I’ve been looking at the Citi Custom Cash® Card since it offers 5% back in my top spending category each billing cycle, but the $500 cap makes me pause. I spend a lot on groceries and dining, and I’m not sure if I’d hit the cap too quickly. Is this card still worth it for everyday spending, or are there better alternatives for 5% rewards?
If you’re spending a lot in categories like groceries or dining, the $500 cap on the Custom Cash might feel limiting. I use it mostly for smaller, recurring expenses like streaming services or gas, where I don’t hit the cap every month. You might want to consider a card like the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card, which has a higher cap for 5% categories.
@Donna
Good call! I hadn’t thought of using it for smaller categories. I’ll look into the U.S. Bank Cash+® for bigger spending.
I love the Citi Custom Cash® for its flexibility. I don’t need to worry about choosing a bonus category, since it automatically adjusts. The $500 cap is a bit of a downside, but if you’re strategic and use it for one specific category each month (like dining or groceries), it can still offer good value. Just pair it with another card like Citi Double Cash® for everything else.
@Tal
I like the idea of pairing it with Citi Double Cash®. That way, I can still get decent rewards on non-bonus spending.
If you can manage different cards, the Custom Cash is great for specific spending each month. But if you consistently spend a lot in certain categories like groceries or dining, you might hit the $500 cap quickly. For those categories, a card like the Blue Cash Preferred® from American Express, with its 6% back on groceries, might give you more in the long run, even with the annual fee.
@Merlin
That’s a good point. The higher grocery rewards on the Blue Cash Preferred® could be worth the annual fee for me.
I’ve been using the Citi Custom Cash® for a few months now, and I think it’s perfect for expenses like streaming services or smaller categories where the $500 cap isn’t an issue. For groceries or larger expenses, though, you’ll probably need something else. The Chase Freedom Flex® is another good option with 5% rotating categories that might align better with your bigger spending.
@Dane
That makes sense. I think I’ll use it for streaming and smaller categories, as you mentioned.
If you don’t mind keeping track of multiple cards, the Citi Custom Cash® can work well as part of a broader strategy. Use it for your top spending category each month, and combine it with a flat-rate card like the Wells Fargo Active Cash® or Citi Double Cash® for everything else. It’s a great way to maximize rewards with minimal effort.
@Grier
Thanks, I think I’ll go this route! A combo of Custom Cash and a flat-rate card seems like a smart move.