Citi Custom Cash® Card: Earn 5% Cash Back on Your Top Spending Category

The Citi Custom Cash® Card offers a personalized cash back system that automatically adjusts to your spending. Instead of tracking rotating categories or manually activating rewards, this card maximizes earnings in your top eligible spending category each billing cycle.

Issued by Citi, one of the largest financial institutions in the U.S., this card provides flexible rewards, no annual fee, and a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers. Whether you spend the most on groceries, dining, gas, or travel, this card is designed to optimize your rewards without extra effort.

Benefits of the Citi Custom Cash® Card

• 5% cash back on your highest eligible spending category – Earn 5% cash back on up to $500 in purchases per billing cycle in your top eligible category (automatically adjusted based on spending).
• 1% cash back on all other purchases – Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other spending with no restrictions.
• No annual fee – Keep all your rewards without worrying about extra costs.
• $200 welcome bonus – Earn $200 in cash back after spending $1,500 in the first three months of account opening.
• 0% intro APR for 15 months – Enjoy 0% interest on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, followed by a variable APR.
• Multiple redemption options – Redeem rewards for statement credits, direct deposits, gift cards, or travel bookings.

Prerequisites for applying

To qualify for the Citi Custom Cash® Card, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements. While Citi does not disclose exact approval criteria, successful applicants typically have:

• Good to excellent credit – A credit score of 700+ is generally recommended for higher approval chances.
• U.S. residency – Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a valid Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
• Stable income – While Citi does not specify a minimum income requirement, proof of steady income may be required to assess creditworthiness.
•  Low debt-to-income ratio – Applicants with high existing debt may face approval challenges.

Meeting these criteria does not guarantee approval, as Citi also evaluates credit history and financial stability.

About Citi Bank

Citi, officially known as Citibank, N.A., is one of the largest financial institutions in the United States, serving millions of customers worldwide. It is a division of Citigroup, a global leader in banking and financial services with operations in over 160 countries. Established in 1812, Citi has built a strong reputation for providing comprehensive banking solutions, including credit cards, personal and business banking, investment products, and wealth management services.

Known for its innovation in digital banking, Citi offers customers advanced online and mobile banking tools, allowing them to easily manage accounts, make payments, and track expenses. With a focus on security, Citi also provides fraud protection, identity monitoring, and zero-liability protection for its cardholders.

The Citi Custom Cash® Card is one of Citi’s most flexible rewards cards, offering personalized cash back without the need for category tracking or activation, making it an appealing option for a variety of consumers.

Who is this card for?

The Citi Custom Cash® Card is designed for consumers who want to maximize their cash back without actively managing bonus categories. Unlike traditional rewards cards, this card automatically adapts to your spending, offering 5% cash back on the category where you spend the most each billing cycle.

This makes it a strong option for individuals who have consistent, high spending in one of the eligible categories, such as:

• Groceries – For those who spend frequently at supermarkets.
• Dining – Ideal for individuals who eat out or order takeout regularly.
• Gas stations – A good choice for drivers with frequent fuel expenses.
• Travel – Beneficial for those who frequently book flights, hotels, or rental cars.
• Streaming services & entertainment – Great for consumers who prioritize digital subscriptions and leisure activities.

Since the 5% cash back applies only to the top eligible category each billing cycle (up to $500 in purchases), this card is best suited for those who concentrate their spending in a single category rather than spreading expenses across multiple areas.

What rewards and programs does the Citi Custom Cash® Card offer?

The Citi Custom Cash® Card stands out with its personalized cash back structure, automatically adapting to your spending habits each billing cycle. Instead of requiring category tracking or manual activation, the card assigns 5% cash back to your top eligible spending category, making it a convenient option for many consumers.

Key rewards and benefits:

• 5% cash back on your highest eligible spending category each billing cycle (on up to $500 in purchases, then 1%).
• 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases with no spending limits.
• Flexible redemption options, including statement credits, direct deposits, travel bookings, and gift cards.
• $200 welcome bonus – Earn $200 in cash back after spending $1,500 within the first three months.
• 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, followed by a variable APR.
• Flexible redemption options for statement credits, direct deposits, travel, and gift cards.

Unlike traditional fixed-rate rewards cards, the Citi Custom Cash® Card ensures that you maximize earnings in the category where you spend the most. Whether it’s groceries, dining, gas, or entertainment, this card automatically adapts, offering a unique level of flexibility.

Initial credit limit

The Citi Custom Cash® Card has a credit limit that varies based on an applicant’s creditworthiness. While Citi does not disclose exact figures, general guidelines include:

Minimum credit limit: Typically starts at $500 – $1,000, depending on approval criteria.
Maximum credit limit: Can exceed $10,000 for highly qualified applicants.

Citi periodically reviews accounts for potential credit limit increases, especially for cardholders with responsible payment history and consistent spending patterns.

Step-by-step to apply for the Citi Custom Cash® Card

Applying for the Citi Custom Cash® Card is a straightforward process that can be completed online in just a few minutes. Before starting, it’s recommended to check your credit score and eligibility to ensure you meet Citi’s approval criteria.

Follow these steps to apply:

1. Visit the official Citi application page – Go to the Citi Custom Cash® Card webpage to begin your application.
2. Provide personal information – Enter your full name, address, date of birth, and Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
3. Enter financial details – Citi will require income information, employment details, and housing status to assess your ability to repay.
4. Review the terms and conditions – Carefully read the APR details, cash back structure, and cardholder agreement before proceeding.
5. Submit your application – After verifying all details, click “Submit” to send your request. Some applicants receive an instant decision, while others may need further review.
6. Receive your card – If approved, your Citi Custom Cash® Card will arrive within 7–10 business days.

Application Status: If a decision isn’t provided immediately, Citi allows applicants to check their application status online or by calling customer service.

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Pros and cons of the Citi Custom Cash® Card

Like any credit card, the Citi Custom Cash® Card has advantages and potential drawbacks that should be considered before applying.

Pros:

• Automatically adjusts to top spending category.
• No annual fee – Keep 100% of your rewards.
• 0% intro APR for 15 months.
• $200 welcome bonus.
• Flexible redemption options.

Cons:

• 5% rate limited to $500 per cycle – After that, purchases earn 1%.
• Limited bonus categories – Not all spending qualifies.
• Requires good to excellent credit.
• 3% foreign transaction fee – Not ideal for international travel.For cardholders who spend consistently in one of the eligible 5% categories, this card can be a great fit. However, for those who spread their spending across multiple categories, a flat-rate cash back card might be a better alternative.

How to unlock the Citi Custom Cash® Card

Once you receive your Citi Custom Cash® Card, it must be activated before use. Citi provides multiple ways to complete this process quickly and securely.

• Online activation – Visit Citi’s activation page and log into your Citi account (or create one if you don’t have an existing account). Enter your card details, such as the 16-digit card number, expiration date, and security code, and follow the instructions to complete activation.
• Via mobile app – Download the Citi Mobile® App from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Once logged in, select the option to activate a new card and enter the required details.
• By phone – Call the Citi customer service activation number (provided on the sticker attached to your card). Follow the automated instructions to verify your identity and activate your card.

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Fees and charges

While the Citi Custom Cash® Card has no annual fee, certain fees and interest charges may apply, depending on usage. Below is a breakdown of the key fees:

Customer service

Citi provides multiple customer service channels to assist cardholders with account management, disputes, and general inquiries regarding the Citi Custom Cash® Card. Whether you need to report a lost or stolen card, check your balance, or dispute a charge, Citi offers several convenient ways to get in touch.

Ways to contact Citi customer service:

Phone support:

• General inquiries: Call 1-800-950-5114 (available 24/7).
• Lost or stolen card: Call 1-800-950-5114 immediately to report and request a replacement.
• International support: If calling from outside the U.S., dial +1-605-335-2222 (international charges may apply).

Live chat:

• Available via Citi’s official website or Citi Mobile® App.
• Log in to your account to chat with a representative in real time.

Secure messaging:

• Send inquiries through your Citi online banking account for non-urgent requests.

Branch visits:

• Citi has over 650 branches across the U.S., where you can speak with a representative in person.
• Use the Citi branch locator to find the nearest location.

Mobile app support:

• Download the Citi Mobile® App from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
• The app allows you to track spending, check balances, make payments, and manage your rewards.

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