Choosing the right cashback credit card often comes down to one question: do you prefer simple, consistent rewards or are you willing to optimize your spending for higher returns?
The Citi Double Cash® Card and the Citi Custom Cash® Card are two popular cashback options, but they reward spending in very different ways.
Understanding how each card works can help you decide which one delivers the greatest value for your lifestyle.
Quick Overview
Both cards earn cashback on everyday purchases, but they take different approaches.
The Citi Double Cash® Card offers a flat rewards structure. Cardholders earn 1% cash back when making purchases and an additional 1% when those purchases are paid off, providing up to 2% cash back on eligible purchases.
Meanwhile, the Citi Custom Cash® Card automatically rewards your highest eligible spending category each billing cycle with 5% cash back on up to $500 in purchases, followed by 1% thereafter. All other eligible purchases earn 1% cash back, and there’s no need to activate rotating categories.
Comparing the Rewards Structure
Citi Double Cash® Card
If simplicity is your priority, the Double Cash card stands out.
Benefits include:
- Up to 2% cash back on eligible purchases
- No rotating bonus categories
- No spending caps on everyday rewards
- Easy-to-understand earning structure
It’s designed for cardholders who don’t want to think about where they’re using their credit card.
Citi Custom Cash® Card
The Custom Cash card rewards strategic spending.
Eligible 5% categories may include:
- Grocery stores
- Gas stations
- Restaurants
- Select travel
- Select transit
- Streaming services
- Drugstores
- Home improvement stores
- Fitness clubs
- Live entertainment
The card automatically identifies your highest eligible spending category each billing cycle, making it easier to maximize rewards without activating quarterly categories.
Which Card Earns More?
The answer depends largely on how you spend.
Imagine you spend approximately $2,000 each month across multiple categories.
Using the Double Cash card, you could earn around $40 in cashback with its flat-rate structure.
With the Custom Cash card, rewards may range between $25 and $35, depending on how much spending falls into your highest eligible category.
However, consider someone who spends $500 each month on groceries.
- Double Cash: Approximately $10 in rewards
- Custom Cash: Approximately $25 in rewards
If most of your spending naturally fits within one eligible category, the Custom Cash card can provide significantly higher earnings.
Ease of Use
One of the biggest differences between these cards is convenience.
Citi Double Cash Wins on Simplicity
There’s virtually nothing to manage.
Simply use the card for purchases and earn consistent cashback across nearly every eligible transaction.
It’s an excellent option for people who prefer a straightforward rewards program.
Citi Custom Cash Requires More Awareness
Although category activation isn’t required, you’ll still benefit from monitoring your spending.
Keeping purchases within the $500 monthly 5% limit allows you to maximize the card’s earning potential.
For organized cardholders, this isn’t difficult—but it does require a little more attention.
Welcome Offers and Introductory Benefits
Both cards frequently feature introductory offers, although these promotions change over time.
Depending on current promotions, you may find:
- Welcome bonuses after meeting spending requirements
- Introductory APR offers on purchases
- Balance transfer promotions
Since these offers change regularly, it’s always worth reviewing Citi’s current terms before applying.
Redeeming Your Rewards
Both cards provide flexible redemption options.
Cardholders can typically redeem cashback as:
- Statement credits
- Direct deposits
- Citi ThankYou® Rewards points (when eligible)
This flexibility allows you to choose the redemption method that best fits your financial goals.
Which Card Is Right for You?
Choose the Citi Double Cash® Card if you:
- Prefer simple, predictable rewards.
- Don’t want to track spending categories.
- Spend fairly evenly across multiple purchase types.
- Want one primary everyday credit card.
Choose the Citi Custom Cash® Card if you:
- Regularly spend up to $500 each month in one eligible category.
- Don’t mind monitoring your monthly spending.
- Want to maximize cashback on specific purchases.
- Already use other credit cards for general spending.
Can You Use Both?
Many cashback enthusiasts combine these two cards to maximize rewards.
For example:
- Use the Citi Custom Cash® Card for your highest monthly spending category to earn 5% cash back (up to the eligible limit).
- Use the Citi Double Cash® Card for everything else to earn consistent cashback on everyday purchases.
This strategy allows you to take advantage of each card’s strengths while minimizing their individual limitations.
Finding the Best Value for Your Spending Style
Both the Citi Double Cash® Card and the Citi Custom Cash® Card offer excellent cashback opportunities, but the better choice depends on your spending habits.
If you value simplicity and consistent rewards across every purchase, the Double Cash card is hard to beat. If you’re comfortable focusing your spending in one eligible category each month, the Custom Cash card has the potential to deliver greater rewards.
Before choosing, consider how you typically spend each month. Matching your credit card to your everyday habits is often the easiest way to maximize long-term value.
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