Citi Custom Cash® Card
vs. Citi Rewards+® Card

Both the Citi Custom Cash® Card and the Citi Rewards+® Card offer enticing rewards and no annual fees. The Citi Custom Cash stands out with its 5% cash back in your top spending category, making it particularly rewarding for consistent spending in one area. The Citi Rewards+ is unique with its points rounding up feature, which can add up over numerous transactions.

While both cards have their merits, the Citi Custom Cash may offer more value with its higher rewards rate in your top spending category. But if you make many small purchases, the Citi Rewards+ and its rounding up of points could be beneficial. Ultimately, the best card for you depends on your spending patterns and how you plan to use the rewards.

You might prefer the Citi Custom Cash if you're looking for a straightforward cash back card that adapts to your spending. With 5% cash back on your top spending category for up to $500 each billing cycle and no annual fee, it's a solid choice for maximizing rewards on your most frequent purchases.

You might prefer the Citi Rewards+ if you value earning points on travel and everyday purchases. The card rounds up points to the nearest 10 on every purchase and offers 2X points at supermarkets and gas stations, making it a good fit for regular spenders in these categories who also enjoy travel perks.

To discern which card aligns with your financial needs, evaluate APRs, fees, credit requirements, rewards and other features. This comparison will clarify differences such as the Citi Custom Cash's cash back on your top spending category versus the Citi Rewards+'s point round-up on purchases. Use these insights to pinpoint the card that complements your spending habits.

The Citi Custom Cash leads with a more compelling rewards program, offering a higher effective reward rate. Its standout feature is the 5% cash back on your top spending category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, which then drops to 1% thereafter. This flexibility can be particularly valuable if your spending is concentrated in specific areas that change over time.

The Citi Rewards+, while not as robust in terms of rewards, does offer a unique benefit of rounding up to the nearest 10 points on every purchase, which can add up over time. Its most compelling bonus category is the 2X ThankYou Points at supermarkets and gas stations, although this is capped at $6,000 per year.

Citi Custom Cash Categories

For those who frequently adjust their spending or have a dominant purchase category, the Citi Custom Cash may offer better rewards. Eligible categories for the 5% cash back include:

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

By contrast, the Citi Rewards+ card does not offer a “pick your own” category but provides consistent rewards in its designated categories. The table of bonus categories will help you compare the rewards programs at a glance.

The Citi Custom Cash and Citi Rewards+ offer flexible redemption options without expiration constraints. However, the Citi Custom Cash allows for direct deposits and statement credits, while the Citi Rewards+ limits point transfer capabilities, particularly for travel partners.

MoneyGeek evaluates credit cards like the Citi Custom Cash and the Citi Rewards+ using a tailored scoring system for 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. For a detailed understanding of our process, you can review our ranking methodology.