Citi · Updated June 2026
Citi Custom Cash Card Review (2026)
Automatically earn 5% cash back in your highest eligible spending category each billing cycle, with no need to activate or track categories.
Is it worth it?
Ideal for
- Flexible Categories
- No Annual Fee
- Automatic Category Selection
Not ideal for
- Infrequent travelers who rarely fly or stay at hotels
- Those who prefer cash back over travel rewards
How to earn points
5% on Top Category (up to $500)
Earn 5% cash back automatically on your highest eligible spending category each billing cycle, up to $500 spent (maximum $25 cash back).
Eligible 5% Categories
Eligible categories include restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, select travel, select transit, select streaming services, drugstores, home improvement stores, fitness clubs, and live entertainment.
Strategic Category Spending
Plan your spending to ensure one category dominates each billing cycle, maximizing your 5% rewards.
1% on Everything Else
Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases and on spending above $500 in your top category.
Sweet spot redemptions
| Route / redemption | Points | Transfer partner | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statement Credits | Direct redemption | Cash back | Redeem cash back as statement credits with a minimum redemption of $5. |
| Direct Deposit | Direct redemption | Bank account | Cash out rewards via direct deposit to a linked bank account with a minimum redemption of $5. |
| Convert to ThankYou Points | When paired with Citi Strata Premier | Citi ThankYou | Convert cash back to ThankYou Points at a 1:1 ratio when you also have a premium Citi card. |
| Check by Mail | Direct redemption | Cash back | Request a check for your cash back rewards with a minimum redemption of $5. |
Advanced tips & tricks
Create Multiple Custom Cash Cards
Consider applying for multiple Custom Cash cards (spaced out over time) to earn 5% back in different categories simultaneously each month.
Time Large Purchases
Plan large purchases in a specific category to fall within the same billing cycle to maximize the 5% rewards up to the $500 limit.
Pair with Citi Strata Premier
Combine with the Citi Strata Premier to convert your cash back to ThankYou Points, potentially increasing value through transfer partners.
Use for Recurring Bills
If you have consistent monthly spending in one category (like streaming services), you can guarantee 5% back by using the Custom Cash exclusively for that category.
Frequently asked questions
How does the automatic 5% category selection work?
The Citi Custom Cash Card automatically gives you 5% cash back in your highest eligible spending category each billing cycle, up to $500 spent (earning a maximum of $25 cash back). You don't need to enroll or select a category - the card automatically calculates which eligible category you spent the most in and applies the 5% rate to that spending. All other purchases, including spending beyond $500 in your top category, earn 1% cash back.
What are the eligible 5% categories?
The eligible categories for 5% cash back are: restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, select travel, select transit, select streaming services, drugstores, home improvement stores, fitness clubs, and live entertainment. Note that some merchants may not be categorized as expected, as this depends on how they're coded in the Citi system.
Can I earn 5% in multiple categories in the same month?
No, you'll earn 5% cash back only in your highest spending category each billing cycle. All other categories earn 1% during that cycle. If you want to earn 5% in multiple categories, you would need multiple Custom Cash cards or complementary cards with different bonus categories.
How can I track which category is my highest each month?
You can view your spending by category in the Citi Mobile app or online banking portal. This can help you monitor which category is likely to be your highest for the current billing cycle. After your statement closes, you'll see which category earned 5% cash back for that cycle.
How we rate & review credit cards
CreditMilesGuru's editorial team evaluates cards on annual-fee value, welcome bonus, ongoing earn rates, transfer-partner quality, travel protections, credits and perks, and the current competitive landscape. Our ratings are independent — we are not paid by issuers to rate cards favorably. This review was last updated June 2026.
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