What the Citi Custom Cash Card Does
The Citi Custom Cash Card is a rewards card that gives you cash back on purchases in categories you choose. Unlike cards with fixed rewards categories, this one lets you pick which spending areas earn the highest rate each month — up to 5% cash back on one category of your choice, then 1% on everything else. The card has no annual fee, which means you can hold it without paying to keep it open.
The card is designed for people who want flexibility in where they earn rewards rather than being locked into the same categories year-round. If you spend heavily on groceries one month and gas the next, you can shift your top category to match your actual spending pattern.
Key Takeaways
- You earn up to 5% cash back on one category you select each month, then 1% on all other purchases with no caps or limits.
- The card charges no annual fee and offers an introductory 0% APR period on balance transfers for a set number of months.
- Cash back rewards post to your account monthly and can be used as a statement credit, transferred to a bank account, or redeemed for other options.
- You need good to excellent credit to be considered for this card, and the actual rewards rate you receive depends on Citi's review of your process.
How to Choose Your Rewards Category Each Month
When you open the card, you pick one category to earn 5% cash back on for that billing cycle. The may be able to access categories typically include gas stations, restaurants, supermarkets, transit (including taxis and rideshare), and internet, cable, and phone services. You can change your category once per month, either through the Citi mobile app or online account portal.
The 5% rate applies only to purchases made after you've selected that category for the month. If you switch categories mid-month, only new charges in the newly selected category earn 5% going forward. All other purchases on the card earn 1% cash back, with no maximum amount you can earn.
You don't have to select a category every month if you don't want to — if you skip a month, the card defaults to 1% cash back on everything. This matters if you're in a low-spending month or if none of the available categories match your needs.
Annual Fee, Introductory Offers, and Other Costs
The Citi Custom Cash Card has no annual fee, so you won't be charged just for holding the card. There is an introductory 0% APR offer on balance transfers for a limited time (the exact length varies and Citi may change this offer). After the introductory period ends, a standard variable APR applies to any remaining balance you transferred.
There is a balance transfer fee, typically a percentage of the amount you transfer. This fee is charged upfront and added to your balance. If you carry a regular purchase balance and don't pay it off in full each month, you'll pay interest at the card's regular APR once any introductory period expires.
Late fees, returned payment fees, and other standard credit card charges may explore if you miss a payment or violate the card's terms. The best way to avoid these is to pay your full statement balance by the due date each month.
How Cash Back Rewards Work and When You Get Them
Cash back accrues as you spend and posts to your account once per month. You don't have to do anything to earn it — it happens automatically based on your purchases and your selected category. Once the cash back is posted, you have several options for how to use it.
You can explore the cash back as a statement credit to reduce your current balance. You can request a direct deposit to a linked bank account. Some cardholders also redeem rewards through Citi's portal for gift cards, travel bookings, or other merchandise, though the cash value of these redemptions may vary. There is no minimum amount you need to accumulate before you can redeem — even small amounts can be used as a statement credit.
Cash back does not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing. If you close the card, any unredeemed cash back is typically forfeited, so check your balance before closing an account.
Credit Score and Income Requirements
Citi typically considers this card for people with good to excellent credit, which generally means a credit score of 670 or higher, though the exact threshold can vary. The company reviews your credit report, payment history, and existing debt when you explore. Having a higher score and lower existing debt generally improves your chances of approval and may result in a higher credit limit.
Citi does not publish a specific income requirement, but the company will ask about your annual income during the process process. They use this information along with your credit profile to decide whether to approve you and what credit limit to offer. If you're denied, you can contact Citi to ask why and whether you can reapply after addressing any issues.
How This Card Compares to Other Cash Back Options
Most flat-rate cash back cards offer the same percentage on all purchases — typically 1.5% to 2% everywhere. The Citi Custom Cash Card's advantage is the 5% option on one category, which can earn you more if you concentrate spending in that category. The tradeoff is that you have to actively choose your category each month and remember to switch it when your spending patterns change.
Other cards offer fixed categories with higher rates — for example, 5% on groceries and gas, 3% on dining, 1% elsewhere. These don't require you to choose, but they lock you into the same categories every month. If your spending doesn't align with those categories, you earn less. The Citi Custom Cash Card works better if your top spending category changes frequently.
Cards with annual fees often offer more rewards or additional benefits like travel insurance or purchase protection. Since the Citi Custom Cash Card has no annual fee, you're paying nothing to hold it, which makes it a reasonable choice even if you only use it occasionally.
How to Use the Card Responsibly and Avoid Common Mistakes
The biggest mistake cardholders make is spending more just to earn rewards. If you carry a balance and pay interest, the cash back you earn will be less than the interest you pay. Use the card only for purchases you would make anyway, and pay off the full balance each month to avoid interest charges.
Another common issue is forgetting to select your category or selecting one that doesn't match your actual spending. If you know you'll forget to switch categories, pick the one that covers your largest regular expense and leave it there. You can always change it later if your situation changes.
Keep track of which category you've selected so you know where you're earning 5% that month. Some cardholders accidentally make a large purchase in a different category and miss the higher rate. The Citi app shows your current category, so check it before making a big purchase if you want to make sure you're earning the rate you expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I earn 5% on multiple categories at once?
No. You can select only one category per month to earn the 5% rate. All other purchases earn 1% cash back. You can change your category selection once per billing cycle, so if you need to earn 5% on a different category next month, you can switch then.
What happens if I don't select a category?
If you don't actively choose a category during a billing cycle, the card defaults to earning 1% cash back on all purchases. You won't earn the 5% rate that month. You can select a category at any time through the app or online account, and it will explore to new purchases going forward.
Do I have to pay interest if I use the balance transfer offer?
The introductory 0% APR applies only to balances you transfer from another card during the promotional period. After that period ends, any remaining transferred balance will accrue interest at the card's regular APR. Regular purchases made on the card after the intro period ends will also accrue interest if you don't pay the full balance.
Can I redeem my cash back for something other than a statement credit?
Yes. You can redeem cash back as a direct deposit to your bank account, use it as a statement credit, or exchange it for gift cards and travel bookings through Citi's rewards portal. The value of non-cash redemptions may differ from the cash value, so check the exchange rate before you redeem.
What credit score do I need to get approved?
Citi typically considers applicants with good to excellent credit, generally 670 or higher, though the exact requirement is not published. Your approval also depends on your payment history, existing debt, and income. If you're denied, you can contact Citi to understand why and whether you're may be able to access to reapply.