The Chase Freedom Unlimited® and Citi Custom Cash℠ Card are two of the most popular basic cash-back rewards credit cards on the market. Both cards offer generous rewards rates on everyday spending, but they have different strengths and weaknesses.
In this detailed comparison, we will delve into the unique features and advantages of both cards.
Freedom Unlimited vs. Custom Cash: General Comparison
The Chase Freedom Unlimited card offers an array of cash back rewards, allowing cardholders to earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase and higher cashback on dining and purchases via Ultimate rewards. If you spend a lot of money on travel and dining, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® card is a good option.
In contrast, the Citi Custom Cash Card takes a different approach by offering dynamic rewards that adapt to your spending habits, allowing you to maximize cash back in categories where you spend the most.
Chase Freedom Unlimited® | Citi Custom Cash Card | |
Annual Fee | $0 | $0 |
Rewards | Earn 5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services, 3% on drugstore purchases and 1.5% cash back on all purchases. | 5% cash back on your highest eligible spend category each billing cycle up to the first $500 spent and 1% cash back thereafter. |
Welcome bonus | Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. | $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening (20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back). |
0% Intro APR | 15 months on purchases and balance transfers , then 20.24%–28.99% variable APR | 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then 19.24% – 29.24% (Variable)
APR |
Foreign Transaction Fee | 3% | 3% |
Purchase APR | 20.24%–28.99% variable | 19.24% – 29.24% (Variable)
|
Read Review | Read Review |
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Cashback Battle: Freedom Unlimited vs. Custom Cash
When it comes to cashback potential, Chase Freedom Unlimited enjoys an edge, especially for those who frequently engage in travel-related expenses through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
However, suppose you have a particular spending category, such as groceries or gas. In that case, if you aim to optimize your rewards on, the Citi Custom Cash Card might provide a higher cashback rate.
Spend Per Category | Chase Freedom Unlimited® | Citi Custom Cash Card |
$15,000 – U.S Supermarkets | $225 | $390 |
$5,000 – Restaurants
| $150 | $50 |
$4,000 – Airline | $200 | $40 |
$3,000 – Hotels | $150 | $30 |
$4,000 – Gas | $60 | $40 |
Estimated Annual Value | $785 | $550 |
Which Extra Benefits You'll Get With Each Card?
Apart from the bonus points and welcome bonuses, both cards offer a host of supplementary benefits. In general, the additional perks of these cards are quite comparable, but it's worth noting that Chase provides a wider range of protections and insurance benefits.
Chase Freedom Unlimited
- Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver: Drive with confidence as you get coverage against theft and collision damage. Simply decline the rental company's insurance and charge the entire rental cost to your card. This coverage is applicable to most cars in the U.S. and abroad.
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance: Experience flexibility in your travel plans with reimbursement for pre-paid, non-refundable passenger fares. It covers up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip in case your trip is canceled or interrupted due to covered situations.
- My Chase Plan: Enjoy financial flexibility with My Chase Plan on the Unlimited card. Easily pay off eligible purchases of $100 or more in equal monthly payments with no interest, only a fixed monthly fee.
- Instacart+ Benefit: Enjoy a complimentary 3-month Instacart+ membership with bthe Freedom Unlimited, granting you unlimited deliveries at $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees on eligible orders.
- 5% Cash Back/5x Points on Lyft Rides: Elevate your Lyft experience with enhanced rewards on the card through March 31, 2025, providing 5% cash back or 5x points on all Lyft ride purchases.
- Cellular Telephone Protection: The Unlimited card ensures peace of mind with up to $600 in cell phone protection. Simply pay your monthly cell phone bill with the card, and enjoy coverage, subject to a $25 deductible.
- Purchase Protection: The card extends a safety net to your new purchases, offering 120 days of coverage against damage or theft. Benefit from up to $500 per claim and $50,000 per account.
- Extended Warranty Protection: Amplify your warranty with the Unlimited card, extending the U.S. manufacturer's warranty by an additional year on eligible warranties of three years or less.
Citi Custom Cash Card
$0 Liability on Unauthorized Charges: Enjoy complete protection against any unauthorized charges on your account at Citi. You won't be held responsible for charges you didn't authorize, whether online or otherwise.
Free Access to your FICO® Score: Monitor your FICO® Score effortlessly with no impact on your credit score. Accessible anytime, the score is updated monthly and easily accessible through the Citi Mobile® App and Citi® Online. Explore the key factors influencing your score and more.
24/7 Customer Service: Experience round-the-clock assistance from our customer service representatives, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to address your needs.
When You Might Want the Chase Freedom Unlimited Card?
There are several situations in which you might prefer the Chase Freedom Unlimited card over the Citi Custom Cash Card:
- Travel Enthusiasts: If you frequently travel and use Chase Ultimate Rewards, the Freedom Unlimited card offers better value for travel-related expenses.
- Better Insurance Perks: You want to take advantage of the additional benefits offered by the Freedom Unlimited® card, such as travel insurance and rental car insurance.
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When You Might Want the Citi Custom Cash Card?
There are certain situations in which you might prefer the Citi Custom Cash card over the Chase Freedom Unlimited:
- Category Maximization: If you have specific spending categories, such as groceries, gas, dining, or entertainment, where you tend to spend a significant amount, the Citi Custom Cash card's dynamic rewards structure, which offers 5% cash back on your top eligible spending category each billing cycle, can provide more substantial rewards in those areas.
- Flexibility: With the Custom cash card, you can spend on a different category each month and enjoy the hgher cashback rate, up to the limites.
- You Have Another Travel Card: If you don't plan to use the card as your travel credit card, it may be a better choice than the Unlimited card.
Compare The Alternatives
Before submitting your application, you might want to explore a few other options:
Chase Freedom Flex℠ Card | Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | American Express EveryDay® Card | |
Annual Fee | $0
| $95
| $0
|
Rewards |
1-5%
|
2X – 5X
2X miles per dollar on every purchase, plus 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
|
1X – 2X
2X points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1X), 2X points on prepaid rental cars booked through American Express Travel and 1X points on all other purchases
|
Welcome bonus |
$200
|
75,000 miles
75,000 miles once they spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
|
10,000 points
10,000 points after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new card within the first 3 months
|
Foreign Transaction Fee | 3%
| $0
| 2.7%
|
Purchase APR | 20.49%–29.24% variable
| 19.99% – 29.99% (Variable)
| 18.24% – 28.24% Variable
|
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