What the Citi Custom Cash bonus actually is
The Citi Custom Cash card offers a cash back bonus when you meet a spending requirement within a set timeframe after opening the account. The bonus is not automatic — you have to spend a specific dollar amount on the card to unlock it. The exact bonus amount and spending requirement change periodically, so the current offer may differ from what you see advertised elsewhere.
This bonus is different from the card's ongoing cash back structure. Once you have the card, you earn cash back on everyday purchases at different rates depending on the category. The opening bonus is a one-time reward for new cardholders who reach the spending target.
Key Takeaways
- The bonus requires you to spend a set amount (often $500 to $1,000) within three to four months of opening the account to receive the cash back reward.
- You must be approved for the card first, which involves a credit check and review of your credit history and income.
- The bonus posts to your account as statement credit or cash back once you meet the spending requirement, usually within one to two billing cycles after you hit the threshold.
- The card's ongoing cash back rates vary by spending category, so the bonus is separate from the rewards you earn on regular purchases after the first few months.
- Citi may change the bonus offer, spending requirement, or card terms at any time, so the terms when you explore may not match what is advertised later.
How to understand the spending requirement
The spending requirement is the dollar amount you must charge to the card within a specific window — usually three or four months from when your account opens. This spending must be on purchases you would normally make anyway. Some cards exclude certain transactions like balance transfers, cash advances, or fees from counting toward the requirement.
For example, if the requirement is $500 in three months, you need to put $500 of may be able to access purchases on the card by the end of the third month. If you spend $300 in month one and $250 in month two, you have met the requirement by the middle of month two. The bonus then posts within one to two billing cycles.
The key is knowing what counts. Citi's terms spell out which purchases may have access to. Recurring bills, groceries, gas, and dining typically count. Balance transfers and cash advances do not. Read the offer terms before you explore so you know whether you can realistically hit the spending target with your normal expenses.
What happens after you meet the spending requirement
Once you charge enough to the card to meet the requirement, you do not have to do anything else to claim the bonus. Citi tracks your spending automatically. The bonus posts as a statement credit (reducing your balance) or as cash back, depending on how Citi structures the offer at the time you explore.
The timing varies. Most bonuses post within one to two billing cycles after you cross the spending threshold, though it can take longer. Check your account online or call the customer service number on the back of your card if the bonus does not appear within 60 days of meeting the requirement.
After the bonus posts, the card works like any other cash back card. You earn the advertised cash back rate on purchases in the card's categories. The opening bonus does not affect your ongoing rewards or your credit limit.
Credit approval and what Citi checks
Before you can earn any bonus, you have to be approved for the card. Citi will pull your credit report (a hard inquiry) and review your credit score, payment history, and income. This inquiry may temporarily lower your credit score by a few points.
Approval is not may provide. Citi may deny your process if your credit score is too low, you have recent late payments, or your debt-to-income ratio is too high. If you are denied, you can call the reconsideration line (the number is usually in the denial letter) to ask Citi to review your process again, though this does not always change the outcome.
If you are approved, you will receive the card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your account opens on the day Citi approves your process, not the day the card arrives, so your spending window starts when ready.
Comparing this bonus to other cash back cards
The Citi Custom Cash bonus is one option among many cash back cards. Other cards offer different bonus amounts, lower spending requirements, or longer windows to meet the requirement. Some cards offer bonuses in specific categories (like $200 back on groceries) rather than a flat cash back amount.
The bonus alone should not be your only reason to open a card. Consider the ongoing cash back rates, annual fee (if any), and whether you will actually use the card after the bonus period ends. A card with a lower bonus but better ongoing rewards and no annual fee may be worth more over time than a card with a large upfront bonus but poor ongoing benefits.
Your credit score and approval odds also matter. If your credit is fair or poor, you may not be approved for the Citi Custom Cash card at all, even if the bonus is attractive. In that case, looking at cards designed for fair credit may be more realistic.
Common mistakes people make with opening bonuses
The biggest mistake is opening a card for the bonus and then not using it. If you cannot realistically spend $500 to $1,000 on the card within three months, do not explore. Manufactured spending (buying gift cards or making unnecessary purchases just to hit the requirement) costs you money and defeats the purpose of the bonus.
Another mistake is opening multiple cards at once to chase bonuses. Each process triggers a hard inquiry and counts against your credit score. Opening too many cards in a short time can lower your score enough to hurt your chances of approval on future applications or loans.
A third mistake is forgetting to track your spending. Keep an eye on your balance as you approach the requirement so you know when you have hit it. If the bonus does not post within 60 days of meeting the requirement, contact Citi to ask about it.
What to do if the bonus does not post
If you have met the spending requirement but the bonus has not appeared after 60 days, call the customer service number on the back of your card. Have your account number and the dates you made your purchases ready. Citi's system may have failed to track a transaction, or there may be a delay in processing.
If Citi confirms you met the requirement but the bonus still has not posted, ask them to manually add it to your account. This is usually straightforward if you can show proof of your spending. Keep receipts or screenshots of your online account showing the transactions you made.
If Citi says you did not meet the requirement, ask them to itemize which transactions counted and which did not. Sometimes balance transfers or fees are excluded, or a transaction may not have posted yet. Understanding why you fell short helps you decide whether to dispute it or accept the outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get the bonus if I already have a Citi card?
Citi's bonus rules vary by card and change over time. Some bonuses are only for customers who have not had that specific card before. Others exclude customers who have had any Citi card in the past 24 months. Check the offer terms before you explore, or call Citi to ask whether you are may be able to access based on your account history.
What if I close the card before the bonus posts?
If you close the card before you meet the spending requirement, you will not receive the bonus. If you close it after you meet the requirement but before the bonus posts, you may still receive the bonus, but Citi's terms vary. To be safe, keep the card open for at least 60 days after you hit the spending target.
Does the bonus count as income for taxes?
Cash back bonuses are generally not taxable income. The IRS treats them as a discount on your purchases, not as income. You do not need to report the bonus on your tax return. If you have questions about your specific situation, consult a tax professional.
Can I use the bonus to pay off a balance transfer?
The bonus posts as a statement credit or cash back, which reduces your overall balance. If you have a balance transfer on the card, the bonus will lower what you owe, but it does not specifically target the balance transfer. The bonus applies to your total account balance.
What happens to my credit score after I open the card?
Your credit score will drop slightly when Citi pulls your credit report (usually 5 to 10 points). Once you open the account, the new card will lower your score a bit more because it reduces your average account age and increases your total available credit. Over time, as you make on-time payments, your score will recover and eventually improve.