Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
vs. Citi Custom Cash® Card

Both the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card and the Citi Custom Cash® Card offer enticing cash back rewards and no annual fee, appealing if you value straightforward savings. The Quicksilver edges ahead with its unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, making it a strong choice for consistent rewards across the board.

But the Citi Custom Cash Card is a formidable contender, especially if you can maximize the 5% cash back in their top spending category each billing cycle. While the Quicksilver may be the more versatile option overall, the Citi Custom Cash shouldn't be overlooked if you can benefit from its higher cash back rate in frequently used categories.

You might prefer the Quicksilver if you value a straightforward rewards program. With a flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases and no cap on earnings, it's a solid choice for consistent rewards without having to track spending categories.

You might prefer the Citi Custom Cash if your spending is concentrated in specific categories. The card offers 5% cash back on your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, which can be lucrative if your spending aligns with the eligible categories.

Evaluating APRs, fees, credit requirements, rewards and other features side by side clarifies which card aligns with your financial needs. For instance, if you prefer consistent rewards, the Quicksilver's flat-rate cash back might appeal to you, whereas the Citi Custom Cash could be more beneficial if your spending is concentrated in one category.

The Citi Custom Cash edges out the Quicksilver in potential reward value, particularly for those who spend heavily in one category. With its 5% cash back on your top spending category for the first $500 each billing cycle, it caters to focused spending habits.

But the Quicksilver's consistent 1.5% cash back on all purchases is a straightforward, no-fuss option for those who prefer simplicity and have varied spending. The Quicksilver also offers a notable 5% back on travel booked through Capital One, which can be a significant perk for frequent travelers.

Citi Custom Cash Categories

For the Citi Custom Cash Card, the top eligible spend categories are

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

The table shows a visual comparison of the bonus categories for both cards.

Both the Quicksilver and Citi Custom Cash cards offer flexible options. With the Quicksilver, you can redeem rewards for statement credits, checks and gift cards, among others, with no expiration as long as the account remains open. There's also the convenience of automatic redemption either at a set time each year or when a certain threshold is reached.

The Citi Custom Cash allows for redemption of points for statement credits, gift cards and travel with no minimums for most options, except for a $5 minimum for check redemptions. Points do not expire, ensuring long-term value for your spending.

MoneyGeek evaluates credit cards like Quicksilver and Citi Custom Cash 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.