Credit Cards » Compare Credit Cards » Citi Custom Cash Card vs. Chase Freedom Flex: 2024 Comparison
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Citi Custom Cash Card vs. Chase Freedom Flex: 2024 Comparison

Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.
Interest Rates Last Update: September 10, 2024
The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.
Interest Rates Last Update: September 10, 2024

The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.

We earn a commission from our partner links on this page. It doesn't affect the integrity of our unbiased, independent editorial staff. Transparency is a core value for us, read our advertiser disclosure and how we make money.

The Citi Custom Cash Card and the Chase Freedom Flex are two of the most popular cash back rewards credit cards on the market. Both cards offer a generous sign-up bonus, have no annual fee, and earn high cash back on rotating bonus categories each quarter.

We'll delve into their rewards structures, introductory offers, annual fees, and additional benefits.

General Comparison: Custom Cash vs. Freedom Flex

The Citi Custom Cash Card is a great option for consumers who want to earn a high cash back rate on their top spending category. Eligible categories include restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, select travel, select transit, select streaming services, drugstores, home improvement stores, fitness clubs, and live entertainment.

However, the Chase Freedom Flex is another great option for consumers who want to earn a high cash back rate on their everyday spending. Each quarter, Chase selects a rotating bonus category that changes every three months.

Chase Freedom Flex
citi-custom-cash_
Chase Freedom Flex
Citi Custom Cash Card
Annual Fee
$0
$0
Rewards
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
$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 20.49%–29.24% variable APR
15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then 19.24% – 29.24% (Variable) APR
Foreign Transaction Fee
3%
3%
Purchase APR
20.49%–29.24% variable
19.24% – 29.24% (Variable)
Read Review
Read Review
Top Offers

amex platinum

Rewards Plan:
1X – 5X 5X points on up to $500,000 spent on directly-booked airfare and flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel (per calendar year), 2X points on prepaid car rentals through American Express Travel and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
80,000 points 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership

amex brilliant

Rewards Plan:
2X – 6X 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program, 3 points at Worldwide restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2 points on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
95,000 points 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership

Amex Delta SkyMiles Platinum card

Rewards Plan:
1X – 3X 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels, 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets and 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
50,000 miles 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in your first six months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers From Our Partners

amex platinum

Rewards Plan:
1X – 5X 5X points on up to $500,000 spent on directly-booked airfare and flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel (per calendar year), 2X points on prepaid car rentals through American Express Travel and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
80,000 points 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership

amex brilliant

Rewards Plan:
2X – 6X 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program, 3 points at Worldwide restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2 points on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
95,000 points 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership

Amex Delta SkyMiles Platinum card

Rewards Plan:
Up to 3x miles 3 miles per $1 spent on United purchases immediately after earning your $125 annual United purchase credit, 2 miles on all other travel and select streaming services, 1 mile on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 miles 60,000 bonus miles + 500 Premier qualifying points (PQP) after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers

amex platinum

Rewards Plan:
1X – 5X 5X points on up to $500,000 spent on directly-booked airfare and flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel (per calendar year), 2X points on prepaid car rentals through American Express Travel and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
80,000 points 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership

amex brilliant

Rewards Plan:
2X – 6X 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program, 3 points at Worldwide restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2 points on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
95,000 points 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership

Amex Delta SkyMiles Platinum card

Rewards Plan:
1X – 3X 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels, 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets and 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
50,000 miles 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in your first six months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.

Cashback Battle: A Side-by-Side Analysis

When it comes to maximizing cashback rewards, Chase Freedom Flex holds a distinct advantage, particularly for individuals who frequently incur travel-related expenses through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Conversely, if you have specific spending preferences, like groceries or gas, and your goal is to optimize your cashback earnings, the Citi Custom Cash Card might offer a superior cashback rate.

Chase Freedom Flex
citi-custom-cash_
Spend Per Category
Chase Freedom Flex
Citi Custom Cash Card
$15,000 – U.S Supermarkets
$390 *
$390
$5,000 – Restaurants
$90
$50
$4,000 – Airline
$200
$40
$3,000 – Hotels
$150
$30
$4,000 – Gas
$40
$40
Estimated Annual Value
$870
$550

* 5% On Supermarkets up to $6,000

Chase Freedom Flex redeem rewards on benefits and travel
Redeem Chase Freedom Flex rewards (Screenshot from Chase app)

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 Freedom Flex provides a wider range of protections and insurance benefits.

Chase Freedom Flex

Chase Freedom Flex

  • Credit Journey: Personalized insights to help build, monitor, and protect your credit health, with free weekly credit score access and score analysis.
Using Chase Credit journey
Using Chase Credit journey (Screenshot from Chase app)
  • DashPass, Lyft, and Instacart Benefits: Complimentary DashPass, 5% cashback on Lyft rides, and Instacart+ membership with reduced fees and statement credits for eligible Instacart purchases, providing additional savings and convenience.
  • Zero Liability Protection: Protection against unauthorized charges on your card or account.
  • Purchase Protection: Covers new purchases against damage or theft for up to 120 days.
  • Extended Warranty Protection: Extends U.S. manufacturer's warranties on eligible products by an additional year.
  • Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance: Provides reimbursement for pre-paid, non-refundable passenger fares in case of trip cancellations or interruptions due to covered reasons.
  • Cell Phone Protection: Up to $800 per claim and $1,000 per year for covered theft or damage on cell phones listed on your monthly bill.
  • 24/7 Fraud Monitoring: Continuous monitoring for credit card fraud and immediate alerts of unusual purchases.
  • Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver: Coverage for theft and collision damage when you charge the rental cost to your card.
  • Travel and Emergency Assistance Services: Access to legal, medical referrals, and emergency assistance while away from home.
Citi Custom Cash Card

citi-custom-cash_

  • $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. 

  • 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.

Chase Freedom Flex high cash back offers on Chase app
Chase Freedom Flex high cash back offers on Chase app (Screenshot from Chase app)

When You Might Want the Chase Freedom Flex?

The Chase Freedom Flex could be a preferred choice over the Citi Custom Cash in various scenarios:

  • Diverse Spending Habits: If you have a wide range of spending categories and prefer a card with multiple bonus categories, the Chase Freedom Flex offers rotating quarterly categories that can potentially earn you more rewards in different areas.
  • Lyft and Instacart Users: If you frequently use Lyft or make Instacart purchases, the Chase Freedom Flex offers cashback benefits specific to these services, providing additional savings.
  • Travel And Insurance Benefits: The Chase Freedom Flex provides travel-related perks, including trip cancellation/interruption insurance and an auto rental collision damage waiver, which can be valuable if you often travel or rent cars.
Top Offers

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.

upgrade cash rewards

Rewards Plan:
1.5% 1.5% cash back on payments
Welcome Bonus:
$200 Earn a $200 bonus after you open & fund a Rewards Checking Plus account & make 3 debit card transactions within 60 days. If you previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not do so as part of this process, you are not eligible. Payout made within 60 days of meeting the conditions.

AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Card review

Rewards Plan:
1-6% 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
$250 $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers From Our Partners

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.

upgrade cash rewards

Rewards Plan:
1.5% 1.5% cash back on payments
Welcome Bonus:
$200 Earn a $200 bonus after you open & fund a Rewards Checking Plus account & make 3 debit card transactions within 60 days. If you previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not do so as part of this process, you are not eligible. Payout made within 60 days of meeting the conditions.

AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Card review

Rewards Plan:
1-6% 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
$250 $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.

upgrade cash rewards

Rewards Plan:
1.5% 1.5% cash back on payments
Welcome Bonus:
$200 Earn a $200 bonus after you open & fund a Rewards Checking Plus account & make 3 debit card transactions within 60 days. If you previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not do so as part of this process, you are not eligible. Payout made within 60 days of meeting the conditions.

AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Card review

Rewards Plan:
1-6% 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
$250 $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.

When You Might Want the Citi Custom Cash Card?

The Citi Custom Cash Card may be the preferred choice over the Chase Freedom Flex in several situations:

  • Category-Specific Spending: If you tend to spend significantly in a specific category, such as groceries, gas, dining, or entertainment, the Citi Custom Cash Card's customizable 5% cashback category allows you to maximize your rewards in your preferred spending area.
  • Low Maintenance: The Citi Custom Cash Card does not require you to track or activate rotating categories, making it a low-maintenance choice for individuals who want hassle-free rewards.

Compare The Alternatives

Bank of America® travel rewards

capital-one-venture

Wells Fargo Autograph

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
Annual Fee
$0
$95
$0
Rewards
1.5X 1.5 points for every $1 you spend on all purchases everywhere, every time and no expiration on points
2X – 5X 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, plus 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
1X – 3X 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Also, earn 1X points on other purchases
Welcome bonus
25,000 points 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening – which can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases
75,000 miles
20,000 Points 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months
Foreign Transaction Fee
$0
$0
$0
Purchase APR
18.24% – 28.24% Variable APR will apply.
19.99% – 29.99% (Variable)
20.24% – 29.99% variable

Compare Chase Freedom Flex

When comparing rotating categories to flat-rate cash back rewards, need to analyze the categories & calculate – which card gives you more?

Citi Double Cash vs Chase Freedom Flex: Which Is Better?

If you're looking for rotating cash back rewards, it's time to analyze the categories of each to understand which card gives you more.

Chase Freedom Flex vs Discover it Cash Back: Which Is Better?

The BofA Customized Cash Rewards and the Chase Freedom Flex have many features in common, but there is a clear winner when comparing them.

BofA Customized Cash Rewards vs Chase Freedom Flex: Which Card Is Best?

The Capital One SavorOne cashback categories are fixed, while the Chase Freedom Flex has rotating categories. Which is worth more?

Capital One SavorOne vs Chase Freedom Flex: Side By Side Comparison

Compare Citi Custom Cash Card

If you're a high spender, the Citi Double Cash Card can give you more. But what if you're just looking for everyday rewards?

Citi® Double Cash Card vs Citi Custom Cash℠ Card : Which Card Wins?

The Citi Custom cash offers high cashback on your preferred category, but it's very limited in rewards compared to the Blue Cash Preferred

Amex Blue Cash Preferred vs. Citi Custom Cash Card: Which Card Is Best?

When it comes to cashback potential, the Chase Freedom Unlimited wins, especially for those who frequently engage in travel-related expenses

Chase Freedom Unlimited vs. Citi Custom Cash Card: Which Card Is Best?

Both cards provide comparable cashback terms, with Citi Custom Cash being more flexible as it autonomously selects your preferred category.

Citi Custom Cash vs. Discover It Cash Back: Comparison

Unlike the Amex Blue Cash Everyday, Citi Custom Cash automatically adjusts its cashback categories based on your spending habits.

Citi Custom Cash vs. Amex Blue Cash Everyday: Which Card Is Best?

Citi Custom Cash Card and the BofA Customized Cash Rewards have similar reward structures but some significant differences. How they compare?

Citi Custom Cash Card vs. BofA Customized Cash Rewards: Which Card Is Best?

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Picture of Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.
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Best Cards Per Category
Top Offers

amex platinum

Rewards Plan:
1X – 5X 5X points on up to $500,000 spent on directly-booked airfare and flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel (per calendar year), 2X points on prepaid car rentals through American Express Travel and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
80,000 points 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership

amex brilliant

Rewards Plan:
2X – 6X 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program, 3 points at Worldwide restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2 points on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
95,000 points 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership

Amex Delta SkyMiles Platinum card

Rewards Plan:
1X – 3X 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels, 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets and 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
50,000 miles 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in your first six months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers From Our Partners

amex platinum

Rewards Plan:
1X – 5X 5X points on up to $500,000 spent on directly-booked airfare and flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel (per calendar year), 2X points on prepaid car rentals through American Express Travel and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
80,000 points 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership

amex brilliant

Rewards Plan:
2X – 6X 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program, 3 points at Worldwide restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2 points on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
95,000 points 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership

Amex Delta SkyMiles Platinum card

Rewards Plan:
Up to 3x miles 3 miles per $1 spent on United purchases immediately after earning your $125 annual United purchase credit, 2 miles on all other travel and select streaming services, 1 mile on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 miles 60,000 bonus miles + 500 Premier qualifying points (PQP) after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.

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Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

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In order to determine the best possible credit cards, we look at things like fees, interest rates and rewards. We do this with companies that are associated with us as partners as well as other offerings. From there, we make a decision about what the best card is related to different categories and needs. We focus on interest rate cost & fees, especially the cost of carrying a balance, rewards – cards accumulate rewards in different currencies—points, miles, cash back—and their values vary widely usability – cards that accept a wide range of credit profiles and offer simple solutions for things like checking your credit score or contacting. We also consider customer reviews.

We look at cards related to good or excellent credit ratings that will then provide a range of different benefits and improvements for someone who has these scores. We also look at low fees when it comes to those who have lower credit scores.