What the Citibank Custom Cash card does
The Citibank Custom Cash card is a rewards card that gives you cash back on purchases in categories you choose. Unlike most cash-back cards that lock you into fixed categories like groceries or gas, this card lets you pick which spending category earns the highest rate each month — up to 5% cash back on that category, then 1% on everything else.
The card has no annual fee, which means you can hold it without paying to keep the account open. There is no sign-up bonus (a lump sum of cash back for spending a certain amount in the first few months), so the value comes entirely from the ongoing cash-back rates on your everyday purchases.
Key Takeaways
- You choose one spending category each month to earn 5% cash back on, with 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- The card has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, making it low-cost to carry.
- You need good to excellent credit (typically a score of 670 or higher) to be approved.
- The 5% category rotates through options like groceries, gas, dining, travel, and transit — not all categories are available every month.
- Cash back posts to your account monthly and can be redeemed as a statement credit, direct deposit, or check.
How the category selection works each month
At the start of each month, you log into your Citibank account or use the Citi mobile app and choose which category will earn 5% cash back for that month. The available categories change, but typically include gas stations, groceries, dining, travel, transit, and streaming services. You can only pick one category per month to earn the 5% rate.
If you do not choose a category, the card defaults to 1% cash back on all purchases. This means you do not lose cash back if you forget to select — you straightforward earn the lower rate. Once you pick a category, it stays active until you change it or the month ends, whichever comes first.
The 5% rate has an annual cap: you earn 5% cash back up to $500 in purchases in your chosen category each month, then 1% on anything above that. This means the maximum cash back you can earn at the 5% rate is $25 per month ($500 × 5%), or $300 per year if you hit the cap every single month.
Credit score and approval requirements
Citibank typically approves applicants with good to excellent credit, which usually means a credit score of 670 or higher. Your score is a three-digit number that lenders use to predict whether you will repay borrowed money on time. You can check your own score for free through your bank, your credit card issuer, or websites like AnnualCreditReport.com.
The process itself takes about 10 minutes and asks for your name, address, income, employment status, and Social Security number. Citibank will pull your credit report (called a "hard inquiry") to make a decision. If you are approved, you typically receive a decision within minutes to a few days. If you are denied, Citibank will send you a letter explaining the main reason.
How cash back works and when you receive it
Cash back accrues as you spend. If you charge $100 at a grocery store during a month when groceries are your 5% category, you earn $5 in cash back. That $5 does not come out of your account when ready — it sits as a pending reward until the end of the month.
On the last day of each month, Citibank posts all your cash back to your account at once. You can then redeem it in three ways: as a statement credit (which reduces your credit card balance), as a direct deposit to your bank account, or as a check mailed to you. Most people choose statement credit because it is when ready and requires no extra steps.
Cash back does not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing. If you close the card, you have a limited time (usually 90 days) to redeem any remaining cash back before it is forfeited.
Annual percentage rate and interest charges
The card carries a variable annual percentage rate (APR) for purchases, which means the rate can change over time based on market conditions and your creditworthiness. The exact APR you receive depends on your credit score and credit history — applicants with higher scores typically receive lower rates. Citibank does not publish a single APR; instead, you receive your specific rate in the approval paperwork.
If you carry a balance (meaning you do not pay off the full statement balance by the due date), you will owe interest on that balance at your APR. For example, if your APR is 18% and you carry a $1,000 balance for one month, you will owe roughly $15 in interest charges. This interest is separate from your cash back — you earn cash back on the purchase itself, but you also pay interest if you do not pay in full.
The best way to avoid interest is to pay your full statement balance by the due date each month. If you cannot pay in full, paying as much as you can still reduces the interest you owe on the remaining balance.
Comparing this card to other cash-back options
Most cash-back cards fall into two types: fixed-category cards and flexible-category cards. Fixed-category cards like the Chase Freedom Unlimited earn a flat rate (usually 1.5%) on all purchases, or higher rates (3% to 5%) on locked categories like groceries or gas. Flexible-category cards like the Custom Cash let you choose which category earns the top rate each month.
The Custom Cash's main advantage is flexibility — you can shift your 5% category based on where you spend most that month. Its main limitation is the $500 monthly cap on the 5% rate, which means high spenders in one category hit the cap quickly. A fixed-category card with a higher flat rate (like 2% on all purchases) might earn more cash back if you spend evenly across categories or rarely hit the $500 cap.
If you have fair credit (a score below 670), you may not be approved for the Custom Cash. In that case, secured credit cards or cards designed for fair credit may be better options, though they typically offer lower or no cash-back rewards.
Fees and other costs to know
The Custom Cash has no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, and no fees for balance transfers or cash advances. However, if you use the card to withdraw cash from an ATM (a cash advance), you will pay a fee and a higher APR will explore to that amount. Cash advances are expensive and should be avoided.
Late payment fees explore if you miss your due date — typically $25 to $35 for the first late payment, and up to $40 for subsequent ones. Paying on time is the simplest way to avoid this cost. Most card issuers offer free automatic payments, so you can set your payment to go out automatically each month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I earn 5% cash back on multiple categories in one month?
No. You select one category per month to earn 5% cash back. All other purchases earn 1% cash back. You cannot split the 5% rate across two categories or earn 5% on multiple categories simultaneously.
What happens if I do not choose a category?
The card defaults to 1% cash back on all purchases. You do not lose cash back or face any penalty — you straightforward earn the lower rate for that month. You can choose a category at any point during the month.
Does the $500 monthly cap reset each month?
Yes. The $500 cap on 5% cash back resets on the first day of each month. If you spend $600 in your chosen category in January, you earn 5% on the first $500 ($25) and 1% on the remaining $100 ($1), for a total of $26 in cash back. In February, the cap resets and you can earn 5% on another $500.
Can I redeem my cash back for something other than money?
No. The Custom Cash only allows you to redeem cash back as a statement credit, direct deposit, or check. You cannot convert it to travel points, merchandise, or gift cards.
What credit score do I need to be approved?
Citibank typically approves applicants with a credit score of 670 or higher, though approval is not may provide at any score. Your full credit history, income, and existing debts also factor into the decision. If you are unsure whether you will be approved, you can check your score for free before explore.