Chase Freedom Unlimited®
vs. Citi Custom Cash® Card

Both the Chase Freedom Unlimited® and the Citi Custom Cash® offer enticing cash back rewards, share the benefit of no annual fees and provide introductory APR offers. However, the Freedom Unlimited edges ahead with its higher cash back potential in the first year and a generous welcome bonus.

The Citi Custom Cash's unique feature of 5% cash back in your top spending category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, makes it a strong contender for those with focused spending habits.

Both cards are accessible to those with good to excellent credit, ensuring a broad appeal.

You might prefer the Freedom Unlimited if you frequently spend on travel, dining and drugstore purchases. With high cash back rates in these categories and a generous introductory offer, this card maximizes rewards for diverse spenders without the need to track spending categories. The long-term value continues with an unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

You might prefer the Citi Custom Cash if your spending is concentrated in one category that changes over time. With 5% cash back on your top spending category for up to $500 each billing cycle, this card adapts to your spending habits. Additionally, the slightly lower starting regular APR post-introductory period can be a minor cost-saving feature if you tend to carry a balance.

Evaluating APRs, fees, credit requirements, rewards and other features will help you determine which card aligns with your financial landscape. Weigh the benefits of Freedom Unlimited and Citi Custom Cash, such as cash back rates and introductory offers, against your spending habits.

The Freedom Unlimited card leads with a robust rewards program, offering a higher expected reward value and a diverse range of categories with elevated cash back rates. It's particularly strong for travel booked through Chase Travel℠, drugstore purchases and dining, including takeout and delivery.

While the Citi Custom Cash card may not match the overall rewards potential, its 5% cash back in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle is compelling, especially for those with focused spending habits. This feature can outshine the Freedom Unlimited in specific categories where the user spends the most, up to the first $500 spent each billing cycle. The 5% cash back applies to eligible categories such as restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores and more. For detailed information on all eligible categories, cardholders should review the terms or contact Citi.

The following table compares the bonus categories for each card, helping you identify which best suits your spending patterns.

With Freedom Unlimited, your cash back remains available as long as your account is active. You can redeem your rewards anytime since no minimum amount is required. Redemption options are diverse, including statement credits, direct deposits and even shopping with points on Amazon.

Citi Custom Cash points also have no expiration and no earnings caps. Redemption is just as flexible, allowing for statement credits, gift cards and travel, with a notable exception for check redemptions requiring at least $5.

MoneyGeek examines and rates credit cards like Freedom Unlimited and Citi Custom Cash using a ranking process tailored to specific use cases. For this comparison, both cards are assessed based on their highest scoring use case, which is cash back. The largest factors determining these scores include the effective reward rate and the return on investment for offers.