Citi Custom Cash® Card
vs. U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card

Both the Citi Custom Cash® Card and the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card offer compelling cash back rewards, making them strong choices if you want to optimize your credit card benefits. However, the Citi Custom Cash edges ahead with its simplicity in earning rewards. It automatically adjusts to your top spending category each billing cycle, offering 5% cash back without needing to enroll in specific categories.

The U.S. Bank Cash+ card also offers high cash back potential, but its rewards structure is more complex, requiring users to select and enroll in bonus categories. Despite this, the U.S. Bank Cash+ card's higher cash back limit in chosen categories makes it a valuable option if you are willing to manage your rewards more actively.

You might prefer the Citi Custom Cash if you value simplicity in your rewards program. With this card, you automatically earn 5% cash back (up to $500) in your highest spending category each billing cycle, and there's no need to sign up for rotating categories. This card is a good fit if you prefer a straightforward approach to earning cash back.

You might prefer the U.S. Bank Cash+ if you like to tailor your rewards to your spending habits. This card allows you to choose two categories for 5% cash back each quarter on up to $2,000 in purchases. It's a solid choice for those who are proactive about maximizing their cash back rewards and don't mind putting some effort into managing their categories.

Evaluating APRs, fees, credit requirements, rewards, introductory offers and other features will clarify which card aligns with your financial landscape. Use this section to pinpoint differences, such as balance transfer fees or reward structures, to guide your choice.

The Citi Custom Cash is better for rewards, with a higher expected reward value and a simpler rewards structure. It provides 5% cash back on your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, and 1% thereafter. It automatically adjusts to your top spending category each billing cycle, making it a hassle-free option for maximizing cash back without tracking rotating categories.

While the U.S. Bank Cash+ card offers a lower expected reward value, it allows you more control over your bonus categories. It offers 5% cash back on two categories you choose (with a $2,000 purchase limit per quarter) and 2% cash back on one everyday category.

The table below details each card's bonus categories to help you compare their rewards programs at a glance.

The Citi Custom Cash offers a straightforward redemption process with no expiration on points. Redemption options include statement credits and travel without worrying about minimums, except for a $5 threshold for checks.

The U.S. Bank Cash+ requires at least $25 in cash back to redeem and limits redemptions to U.S. Bank accounts, with an expiration of 36 months. This necessitates a more proactive approach to ensure rewards are used before they expire.

MoneyGeek evaluates credit cards like the Citi Custom Cash and U.S. Bank Cash+ based on their performance in various use cases. The factors that significantly affect the score for cash back cards are the effective reward rate and the return on investment for offers.