Citi Custom Cash® Card: A Comprehensive Guide to Benefits, Features, and How to Apply
The Citi Custom Cash® Card is a versatile cashback credit card designed to reward users for their everyday spending. With its customizable cashback categories and a straightforward rewards system, it’s an appealing option for those who want to maximize their spending potential. In this detailed guide, we will dive into all the important aspects of the Citi Custom Cash® Card, including its key benefits, features, fees, and how to apply for this card.
What is the Citi Custom Cash® Card?
The Citi Custom Cash® Card is a no-annual-fee cashback credit card offered by Citi. It stands out from other cashback cards due to its unique feature: it automatically adjusts its rewards structure based on your spending habits. This card is designed to give you cashback in the category where you spend the most each billing cycle, up to a set amount. This customizable approach makes the Citi Custom Cash® Card an excellent choice for consumers who want flexibility and higher rewards for their most frequent purchases.
Key Features and Benefits of the Citi Custom Cash® Card
- 5% Cashback on Your Top Spending Category
One of the major attractions of the Citi Custom Cash® Card is the ability to earn 5% cashback in your top eligible spending category each billing cycle. The categories include:- Restaurants
- Grocery stores
- Gas stations
- Select travel
- Drug stores
- Home improvement stores
- Streaming services
- Fitness clubs
- 1% Cashback on All Other Purchases
For purchases outside your top eligible spending category, the Citi Custom Cash® Card earns 1% cashback. While 1% may seem low compared to the 5% you can earn in a selected category, it’s still competitive and ensures that every dollar spent earns you some form of cashback. - Introductory Bonus
The Citi Custom Cash® Card offers an attractive sign-up bonus. New cardholders can earn $200 in cashback after spending $750 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. This is a great way to start building your cashback balance. - No Annual Fee
One of the significant advantages of the Citi Custom Cash® Card is that it comes with no annual fee. Many cashback and rewards cards charge an annual fee, but this card allows you to earn rewards without that extra cost, making it an excellent option for those who don’t want to worry about paying yearly fees. - 0% Intro APR on Purchases and Balance Transfers
The Citi Custom Cash® Card offers an introductory 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months. After the introductory period, a standard variable APR applies. This 0% APR offer is a fantastic benefit for those planning larger purchases or transferring balances from higher-interest cards to save on interest costs during the introductory period. - No Foreign Transaction Fees
Another great feature of the Citi Custom Cash® Card is that it does not charge foreign transaction fees. This makes it an excellent choice for international travelers who want to avoid the typical 3% fee that many cards charge on foreign purchases. - Additional Protections
The Citi Custom Cash® Card also offers a variety of protections for your purchases and travel:- Citi® Price Rewind: If you buy an item and find it for a lower price within 60 days, Citi will refund the difference.
- Car Rental Insurance: Get coverage on eligible rental cars when you pay with your Citi Custom Cash® Card.
- Travel Protection: The card offers travel accident insurance and other benefits like lost baggage protection when you book travel with the card.
- Extended Warranty: If the manufacturer’s warranty is less than 24 months, you can extend it for up to an additional year on eligible purchases.
- Flexible Cashback Redemption
Citi allows you to redeem your cashback in several ways:- Statement Credit: You can apply your cashback as a statement credit to reduce your balance.
- Direct Deposit: Cashback can be deposited into your checking or savings account.
- Gift Cards and Merchandise: You can also redeem your rewards for gift cards or merchandise through Citi’s reward portal.
How to Apply for the Citi Custom Cash® Card
Applying for the Citi Custom Cash® Card is a simple process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate through the application:
- Check Your Credit Score
Before applying, it’s important to know where your credit stands. The Citi Custom Cash® Card is best suited for applicants with a good to excellent credit score, typically in the range of 690 or higher. If your credit score is below this range, you might want to take steps to improve it before applying to increase your chances of approval. - Gather Personal and Financial Information
During the application process, you’ll be asked to provide personal details such as your name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number. Additionally, you’ll need to provide financial information, including your annual income, employment status, and housing payments. - Visit the Citi Website
You can apply for the Citi Custom Cash® Card directly on Citi’s website. There, you’ll find detailed information about the card, including its features, fees, and benefits. After reviewing the information, you can click on the "Apply Now" button to begin the application process. - Fill Out the Application
Complete the online application form with your personal and financial details. Make sure to double-check your information for accuracy to avoid delays or issues with your application. - Wait for Approval
Once you submit your application, Citi will review your information. You may receive an instant decision, or it could take a few days for them to process your application. If approved, you will receive your Citi Custom Cash® Card in the mail, usually within 7-10 business days. - Activate Your Card
Once your card arrives, activate it by following the instructions provided. You can usually activate the card online or through Citi’s mobile app. Once activated, you can start earning cashback on your purchases immediately.
Is the Citi Custom Cash® Card Right for You?
The Citi Custom Cash® Card is a fantastic option for people who want a flexible and customizable rewards program without paying an annual fee. Its 5% cashback on your top spending category can make a big difference for those who spend heavily in specific categories like dining, groceries, or gas. Additionally, the no annual fee, intro APR offer, and lack of foreign transaction fees add even more value for frequent travelers and balance transfer users.
However, it’s essential to note that the 5% cashback is capped at $500 in purchases per billing cycle, so those who spend more than that in their top category may not fully benefit from the highest cashback rate.
If you’re looking for a straightforward card with flexible cashback rewards, the Citi Custom Cash® Card could be a great addition to your wallet. With its easy-to-understand rewards structure and numerous perks, this card is ideal for anyone looking to make the most of their everyday spending.
Conclusion
The Citi Custom Cash® Card is an excellent choice for consumers who want to earn cashback based on their spending habits. With its 5% cashback on your top eligible spending category, flexible rewards redemption options, and no annual fee, it offers a compelling package for those who want to get rewarded for the way they spend. Apply online, and you could start earning cashback in no time. Whether you're a casual spender or a frequent traveler, this card can be a valuable tool to help you manage your finances while earning valuable rewards.
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