Citi Custom Cash® Card
vs. Citi Double Cash® Card

Both the Citi Custom Cash® Card and the Citi Double Cash® Card are strong cash back contenders, offering valuable rewards without an annual fee. The Citi Double Cash edges ahead with its straightforward 2% cash back on all purchases, appealing for its simplicity and consistent value.

But the Citi Custom Cash's 5% cash back in your top spending category each billing cycle, up to $500, then 1%, can be particularly lucrative if your spending is concentrated in one area. While the Citi Double Cash may be the better overall choice for consistent rewards, the Citi Custom Cash is still worth considering for its high cash back rate in your top spending category.

You might prefer the Citi Custom Cash if you spend consistently in one category such as groceries or gas because you'll earn 5% cash back on your top spending category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent. This card also offers a 0% intro APR on purchases, which can be beneficial if you're planning a large purchase soon.

You might prefer the Citi Double Cash if you want a straightforward rewards program without the need to track spending categories. With 2% cash back on every purchase (1% when you buy and 1% as you pay), it's a solid choice for consistent earners. Additionally, its longer 0% intro APR on balance transfers may appeal if you’re looking to manage existing debt.

Evaluating features like APRs, fees, credit requirements, rewards and introductory offers will clarify which card is for you. For instance, if you tend to concentrate your spending in one category, the Citi Custom Cash may be advantageous with its 5% cash back in your top spending category.

Conversely, consistent spenders across all categories might find the flat-rate cash back of the Citi Double Cash more beneficial.

The Citi Double Cash stands out for its straightforward rewards program, offering a consistent 2% cash back on all purchases — 1% when you buy and another 1% as you pay. This simplicity and the higher expected reward value make it an appealing choice if you prefer a no-fuss rewards strategy. On the other hand, the Citi Custom Cash provides a compelling 5% cash back in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, then 1% thereafter. This can be particularly advantageous if you have significant spending in one of the eligible categories.

Citi Custom Cash Categories

For the Citi Custom Cash, the top spend categories include:

• Restaurants
• Gas stations
• Grocery stores
• Select travel
• Select transit
• Select streaming services
• Drugstores
• Home improvement stores
• Fitness clubs
• Live entertainment

These categories allow for tailored rewards that match your spending habits, making the Citi Custom Cash a potentially lucrative option for strategic spenders.

The table shows a detailed view of the bonus categories for each card.

The Citi Custom Cash and Citi Double Cash both offer straightforward and flexible options. With the Custom Cash, you can redeem points for a variety of rewards, including statement credits and gift cards, with no minimums except for a $5 threshold for check redemptions.

The Double Cash simplifies the process further, allowing redemptions for cash back directly into your bank account, as a statement credit, or as a check, with every 10,000 points equating to $100. Neither card imposes an expiration date on rewards, ensuring that the value of your spending endures over time.

MoneyGeek assesses credit cards like the Citi Custom Cash and Citi Double Cash based on their performance in various use cases. This approach ensures that the score reflects the card's performance in the scenario where it provides the most value.

For cash back cards, the primary factors we consider are the effective reward rate and the return on investment for offers. These elements — along with annual fees, introductory purchase rates and issuer satisfaction — contribute to a card's overall score.