Citi Custom Cash® Card
vs. Discover it® Cash Back Card

Both the Citi Custom Cash Card and the Discover it Cash Back Card offer compelling cash back rewards and no annual fee, making them strong contenders for anyone looking to maximize their credit card benefits. However, the Citi Custom Cash edges ahead with its higher cash back score and the flexibility of earning 5% cash back in your top spending category each billing cycle.

The Discover it Cash Back Card's first-year cash back match is noteworthy. The Citi Custom Cash's consistent earning potential in your top spend category without the need to activate makes it a more convenient choice. Both cards are suitable for consumers with good to excellent credit, ensuring accessibility for a range of applicants.

You might prefer the Citi Custom Cash if you value simplicity and consistent rewards. This card adapts to your top spending category each billing cycle, automatically earning you 5% cash back on those purchases up to $500, then 1% after. It's a good choice if your spending is concentrated in one area and you prefer not to track rotating categories.

You might prefer the Discover it Cash Back if you're adept at maximizing rewards across different spending areas. With 5% cash back on rotating categories each quarter upon activation, disciplined users can reap significant rewards. Plus, the first-year cash back match can double your earnings, making it an attractive option for the first year.

Evaluating APRs, fees, credit requirements, rewards, introductory offers and other features side by side clarifies which card aligns with your spending. For instance, if you spend heavily in one category, Citi's top category cash back could be lucrative, whereas Discover's rotating categories might suit varied spending. Assess each card's details to decide which one suits you.

When it comes to rewards, the Citi Custom Cash edges out with its tailored approach. You'll earn 5% cash back on your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, and 1% after that. This makes it a strong choice for consistent spending in one area. The Discover it Cash Back gives you 5% cash back in rotating categories each quarter, which can be quite lucrative if you plan your spending accordingly.

For the Citi Custom Cash, eligible top spend categories include a diverse range such as dining, gas, groceries, select travel, and more. The Discover it Cash Back requires a bit more planning with its rotating categories, which have included popular choices like gas stations and Amazon.com. Both cards offer 1% cash back on other purchases.

Following this section, you'll find a detailed table of bonus categories for both cards.

With the Citi Custom Cash, you can redeem points for statement credits, gift cards, travel or direct deposits, with no minimum requirements for most redemptions. The Discover it Cash Back allows you to redeem cash back in any amount at any time, providing freedom to use rewards as you see fit. However, it's important to note that if your account is closed or inactive for 18 months, any accumulated cash back will be forfeited. This highlights the importance of staying active with your card to retain your rewards.

MoneyGeek evaluates credit cards like the Citi Custom Cash and Discover it Cash Back using a tailored scoring system. For instance, the Citi Custom Cash scores highest for cash back rewards, while the Discover it Cash Back is top-rated for balance transfers.

The scoring reflects key factors such as the value of rewards and the terms of introductory offers. To understand the full breadth of our analysis, you can review our ranking methodology.