How I Earned 5% Cash Back This Month With The Citi Custom Cash Card

Back in the 1990s, getting 1% cash back on essential purchases was considered the gold standard. Soon it became 1.5%, and more recently, 2%. But what about 5%? When can you start earning 5% on gas or groceries all year long?

For years, the closest thing I had to a perennial 5% cash-back card was the Chase Freedom Flex®. And to its credit, the card did offer 5% cash back at grocery stores during Q1 2024 and 5% at gas and EV charging stations in Q3. But in the end, none of the best cash-back credit cards could stay on that 5% hill for long.

Then along came the Citi Custom Cash® Card.

On the surface, it may seem like just another cash-back rewards card offering 5% cash back on some stuff, sometimes. But once you learn how to effectively use it, you’ll realize that it’s actually a game-changer that can help you save 5% on essentials every month.

Here’s how I earned 5% cash back this month (and every month) with the Citi Custom Cash® Card. Citi is a Forbes Advisor partner.

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Citi Custom Cash® Card

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On Citi's Website

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Rates & Fees 

4.4

Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.

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On Citi's Website

Up to 5% Reward Rate

5% cash back on up to $500 in purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle. 4% cashRead More

Welcome Bonus

Earn $200

Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

18.74% - 28.74% (Variable)

Credit Score

Excellent, Good

Editorial Review

The Citi Custom Cash is a great option for people looking to maximize cash back rewards without having to worry about activating or selecting bonus categories.

Pros & Cons

• No registration required to earn bonus rewards
• Cash-back categories are unique categories that other cards may not offer bonus rewards for
• Introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers
• No annual fee

• High balance transfer fee
• High foreign transaction fee
• Some everyday rewards categories are neglected

Card Details

• Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
• 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.74% – 28.74%, based on your creditworthiness.
• Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. Special Travel Offer: Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2026.
• No rotating bonus categories to sign up for – as your spending changes each billing cycle, your earn adjusts automatically when you spend in any of the eligible categories.
• No Annual Fee
• Citi will only issue one Citi Custom Cash® Card account per person.

Earn $200 in cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.

Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.