If you're looking for a rewards card with no annual fee and introductory APR offers, you may be considering the Citi Custom Cash and the Citi Rewards+. The Custom Cash is better for maximizing cash back in your highest spending category, while the Rewards+ is ideal for earning extra points on small, everyday purchases. Both cards cater to good to excellent credit profiles and offer appealing sign-up bonuses, but your spending habits will dictate the best fit.
Citi Custom Cash® Card
vs. Citi Rewards+® Card
The Citi Custom Cash outperforms the Citi Rewards+ with a superior reward rate, making it the better choice for maximizing cash back.
![First credit card image](https://res.cloudinary.com/moneygeek/image/upload/v1698841567/9aedd300_bfe7_11eb_a48f_65ac0bb53c5b_74017a709a.webp)
![Second credit card image](https://res.cloudinary.com/moneygeek/image/upload/v1668110586/Citi_Rewards_Card_41eb1606c6.png)
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Doug Milnes, CFA
Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek
Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets. Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.
Lukas Velunta
Content Editor
Lukas Velunta is a MoneyGeek content editor with over 12 years of experience in economics, finance, management and consumer science content. He also works as a researcher and academic editor, preparing articles from non-native English speakers for peer review in Q1 journals.
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/moneygeek/image/upload/c_scale,q_auto:eco,f_auto,fl_lossy,w_100,b_white/v1585262247/bbgpw5eliaweh29jfpd8.png)
Doug Milnes, CFA
Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek
Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets. Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.
Lukas Velunta
Content Editor
Lukas Velunta is a MoneyGeek content editor with over 12 years of experience in economics, finance, management and consumer science content. He also works as a researcher and academic editor, preparing articles from non-native English speakers for peer review in Q1 journals.
Updated: April 22, 2024
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![Credit Card logo for Citi Custom Cash® Card](https://res.cloudinary.com/moneygeek/image/upload/c_scale,q_auto:eco,f_auto,fl_lossy,h_190,w_300/v1698841567/9aedd300_bfe7_11eb_a48f_65ac0bb53c5b_74017a709a.webp)
![Credit Card logo for Citi Rewards+® Card](https://res.cloudinary.com/moneygeek/image/upload/c_scale,q_auto:eco,f_auto,fl_lossy,h_190,w_300/v1668110586/Citi_Rewards_Card_41eb1606c6.png)
- Regular APR19.24% - 29.24% variable18.74% - 28.74% variable0% APR Offer0% for 15 months on purchases0% for 15 months on purchasesBalance Transfer Offer0% for 15 months on balance transfers0% for 15 months on balance transfersAnnual Fee$0$0Rewards SummaryEarn 1%–5% cash backEarn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Special Travel Offer: Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2025. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.Earn 1X – 5X ThankYou® PointsSpecial offer: earn 5 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com through December 31, 2025. Earn 2X ThankYou® Points at Supermarkets and Gas Stations for the first $6,000 per year and then 1X Points thereafter. Earn 1X ThankYou® Points on All Other Purchases.Recommended Credit670-850 (Good to Excellent)670-850 (Good to Excellent)Not sure?
Citi Custom Cash vs. Citi Rewards+: Which Is Better for You?
You might prefer the Citi Custom Cash if: you enjoy maximizing cash back on your highest spending category without tracking rotating bonus categories. This card automatically rewards you with 5% cash back on your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, on up to $500 spent, and then 1% thereafter. It's tailored for those who want to earn significant rewards in areas where they spend the most, whether that's restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores or select travel. And the expected reward value of $541 underscores its potential for those with good to excellent credit who can manage their card effectively.
You might prefer the Citi Rewards+ if: your spending aligns with its reward structure, particularly for travel. While it doesn't offer a cash back program, it does provide 5 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on travel purchases through Citi, on up to $6,000 per year, and then 1 point per $1 spent thereafter. This card could be appealing if you're looking to accumulate points for travel and enjoy the benefits of the ThankYou Points program. Both cards offer a 0% APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, have no annual fee and require a good to excellent credit score, making them both accessible options for many consumers.
MoneyGeek's Take on the Citi Custom Cash
The Citi Custom Cash caters to individuals with good to excellent credit scores ranging from 670 to 850. This card adapts to your spending, offering 5% cash back on your top eligible spending category each billing cycle, on up to the first $500 spent, and 1% after that.
Ideal for everyday use, it charges no annual fee and entices new cardholders with a welcome bonus offer, making it a compelling choice for those who prioritize flexible cash back rewards without extra costs.
![Credit Card logo for Citi Custom Cash® Card](https://res.cloudinary.com/moneygeek/image/upload/c_scale,q_auto:eco,f_auto,fl_lossy,h_190,w_300/v1698841567/9aedd300_bfe7_11eb_a48f_65ac0bb53c5b_74017a709a.webp)
MoneyGeek's Take on the Citi Rewards+
The Citi Rewards+® Card is tailored for travelers looking to accumulate points for their adventures. With no annual fee and a welcome offer of 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,500 in the first three months, this card is a solid choice for those who prefer earning rewards through travel and everyday purchases.
The card's introductory 0% APR for 15 months on both purchases and balance transfers can be particularly appealing for individuals planning significant expenditures or looking to manage existing debt. Recommended for users with a credit score ranging from 670 to 850, the Citi Rewards+ is a competitive option for consumers with good to excellent credit seeking to earn travel rewards without the burden of an annual fee.
![Credit Card logo for Citi Rewards+® Card](https://res.cloudinary.com/moneygeek/image/upload/c_scale,q_auto:eco,f_auto,fl_lossy,h_190,w_300/v1668110586/Citi_Rewards_Card_41eb1606c6.png)
Details Comparison: Citi Custom Cash vs. Citi Rewards+
Our breakdown will help you compare APRs, fees, required credit, rewards, introductory offers and other features of the Citi Custom Cash and the Citi Rewards+. For instance, if maximizing cash back on your highest spending category each month is your priority, the Custom Cash might be appealing. Alternatively, if you frequently travel and prefer earning points for flights and hotels, the Rewards+ could be a better fit.
Regular APR
The Citi Rewards+ Card offers a lower APR range of 18.74% to 28.74% variable, compared with the Citi Custom Cash's APR range of 19.24% to 29.24% variable.
Annual Fee
Both the Custom Cash and the Rewards+ have a $0 annual fee.
Introductory 0% APRs
Both the cards offer a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months. But the Citi Rewards+ is better for those looking to transfer a balance due to its lower fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, compared with the Citi Custom Cash's 5% fee.
Rewards
The Custom Cash is better for targeted spending with its 5% cash back on top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent. The Rewards+ card, offering 2 points at supermarkets and gas stations for the first $6,000 per year and a unique perk of 10% points back on redeemed points, may be more appealing for those who value flexibility and frequent point redemption.
Welcome Offers
Both cards offer compelling welcome bonuses after a $1,500 spend in the first three months. The Citi Custom Cash provides $200 cash back, while the Citi Rewards+ offers 20,000 points. Your choice depends on your preference for cash back or potentially higher value through point redemption.
Recommended Credit Score
Both the Custom Cash and the Rewards+ cards require a credit score of 670 to 850 (good to excellent).
Penalties and Fees
The Citi Custom Cash and the Rewards+ cards both impose a late fee up to $41, a penalty APR up to 29.99% — with the Rewards+ card's APR potentially varying based on creditworthiness — and a cash advance fee of 5% of each advance; $10 minimum. Additionally, each card carries a 3% foreign transaction fee.
Issuer Satisfaction
Citi issues both the Citi Custom Cash® Card and the Citi Rewards+® Card, so you can expect the same issuer experience from either card.
Other Features & Perks
With the Citi Rewards+ through December 31, 2025, you can earn 5 ThankYou points per dollar on hotel reservations, car rentals and attractions (excluding flights) booked using Citi Travel — a perk not offered by the Custom Cash.
FAQ: Citi Custom Cash vs. Citi Rewards+
The Citi Custom Cash offers 5% cash back on top eligible spend categories, while the Citi Rewards+ earns ThankYou® Points with a special travel offer — both cards offer compelling rewards depending on your needs.
Both cards offer the same balance transfer offer of 0% intro APR for 15 months.
No, both cards have no annual fee, making them great no annual fee cards.
Both Citi cards recommend a credit score range of 670 to 850, so neither is specifically tailored for lower credit scores.
Both the Citi Custom Cash and the Citi Rewards+ charge a 3% foreign transaction fee.
About Doug Milnes, CFA
![Doug Milnes, CFA headshot](https://res.cloudinary.com/moneygeek/image/upload/c_scale,q_auto:eco,f_auto,fl_lossy,w_160/v1585262247/bbgpw5eliaweh29jfpd8.png)
Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets.
Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses and recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
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