Credit Cards » Compare Credit Cards » Citi Custom Cash vs. Discover It Cash Back: 2024 Comparison
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Citi Custom Cash vs. Discover It Cash Back: 2024 Comparison

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

citi-custom-cash_
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)
Read Review
Read Review
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.

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.

citi-custom-cash_
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
Discover it cash back card cashback to redeem
Cashback to redeem (Screenshot from discover.com)

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

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. 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.
discover rotating categories cash back
Discover it cash back card rotating categories example (Screenshot from Discover app)

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

capital-one-venture

American express everyday card review 2021

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

Compare Discover It Cash Back

While the Discover it Cashback offers higher rewards on rotating categories, the Chrome card offers flat rate on gas & restaurants. Which is better?

Here's our comparison: Discover it Cash Back vs Discover it Chrome

If you like Discover rotating categories, it's an easy choice. If not – our analysis will help you understand which card is better for you.

Capital One Quicksilver vs Discover it Cash Back: Which Card 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?

While Discover it Cash Back offers higher cashback rewards for some categories, the Active Cash card is our winner. Here's why.

Discover it Cash Back vs Wells Fargo Active Cash: Side By Side

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?

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?

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:
185,000 points 185,000 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:
185,000 points 185,000 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:
185,000 points 185,000 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.

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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:
185,000 points 185,000 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:
185,000 points 185,000 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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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.

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