Citi Custom Cash Credit Card – How to Apply

By Raquel Oliveira • 03/06/2025

Citi Custom Cash Credit Card cashback, 0% introductory APR and no annual fee.

The Citi Custom Cash Card offers a flexible rewards system that adapts to your spending automatically. Instead of requiring manual activation of categories, it applies a 5% cashback to your highest spending category each month.

This approach maximizes rewards without the need to track spending manually. Eligible categories include gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, select travel, streaming services, and home improvement stores.

New cardholders can also earn a $200 welcome bonus after spending $750 within the first three months, making it easy to start earning cashback soon after approval.

This article covers how the card works, its benefits, potential drawbacks, fees, and the application process, helping you determine if it aligns with your financial goals.

How does Citi Custom Cash work?

This Card is unique in how it assigns rewards. Every billing cycle, it automatically identifies the category where you spent the most and provides five percent cashback, up to a limit of five hundred dollars per month.

This means that whether you spend more on groceries, gas, dining, or travel, the card always applies the highest rewards to your largest spending category. Beyond the limit, additional purchases earn one percent cashback.

The cashback is awarded as Citi ThankYou Points, which can be redeemed for statement credits, travel, gift cards, and even direct deposits, making it one of the most flexible rewards programs available for credit card holders.

Additionally, this card features zero percent introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for fifteen months. After the promotional period, a variable APR applies based on your creditworthiness, making it useful for financing larger purchases.

Main benefits for the Citi Custom Cash

• Five percent cashback on the highest spending category per billing cycle, allowing users to maximize rewards effortlessly without activating categories.
• Unlimited one percent cashback on all other purchases, ensuring that every transaction earns rewards even after the five percent category limit is reached.
• Zero annual fee, making it a cost-effective rewards card without the burden of extra yearly charges, maximizing net cashback earnings.
• Zero percent introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for fifteen months, providing financial flexibility for planned purchases and debt consolidation.

Cons for the Citi Custom Cash

• Balance transfers incur a five percent fee or five dollars, whichever is greater, increasing the cost for those planning to consolidate debt using this card.
• Five percent cashback is capped at five hundred dollars in spending per billing cycle. Limiting the total potential rewards for high spenders.
• Only one spending category qualifies for the highest cashback each month, meaning diversified spenders may not maximize rewards across multiple expense types.
• Three percent foreign transaction fee applies, making it a less attractive option for international travelers who frequently make purchases in foreign currencies.

APR and Fees

The Citi Custom Cash Credit Card offers 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months. After the intro period ends, the APR will revert to a variable rate, typically ranging from 14.99% to 24.99%, depending on your creditworthiness.

If you carry a balance after the intro period, the high APR can be costly, so it’s important to pay off your balance each month.

The card has no annual fee, which is a significant advantage for those who want to earn cash back without paying extra for the card. However, the 3% foreign transaction fee can be a downside for those who travel internationally.

How to Apply for the Citi Custom Cash

Applying for this Card is simple and can be done online through the official Citi website. Providing a quick and efficient approval process for eligible applicants.

• If approved, the physical credit card will be mailed within seven to ten business days, and cardholders can activate it immediately for purchases and rewards.
• Visit the Citi website and navigate to the credit card application page to find the Citi Custom Cash Card and begin the application process.
• Fill out the application form with personal and financial details, including name, income, Social Security number, and address, for a creditworthiness evaluation.
• Submit the form and wait for the approval process, which typically provides instant feedback based on the applicant’s financial history and credit profile.

Who Should Apply for the Citi Custom Cash Card?

This Card is ideal for individuals who prefer a simple cashback system that automatically adjusts based on their highest spending category each month. This makes it an effortless way to earn rewards.

It is an excellent option for users who want a no-annual-fee card with flexible redemption options. Allowing them to use Citi ThankYou Points for statement credits, travel, gift cards, and direct deposits.

Additionally, this card benefits those who plan to take advantage of the fifteen-month introductory APR period. As it offers interest-free financing on large purchases and balance transfers for a limited time.

However, frequent travelers may find the three percent foreign transaction fee a drawback. As international purchases can incur additional costs that reduce the value of the cashback rewards.

Final Considerations

This Card offers a dynamic rewards system that adjusts to your spending, ensuring you earn the highest cashback where you spend the most. This feature makes it a valuable option for everyday use.

While the foreign transaction fees and spending caps may limit its benefits for some users. The flexibility of its rewards program and no annual fee make it a compelling choice for many credit card holders.

Before applying, consider whether this card’s features align with your financial habits and spending patterns. Ensuring that it provides the maximum possible value for your everyday expenses.