).
The card also commonly carries a 3% foreign transaction fee, which can make it less ideal for international use.
Rewards
The Citi Custom Cash® Card rewards are built around one core idea: earn more where you spend the most each month.
- 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle (up to the first $500 spent), then 1% after that in the same category.
- Unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Plus: additional cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through Citi Travel.
Cash back is earned as ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for statement credit, direct deposit, or check, as well as other options like gift cards and travel.
The Application Process
You can apply online through Citi’s credit card site, and Citi also lists a phone option to apply by calling 1-800-362-0526.
Citi notes the card is generally intended for applicants with good to excellent credit, though approval depends on the full application profile (income, debt, credit history, and more).
Security
Citi includes multiple account-protection tools designed to reduce fraud risk and give cardholders control. Key protections highlighted include Fraud Early Warning (monitoring for suspicious activity), Citi® Quick Lock (lock your card if it’s misplaced), and $0 liability on unauthorized charges.
Cardholders can also manage alerts and account activity through Citi’s digital tools, including the Citi Mobile® App experience.
Customer Support
Citi offers multiple support channels for cardholders, including phone and online help options.
- Citi Customer Service: (lost/stolen or suspicious activity support referenced): 1-800-950-5114
- Apply by phone: 1-800-362-0526
- Website: Contact options via Citi’s “Contact Us” experience (phone/mail/chat).
- Mobile App: Citi Mobile® App for account management and alerts.
Conclusion
The Citi Custom Cash® Card is a strong choice for people who want powerful cash back with minimal effort. Its automatic “top category” approach makes it easy to earn elevated rewards without needing to plan your spending around rotating calendars.
Just keep the limitations in mind: the highest earn rate is capped each billing cycle, and the card commonly includes a foreign transaction fee, so it’s best suited for everyday domestic spending rather than international travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does the 5% cash back work?
You earn 5% in your top eligible category each billing cycle (up to $500 spent), then 1% after that; all other purchases earn 1%.
2. Does the Citi Custom Cash® Card have an annual fee?
No, it has no annual fee.
3. Is there an intro APR?
Many terms list a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR range.
4. How do I redeem rewards?
Rewards are earned as ThankYou® Points and can be redeemed for statement credit, direct deposit, check, and other options like gift cards and travel.
5. Does it charge foreign transaction fees?
Common pricing listings show a 3% foreign transaction fee.
