What the Custom Cash Credit Card Is
The Custom Cash Credit Card is a rewards card issued by Capital One that gives you cash back on purchases in certain categories. You earn 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 3% cash back on transit (including taxis, rideshare, parking, trains, buses, and more), 3% cash back on dining, and 1% cash back on all other purchases. There is no annual fee.
This card is designed for people who want category-based rewards without paying an annual membership cost. The cash back you earn appears as a statement credit or can be redeemed for a check, depending on your card issuer's options at the time you redeem.
Key Takeaways
- The Custom Cash card earns 5% back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 3% on transit and dining, and 1% on everything else, with no annual fee.
- You need to meet Capital One's credit requirements to be approved, which typically means a fair credit score or better, though the exact threshold varies by applicant.
- Cash back is credited to your account as a statement credit or check, and you can redeem it at any time without a minimum balance requirement.
- The card works like any other credit card — you receive a bill each month and must pay at least the minimum by the due date to avoid interest charges.
Who This Card Is Right For
The Custom Cash card makes sense if you spend regularly on dining, transit, or travel and want rewards without an annual fee. If you take taxis or use rideshare several times a month, or if you eat out frequently, the 3% cash back on those categories can add up. The 5% on travel bookings through Capital One's portal is useful if you book hotels and rental cars that way.
This card is less useful if most of your spending is in categories outside dining, transit, and travel. If you spend heavily on groceries, gas, or shopping, a different rewards card might earn you more. Compare your own spending patterns against the rewards structure before you decide.
How to Get the Card
You can request the Custom Cash card directly from Capital One's website. You will need to provide your Social Security number, income, employment status, and other standard financial information. Capital One will check your credit and give you a decision within minutes in most cases.
If you are approved, your card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can then set up it through Capital One's website or mobile app and begin using it when ready once it arrives. If you are not approved, Capital One will tell you why and may offer you a different card option.
Understanding the Rewards Structure
Cash back is earned automatically on every purchase you make with the card. You do not need to register categories or set up anything — the card tracks your spending and applies the correct cash back rate based on where you shop.
The 3% transit category includes ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, public transportation like buses and trains, parking fees, tolls, and taxi services. The 3% dining category includes restaurants, bars, and food delivery services. The 5% travel category only applies to bookings made through Capital One Travel, not to bookings you make directly with hotels or airlines.
All other purchases earn 1% cash back. This includes groceries, gas, retail shopping, and any other category not listed above. There is no cap on how much cash back you can earn in a year.
How to Redeem Your Cash Back
You can redeem your cash back at any time through your Capital One account online or in the mobile app. You have two main options: explore the cash back as a statement credit (which reduces your balance due), or request a check mailed to you.
There is no minimum amount you must redeem at once, and you do not lose cash back if you do not redeem it right away. Your cash back balance stays in your account until you choose to redeem it. Some cardholders redeem monthly, while others let it build and redeem once or twice a year.
Fees and Interest Charges
The Custom Cash card has no annual fee. However, you will pay interest on any balance you carry from month to month. The interest rate (APR) is set based on your credit profile and will be shown in your approval offer before you request the card.
You will also pay late fees if you miss a payment, and foreign transaction fees if you use the card outside the United States. To avoid interest charges, pay your full statement balance by the due date each month. If you only pay the minimum, interest will accrue on the remaining balance.
How the Card Affects Your Credit
When you request the Custom Cash card, Capital One will perform a hard inquiry on your credit report. This may lower your credit score by a few points temporarily. Once the account is open, your credit score may improve over time as you build a positive payment history and keep your balance low relative to your credit limit.
Missing payments or carrying a high balance will hurt your credit score. To keep your credit healthy, pay on time every month and try to keep your balance below 30% of your credit limit. Capital One reports your account activity to the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), so responsible use will be reflected in your credit profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use Capital One Travel to get the 5% cash back on hotels?
Yes. The 5% cash back only applies to hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, which is Capital One's travel booking portal. If you book directly with a hotel or rental car company, you will earn only 1% cash back. You can access Capital One Travel through your online account or mobile app.
What happens if I do not pay my bill on time?
If you miss your payment due date, Capital One will charge a late fee (the amount varies) and your interest rate may increase. Your payment history is reported to credit bureaus, so a late payment will lower your credit score. If you miss a payment, contact Capital One as soon as possible to bring your account current.
Can I use this card internationally?
Yes, you can use the Custom Cash card outside the United States. However, Capital One charges a foreign transaction fee (typically 3%) on purchases made in foreign currencies. This fee is added to your statement. If you travel frequently outside the US, compare this card against others that offer no foreign transaction fees.
Is there a limit to how much cash back I can earn?
No. There is no annual cap on cash back earnings. You can earn as much as you spend in each category. Some cards limit cash back in certain categories after you reach a spending threshold, but the Custom Cash card does not.
What if my card is lost or stolen?
Contact Capital One when ready through the phone number on the back of your card or through your online account. Capital One will cancel the card and send you a replacement. You are not responsible for fraudulent charges reported promptly, and Capital One has fraud protection built into the card.