The Citi Custom Cash® Card is one of the most versatile cash-back credit cards available, offering an impressive 5% cash back in your top eligible spending category each billing cycle, up to $500 in purchases. This unique feature allows cardholders to automatically earn the highest rewards on the category where they spend the most each month, without needing to manually select bonus categories.
How the 5% Bonus Category Works
Unlike many other cash-back cards with fixed categories, the Citi Custom Cash dynamically adapts to your spending habits. Each month, the card identifies your highest eligible spending category and applies the 5% bonus rate up to $500 in purchases. After reaching this limit, and for all other purchases, you earn 1% cash back. Eligible 5% categories include restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, travel, transit, streaming services, drugstores, home improvement stores, fitness clubs, and live entertainment.
This structure makes the Custom Cash Card an excellent choice for users who have high but variable spending in different categories throughout the year. Whether you spend more on gas in one month and restaurants the next, the card ensures you always maximize your rewards.
Applying for Multiple Citi Custom Cash Cards
One key restriction with the Citi Custom Cash is that you can only apply for one card. However, Citi’s relatively flexible product change policies provide a workaround. If you have other Citi credit cards, you may be able to convert them into additional Custom Cash cards. This allows you to take advantage of multiple 5% categories simultaneously, effectively increasing your earning potential beyond the $500 monthly cap per card.
Enhancing Rewards with the Citi Rewards+ Card
Holding a Citi Rewards+® Card alongside the Custom Cash can further increase your rewards potential. The Rewards+ Card offers a 10% points rebate on redemptions, up to 100,000 points per year. This means if you redeem 50,000 points, you get 5,000 points back. When paired with the Custom Cash, this effectively boosts your redemption value and maximizes your overall Citi ThankYou® Points earnings.
Transferring Points to Travel Partners
While the Citi Custom Cash earns ThankYou Points, these points cannot be transferred to Citi’s airline and hotel partners unless you also hold a premium Citi travel card, such as the Citi Strata Premier℠ or the Citi Prestige® (when available). Without one of these cards, points are only redeemable for cash back, gift cards, or travel booked through Citi’s portal, limiting their flexibility for frequent travelers.
Final Thoughts
The Citi Custom Cash Card is an excellent option for those looking to maximize cash-back rewards without the hassle of tracking rotating categories. Its 5% bonus on top spending categories makes it ideal for a wide range of expenses, and when combined with Citi’s flexible product change options and the Citi Rewards+ Card, it becomes even more powerful. However, for those who want to transfer points to travel partners, pairing it with a Citi Strata Premier or Prestige is essential. By strategically using Citi’s credit card ecosystem, you can significantly enhance your rewards and savings potential.
The Rewards Master 