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 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 |
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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.
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
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
- Credit Journey: Personalized insights to help build, monitor, and protect your credit health, with free weekly credit score access and score analysis.
- 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
$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.
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.
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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 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
|
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