Citi Custom Cash® Card
vs. Discover it® Chrome

If you're seeking a cash back credit card with no annual fee and enticing introductory offers, you may be considering the Citi Custom Cash and Discover it Chrome. Both cards cater to good to excellent credit profiles and waive annual fees, but your spending habits will guide the best choice.

The Citi Custom Cash may be the better option for maximizing rewards in your top spending category each month, offering 5% cash back on up to $500 spent. By contrast, the Discover it Chrome is ideal for consistent rewards on gas and dining, with 2% cash back in these categories.

You might prefer the Citi Custom Cash if: you're looking for a card that maximizes your cash back on everyday spending. With an expected annual reward value of $541, this card rewards you generously for your top spending category each billing cycle. Plus, there's no annual fee to worry about, allowing you to enjoy the benefits without extra costs. However, be mindful of the potential high APR penalty if you tend to carry a balance.

You might prefer the Discover it Chrome if: you value customer service and a more lenient approach to fees. Although its rewards rate is lower than that of the Citi Custom Cash, the Discover it Chrome boasts a higher issuer satisfaction rating and a forgiving policy on the first late payment. This card is particularly advantageous if you frequently spend at gas stations and restaurants, offering 2% cash back in these categories. Discover's match of all your cash back at the end of the first year can also significantly boost your rewards.

The Citi Custom Cash is a dynamic choice for people who prioritize flexibility in their rewards. This card is tailored for individuals with good to excellent credit. It's particularly adept at rewarding your highest spending category each billing cycle with 5% cash back, up to the first $500 spent, and 1% thereafter, automatically adjusting to your spending habits without the need to enroll in rotating categories.

The card boasts a $0 annual fee, making it a cost-effective option for everyday use. The welcome bonus is enticing, in which you earn $200 in cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first six months. But you should should be mindful of the variable APR of 19.24% to 29.24% and the 3% foreign transaction fee, which could add up for those who carry a balance or travel abroad. The card's balance transfer fee is 5% of each transfer or $5, whichever is higher. Overall, the Citi Custom Cash is a strong contender for those seeking to maximize cash back on their top spending category without worrying about an annual fee.

The Discover it Chrome is a solid choice for those who value simplicity and rewards on everyday spending. With no annual fee and a 2% cash back rate at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, it caters to commuters and food enthusiasts alike.

The card's introductory offer includes a 0% APR for 15 months on both purchases and balance transfers, providing a generous window for new purchases or to manage existing debt. Additionally, Discover's unique intro offer matches all the cash back earned at the end of the first year, potentially significantly boosting the reward value for new cardholders. For individuals with good to excellent credit, the Discover it Chrome is a practical tool for managing everyday expenses while earning rewards.

Our breakdown will help you compare APRs, fees, required credit, rewards, introductory offers and other features of the Citi Custom Cash and Discover it Chrome, depending on your spending patterns and financial objectives. For instance, you might favor the former for its higher cash back rate in your top spending category or prefer the latter for its straightforward 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants.