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Automatic 5% cash back on your top category — $0 annual fee
Earn 5% cash back automatically on your highest spending category each billing cycle, up to $500 spent, with no activation or enrollment required. Choose from 10 eligible categories including dining, groceries, gas, streaming, and transit. Pair with Citi Strata Premier to unlock ThankYou Points transfer partners for 1.6+ cents per point value.
$0
Annual Fee
200
ThankYou Points · Welcome Bonus
5X
Top Rate
Annual Fee
$0
Authorized User Fee
$0
Foreign Transaction Fee
3%
Network
Mastercard Standard
Rewards Currency
Citi ThankYou Rewards
Point Valuation
1.3–1.6 cpp (mid: 1.5)
Credit Required
Good to Excellent
Bonus: 200 ThankYou Points
Spend: $1,500
Period: 6 months
| Category | Rate | Type | Booking Method | Cap | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dining | 5X | Core | any | $500/monthly | |
| Drugstores | 5X | Core | any | $500/monthly | |
| Fitness Clubs | 5X | Core | any | $500/monthly | |
| Gas Stations | 5X | Core | any | $500/monthly | |
| Grocery Stores | 5X | Core | any | $500/monthly | |
| Home Improvement | 5X | Core | any | $500/monthly | |
| Live Entertainment | 5X | Core | any | $500/monthly | |
| Streaming | 5X | Core | any | $500/monthly | |
| Transit | 5X | Core | any | $500/monthly | |
| Travel | 5X | Core | any | $500/monthly |
Earn 5 ThankYou Points per dollar on purchases in your highest eligible spending category each billing cycle, up to $500 spent. The card automatically identifies your top category — no activation needed.
Spend $500 on groceries in a month: earn 2,500 points ($25 cash back) vs. $5 at the base 1% rate
Earn 1 ThankYou Point per dollar on all purchases outside your top category. No caps, no limits on base rewards.
Spend $2,000 on non-category purchases: earn 2,000 points ($20 cash back)
Earn 4% additional cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through the Citi Travel portal, bringing total earn up to 5% back on travel bookings.
Book a $1,200 hotel on Citi Travel: earn $60 in additional cash back on top of base earn
Benefits & Perks
Program & Transfers
Exclusive access to American Airlines awards
Citi ThankYou Points offer a unique position in the transferable currency landscape as the only program with American Airlines as a transfer partner. With 15 airline partners spanning all three major alliances and 5 hotel programs, ThankYou Points provide solid flexibility for award travel. The program requires a premium card (Strata Premier, Strata Elite, or Prestige) to unlock full 1:1 transfer ratios. Other ThankYou-earning cards receive reduced 0.7:1 ratios, making the premium cards essential for maximizing value. Transfers are instant to most partners, with a 1,000-point minimum in 1,000-point increments. While Citi offers fewer transfer bonuses than competitors, the exclusive American Airlines partnership and strong Star Alliance coverage make ThankYou Points valuable for specific redemption strategies, particularly for travelers based near American Airlines hubs.
Reviews & Analysis
Details & Terms
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| 48 From Bonus | You will not be eligible for a signup bonus on the same card if you’ve received one for THAT card in the previous 48 months. |
| No 5/24 | Card approval not subject to 5-personal-cards-in-24-months rule |
| Citi 2/65 | You'll be declined if you apply for a third Citi card within 65 days |
| Citi 1/8 | You'll be declined if you apply for a second Citi card (business and/or personal) within 8 days |
| Citi 6/6 | You'll be declined if there are 6 or more hard inquiries on your credit report the past 6 months |
| Citi 5 Day Rule | You may be rejected when applying for a Citi credit card if your credit has been pulled within the last five days (by any bank). |
| Purchase APR | 17.49%–27.49% (Variable) |
| Cash Advance APR | 29.74% (Variable) |
| Foreign Transaction Fee |
Automatic 5% cash back on your top category — $0 annual fee
Earn 5% cash back automatically on your highest spending category each billing cycle, up to $500 spent, with no activation or enrollment required. Choose from 10 eligible categories including dining, groceries, gas, streaming, and transit. Pair with Citi Strata Premier to unlock ThankYou Points transfer partners for 1.6+ cents per point value.
$0
Annual Fee
200
ThankYou Points · Welcome Bonus
5X
Top Rate
Annual Fee
$0
Authorized User Fee
$0
Foreign Transaction Fee
3%
Network
Mastercard Standard
Rewards Currency
Citi ThankYou Rewards
Point Valuation
1.3–1.6 cpp (mid: 1.5)
Credit Required
Good to Excellent
Bonus: 200 ThankYou Points
Spend: $1,500
Period: 6 months
| Category | Rate | Type | Booking Method | Cap | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dining | 5X | Core | any | $500/monthly | |
| Drugstores | 5X | Core | any | $500/monthly | |
| Fitness Clubs | 5X | Core | any | $500/monthly | |
| Gas Stations | 5X | Core | any | $500/monthly | |
| Grocery Stores | 5X | Core | any | $500/monthly | |
| Home Improvement | 5X | Core | any | $500/monthly | |
| Live Entertainment | 5X | Core | any | $500/monthly | |
| Streaming | 5X | Core | any | $500/monthly | |
| Transit | 5X | Core | any | $500/monthly | |
| Travel | 5X | Core | any | $500/monthly |
Earn 5 ThankYou Points per dollar on purchases in your highest eligible spending category each billing cycle, up to $500 spent. The card automatically identifies your top category — no activation needed.
Spend $500 on groceries in a month: earn 2,500 points ($25 cash back) vs. $5 at the base 1% rate
Earn 1 ThankYou Point per dollar on all purchases outside your top category. No caps, no limits on base rewards.
Spend $2,000 on non-category purchases: earn 2,000 points ($20 cash back)
Earn 4% additional cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through the Citi Travel portal, bringing total earn up to 5% back on travel bookings.
Book a $1,200 hotel on Citi Travel: earn $60 in additional cash back on top of base earn
Benefits & Perks
Program & Transfers
Exclusive access to American Airlines awards
Citi ThankYou Points offer a unique position in the transferable currency landscape as the only program with American Airlines as a transfer partner. With 15 airline partners spanning all three major alliances and 5 hotel programs, ThankYou Points provide solid flexibility for award travel. The program requires a premium card (Strata Premier, Strata Elite, or Prestige) to unlock full 1:1 transfer ratios. Other ThankYou-earning cards receive reduced 0.7:1 ratios, making the premium cards essential for maximizing value. Transfers are instant to most partners, with a 1,000-point minimum in 1,000-point increments. While Citi offers fewer transfer bonuses than competitors, the exclusive American Airlines partnership and strong Star Alliance coverage make ThankYou Points valuable for specific redemption strategies, particularly for travelers based near American Airlines hubs.
Reviews & Analysis
Details & Terms
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| 48 From Bonus | You will not be eligible for a signup bonus on the same card if you’ve received one for THAT card in the previous 48 months. |
| No 5/24 | Card approval not subject to 5-personal-cards-in-24-months rule |
| Citi 2/65 | You'll be declined if you apply for a third Citi card within 65 days |
| Citi 1/8 | You'll be declined if you apply for a second Citi card (business and/or personal) within 8 days |
| Citi 6/6 | You'll be declined if there are 6 or more hard inquiries on your credit report the past 6 months |
| Citi 5 Day Rule | You may be rejected when applying for a Citi credit card if your credit has been pulled within the last five days (by any bank). |
| Purchase APR | 17.49%–27.49% (Variable) |
| Cash Advance APR | 29.74% (Variable) |
| Foreign Transaction Fee |
Automatic 5% cash back on your top category — $0 annual fee
Earn 5% cash back automatically on your highest spending category each billing cycle, up to $500 spent, with no activation or enrollment required. Choose from 10 eligible categories including dining, groceries, gas, streaming, and transit. Pair with Citi Strata Premier to unlock ThankYou Points transfer partners for 1.6+ cents per point value.
$0
Annual Fee
200
ThankYou Points · Welcome Bonus
5X
Top Rate
Annual Fee
$0
Authorized User Fee
$0
Foreign Transaction Fee
3%
Network
Mastercard Standard
Rewards Currency
Citi ThankYou Rewards
Point Valuation
1.3–1.6 cpp (mid: 1.5)
Credit Required
Good to Excellent
Bonus: 200 ThankYou Points
Spend: $1,500
Period: 6 months
| Category | Rate | Type | Booking Method | Cap | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dining | 5X | Core | any | $500/monthly | |
| Drugstores | 5X | Core | any | $500/monthly | |
| Fitness Clubs | 5X | Core | any | $500/monthly | |
| Gas Stations | 5X | Core | any | $500/monthly | |
| Grocery Stores | 5X | Core | any | $500/monthly | |
| Home Improvement | 5X | Core | any | $500/monthly | |
| Live Entertainment | 5X | Core | any | $500/monthly | |
| Streaming | 5X | Core | any | $500/monthly | |
| Transit | 5X | Core | any | $500/monthly | |
| Travel | 5X | Core | any | $500/monthly |
Earn 5 ThankYou Points per dollar on purchases in your highest eligible spending category each billing cycle, up to $500 spent. The card automatically identifies your top category — no activation needed.
Spend $500 on groceries in a month: earn 2,500 points ($25 cash back) vs. $5 at the base 1% rate
Earn 1 ThankYou Point per dollar on all purchases outside your top category. No caps, no limits on base rewards.
Spend $2,000 on non-category purchases: earn 2,000 points ($20 cash back)
Earn 4% additional cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through the Citi Travel portal, bringing total earn up to 5% back on travel bookings.
Book a $1,200 hotel on Citi Travel: earn $60 in additional cash back on top of base earn
Benefits & Perks
Program & Transfers
Exclusive access to American Airlines awards
Citi ThankYou Points offer a unique position in the transferable currency landscape as the only program with American Airlines as a transfer partner. With 15 airline partners spanning all three major alliances and 5 hotel programs, ThankYou Points provide solid flexibility for award travel. The program requires a premium card (Strata Premier, Strata Elite, or Prestige) to unlock full 1:1 transfer ratios. Other ThankYou-earning cards receive reduced 0.7:1 ratios, making the premium cards essential for maximizing value. Transfers are instant to most partners, with a 1,000-point minimum in 1,000-point increments. While Citi offers fewer transfer bonuses than competitors, the exclusive American Airlines partnership and strong Star Alliance coverage make ThankYou Points valuable for specific redemption strategies, particularly for travelers based near American Airlines hubs.
Reviews & Analysis
Details & Terms
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| 48 From Bonus | You will not be eligible for a signup bonus on the same card if you’ve received one for THAT card in the previous 48 months. |
| No 5/24 | Card approval not subject to 5-personal-cards-in-24-months rule |
| Citi 2/65 | You'll be declined if you apply for a third Citi card within 65 days |
| Citi 1/8 | You'll be declined if you apply for a second Citi card (business and/or personal) within 8 days |
| Citi 6/6 | You'll be declined if there are 6 or more hard inquiries on your credit report the past 6 months |
| Citi 5 Day Rule | You may be rejected when applying for a Citi credit card if your credit has been pulled within the last five days (by any bank). |
| Purchase APR | 17.49%–27.49% (Variable) |
| Cash Advance APR | 29.74% (Variable) |
| Foreign Transaction Fee |
Up to
$60
in annual credits
$10/mo Instacart+
—
Annual
Get 3 free months of Instacart+ plus $10 off monthly orders when paid with card.
$5 Lyft + airport
—
Annual
Earn $5 monthly with 3 Lyft rides + save 10% on airport rides nationwide.
$3/mo Peacock
—
Annual
Save $3/month on Peacock Premium or Premium Plus with automatic statement credit.
$2.50/mo transit
—
Annual
Earn $2.50/month when spending $10+ on contactless transit in select U.S. cities.
DoorDash DashPass
—
Monthly
Complimentary three-month DashPass subscription with $5 off your first two orders each month, offered through World Elite Mastercard.
$5/mo Lyft
$5
Earn a $5 Lyft credit toward your next ride each month you take at least three Lyft rides, offered as a World Elite Mastercard benefit.
Combined Protection Value
$100
You won't be held responsible for unauthorized transactions made in store, online, or via mobile device.
Complimentary HealthLock membership monitors for medical identity fraud, prescription fraud, and unauthorized insurance claims.
Monitor surface and dark web for compromised credentials with real-time alerts and resolution services included.
Free identity theft monitoring and protection from Mastercard that alerts cardholders if suspicious activity or potential threats are found.
Complete protection against unauthorized charges on your account ensuring you are not responsible for charges you did not authorize.
View your FICO Score anytime, with no impact to your score. It's updated monthly and easy to find on the Citi Mobile App and Citi Online. See the key
Transfer your ThankYou Points to 22 leading loyalty programs for maximum value.
Most partners accept ThankYou Points at a 1:1 ratio with instant or near-instant transfers.
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Value Retained | Point Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:1 | instant | — | — | |
| 1:1 | instant | — | — | |
| 1:1 | instant | — | 1.3 cpp | |
| 1:1 | instant | — | — | |
| 1:1 | instant | — | — | |
| Route / Property | Points | Book With | Cabin/Type | Value / Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic US in Economy | 4,600 | — | economy | united_states |
| Domestic US in Economy on American | 5,000 | — | economy | united_states |
| US to Europe in Economy | 6,000 | — | economy | europe |
| Carribean | 7,100 | — | — | — |
| US to South America in Economy | 7,100 | — | economy | south_america |
| Intra-Europe in Economy | 7,500 | — | economy | europe |
| Domestic US in Economy on a Partner | 7,500 | — | economy | united_states |
| Intra-Europe in Business | 8,000 | — | business | europe |
| US to Mexico in Economy on a Partner | 11,500 | — | economy | central_america |
| The Setai Hotel Miami Beach | 15,000 | — | — | united_states |
| Domestic US in First Class | 16,500 | — | first | united_states |
| Fifth Avenue Hotel | 16,500 | — | — | united_states |
| US to Iceland in Economy on a Partner | 17,000 | — | economy | europe |
| US to Hawaii in Economy | 20,000 | — | economy | united_states |
| US to Hawaii in Economy on a Partner | 20,500 | — | economy | united_states |
| Domestic US in Business | 22,000 | — | business | united_states |
| US to South America in Business | 22,500 | — | business | south_america |
| US to Japan in Economy | 25,000 | — | economy | asia |
| US to Northern Africa in Economy | 25,000 | — | economy | africa |
| US to Mexico in Business on a Partner | 30,000 | — | business | central_america |
Showing top 20 of 50 sweet spots
The Citi Custom Cash earns 5% on your single highest spending category each billing cycle (up to $500) with zero activation. With $0 annual fee and 10 eligible categories, it delivers up to $300 in annual bonus rewards for spenders who concentrate purchases in one category.
This no-fee Citi card isn't recommended for travel rewards enthusiasts. While it offers cash back usable for travel expenses, better options exist for maximizing travel value. With limited new card opportunities available, strategic travelers should look elsewhere.
This is one of three no-fee Citi cards that we will never recommend to anyone whose priority is collecting points and miles for travel. While this card offers cash back that could be used for travel expenses, there are better options available that would provide more value for travelers. Given that you can only open five new personal credit cards in a 24-month period, using one of those opportunities on this card doesn't make strategic sense for travel rewards enthusiasts.
The Citi Custom Cash card offers a straightforward way to earn cash back with minimal effort. Here's what makes this card appealing:
- **$200 sign-up bonus** after spending $1,500 in the first 6 months, comparable to other no-annual-fee cash back cards
- **Automatic 5% cash back** on your highest eligible spending category each billing cycle (up to $500), potentially earning you an extra $25 monthly
- **No manual category selection** required - the card automatically calculates your top spending category
- **1% cash back** on all other purchases outside your top category
- **4% cash back** on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through the Citi Travel portal
What sets this card apart is its "set it and forget it" approach to rewards. Unlike other cards that require you to activate or select bonus categories quarterly, the Citi Custom Cash automatically identifies where you spend the most and rewards you accordingly. This works particularly well for consumers with consistent spending patterns, such as those who regularly use the card for groceries, dining, gas stations, or other eligible categories.
Redemption options are also flexible. Cardholders can redeem their points for:
- Statement credits
- Direct deposits to a bank account
- Cash
- Gift cards
- Travel bookings
- Shopping with points on Amazon
For those who also hold a Citi Strata Premier or Prestige card, there's added value in the ability to transfer points to those cards and ultimately to airline or hotel partners, enhancing the overall flexibility of your rewards strategy.
This card might not be right for you if:
- You're seeking a higher sign-up bonus and more benefits beyond spending multipliers
- You want to easily use points for free travel, which this card doesn't maximize
**Citi points are increasing in value with the addition of American Airlines as a transfer partner, though limited partner-transfer cards still hold them back.**
- Only the Strata Premier and Strata Elite are worth it; they’re the only Citi cards with transferable miles to all partners and a 60k–80k point signup bonus.
- You can combine cash back points from other Citi cards with Strata Premier or Elite and then transfer to partners, but none of the cash back cards offer strong bonuses.
- Citi has expanded its transfer partner network, adding several high-value options it once lacked.
- Points are flexible with many airline partners, and Citi is the only credit card system that transfers to American Airlines.
The Citi credit card lineup offers different options based on your rewards preferences and willingness to pay an annual fee. Understanding how the Custom Cash fits among these options helps you make a strategic choice:
Credit Utilization (60%)
Excludes earning value, lounge access, insurance, and elite status
Total Value Captured
$36
Annual Fee
-$0
Net Annual Value
+$36
| 3% |
| Authorized User Fee | $0 |
Yes. ThankYou points are Citi’s rewards currency. You can redeem them for cash back at 1 cent per point, but if you have a card that earns transferable points, you can move them to an airline or hotel partner and redeem them for much more value.
They can be. Cash or statement credit redemptions give you 1¢ per point. Transferring points to an airline or hotel partner can unlock redemptions worth twice that amount or more, especially when you take advantage of partner sweet spots.
Yes. You can book flights through the Citi Travel Portal, but that’s usually poor value. If your card allows transfers, moving points to an airline partner typically gives you a much better return than booking through the portal at a simple 1:1 rate.
Yes. You can redeem points for a statement credit to help pay your bill. We only recommend this if you can’t pay your balance in full and would otherwise incur interest. Otherwise, transferring to an airline or hotel partner will give you better value.
Transferring to airline partners typically provides 1.5-2.5 cents per point in value, while the Citi Travel portal gives a flat 1 cent per point. Transfer to partners when booking premium cabin flights or finding sweet spot awards. Use the portal for simple domestic bookings where partner awards don't offer meaningful savings.
Only the Citi Strata Premier ($95/year), Citi Strata Elite ($595/year), and Citi Prestige ($495/year, no longer available to new applicants) unlock 1:1 transfer ratios. Other ThankYou-earning cards like the Double Cash, Custom Cash, and Strata transfer at a reduced 0.7:1 ratio.
Yes. You can combine all ThankYou points into one account, either on the ThankYou website or by calling. If you combine points into a Strata Premier, Strata Elite, or Prestige account, all combined points unlock 1:1 transfer ratios to airline and hotel partners.
No, ThankYou points do not expire as long as your account is open and in good standing. However, if you transfer points to another ThankYou member (up to 100,000 per calendar year), the received points expire 90 days after transfer.
The Citi quadfecta maximizes earning across categories: Strata Premier (3x dining, gas, groceries, airfare, hotels), Strata card (3x transit + 3x self-select category), Custom Cash (5x on top category up to $500/month), and Double Cash (2x on everything). All points pool to the premium card for 1:1 transfers at minimal annual fees.
Citi periodically offers transfer bonuses of 15-30% to select airline and hotel partners. These are limited-time promotions that give you extra miles or points when transferring. Common bonus partners include Air France-KLM Flying Blue, Avianca LifeMiles, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, and Wyndham Rewards.
Comprehensive TPG review covering earning structure, redemption options, competing cards, and Citi ThankYou ecosystem fit.
NerdWallet review covering automatic 5% category mechanics, welcome bonus, and comparison to Citi Double Cash.
Bankrate review highlighting the automatic category selection, $500 monthly cap analysis, and balance transfer intro APR.
WalletHub editor and user reviews with detailed pros, cons, and comparison to competing no-annual-fee cash back cards.
Upgraded Points review covering the automatic 5% earn structure, ThankYou Points transfer value, and Citi trifecta strategy.
US News review analyzing the card's fit for consumers with good to excellent credit seeking no-annual-fee rewards.
CreditCards.com review calling the card a cash back game-changer for its automatic 5% category detection across 10 categories.
Frequent Miler review covering the card's value as part of the Citi ThankYou ecosystem and transfer partner strategy.
TPG guide on pairing Custom Cash with Strata Premier and Double Cash for a complete Citi earning trifecta.
Yahoo Finance syndicated review covering the 5% automatic category system, intro APR, and ideal cardholder profile.
| Source | Date | URL |
|---|---|---|
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
Up to
$60
in annual credits
$10/mo Instacart+
—
Annual
Get 3 free months of Instacart+ plus $10 off monthly orders when paid with card.
$5 Lyft + airport
—
Annual
Earn $5 monthly with 3 Lyft rides + save 10% on airport rides nationwide.
$3/mo Peacock
—
Annual
Save $3/month on Peacock Premium or Premium Plus with automatic statement credit.
$2.50/mo transit
—
Annual
Earn $2.50/month when spending $10+ on contactless transit in select U.S. cities.
DoorDash DashPass
—
Monthly
Complimentary three-month DashPass subscription with $5 off your first two orders each month, offered through World Elite Mastercard.
$5/mo Lyft
$5
Earn a $5 Lyft credit toward your next ride each month you take at least three Lyft rides, offered as a World Elite Mastercard benefit.
Combined Protection Value
$100
You won't be held responsible for unauthorized transactions made in store, online, or via mobile device.
Complimentary HealthLock membership monitors for medical identity fraud, prescription fraud, and unauthorized insurance claims.
Monitor surface and dark web for compromised credentials with real-time alerts and resolution services included.
Free identity theft monitoring and protection from Mastercard that alerts cardholders if suspicious activity or potential threats are found.
Complete protection against unauthorized charges on your account ensuring you are not responsible for charges you did not authorize.
View your FICO Score anytime, with no impact to your score. It's updated monthly and easy to find on the Citi Mobile App and Citi Online. See the key
Transfer your ThankYou Points to 22 leading loyalty programs for maximum value.
Most partners accept ThankYou Points at a 1:1 ratio with instant or near-instant transfers.
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Value Retained | Point Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:1 | instant | — | — | |
| 1:1 | instant | — | — | |
| 1:1 | instant | — | 1.3 cpp | |
| 1:1 | instant | — | — | |
| 1:1 | instant | — | — | |
| Route / Property | Points | Book With | Cabin/Type | Value / Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic US in Economy | 4,600 | — | economy | united_states |
| Domestic US in Economy on American | 5,000 | — | economy | united_states |
| US to Europe in Economy | 6,000 | — | economy | europe |
| Carribean | 7,100 | — | — | — |
| US to South America in Economy | 7,100 | — | economy | south_america |
| Intra-Europe in Economy | 7,500 | — | economy | europe |
| Domestic US in Economy on a Partner | 7,500 | — | economy | united_states |
| Intra-Europe in Business | 8,000 | — | business | europe |
| US to Mexico in Economy on a Partner | 11,500 | — | economy | central_america |
| The Setai Hotel Miami Beach | 15,000 | — | — | united_states |
| Domestic US in First Class | 16,500 | — | first | united_states |
| Fifth Avenue Hotel | 16,500 | — | — | united_states |
| US to Iceland in Economy on a Partner | 17,000 | — | economy | europe |
| US to Hawaii in Economy | 20,000 | — | economy | united_states |
| US to Hawaii in Economy on a Partner | 20,500 | — | economy | united_states |
| Domestic US in Business | 22,000 | — | business | united_states |
| US to South America in Business | 22,500 | — | business | south_america |
| US to Japan in Economy | 25,000 | — | economy | asia |
| US to Northern Africa in Economy | 25,000 | — | economy | africa |
| US to Mexico in Business on a Partner | 30,000 | — | business | central_america |
Showing top 20 of 50 sweet spots
The Citi Custom Cash earns 5% on your single highest spending category each billing cycle (up to $500) with zero activation. With $0 annual fee and 10 eligible categories, it delivers up to $300 in annual bonus rewards for spenders who concentrate purchases in one category.
This no-fee Citi card isn't recommended for travel rewards enthusiasts. While it offers cash back usable for travel expenses, better options exist for maximizing travel value. With limited new card opportunities available, strategic travelers should look elsewhere.
This is one of three no-fee Citi cards that we will never recommend to anyone whose priority is collecting points and miles for travel. While this card offers cash back that could be used for travel expenses, there are better options available that would provide more value for travelers. Given that you can only open five new personal credit cards in a 24-month period, using one of those opportunities on this card doesn't make strategic sense for travel rewards enthusiasts.
The Citi Custom Cash card offers a straightforward way to earn cash back with minimal effort. Here's what makes this card appealing:
- **$200 sign-up bonus** after spending $1,500 in the first 6 months, comparable to other no-annual-fee cash back cards
- **Automatic 5% cash back** on your highest eligible spending category each billing cycle (up to $500), potentially earning you an extra $25 monthly
- **No manual category selection** required - the card automatically calculates your top spending category
- **1% cash back** on all other purchases outside your top category
- **4% cash back** on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through the Citi Travel portal
What sets this card apart is its "set it and forget it" approach to rewards. Unlike other cards that require you to activate or select bonus categories quarterly, the Citi Custom Cash automatically identifies where you spend the most and rewards you accordingly. This works particularly well for consumers with consistent spending patterns, such as those who regularly use the card for groceries, dining, gas stations, or other eligible categories.
Redemption options are also flexible. Cardholders can redeem their points for:
- Statement credits
- Direct deposits to a bank account
- Cash
- Gift cards
- Travel bookings
- Shopping with points on Amazon
For those who also hold a Citi Strata Premier or Prestige card, there's added value in the ability to transfer points to those cards and ultimately to airline or hotel partners, enhancing the overall flexibility of your rewards strategy.
This card might not be right for you if:
- You're seeking a higher sign-up bonus and more benefits beyond spending multipliers
- You want to easily use points for free travel, which this card doesn't maximize
**Citi points are increasing in value with the addition of American Airlines as a transfer partner, though limited partner-transfer cards still hold them back.**
- Only the Strata Premier and Strata Elite are worth it; they’re the only Citi cards with transferable miles to all partners and a 60k–80k point signup bonus.
- You can combine cash back points from other Citi cards with Strata Premier or Elite and then transfer to partners, but none of the cash back cards offer strong bonuses.
- Citi has expanded its transfer partner network, adding several high-value options it once lacked.
- Points are flexible with many airline partners, and Citi is the only credit card system that transfers to American Airlines.
The Citi credit card lineup offers different options based on your rewards preferences and willingness to pay an annual fee. Understanding how the Custom Cash fits among these options helps you make a strategic choice:
Credit Utilization (60%)
Excludes earning value, lounge access, insurance, and elite status
Total Value Captured
$36
Annual Fee
-$0
Net Annual Value
+$36
| 3% |
| Authorized User Fee | $0 |
Yes. ThankYou points are Citi’s rewards currency. You can redeem them for cash back at 1 cent per point, but if you have a card that earns transferable points, you can move them to an airline or hotel partner and redeem them for much more value.
They can be. Cash or statement credit redemptions give you 1¢ per point. Transferring points to an airline or hotel partner can unlock redemptions worth twice that amount or more, especially when you take advantage of partner sweet spots.
Yes. You can book flights through the Citi Travel Portal, but that’s usually poor value. If your card allows transfers, moving points to an airline partner typically gives you a much better return than booking through the portal at a simple 1:1 rate.
Yes. You can redeem points for a statement credit to help pay your bill. We only recommend this if you can’t pay your balance in full and would otherwise incur interest. Otherwise, transferring to an airline or hotel partner will give you better value.
Transferring to airline partners typically provides 1.5-2.5 cents per point in value, while the Citi Travel portal gives a flat 1 cent per point. Transfer to partners when booking premium cabin flights or finding sweet spot awards. Use the portal for simple domestic bookings where partner awards don't offer meaningful savings.
Only the Citi Strata Premier ($95/year), Citi Strata Elite ($595/year), and Citi Prestige ($495/year, no longer available to new applicants) unlock 1:1 transfer ratios. Other ThankYou-earning cards like the Double Cash, Custom Cash, and Strata transfer at a reduced 0.7:1 ratio.
Yes. You can combine all ThankYou points into one account, either on the ThankYou website or by calling. If you combine points into a Strata Premier, Strata Elite, or Prestige account, all combined points unlock 1:1 transfer ratios to airline and hotel partners.
No, ThankYou points do not expire as long as your account is open and in good standing. However, if you transfer points to another ThankYou member (up to 100,000 per calendar year), the received points expire 90 days after transfer.
The Citi quadfecta maximizes earning across categories: Strata Premier (3x dining, gas, groceries, airfare, hotels), Strata card (3x transit + 3x self-select category), Custom Cash (5x on top category up to $500/month), and Double Cash (2x on everything). All points pool to the premium card for 1:1 transfers at minimal annual fees.
Citi periodically offers transfer bonuses of 15-30% to select airline and hotel partners. These are limited-time promotions that give you extra miles or points when transferring. Common bonus partners include Air France-KLM Flying Blue, Avianca LifeMiles, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, and Wyndham Rewards.
Comprehensive TPG review covering earning structure, redemption options, competing cards, and Citi ThankYou ecosystem fit.
NerdWallet review covering automatic 5% category mechanics, welcome bonus, and comparison to Citi Double Cash.
Bankrate review highlighting the automatic category selection, $500 monthly cap analysis, and balance transfer intro APR.
WalletHub editor and user reviews with detailed pros, cons, and comparison to competing no-annual-fee cash back cards.
Upgraded Points review covering the automatic 5% earn structure, ThankYou Points transfer value, and Citi trifecta strategy.
US News review analyzing the card's fit for consumers with good to excellent credit seeking no-annual-fee rewards.
CreditCards.com review calling the card a cash back game-changer for its automatic 5% category detection across 10 categories.
Frequent Miler review covering the card's value as part of the Citi ThankYou ecosystem and transfer partner strategy.
TPG guide on pairing Custom Cash with Strata Premier and Double Cash for a complete Citi earning trifecta.
Yahoo Finance syndicated review covering the 5% automatic category system, intro APR, and ideal cardholder profile.
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Up to
$60
in annual credits
$10/mo Instacart+
—
Annual
Get 3 free months of Instacart+ plus $10 off monthly orders when paid with card.
$5 Lyft + airport
—
Annual
Earn $5 monthly with 3 Lyft rides + save 10% on airport rides nationwide.
$3/mo Peacock
—
Annual
Save $3/month on Peacock Premium or Premium Plus with automatic statement credit.
$2.50/mo transit
—
Annual
Earn $2.50/month when spending $10+ on contactless transit in select U.S. cities.
DoorDash DashPass
—
Monthly
Complimentary three-month DashPass subscription with $5 off your first two orders each month, offered through World Elite Mastercard.
$5/mo Lyft
$5
Earn a $5 Lyft credit toward your next ride each month you take at least three Lyft rides, offered as a World Elite Mastercard benefit.
Combined Protection Value
$100
You won't be held responsible for unauthorized transactions made in store, online, or via mobile device.
Complimentary HealthLock membership monitors for medical identity fraud, prescription fraud, and unauthorized insurance claims.
Monitor surface and dark web for compromised credentials with real-time alerts and resolution services included.
Free identity theft monitoring and protection from Mastercard that alerts cardholders if suspicious activity or potential threats are found.
Complete protection against unauthorized charges on your account ensuring you are not responsible for charges you did not authorize.
View your FICO Score anytime, with no impact to your score. It's updated monthly and easy to find on the Citi Mobile App and Citi Online. See the key
Transfer your ThankYou Points to 22 leading loyalty programs for maximum value.
Most partners accept ThankYou Points at a 1:1 ratio with instant or near-instant transfers.
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Value Retained | Point Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:1 | instant | — | — | |
| 1:1 | instant | — | — | |
| 1:1 | instant | — | 1.3 cpp | |
| 1:1 | instant | — | — | |
| 1:1 | instant | — | — | |
| Route / Property | Points | Book With | Cabin/Type | Value / Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic US in Economy | 4,600 | — | economy | united_states |
| Domestic US in Economy on American | 5,000 | — | economy | united_states |
| US to Europe in Economy | 6,000 | — | economy | europe |
| Carribean | 7,100 | — | — | — |
| US to South America in Economy | 7,100 | — | economy | south_america |
| Intra-Europe in Economy | 7,500 | — | economy | europe |
| Domestic US in Economy on a Partner | 7,500 | — | economy | united_states |
| Intra-Europe in Business | 8,000 | — | business | europe |
| US to Mexico in Economy on a Partner | 11,500 | — | economy | central_america |
| The Setai Hotel Miami Beach | 15,000 | — | — | united_states |
| Domestic US in First Class | 16,500 | — | first | united_states |
| Fifth Avenue Hotel | 16,500 | — | — | united_states |
| US to Iceland in Economy on a Partner | 17,000 | — | economy | europe |
| US to Hawaii in Economy | 20,000 | — | economy | united_states |
| US to Hawaii in Economy on a Partner | 20,500 | — | economy | united_states |
| Domestic US in Business | 22,000 | — | business | united_states |
| US to South America in Business | 22,500 | — | business | south_america |
| US to Japan in Economy | 25,000 | — | economy | asia |
| US to Northern Africa in Economy | 25,000 | — | economy | africa |
| US to Mexico in Business on a Partner | 30,000 | — | business | central_america |
Showing top 20 of 50 sweet spots
The Citi Custom Cash earns 5% on your single highest spending category each billing cycle (up to $500) with zero activation. With $0 annual fee and 10 eligible categories, it delivers up to $300 in annual bonus rewards for spenders who concentrate purchases in one category.
This no-fee Citi card isn't recommended for travel rewards enthusiasts. While it offers cash back usable for travel expenses, better options exist for maximizing travel value. With limited new card opportunities available, strategic travelers should look elsewhere.
This is one of three no-fee Citi cards that we will never recommend to anyone whose priority is collecting points and miles for travel. While this card offers cash back that could be used for travel expenses, there are better options available that would provide more value for travelers. Given that you can only open five new personal credit cards in a 24-month period, using one of those opportunities on this card doesn't make strategic sense for travel rewards enthusiasts.
The Citi Custom Cash card offers a straightforward way to earn cash back with minimal effort. Here's what makes this card appealing:
- **$200 sign-up bonus** after spending $1,500 in the first 6 months, comparable to other no-annual-fee cash back cards
- **Automatic 5% cash back** on your highest eligible spending category each billing cycle (up to $500), potentially earning you an extra $25 monthly
- **No manual category selection** required - the card automatically calculates your top spending category
- **1% cash back** on all other purchases outside your top category
- **4% cash back** on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through the Citi Travel portal
What sets this card apart is its "set it and forget it" approach to rewards. Unlike other cards that require you to activate or select bonus categories quarterly, the Citi Custom Cash automatically identifies where you spend the most and rewards you accordingly. This works particularly well for consumers with consistent spending patterns, such as those who regularly use the card for groceries, dining, gas stations, or other eligible categories.
Redemption options are also flexible. Cardholders can redeem their points for:
- Statement credits
- Direct deposits to a bank account
- Cash
- Gift cards
- Travel bookings
- Shopping with points on Amazon
For those who also hold a Citi Strata Premier or Prestige card, there's added value in the ability to transfer points to those cards and ultimately to airline or hotel partners, enhancing the overall flexibility of your rewards strategy.
This card might not be right for you if:
- You're seeking a higher sign-up bonus and more benefits beyond spending multipliers
- You want to easily use points for free travel, which this card doesn't maximize
**Citi points are increasing in value with the addition of American Airlines as a transfer partner, though limited partner-transfer cards still hold them back.**
- Only the Strata Premier and Strata Elite are worth it; they’re the only Citi cards with transferable miles to all partners and a 60k–80k point signup bonus.
- You can combine cash back points from other Citi cards with Strata Premier or Elite and then transfer to partners, but none of the cash back cards offer strong bonuses.
- Citi has expanded its transfer partner network, adding several high-value options it once lacked.
- Points are flexible with many airline partners, and Citi is the only credit card system that transfers to American Airlines.
The Citi credit card lineup offers different options based on your rewards preferences and willingness to pay an annual fee. Understanding how the Custom Cash fits among these options helps you make a strategic choice:
Credit Utilization (60%)
Excludes earning value, lounge access, insurance, and elite status
Total Value Captured
$36
Annual Fee
-$0
Net Annual Value
+$36
| 3% |
| Authorized User Fee | $0 |
Yes. ThankYou points are Citi’s rewards currency. You can redeem them for cash back at 1 cent per point, but if you have a card that earns transferable points, you can move them to an airline or hotel partner and redeem them for much more value.
They can be. Cash or statement credit redemptions give you 1¢ per point. Transferring points to an airline or hotel partner can unlock redemptions worth twice that amount or more, especially when you take advantage of partner sweet spots.
Yes. You can book flights through the Citi Travel Portal, but that’s usually poor value. If your card allows transfers, moving points to an airline partner typically gives you a much better return than booking through the portal at a simple 1:1 rate.
Yes. You can redeem points for a statement credit to help pay your bill. We only recommend this if you can’t pay your balance in full and would otherwise incur interest. Otherwise, transferring to an airline or hotel partner will give you better value.
Transferring to airline partners typically provides 1.5-2.5 cents per point in value, while the Citi Travel portal gives a flat 1 cent per point. Transfer to partners when booking premium cabin flights or finding sweet spot awards. Use the portal for simple domestic bookings where partner awards don't offer meaningful savings.
Only the Citi Strata Premier ($95/year), Citi Strata Elite ($595/year), and Citi Prestige ($495/year, no longer available to new applicants) unlock 1:1 transfer ratios. Other ThankYou-earning cards like the Double Cash, Custom Cash, and Strata transfer at a reduced 0.7:1 ratio.
Yes. You can combine all ThankYou points into one account, either on the ThankYou website or by calling. If you combine points into a Strata Premier, Strata Elite, or Prestige account, all combined points unlock 1:1 transfer ratios to airline and hotel partners.
No, ThankYou points do not expire as long as your account is open and in good standing. However, if you transfer points to another ThankYou member (up to 100,000 per calendar year), the received points expire 90 days after transfer.
The Citi quadfecta maximizes earning across categories: Strata Premier (3x dining, gas, groceries, airfare, hotels), Strata card (3x transit + 3x self-select category), Custom Cash (5x on top category up to $500/month), and Double Cash (2x on everything). All points pool to the premium card for 1:1 transfers at minimal annual fees.
Citi periodically offers transfer bonuses of 15-30% to select airline and hotel partners. These are limited-time promotions that give you extra miles or points when transferring. Common bonus partners include Air France-KLM Flying Blue, Avianca LifeMiles, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, and Wyndham Rewards.
Comprehensive TPG review covering earning structure, redemption options, competing cards, and Citi ThankYou ecosystem fit.
NerdWallet review covering automatic 5% category mechanics, welcome bonus, and comparison to Citi Double Cash.
Bankrate review highlighting the automatic category selection, $500 monthly cap analysis, and balance transfer intro APR.
WalletHub editor and user reviews with detailed pros, cons, and comparison to competing no-annual-fee cash back cards.
Upgraded Points review covering the automatic 5% earn structure, ThankYou Points transfer value, and Citi trifecta strategy.
US News review analyzing the card's fit for consumers with good to excellent credit seeking no-annual-fee rewards.
CreditCards.com review calling the card a cash back game-changer for its automatic 5% category detection across 10 categories.
Frequent Miler review covering the card's value as part of the Citi ThankYou ecosystem and transfer partner strategy.
TPG guide on pairing Custom Cash with Strata Premier and Double Cash for a complete Citi earning trifecta.
Yahoo Finance syndicated review covering the 5% automatic category system, intro APR, and ideal cardholder profile.
| Source | Date | URL |
|---|---|---|
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
Report lost or stolen cards 24/7 and get emergency card replacement and cash advance assistance worldwide.
Protection for cell phone damage or theft with $50 deductible and up to $1,000 annual limit.
Deductible: 50
Cell phone insurance against theft or damage when paying your bill with this card, covering up to $800 per claim.
View your FICO Score anytime with no impact, updated monthly on the Citi Mobile App and Citi Online with key score factors.
Citi monitors your account for suspicious activity and will contact you to validate potentially fraudulent transactions and protect your account.
Items purchased with your card are covered against damage or theft for 45 days, up to $100 per claim.
| 1:1 |
| instant |
| 88% |
| — |
| 5:4 | instant | 81% | 1.35 cpp |
| 1:1 | instant | 81% | 1.4 cpp |
| 1:1 | instant | 81% | — |
| 1:1 | instant | 75% | — |
| 1:1 | instant | 75% | — |
| 1:1 | instant | 69% | — |
| 1:1 | instant | 63% | — |
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Value Retained | Point Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:1 | instant | — | — | |
| 5:4 | instant | — | 1 cpp | |
| 5:1 | instant | 100% | — | |
| 2:3 | instant | 88% | 0.6 cpp | |
| 2:1 | instant | 69% | 2 cpp |
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Value Retained | Point Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
turkish_miles_and_smiles | 1:1 | instant | — | — |
| 1:1 | instant | — | — | |
cathay_pacific_asia_miles | 1:1 | instant | — | — |
air_france_klm_flying_blue | 1:1 | instant | 81% | — |
- **Citi Strata Elite ($595 annual fee)**
- Highest welcome offer (80,000 points after $4,000 spending in 3 months)
- Ability to transfer ThankYou points to airline and hotel partners
- A variety of usable statement credits to help offset the high annual fee
- 4 Admirals Club Passes annually
- **Citi Strata Premier ($95 annual fee)**\- This card offers:
- Higher welcome offer (60,000 points after $4,000 spending in 3 months)
- Ability to transfer ThankYou points to airline and hotel partners
- **Citi Strata (no annual fee)**\- This card offers:
- 20,000 point welcome offer after $1,000 spending in 3 months
- Ability to transfer ThankYou points to airline and hotel partners but at a reduced, 1:0.7 ratio
- **Citi Double Cash (no annual fee)**\- Offers:
- Same sign-up bonus as the Custom Cash ($200)
- Flat 2% points on all purchases with no spending limits
- 5% back on travel booked through the Citi portal
- Redemption options including statement credits, direct deposits, and checks
The Custom Cash card occupies a middle position - it offers better rewards than many basic cards through its 5% category bonus, but lacks the premium travel benefits of the two Strata cards with annual fees. For everyday non-travel spenders who want to maximize returns in their top spending category, it provides value without an annual fee commitment.
However, if your goal is to accumulate travel rewards, you can combine this with one of the Strata cards and use all points to transfer to partners. which dramatically increases the potential value of your ThankYou points.
Report lost or stolen cards 24/7 and get emergency card replacement and cash advance assistance worldwide.
Protection for cell phone damage or theft with $50 deductible and up to $1,000 annual limit.
Deductible: 50
Cell phone insurance against theft or damage when paying your bill with this card, covering up to $800 per claim.
View your FICO Score anytime with no impact, updated monthly on the Citi Mobile App and Citi Online with key score factors.
Citi monitors your account for suspicious activity and will contact you to validate potentially fraudulent transactions and protect your account.
Items purchased with your card are covered against damage or theft for 45 days, up to $100 per claim.
| 1:1 |
| instant |
| 88% |
| — |
| 5:4 | instant | 81% | 1.35 cpp |
| 1:1 | instant | 81% | 1.4 cpp |
| 1:1 | instant | 81% | — |
| 1:1 | instant | 75% | — |
| 1:1 | instant | 75% | — |
| 1:1 | instant | 69% | — |
| 1:1 | instant | 63% | — |
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Value Retained | Point Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:1 | instant | — | — | |
| 5:4 | instant | — | 1 cpp | |
| 5:1 | instant | 100% | — | |
| 2:3 | instant | 88% | 0.6 cpp | |
| 2:1 | instant | 69% | 2 cpp |
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Value Retained | Point Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
turkish_miles_and_smiles | 1:1 | instant | — | — |
| 1:1 | instant | — | — | |
cathay_pacific_asia_miles | 1:1 | instant | — | — |
air_france_klm_flying_blue | 1:1 | instant | 81% | — |
- **Citi Strata Elite ($595 annual fee)**
- Highest welcome offer (80,000 points after $4,000 spending in 3 months)
- Ability to transfer ThankYou points to airline and hotel partners
- A variety of usable statement credits to help offset the high annual fee
- 4 Admirals Club Passes annually
- **Citi Strata Premier ($95 annual fee)**\- This card offers:
- Higher welcome offer (60,000 points after $4,000 spending in 3 months)
- Ability to transfer ThankYou points to airline and hotel partners
- **Citi Strata (no annual fee)**\- This card offers:
- 20,000 point welcome offer after $1,000 spending in 3 months
- Ability to transfer ThankYou points to airline and hotel partners but at a reduced, 1:0.7 ratio
- **Citi Double Cash (no annual fee)**\- Offers:
- Same sign-up bonus as the Custom Cash ($200)
- Flat 2% points on all purchases with no spending limits
- 5% back on travel booked through the Citi portal
- Redemption options including statement credits, direct deposits, and checks
The Custom Cash card occupies a middle position - it offers better rewards than many basic cards through its 5% category bonus, but lacks the premium travel benefits of the two Strata cards with annual fees. For everyday non-travel spenders who want to maximize returns in their top spending category, it provides value without an annual fee commitment.
However, if your goal is to accumulate travel rewards, you can combine this with one of the Strata cards and use all points to transfer to partners. which dramatically increases the potential value of your ThankYou points.
Report lost or stolen cards 24/7 and get emergency card replacement and cash advance assistance worldwide.
Protection for cell phone damage or theft with $50 deductible and up to $1,000 annual limit.
Deductible: 50
Cell phone insurance against theft or damage when paying your bill with this card, covering up to $800 per claim.
View your FICO Score anytime with no impact, updated monthly on the Citi Mobile App and Citi Online with key score factors.
Citi monitors your account for suspicious activity and will contact you to validate potentially fraudulent transactions and protect your account.
Items purchased with your card are covered against damage or theft for 45 days, up to $100 per claim.
| 1:1 |
| instant |
| 88% |
| — |
| 5:4 | instant | 81% | 1.35 cpp |
| 1:1 | instant | 81% | 1.4 cpp |
| 1:1 | instant | 81% | — |
| 1:1 | instant | 75% | — |
| 1:1 | instant | 75% | — |
| 1:1 | instant | 69% | — |
| 1:1 | instant | 63% | — |
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Value Retained | Point Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:1 | instant | — | — | |
| 5:4 | instant | — | 1 cpp | |
| 5:1 | instant | 100% | — | |
| 2:3 | instant | 88% | 0.6 cpp | |
| 2:1 | instant | 69% | 2 cpp |
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Value Retained | Point Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
turkish_miles_and_smiles | 1:1 | instant | — | — |
| 1:1 | instant | — | — | |
cathay_pacific_asia_miles | 1:1 | instant | — | — |
air_france_klm_flying_blue | 1:1 | instant | 81% | — |
- **Citi Strata Elite ($595 annual fee)**
- Highest welcome offer (80,000 points after $4,000 spending in 3 months)
- Ability to transfer ThankYou points to airline and hotel partners
- A variety of usable statement credits to help offset the high annual fee
- 4 Admirals Club Passes annually
- **Citi Strata Premier ($95 annual fee)**\- This card offers:
- Higher welcome offer (60,000 points after $4,000 spending in 3 months)
- Ability to transfer ThankYou points to airline and hotel partners
- **Citi Strata (no annual fee)**\- This card offers:
- 20,000 point welcome offer after $1,000 spending in 3 months
- Ability to transfer ThankYou points to airline and hotel partners but at a reduced, 1:0.7 ratio
- **Citi Double Cash (no annual fee)**\- Offers:
- Same sign-up bonus as the Custom Cash ($200)
- Flat 2% points on all purchases with no spending limits
- 5% back on travel booked through the Citi portal
- Redemption options including statement credits, direct deposits, and checks
The Custom Cash card occupies a middle position - it offers better rewards than many basic cards through its 5% category bonus, but lacks the premium travel benefits of the two Strata cards with annual fees. For everyday non-travel spenders who want to maximize returns in their top spending category, it provides value without an annual fee commitment.
However, if your goal is to accumulate travel rewards, you can combine this with one of the Strata cards and use all points to transfer to partners. which dramatically increases the potential value of your ThankYou points.
