Citi Custom Cash® Card
vs. Citi Rewards+® Card

Updated: April 22, 2024

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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.

Credit Card logo for Citi Custom Cash® Card
Citi Custom Cash® Card
Credit Card logo for Citi Rewards+® Card
Citi Rewards+® Card
MoneyGeek Rating
3.4/ of 5
MoneyGeek Rating
3.4/ of 5

  • Regular APR
    19.24% - 29.24% variable
    18.74% - 28.74% variable
    0% APR Offer
    0% for 15 months on purchases
    0% for 15 months on purchases
    Balance Transfer Offer
    0% for 15 months on balance transfers
    0% for 15 months on balance transfers
    Annual Fee
    $0
    $0
    Rewards Summary
    Earn 1%–5% cash back
    Earn 1X – 5X ThankYou® Points
    Recommended Credit
    670-850 (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.

Citi Custom Cash® Card
Credit Card logo for Citi Custom Cash® Card
MoneyGeek Rating
3.4/ of 5

Regular APR
19.24% - 29.24% variable
0% APR Offer
0% for 15 months on purchases
Balance Transfer Offer
0% for 15 months on balance transfers
Rewards Summary
Earn 1%–5% cash back
Recommended Credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)

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.

Citi Rewards+® Card
Credit Card logo for Citi Rewards+® Card
MoneyGeek Rating
3.5/ of 5

Regular APR
18.74% - 28.74% variable
0% APR Offer
0% for 15 months on purchases
Balance Transfer Offer
0% for 15 months on balance transfers
Rewards Summary
Earn 1X – 5X ThankYou® Points
Recommended Credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)

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.

    discount icon

    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.

    annualFee icon

    Annual Fee

    Both the Custom Cash and the Rewards+ have a $0 annual fee.

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    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.

    coins icon

    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.

    rewards icon

    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.

    creditApproved icon

    Recommended Credit Score

    Both the Custom Cash and the Rewards+ cards require a credit score of 670 to 850 (good to excellent).

    autopay icon

    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.

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    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.

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    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+

What are the main differences in the rewards programs of the Citi Custom Cash® Card and the Citi Rewards+® Card?
Do either of the Citi cards offer a better introductory APR on purchases or balance transfers?
Are there any differences in the annual fees for the Citi Custom Cash® Card and the Citi Rewards+® Card?
Which card is better for someone with a lower credit score?
How do the foreign transaction fees compare between the two cards?

About Doug Milnes, CFA


Doug Milnes, CFA headshot

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.


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