Citi Custom Cash® Card Review

Citi Custom Cash® Card Review

The Citi Custom Cash® card is a credit card that provides users with high cashback rewards and benefits. This card has gained popularity amongst users because of its unique rewards program, easy-to-use system, and World Elite Mastercard benefits. Whatcard.net comprehensively reviews the Citi Custom Cash® Card for you, including its pros and cons, benefits, fees, rewards, and how to apply for it.

Quick Highlights

The Citi Custom Cash® Card is one of the best cashback cards available in the United States banking sector today, with a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

• High rewards rate of 5% cash back on eligible spending categories each billing cycle
• 1% cash back on all other purchases
• A Welcome Bonus of $200 cashback as a signup bonus after spending $1,500 in the first six months for new cardholders
• World Elite Mastercard benefits, including travel and purchase protection
• No annual fee
• Customizable spending categories based on your spending habits
• Easy to redeem cash back rewards through the Citi Mobile App or online account management
• Contactless payment option for a fast and secure transaction experience
• 24/7 customer service support

Benefits of Citi Custom Cash Card

The Citi Custom Cash® Card provides several benefits to its users, such as high rewards rate, World Elite Mastercard benefits, and a unique rewards program. Some of the benefits include:

Account Alerts for Easy Monitoring

Stay informed and stress-free with our automatic account alerts. Once you’ve set them up, we’ll send you reminders via email or directly to your mobile phone. These alerts keep you updated on your balance levels, upcoming payments, and when you exceed your credit limit.

Tap and Go with Contactless Pay

Shop safely with our contactless-chip-enabled card. Simply tap your card on the payment reader for quick and secure transactions in seconds.

Shop Confidently with Digital Wallets

Our digital wallets allow you to shop confidently in millions of places online, within apps, and at physical stores. With digital wallets, you can speed through checkout while enjoying all the benefits of your card. Learn how to get started and discover how digital wallets can help protect your card information at citi.com/digitalservices.

Bank Anytime, Anywhere with the Citi Mobile® App

Enjoy convenient access to your account with the Citi Mobile® App. View your current balance, available credit, spend summary, make payments, and much more, all from the palm of your hand.

Flexible Payment Options

Choose the payment due date that works best for you, whether it’s at the beginning, middle, or end of the month. Enjoy the flexibility of paying your full balance or just the minimum payment due each month.

Mastercard ID Theft Protection

Rest easy with our Mastercard ID Theft Protection program. This program continuously monitors your account for any suspicious activity and notifies you promptly. Enroll for free and get peace of mind knowing your account is being monitored. Visit cardbenefits.citi.com for more details.

$0 Liability on Unauthorized Charges

Your account is fully protected against unauthorized charges. At Citi, you will not be held responsible for any charges that you did not authorize, whether it’s online or otherwise. For additional information, please visit cardbenefits.citi.com.

Free Access to Your FICO® Score

Keep track of your credit health with free access to your FICO® Score. Check it anytime without impacting your score. You can easily find your score on the Citi Mobile® App and Citi® Online. Discover the key factors influencing your score and more.

Fraud Early Warning

Rest assured with our Fraud Early Warning system that monitors your account for any suspicious activity. If we detect any potentially fraudulent transactions, we will contact you promptly to validate and take appropriate action to protect your account.

Secure Your Card with Citi® Quick Lock

Misplaced your card? Use Citi® Quick Lock to instantly block new charges while allowing recurring charges to continue without interruption. Gain peace of mind and buy yourself some time to locate your card.

Citi Entertainment®: Bringing Fun to Your Doorstep

Experience the best in music, sports, culinary adventures, and more through the remarkable Citi Entertainment program. No matter where you are, indulge in a wide range of delightful experiences, all at your fingertips.

Drawbacks and Considerations

Despite the many benefits of the Citi Custom Cash® Card, users should keep some drawbacks and considerations in mind. These include the limited spending in bonus categories, the need to track and categorize spending, and limited rewards outside of the top category. It’s important for potential cardholders to consider these factors before applying.

Low Spending Cap For Bonus Rewards

The Citi Custom Cash® Card offers a 5% cash-back rate of up to $500 spent per billing cycle in your top spend category. After reaching the cap, all other spending earns 1% back.

If you spend $500 each billing cycle in your highest spend category, you’ll earn $25 in bonus rewards (excluding the 1% back afterward). Consider that if your spending is concentrated in a category like groceries, you might reach the card’s spending cap quickly.

On the other hand, the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card has a more generous spending cap. It rewards 5% cash back on the first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter across two categories of your choice. However, unlike the Citi Custom Cash® Card, you need to opt into the bonus categories every quarter to earn higher rewards. Here are the categories eligible for 5% cash back on the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card:

Limited To A Single Bonus Category

When it comes to earning rewards, it’s important to consider your spending habits and goals. While some cards offer enticing bonuses, being aware of any limitations is essential. For instance, with the card we are discussing, you can only earn enhanced rewards on one spending category per billing cycle, while non-bonus category spending will only earn you 1%. This means that if your spending varies within a month, you may miss out on high rewards for certain purchases.

However, there are other cards available that offer ongoing bonus tiers on additional spending. Take the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card, for example. In addition to two 5%-back categories of your choice, it also earns you 2% cash back in one “everyday” category. Similarly, the Chase Freedom Flex℠ offers 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases and 5% in quarterly bonus categories.

If you prefer a more predictable and straightforward cash back rate, the Citi Double Cash® Card is worth considering. This card offers a flat rate of 2% back – 1% when you make a purchase and another 1% when you pay your bill. Alternatively, you can combine the Citi Custom Cash® Card with the Citi Double Cash® Card to maximize rewards. By strategically planning your spending, you can earn 5% on one top category each cycle and 2% on all other purchases.

Remember, understanding the rewards structure and limitations of each card will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your spending patterns and financial goals.

Citi Custom Cash Card Credit Score Needed

The Citi Custom Cash® Card requires a specific credit score requirement of 630-850 (Average – Excellent). However, an excellent credit score is preferable to increase the chances of approval.

Citi Custom Cash Card Rewards

Users can earn 5% cash back on eligible spending categories and 1% cash back on all other purchases. The spending categories include gas stations, restaurants, grocery stores, select travel, and other categories that can be customized based on your spending habits. You can earn up to a maximum of $500 cash back per billing cycle in the bonus category. Additionally, new cardholders can earn a $200 cashback bonus after spending $1,500 in the first six months. Rewards can be easily redeemed through the Citi Mobile App or online account management.

Redeeming Rewards

Rewards earned from the Citi Custom Cash® Card can be redeemed easily through the Citi Mobile App or online account management. Users have the option to redeem their cashback rewards for statement credits, checks, direct deposits, or gift cards. Rewards can also be pooled with other Citi ThankYou® points-earning credit cards for more flexibility and value. There is no minimum redemption amount, and rewards do not expire as long as the account remains open.

Citi Custom Cash Card Bonus

The current offer gives $200 cashback after spending $1,500 in the first six months.

Citi Custom Cash Card Promotion: There are currently no promotions for this card. However, users can keep an eye out for future promotions or offers that may benefit them.

Interest Rate or APR

The Citi Custom Cash® Card has no annual fee, making it a great choice for those looking for a no-fee credit card with high rewards. The variable APR is between 19.24%-29.24%.

Citi Custom Cash Card Credit Limit

The credit limit depends on the user’s credit history, income, and other factors. However, according to Credit Karma, the city custom cash card has a $500 minimum credit limit and a $20,000 maximum credit limit, while the average credit limit is $5000.

Citi Custom Cash Card Categories

The card has several eligible spending categories:

• Gas
• Groceries
• Dining
• Travel
• Utilities (can be customized based on spending habits) # World Elite Mastercard Benefits

Citi Custom Cash Card Grocery Stores List

The card does not have a specific list of grocery stores. However, users can earn 5% cashback on eligible purchases made at grocery stores.

• Walmart
• Kroger
• Safeway
• Target
• Whole Foods Market
• Publix
• Costco Wholesale
• Giant Food Stores
• Meijer
• Trader Joe’s # Citi Custom Cash Card Gas Stations List

The card does not have a specific list of gas stations. However, users can earn 5% cashback on eligible purchases made at gas stations.

Citi Custom Cash Card Requirements

To apply for the Citi Custom Cash® Card, users must be:

• At least 18 years old.
• Have a valid SSN or TIN.
• Must have a valid US address.
• Have a FICO Credit Score of 630-850 (Average to Excellent).

Citi Custom Cash Card Fee

The card incurs the following fees for their services:

• Foreign Transaction Fee: The Citi Custom Cash® Card charges 3% of the transaction amount for foreign transactions.
• Annual Fee: The Citi Custom Cash® Card has no annual fee.
• International Fees: The card charges a 3% foreign transaction fee on purchases made outside of the US.
• Membership Fee: The Citi Custom Cash® Card does not charge any membership fees.
• Balance Transfer Fee: The card has a balance transfer fee of 5% of the balance amount or $5, whichever is higher.
• Cash Advance Fee: The card charges a cash advance fee of 5% of the amount or $10, whichever is higher.
• Late Payment Fee: The Citi Custom Cash® Card charges a late payment fee of up to $40.
• Over the Limit Fee: The card does not have an over-the-limit fee.
• Grace Period: Users have a 23-day grace period to pay their balance before incurring any interest charges.

SEE ALL RATES AND FEES

Citi Custom Cash Card Referral

Users can refer their friends or family members to apply for the Citi Custom Cash® Card and earn referral bonuses. The current offer gives $100 cashback for every approved referral, up to a maximum of $500 per calendar year.

Tips for Maximizing Citi Custom Cash Card Rewards

Here are some tips for getting the most out of your Citi Custom Cash® Card:

• Use it for everyday purchases in eligible categories to earn 5% cashback.
• Set up automatic payments to avoid late fees and maintain a healthy credit score.
• Keep track of your spending to ensure you stay within budget and earn rewards.
• Refer friends and family to earn referral bonuses.
• Use the card for international purchases with no foreign transaction fees.
• Take advantage of World Elite Mastercard benefits, such as travel insurance and concierge services.

Citi Custom Cash Card Approval Odds

The Citi Custom Cash® Card approval odds depend on several factors, including credit score, income, and existing debt. A good to excellent credit score (630-850) and a steady income increase the chances of approval. Where 630 is the minimum credit score needed to qualify for the card and a higher score makes the approval chances better. However, individual circumstances may vary. It is recommended to check your credit score and pre-qualify for the card before applying.

How to Apply for Citi Custom Cash Card

The application process for the Citi Custom Cash® Card is simple and can be completed online by following these steps:

1. Visit the official Citi website.
2. Fill out the required personal information, such as name, address, income, and employment status.
3. Provide your Social Security Number for a credit check.
4. Review and agree to the terms and conditions.
5. Submit the application and wait for a decision from Citi.

You will receive your card in the mail within 7-10 business days if approved. If not, Citi may provide reasons for denial or offer alternatives for consideration.

Citi Custom Cash Card Application Status

If you have applied for the Citi Custom Cash® Card and are waiting to hear back about your application status, there are a few ways to check on it:

1. Check Online: You can log in to your Citi account and navigate to the application status page to view the progress of your application.
2. Call Customer Service: You can also call Citi’s customer service line at 1-800-950-5114 and provide your application reference number to check the status.
3. Wait for A Decision: Citi typically takes 7-10 business days to process applications, so it may still be in progress if you haven’t heard back yet.

Citi Custom Cash Card Pre-approval

You can check for pre-approval by clicking on the “Pre-Qualify Now” button on the Citi Custom Cash® Card webpage. This will not affect your credit score and will give you an idea of your eligibility for the card. If pre-approved, you can then proceed with the application process.

Citi Custom Cash Card Customer Service

The Citi Custom Cash® Card offers 24/7 customer service for all cardholders. They can be reached by phone (1-800-950-5114) or the Citi website and mobile app. Users can also access their account information, rewards balance, and other services through these platforms.

Conclusion

We have concluded from the above Citi Custom Cash Card review that it is an excellent choice for those seeking a no-annual fee cashback card with World Elite Mastercard benefits. Users can earn significant cash back on everyday purchases with its unique, customizable rewards program and referral bonuses. It offers a 23-day grace period, no foreign transaction fees, and reliable customer service. While there may be limitations in tracking and categorizing spending, the benefits outweigh any drawbacks. With a good to excellent credit score, this card can provide valuable rewards for everyday expenses. Apply now and earn cash back on eligible spending categories with the Citi Custom Cash® Card! Remember to use credit responsibly and pay your balance in full each month to maximize rewards and maintain a healthy credit score.

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