Citi Custom Cash Card – Welcome bonus

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The Citi Custom Cash Card automatically identifies your highest spending category each billing cycle and applies a generous 5% cash back on up to $500 spent and 1% thereafter.

Act now to not only take advantage of the Citi Custom Cash Card’s adaptive rewards system, but also to take advantage of the introductory 0% APR offer on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months ideal for managing large purchases or existing debt with ease.

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Getting to know the Citi Custom Cash Card

The Citi Custom Cash Card is a standout choice for those looking to maximize their rewards effortlessly. This card automatically tailors rewards to your spending habits, offering 5% cash back on your highest eligible spending category up to $500 each billing cycle, and 1% thereafter.

It’s perfect for everyday use, as it covers a wide range of categories such as dining, groceries, gas stations, and more. With no annual fee and a straightforward cash back program, the Citi Custom Cash Card combines flexibility and value, making it an excellent choice for savvy spenders.

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Details of the Citi Custom Cash Card:

Bank Issuer: Citibank
Card Network: MasterCard
Annual Fee: $0
Coverage: International

Benefits and Advantages of the Citi Custom Cash Card

The Citi Custom Cash Card offers a range of benefits that make it a compelling choice for consumers looking to get more from their credit card spending. Here are some of the key benefits and advantages of this card:

5% Cash Back in Top Spending Category

One of the standout features of the Citi Custom Cash Card is the ability to earn 5% cash back on your highest spending category each billing cycle (on up to $500 spent, then 1%). This applies automatically to the category where you spend the most, including options like dining, groceries, gas stations, travel, transit, streaming services, and more.

Uncomplicated Rewards Structure

Beyond the 5% category, all other purchases earn a consistent 1% cash back. This straightforward rewards system eliminates the need to track rotating categories or sign up for special rewards each quarter.

$0 Annual Fee

The card comes with no annual fee, which is excellent for all users, especially those who prefer not to worry about an annual cost offsetting their rewards.

0% Intro APR Offer

The Citi Custom Cash Card includes an introductory 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months from account opening. This feature is particularly advantageous for those planning large purchases or wanting to manage existing debt without accruing additional interest.

Welcome Bonus

New cardholders can earn a welcome bonus, typically $200 cash back after spending $750 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. This initial bonus adds significant value, especially given the relatively low spending requirement.

Citi Entertainment Access

Cardholders enjoy access to Citi Entertainment®, which offers special access to purchase tickets to thousands of events, including concerts, sporting events, dining experiences, and more.

Digital Wallet Compatibility

The card is compatible with various digital wallets, making it convenient for contactless, secure payments across a multitude of platforms and devices.

Worldwide Acceptance

As a MasterCard, the Citi Custom Cash Card is accepted worldwide, making it a practical choice for international travel.

These benefits make the Citi Custom Cash Card a highly versatile and user-friendly option for everyday spending, offering both simplicity in earning rewards and valuable perks that enhance the cardholder’s purchasing experience.

What do you need to get the Citi Custom Cash Card?

To obtain the Citi Custom Cash Card, there are several requirements and steps involved. Here’s a comprehensive overview of what you’ll need to qualify and how to apply:

Credit Score: The Citi Custom Cash Card generally requires a good to excellent credit score. This typically means having a FICO score of 670 or higher.
Age: You must be at least 18 years old in the United States to apply for a credit card. In some states, the minimum age might be higher.
U.S. Residency: You need to be a U.S. resident. This means you should have a valid U.S. mailing address and potentially a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
Income and Employment: You should have a stable income from employment or other verifiable sources. Citibank will assess your income and employment status to determine your ability to repay credit card debts.
Identification: A government-issued ID such as a driver’s license or passport will be required to verify your identity during the application process.

Ways to apply for citi custom cash card

Online Application: The most efficient way to apply for the Citi Custom Cash Card is through Citibank’s official website. Here, you can fill out the application form, which will ask for personal information, financial details, and your consent to a credit check.

In-Person Application: Alternatively, you can visit a Citibank branch to apply in person. This can be helpful if you prefer face-to-face assistance or have specific questions about the card.

By Phone: You can also apply by calling Citibank’s customer service. They can guide you through the application process over the phone.

Tips for Application

Check Your Credit Score: Before applying, it’s a good idea to check your credit score to ensure that it meets the card issuer’s requirements. This can help avoid a hard credit inquiry that could affect your credit score if you are not likely to be approved.

Gather Necessary Documents: Having all necessary documents at hand can streamline the application process. Prepare your financial documents, identification, and any other required information before starting the application.

Read Terms and Conditions: Make sure to thoroughly read the terms and conditions of the Citi Custom Cash Card, especially the details regarding the reward system, APR rates after the introductory period, and any fees that might apply.

Successfully applying for the Citi Custom Cash Card can provide you with a versatile financial tool that adapits to your spending patterns and maximizes rewards on your highest spending category each billing cycle.

Can I apply for the Citi Custom Cash card even if I’m negative?

Obtaining the Citi Custom Cash Card while having a negative credit history (being “negativado”) can be quite challenging. Credit card issuers, including Citibank, generally require a good to excellent credit score for approval, especially for a card like the Citi Custom Cash that offers significant rewards and benefits.

Credit Score Requirements: The Citi Custom Cash Card typically requires applicants to have a credit score in the good to excellent range, which usually starts around 670 and above on the FICO scale. A negative credit history, such as defaults, significant debt levels, or late payments, can substantially decrease your credit score and thus your chances of being approved.
Credit Check: When you apply for the Citi Custom Cash Card, Citibank will conduct a hard pull on your credit report to assess your financial behavior and risk as a borrower. A negative credit report will likely result in your application being declined.
Improving Your Credit: If you are currently dealing with a poor credit rating, it may be more beneficial to focus on rebuilding your credit before applying for credit cards, especially those that require a high credit score. Strategies for rebuilding credit include paying down existing debts, making all future payments on time, and possibly using a secured credit card, which is easier to obtain and can help rebuild credit if used responsibly.

Alternative Options:

Secured Credit Cards: If you’re currently negativado, consider applying for a secured credit card. These cards require a cash deposit that acts as collateral and typically have lower credit requirements. Over time, using a secured card responsibly can help improve your credit score.
Subprime Credit Cards: Some lenders offer credit cards specifically designed for individuals with poor credit. These cards often come with higher interest rates and additional fees but can be a tool for rebuilding credit if managed carefully.
Co-Signer on Application: Another potential option is to apply for a credit card with a co-signer who has a good credit score. The co-signer agrees to take responsibility for the debt if you fail to make payments, which might improve your chances of approval.

In summary, while it’s technically possible to apply for the Citi Custom Cash Card with a negative credit status, approval is unlikely under such circumstances. It’s advisable to assess your credit situation realistically, consider credit-building tools and strategies, and look into credit cards more suited to your current credit status.

Is it worth applying for the Citi Custom Cash Card?

Deciding whether to apply for the Citi Custom Cash Card depends on your personal financial situation and spending habits. Here are some factors to consider that can help you determine if this card is a worthwhile choice for you:

Adaptive Rewards: The Citi Custom Cash Card offers 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spending category each billing cycle (up to $500 spent, then 1%), and 1% cash back on all other purchases. This feature is particularly beneficial if your spending is concentrated in categories like dining, groceries, gas stations, or even utilities.

Flexibility: The rewards automatically adjust to your spending, which means you don’t have to activate categories or remember to switch them manually. This makes the card highly user-friendly and efficient for maximizing cash back.

Introductory APR: The card includes a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months, which can be very helpful if you’re planning a large purchase or want to transfer balances from other high-interest cards.

No Annual Fee: The absence of an annual fee makes it easier to justify keeping and using the card, even if you’re not a heavy spender.

Considerations

Balance Transfer Fee: Despite the attractive introductory APR on balance transfers, there is a balance transfer fee (typically 3% of each transfer). This cost should be factored into your decision if you plan to transfer balances.

High Regular APR: After the introductory period, the APR can be relatively high, depending on your creditworthiness. This could be a downside if you often carry a balance.

No Sign-Up Bonus: Unlike some other cash back cards, the Citi Custom Cash Card doesn’t offer a traditional sign-up bonus, which might be a drawback for those looking for a quick reward boost.

Foreign Transaction Fees: The card charges foreign transaction fees, making it less ideal for international travel compared to some other credit cards.

The Card is worth considering if you prefer a straightforward, flexible cash back program without the hassle of tracking rotating categories. It’s particularly advantageous for those who can make full use of the 5% cash back categories and who plan to pay off balances each month to avoid high interest charges. However, if you frequently travel abroad or want a card with a significant sign-up bonus, you might want to explore other options. Always compare this card with others that might better fit your specific financial needs and spending habits.

Negative points of the Card

The Citi Custom Cash Card offers several attractive features, but it also comes with certain limitations that might make it less appealing to some users. Here are the key negative aspects to consider:

Limited Bonus Categories: While the card offers an appealing 5% cash back in your top spending category each billing cycle, this benefit caps at $500 in spending per month, after which the cash back rate drops to 1%. For those who spend significantly more than $500 in their top category each month, this cap can limit the potential rewards earnings.
Balance Transfer Fee: Despite its attractive 0% introductory APR on balance transfers, the Citi Custom Cash Card imposes a balance transfer fee typically 3% of the transferred amount or a minimum fee. This fee can offset some of the savings gained from the balance transfer APR offer, especially for larger balances.
Foreign Transaction Fees: The card charges a foreign transaction fee on purchases made abroad, typically around 3%. This makes it a less desirable option for frequent international travelers who could otherwise benefit from fee-free foreign transactions offered by many other credit cards.
High Regular APR: After the introductory 0% APR period ends, the card’s regular APR can be quite high, varying based on your creditworthiness. This could be costly for those who tend to carry a balance from month to month.
No Sign-Up Bonus: Unlike many other credit cards that offer a sign-up bonus to new cardholders, the Citi Custom Cash Card does not typically include this type of promotion.
Complexity for Rewards Optimization: Although the automatic adjustment of the 5% cash back category based on the highest spending category is convenient, it also requires users to be mindful and possibly adjust their spending habits if they want to maximize their rewards.

Card Sumary

The Citi Custom Cash Card is a standout option for those seeking a straightforward yet versatile credit card. It automatically adjusts to your spending habits, offering 5% cash back on your top spending category each billing cycle, up to $500, then 1% thereafter, without the need to activate or select categories.

This makes it highly appealing for maximizing returns effortlessly. Categories include popular areas like dining, groceries, gas stations, and travel, covering a wide range of everyday activities.

The card also features a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months, which can be a major benefit for new cardholders looking to make large purchases or transfer existing balances from other high-interest cards. Importantly, the Citi Custom Cash Card comes with no annual fee, enhancing its value proposition for cost-conscious consumers.

However, potential cardholders should be aware of the balance transfer fee and the foreign transaction fees, which could add extra costs under certain circumstances.

Additionally, the card’s benefits do not include a traditional sign-up bonus, which might be a drawback for those who look for immediate rewards upon opening a new account. Despite these points, the Citi Custom Cash Card remains a competitive choice for those who prefer a simple and effective cash back credit card.