Citi Custom Cash® Card
vs. Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card

Both the Citi Custom Cash Card and the Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card offer enticing cash back rewards without the burden of an annual fee, coupled with introductory APR offers. The Citi Custom Cash edges ahead due to its higher cash back rate in your top spending category, making it a compelling choice for maximizing rewards.

However, the BofA Unlimited Cash offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases, which could be more beneficial for those who prefer a straightforward rewards program without the need to track spending categories.

You might prefer the Citi Custom Cash if you have significant spending in one or more categories each month. With 5% cash back on your top eligible spending category for the first $500 each billing cycle, this card adapts to your spending patterns, offering high rewards potential for strategic spenders.

You might prefer the BofA Unlimited Cash if you prefer a straightforward rewards program without the need to track spending categories. Earning a consistent 1.5% cash back on every purchase, this card provides simplicity, making it a solid choice for those who value ease over maximizing rewards.

Evaluating APRs, fees, credit requirements, rewards, introductory offers and other features will show which card suits your financial habits. For instance, if you spend heavily in one category, Citi Custom Cash's 5% cash back on your top spending category could be lucrative, whereas BofA Unlimited Cash offers simplicity with a flat 1.5% back on all purchases.

The Citi Custom Cash Card edges out the BofA Unlimited Cash in terms of rewards potential, particularly for those who have significant expenses in one category. With 5% cash back on your top eligible spend category each billing cycle (up to $500, then 1% thereafter), Citi Custom Cash is tailored for targeted spending.

The BofA Unlimited Cash offers a flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases, which is less complex and may be preferable for those who value simplicity and consistent rewards across all spending. While the BofA Unlimited Cash doesn't excel in any particular category, its consistent rate can be advantageous for varied and unpredictable spending patterns.

For the Citi Custom Cash, the eligible top spending categories are quite comprehensive, including:

• Restaurants
• Gas Stations
• Grocery Stores
• Select Travel
• Select Transit
• Select Streaming Services
• Drugstores
• Home Improvement Stores
• Fitness Clubs
• Live Entertainment

These categories allow for flexibility and the opportunity to maximize rewards based on individual spending habits. For a visual breakdown of these rewards programs, refer to the following table.

After accumulating rewards with either card, you'll find flexible redemption options. With the BofA Unlimited Cash, you can redeem your cash back directly into a bank or Merrill account, or use it as a statement credit, all without worrying about minimum redemption amounts. The Citi Custom Cash allows for a similar range of redemption choices, including statement credits and gift cards, with the added flexibility of no point expiration and a $5 minimum for check redemptions. Both cards offer straightforward, user-friendly redemption processes.

MoneyGeek reviews credit cards like the Citi Custom Cash and BofA Unlimited Cash based on their performance. For this comparison, we focus on the cash backcategory, where each card has shown its best performance.

The factors used to determine their scores include the effective reward rate, which accounts for the cash back value based on typical spending patterns, and the return on investment for offers, which measures the value of introductory and ongoing benefits.