Citi Custom Cash Card: How to Apply for Citi Custom Cash Card

Most time finding a credit card that aligns with your unique spending habits can be challenging. I guess is one reason you are reading this post. The Citi Custom Cash Card aims to solve this by letting you earn 5% cash back automatically on your top eligible purchase category each billing cycle.

Citi Custom Cash Card

In this article, let’s cover some top benefits and how to apply for the Citi Custom Cash Card.

Top Features and Benefits

In addition to the unique customized rewards, the Citi Custom Cash Card comes with an array of valuable benefits:

  • $200 Welcome Bonus – Earn a $200 cash bonus after spending $750 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening.
  • 0% Intro APR – Enjoy 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers.
  • Cell Phone Protection – Receive up to $800 per claim (max $1,000 per year) for cell phone damage or theft when paying your bill with the card. $50 deductible per claim.
  • Citi Entertainment – Access special perks like presale concert and event tickets through the Citi Entertainment program.
  • Citi Price Rewind – Get refunds when you find a lower price on something purchased with the card within 60 days of buying.
  • Car Rental Insurance – Receive coverage for damage or theft when renting a car and declining the rental company’s collision insurance.
  • Extended Warranty – Extends eligible U.S. manufacturer’s warranties by 2 years (up to 7 years total protection).

With a $0 annual fee, the Citi Custom Cash Card packs significant extra value beyond its flexible rewards.

Costs and Fees to Be Aware Of

While there is no annual fee, you’ll want to watch for these potential costs with the Citi Custom Cash Card:

  • 15.99% – 24.99% Variable APR – The standard APR applies after the 0% intro period ends. This rate is based on your creditworthiness.
  • Balance Transfer Fee – No fee for transfers made in the first 4 months. After that, 5% balance transfer fee (minimum $5).
  • Cash Advance Fee – Taking a cash advance carries a 5% fee (minimum $10). The cash advance APR of 29.99% also starts accruing immediately.
  • Foreign Transaction Fee – 3% fee applied to purchases made outside the U.S.
  • Late Payment Fee – If you miss your due date, you’ll be charged up to $40.
  • Returned Payment Fee – A returned payment carries a $40 fee.

As long as you pay your bill on time and avoid cash advances, the Citi Custom Cash Card won’t cost much extra beyond your normal spending.

Tips to Qualify for Approval

The Citi Custom Cash Card aims for wide accessibility with its approval requirements. You’ll generally need:

  • Good personal credit (660 FICO score or higher). Citi may approve scores around 630 with solid income or banking history.
  • At least 3-5 years of credit history showing responsible usage over time.
  • Housing payment history if you’re a homeowner with no late mortgage payments.
  • Steady income with at least $20,000 in annual earnings.
  • No recent bankruptcies or tax liens – allow 1-2+ years from discharge/payment.

Meeting these criteria makes approval very likely. Citi also offers free prequalification to check your odds without impacting your credit score.

How to Apply for Citi Custom Cash Card

You can submit an application digitally in just minutes:

  • Go to Citi’s website and click “Apply for a Card”.
  • Select the Citi Custom Cash Card and click “Apply Now”.
  • Provide personal info, employment details, income, housing expenses.
  • Accept terms and submit the application.
  • Verify identity and provide any requested documents.
  • Receive an instant decision within seconds.

Once approved, you can immediately use the card to start optimizing rewards around your spending habits each billing cycle.

Complementary Citi Credit Cards

Citi offers several other cards that complement the Custom Cash Card nicely:

Citi Rewards+® Card – Earn 2X points at supermarkets and gas stations on the first $6,000 per year and 1X points thereafter. Plus 10% points back on rewards redemptions.

Citi Premier® Card – 3X points on hotels, air travel, restaurants, gas stations, and supermarkets. Has a $95 annual fee.

Citi® Double Cash Card – Flat 2% back on all purchases with no category restrictions or caps. Simple earning.

Pair the right combination of Citi cards to maximize rewards across spending categories long term.

Alternative Cards to Custom Cash Card

How does the Citi Custom Cash Card compare to other flexible category cash back cards? Here are some key comparisons:

U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa® – Choose 2 categories each quarter to earn 5% on up to $2,000 in combined purchases. Grocery option has no quarterly cap.

Chase Freedom Flex – 5% cash back in rotating quarterly categories. Additional 5% back on travel booked through Chase.

Capital One SavorOne Rewards – 3% back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, grocery stores. $95 annual fee waived first year.

Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards – 3% back in one category, 2% at grocery stores, 1% everything else.

The Citi Custom Cash Card brings excellent flexibility in optimizing 5% rewards automatically around your monthly spending. No hassle of activating categories.

Conclusion

The Citi Custom Cash Card brings a creative spin to category bonuses with its continuously customized 5% cash back tailored to your top spending. For consumers who don’t want the hassle of managing rotating category activations every quarter, this automatic optimization provides major convenience.

Combined with solid bonus value on entertainment, cell phone protection, price rewind, and other key perks, the Citi Custom Cash Card deserves consideration in your wallet if you want simplified rewards aligned to your habits. Just ensure you make payment on time and use responsibly to maximize the value.

Check Out:

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here