Citi Custom Cash vs. Double Cash: Which Fits Your Spending?

You want a cash back card that fits how you actually spend.

Citi Custom Cash rewards your top category each billing cycle, while Double Cash gives you steady rewards across all purchases.

You will choose the better option once you compare your actual spending habits with how each card earns rewards.

Quick Snapshot of Both Cards

You need a fast comparison before going deeper. This overview helps you see the core difference in seconds.

• Citi Custom Cash: Earns higher cash back in your top eligible spending category each billing cycle, up to a monthly cap, then a lower rate after the cap.
• Citi Double Cash: Earns a flat rate on all purchases, with part earned when you buy and part when you pay.
• Best for category focus: Custom Cash fits you if one category dominates your monthly spending.
• Best for simplicity: Double Cash is a good fit if your spending is spread across many categories.
• Effort level: Custom Cash requires light tracking of your top category; Double Cash works automatically on everything.
• Cap impact: Custom Cash has a monthly cap on bonus earnings; Double Cash does not use category caps.

How Citi Custom Cash Works

You earn more in the category where you spend the most each billing cycle. The card adjusts automatically, so you do not need to activate categories.

• Top category earning: You earn 5% cash back in your highest eligible spending category each billing cycle, up to the monthly cap.
• Monthly cap: The 5% rate applies to the first $500 spent in your top category per billing cycle, then 1% after that.
• Other purchases: All other spending earns 1% cash back.
• Automatic tracking: The card automatically calculates your top eligible category.
• Eligible categories: Common categories include groceries, gas stations, dining, travel, drugstores, transit, home improvement, fitness clubs, and select streaming services.
• Redemption options: Rewards can typically be redeemed as statement credits, direct deposit, checks, or gift cards.

How Citi Double Cash Works

You earn cash back on every purchase, without having to track categories. The structure is simple and rewards you when you buy and when you pay.

• 1% when you purchase: You earn 1% cash back on each eligible purchase.
• 1% when you pay: You earn an additional 1% when you pay at least the minimum due on those purchases.
• Flat-rate structure: All eligible purchases earn the same rate, with no category restrictions.
• No category caps: There are no rotating categories or monthly bonus caps to manage.
• Balance impact: If you carry a balance, interest charges can reduce the overall value of your rewards.
• Redemption options: Rewards can typically be redeemed as statement credits, direct deposits, checks, or other eligible options.

Side-by-Side Rewards Math

Compare real numbers before deciding. These examples show how each card performs with different spending patterns.

Scenario 1 – $500 in one top category, $1,000 other spend

• Custom Cash earns 5% on $500 ($25) + 1% on $1,000 ($10) = $35. Double Cash earns 2% on $1,500 = $30.

Scenario 2 – $1,500 evenly spread across categories

• Custom Cash earns 5% on $500 ($25) + 1% on $1,000 ($10) = $35. Double Cash earns 2% on $1,500 = $30.

Scenario 3 – $800 in one category, $700 other spend

• Custom Cash earns 5% on the first $500 ($25) and 1% on the remaining $1,000 ($10), for a total of $35. Double Cash earns 2% on $1,500 = $30.

Scenario 4 – $3,000 total monthly spend, no dominant category

• Custom Cash earns 5% on $500 ($25) + 1% on $2,500 ($25) = $50. Double Cash earns 2% on $3,000, for a total of $60.

Break-even insight:

• Custom Cash wins with focused spending under the $500 cap. Double Cash wins with high, broad spending.

Costs, Fees, and Interest Basics

You must check current rates before applying because terms can change.

The figures below reflect typical ranges, but you should verify them directly with the issuer.

• Annual fee: Both cards typically have a $0 annual fee.
• Purchase APR: Variable APRs commonly range from 19%–29%, depending on your credit profile.
• Balance transfer APR: Intro offers may apply, often with a 3%–5% balance transfer fee.
• Foreign transaction fee: Often around 3% per transaction; verify before using abroad.
• Late payment fee: Can range from around $40, depending on payment history.
• Interest impact: Carrying a balance can quickly offset the value of rewards of 2%–5%.

How to Choose Based on Your Spending Pattern

You should base your decision on how you actually spend each month. Review your last two to three statements before choosing.

• One dominant category: Choose Custom Cash if one category regularly reaches close to $500 per billing cycle.
• Spending spread across many categories: Choose Double Cash if no single category clearly stands out.
• High total monthly spend: Double Cash can produce stronger returns when your overall spending is high and diversified.
• Moderate spend with clear focus: Custom Cash performs well if you consistently maximize the $500 bonus cap.
• Unpredictable spending month to month: Double Cash offers stability without requiring category tracking.
• You prefer simplicity: Double Cash requires less attention and automatically applies to all purchases.

How to Apply

Apply after confirming current rates and terms. The process is simple if you prepare your details first.

1. Check eligibility: Review credit score range and basic approval factors before applying.
2. Gather your information: Prepare your full name, address, Social Security number, income, employment details, and housing payment.
3. Apply online: Go to Citi’s official website and select the card you want.
4. Complete the form: Enter personal and financial details accurately, then review before submitting.
5. Decision process: You may receive an instant decision or a pending review notice.
6. After approval: Activate your card, set up online access, and enable autopay to avoid interest and late fees.

Pairing Strategy (If You Want Both)

Combine both cards to boost total cash back. This works best if you stay organized and pay in full monthly.

• Use Custom Cash for your top category: Let it earn 5% on your highest eligible spending category, up to the $500 monthly cap.
• Use Double Cash for everything else: Put all other purchases on Double Cash to earn a steady 2%.
• Set a simple rule: Default to Double Cash unless you are spending in your likely top category.
• Track your $500 cap: Stop using Custom Cash in that category once you reach the limit.
• Enable autopay: Pay statement balances in full to avoid interest that cancels out rewards.
• Review monthly statements: Adjust your usage if your top category changes.

Contact Information

You should verify these contact details on Citi’s official site before calling or writing.

These are the main ways to reach customer help for credit cards in the United States.

• General credit card support (phone): 1-800-950-5114 — for questions about Citi cards and accounts.
• Customer service in Spanish: 1-800-947-9100 — support in the Spanish language.
• Online help & secure messages: Log in to your Citi account and use the “Contact Us” or “Secure Message” features for support.
• Mail (general service): Citi Cards, P.O. Box 6500, Sioux Falls, SD 57117 — for documents or formal inquiries.
• Lost/stolen card help: Same 1-800-950-5114 number — available 24/7 for reporting lost or stolen cards.

Final Section: Bottom Line

You should choose the card that matches how you actually spend, not just the one with the higher headline rate.

Custom Cash works best if one category dominates your budget, while Double Cash fits you if your spending is broad and consistent.

Review your last two to three billing statements today and apply for the card that clearly gives you the higher return.

Disclaimer

Rates, fees, and reward terms can change at any time and may vary based on your credit profile.

You should verify all current details directly with the issuer before applying.