The Citi Custom Cash Card and Discover it Cash Back are two popular cash-back credit cards that offer a variety of benefits, including no annual fee, a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers.
However, there are some dofferences between them – in this comparison, we will delve deeper into the features, benefits, and drawbacks of both cards.
General Comparison: Citi Custom Cash vs. Discover Cash Back
Both cards provide comparable cashback rewards terms, with the Citi Custom Cash being notably more flexible as it autonomously selects your preferred category, eliminating the need for reliance on rotating categories.
Both cards feature a 0% intro APR and enticing welcome bonuses. However, it's essential to note that Discover does not impose foreign transaction fees, which can significantly benefit frequent travelers who spend a substantial amount of time abroad, while Citi does charge foreign transaction fees.
Discover it Cash Back | Citi Custom Cash Card | |
Annual Fee | $0 | $0 |
Rewards | 5% cashback on up to $1,500 in rotating category purchases each quarter when you activate the bonus category (then 1%), as well 1% percent cash back on all other 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 | All cash back earned at the end of the first 12 months is matched. | $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 17.24% – 28.24% Variable APR | 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then 19.24% – 29.24% (Variable)
APR |
Foreign Transaction Fee | $0 | 3% |
Purchase APR | 17.24% – 28.24% Variable | 19.24% – 29.24% (Variable)
|
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Cashback Battle: A Side-by-Side Analysis
While the overall annual cashback amounts may appear similar in our comparison, we base this assumption on consumers fully utilizing the $1,500 spending limit in each quarterly bonus category offered by Discover.
In reality, many individuals may not reach this spending threshold consistently. As a result, the Citi Custom Cash card often has the potential to yield a higher cashback return compared to the Discover cashback card for most users.
Spend Per Category | Discover it Cash Back | Citi Custom Cash Card |
$15,000 – U.S Supermarkets | $390 | $390 |
$5,000 – Restaurants
| $50 | $50 |
$4,000 – Airline | $40 | $40 |
$3,000 – Hotels | $50 | $30 |
$4,000 – Gas | $40 | $40 |
Estimated Annual Value | $550 | $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.
Discover it Cash Back
- Personalized Card Designs: Discover offers a choice of 25 vibrant card designs for their members, allowing you to select a design that suits your style.
- $0 Fraud Liability Guarantee: Discover provides peace of mind with a $0 Fraud Liability Guarantee, ensuring you won't be held responsible for unauthorized purchases made on your Discover Card.
- Online Privacy Protection: Discover assists you in safeguarding your online privacy by helping you remove personal information from select people-search websites, protecting your data from potential sales. This feature is activated for free through the Discover app.
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. For more details, visit cardbenefits.citi.com.
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 Discover it Cash Back Card?
You might prefer the Citi Custom Cash card over the Discover it Cash Back card in the following situations:
- Simplified Rewards: If you prefer a more straightforward cashback system without the need to track and adapt to rotating categories, Citi Custom Cash is a better choice as it automatically selects your highest spending category.
- Consistent Spending Habits: If your spending habits remain relatively constant throughout the year and don't align with the rotating categories offered by Discover it Cash Back, the Citi Custom Cash card can provide more predictable and reliable cashback earnings.
When You Might Want the Citi Custom Cash Card?
You might prefer the Discover it Cash Back card over the Citi Custom Cash card in the following situations:
- Enjoy Rotating Categories: If you enjoy the challenge of maximizing cashback in different spending categories that change each quarter, Discover it Cash Back may be more appealing due to its rotating bonus categories.
- Travel Abroad: If you frequently travel internationally, Discover it Cash Back is a better choice because it doesn't charge foreign transaction fees, potentially saving you money on foreign purchases. In contrast, Citi Custom Cash does have foreign transaction fees.
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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