Citi Custom Cash – How to apply

By Raquel Oliveira • 03/17/2025

Citi Custom credit spend $1,500 on purchases in the first six months and rewarding $200 cash back. 

The Citi Custom Cash Card simplifies cashback rewards with an automatic earning structure. Unlike traditional credit cards that require manual category selection, this card adjusts to your spending habits each billing cycle.

It automatically applies 5% cashback to your highest spending category, up to $500 per cycle, making it effortless to maximize rewards. Once this cap is reached, all purchases earn 1% cashback.

Additionally, transactions outside the top spending category also earn 1% cashback, ensuring you continue accumulating rewards on every purchase.

How does the Citi Custom Credit Card Cash Work?

The functioning of the Citi Custom is based on simplicity and efficiency, ensuring you make the most of your daily spending. This card allows you to earn rewards automatically.

You can earn up to 5% money back in your highest spending category, limited to the first $500 spent per billing cycle. After reaching this limit, all purchases in this category start to offer 1% cashback. 

The card also offers advanced digital tools, such as Citi Mobile® App, to manage your account and transactions. 

With this functionality, you can check your balance, make payments and access information about your accumulated points, all in a practical and safe way.

Main benefits of Citi Custom Credit Card Cash

One of the most attractive benefits of this card is its flexibility in earning rewards. With five percent cashback in the highest spending category per month, it is ideal for consumers with variable expenses in areas like groceries, dining, or fuel.

Another key advantage is that the card does not charge an annual fee, making it an economical option compared to many other cashback cards that require a yearly payment.

For those looking for cost savings and efficiency, Citi offers an introductory zero percent APR for fifteen months on purchases and balance transfers.

Additionally, the ability to earn rewards on every transaction, even outside the primary spending category, makes this card a well-rounded option for those who want consistent cashback without the hassle of tracking spending categories.

Cons of the Citi Custom Cash Card

Despite its strong rewards structure, there are some limitations to consider. The five percent cashback is capped at five hundred dollars per month, meaning any spending beyond this limit earns only one percent cashback.

For those who frequently spend large amounts in a single category, this cap may reduce the total potential rewards.

Additionally, the card does not provide fixed rewards categories or travel points, which may be a drawback for those who prefer earning airline miles or hotel stays. Its focus on cashback, while flexible, might not align with travelers who prioritize travel perks.

Another factor to keep in mind is the high interest rate after the introductory period ends. If the full balance is not paid before the zero percent APR period expires, interest charges can quickly accumulate, potentially offsetting the rewards earned.

Additional Features of the Citi Custom Cash Card

Beyond cashback rewards, this card includes other useful features designed to enhance convenience and security. The automatic category tracking ensures that you always receive the best cashback rate without any manual adjustments.

Another valuable benefit is Citi’s fraud protection system. This includes real-time alerts for suspicious transactions and zero liability for unauthorized purchases, keeping your finances secure.

Users can also set up spending alerts and payment reminders through the Citi Mobile app. This helps avoid late fees while maintaining better control over monthly expenses.

Additionally, Citi provides access to a free credit monitoring tool. This allows you to track changes in your credit score and receive insights into how financial decisions impact your credit health.

APR and Fees

The Citi Custom Cash Card offers a zero percent introductory APR for fifteen months on purchases and balance transfers. This feature helps cardholders manage large expenses without accumulating interest.

Once the promotional period ends, the APR varies between eighteen point seventy-four percent and twenty-eight point seventy-four percent. The actual rate depends on the applicant’s creditworthiness at the time of approval.

The card does not have an annual fee, making it a cost-effective option. However, balance transfers come with a five percent or five-dollar fee, whichever is greater.

Late payments and returned payments may result in additional charges of up to forty dollars. To avoid unnecessary fees, it is important to make payments on time each month.

How to Apply for the Citi Custom Cash Card

Applying for the Citi Custom Cash Card is a simple process that can be done online. The first step is to visit Citi’s official website and navigate to the application page.

Click on “Apply Now” and complete the required form with personal details such as name, address, income, and financial history. Ensuring that all information is accurate helps avoid delays in the approval process.

It is important to check the eligibility requirements before applying. Typically, this card requires a good to excellent credit score, ranging from six hundred seventy to eight hundred fifty points.

Once you submit the application, Citi will conduct a credit evaluation. Some applicants may receive instant approval, while others may require additional review before a final decision is made.

Final Considerations

The Citi Custom Cash Card is a great option for consumers who want a simple and automatic cashback system without having to track or activate categories manually. Its ability to adjust rewards based on spending habits makes it a flexible choice.

The lack of an annual fee ensures that users do not have to worry about extra costs while maximizing their cashback rewards. However, the five hundred dollar cap on five percent cashback may be a drawback for some.

For those who pay off their balance each month, this card provides an excellent combination of rewards and financial flexibility. The introductory zero percent APR is another strong feature, making it a great choice for new cardholders.