The two cards share a lot of great features, but each shines in its own ways. Here's a side-by-side comparison to show their strengths and weaknesses.
No annual fees to hold you back
Winner: Everyone! With no annual fee for either card, holders of both cards will benefit.
Neither the Citi Custom Cash® Card nor the Citi Double Cash® Card charges an annual fee, so everyone wins here. Cards with no annual fee are awesome since you don't have to worry about earning back your money each year. This gives you the freedom to use your card as much -- or as little -- as you need.
Valuable welcome offers that are easy to earn
Winner: Tied. The welcome bonuses for these two cards are exactly the same.
This is a quick category to call since both cards have the same standard welcome bonus (elevated welcome offers happen, but they're usually targeted offers). New cardholders for either card can earn 20,000 ThankYou® Points for spending $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months. You can redeem 20,000 ThankYou® Points for $200 in cash back statement credit.
Intro APR offers that help you save on interest
Winner: Citi Custom Cash® Card. It's the only card from this duo that offers a 0% intro APR for both balance transfer and purchases.
The Citi Custom Cash® Card is an easy winner in this category. New cardholders can enjoy 15 months on Balance Transfers of 0% intro APR on new purchases, as well as on balance transfers made within the first four months. A balance transfer fee of Balance transfer fee applies with this offer; 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum. applies. At the end of the intro period, cardholders will have a go-to 19.24% - 29.24% (Variable) APR.
In contrast, the Citi Double Cash® Card has an intro APR offer that applies only to balance transfers. You'll get 18 months on Balance Transfers of 0% intro APR on balance transfers made within the first four months. You'll also enjoy a promotional balance transfer fee of There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5). The card's go-to 19.24% - 29.24% (Variable) APR will apply at the end of the intro period.
High-rate rewards for that special thing, or a lower rate for everything
Winner: Tied. These cards are equally-awesome rewards earners.
This is the hardest category to decide because both cards are awesome for rewards -- they're just awesome in different ways.
The Citi Double Cash® Card earns up to Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, for a limited time, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/24.. This is the card you want to use for purchases that don't fit neatly into the bonus categories you may have on other cards. Or, this could be your only card if you want a simple rewards strategy.
The Citi Custom Cash® Card is a big hitter, but with limitations. You can earn up to 5% cash back in your top spending category each month. Eligible categories are broad and include:
- Drugstores
- Fitness clubs
- Gas stations
- Grocery stores
- Live entertainment
- Home improvement stores
- Restaurants
- Select streaming services
- Select transit
- Select travel
Bonus cash back is capped at $500 in bonus category purchases each month. Your top spending category is automatically figured by Citi, so you don't need to activate anything. Despite the cap, this is a powerful rewards card.
If you want to maximize your rewards on either -- or both -- cards, pair them with a Citi Strata Premier℠ Card. This would let you pool all your rewards and transfer them to hotel and airline partners for free travel.
What everyone else is saying
It's hard to find a card that's universally loved, but the Citi Custom Cash® Card comes pretty close. Other than grumbling about the spending cap (I'm not a fan either, but I get it), people online pretty much all dig this card. The Citi Double Cash® Card is a little less broadly popular, mostly because there are several direct competitors. Folks who have it don't seem to have any major qualms, however.
Fact Checked
Eric McWhinnie
