Citi Custom Cash® Card
vs. Discover it® Chrome

Both the Citi Custom Cash and the Discover it Chrome offer enticing rewards and introductory APRs. The Citi Custom Cash edges ahead for its higher cash back rate in your top spending category. But if you're eyeing a longer balance transfer offer, the Discover it Chrome's 18-month period is noteworthy.

Neither card charges an annual fee, and both require good to excellent credit, keeping them on equal footing for accessibility. While the Citi Custom Cash may be the frontrunner for cash back, the Discover it Chrome's longer intro APR period for balance transfers is a compelling feature if you’re looking to manage debt.

You might prefer the Citi Custom Cash if you have diverse spending habits and want to maximize cash back in your highest spend category each billing cycle, up to $500. The card's flexible rewards program adapts to your spending, making it a strong choice if your top category varies from month to month.

You might prefer the Discover it Chrome if you frequently spend at gas stations and restaurants. With a consistent 2% cash back on these categories up to $1,000 each quarter, it's a solid option if you have predictable spending patterns in these areas. Additionally, the longer intro APR period on balance transfers may appeal to those looking to manage existing debt.

Evaluating APRs, fees, credit requirements, rewards and other features side by side clarifies which card aligns with your financial habits. For instance, if you spend heavily in one category, Citi Custom Cash's 5% cash back could be lucrative, whereas Discover it Chrome might appeal for consistent gas and restaurant spending.

The Citi Custom Cash leads in rewards versatility, offering 5% cash back on your top spending category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, and 1% thereafter. This dynamic rewards structure can adapt to your spending habits, potentially yielding a higher reward rate for diverse spenders.

By contrast, the Discover it Chrome card's most compelling bonus category is its consistent 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants, up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, which may appeal to those who frequently spend in these areas. While it doesn't match the 5% rate of the Citi Custom Cash, it could be more beneficial for users with heavy gas and dining expenses.

Citi Custom Cash

For the Citi Custom Cash, the eligible spend 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

The table of bonus categories shows a visual comparison of the rewards programs.

The Citi Custom Cash and the Discover it Chrome offer flexible redemption options. With the Citi Custom Cash, you can redeem your points for a variety of rewards, including statement credits and travel, with no minimums except for check redemptions.

The Discover it Chrome also allows for redemption in several forms, such as account credits and Amazon payments, with the added benefit that rewards never expire. Both cards ensure that the rewards you earn are accessible and retain their value over time.

MoneyGeek's ranking process evaluates credit cards across various use cases, such as balance transfers and cash back rewards. The Citi Custom Cash scores highest for cash back rewards, while Discover it Chrome is top-rated for balance transfers.

The evaluation considers factors like the effective reward rate and introductory offers. For a deeper understanding of our process, you can explore our ranking methodology.