Head-to-head · 🇺🇸 United States
Citi Double Cash vs Citi Custom Cash
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
US
Citi
Citi Double Cash
Wins 1 of 10
US
Citi
Citi Custom Cash
Wins 1 of 10
Verdict
It's a true tie — neither dominates. Pick the one whose boost categories match where you actually spend.
Side-by-side
| Criterion | Citi Double Cash | Citi Custom Cash |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | = No annual fee | = No annual fee |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | · 2% (general) | 5% (shopping) |
| Base reward rate | 2% | · 1% |
| Forex markup | = 3% | = 3% |
| Welcome bonus | = $200 cash back after spending $1,500 in first 6 months | = $200 cashback after $1,500 in 6 months |
| Fee waiver threshold | = N/A (no fee) | = N/A (no fee) |
| Min income | = — | = — |
| Min credit score | = 670 | = 670 |
| Editorial rating | = 4.5/5 | = 4.5/5 |
Benefits compared
Citi Double Cash
- 1% cash back when you buy + 1% when you pay
- No annual fee
- No category restrictions or rotating bonuses
- 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months
- Convert cash back to ThankYou Points (transferable to airline partners)
Citi Custom Cash
- 5% cashback in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle (up to $500)
- 1% on everything else
- Eligible categories: restaurants, gas, grocery, travel, etc.
- No annual fee
- 0% intro APR for 15 months
FAQ
›Citi Double Cash vs Citi Custom Cash: which is better?
It's a true tie — pick the one whose boost categories match your spend. Citi Double Cash wins on 1 criteria, Citi Custom Cash on 1.
›Can I get both?
Yes — if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use Citi Double Cash for its best categories, Citi Custom Cash for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
Citi Double Cash: $200 cash back after spending $1,500 in first 6 months. Citi Custom Cash: $200 cashback after $1,500 in 6 months.