Citi Custom Cash or Us Bank Cash Plus? Here’s What Most Reviews Won’t Tell You
You’re ready to maximize your rewards, but choosing the right cash back credit card feels like picking teams for a dodgeball game. Do you want versatility or predictability? Let’s break down the Citi Custom Cash and U.S. Bank Cash+ cards to see which aligns with your play style.
| Feature | Citi Custom Cash | U.S. Bank Cash+ |
|---|---|---|
| Cash Back Rate | 5% on top category, 1% on others | 5% on two categories, 2% on one, 1% on others |
| Annual Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Intro APR | 0% for 15 months | 0% for 15 months |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 3% | 3% |
| Redemption Options | Statement credit, direct deposit | Statement credit, direct deposit |
| Bonus Offer | $200 after $1,500 spend | $200 after $1,000 spend |
✅ citi custom cash Pros
- Automatic 5% cashback on your top spending category each billing cycle.
- Generous 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months.
- No annual fee makes it budget-friendly.
❌ citi custom cash Cons
- 5% cashback is capped at $500 spend per billing cycle.
- Foreign transaction fees apply.
- Limited to one top category per billing cycle.
✅ us bank cash plus Pros
- Flexibility to choose two categories for 5% cashback.
- 3% foreign transaction fee, same as Citi, but with more category choices.
- $200 bonus with a lower $1,000 spend requirement.
❌ us bank cash plus Cons
- Requires manual selection of categories each quarter.
- 5% cashback is capped at $2,000 spend per quarter.
- Redemption options are less integrated than Citi’s.
Flexibility vs. Simplicity: The Cashback Strategy
The Citi Custom Cash card is all about simplicity. It automatically applies 5% cashback to your highest spend category each month, making it a great fit if your spending habits change frequently, or you simply don’t want to mess around with category selection. In contrast, the U.S. Bank Cash+ card gives you more control with the ability to choose two categories for 5% cashback each quarter. Perfect for planners who know they will max out specific categories like utilities or dining. But remember, you need to stay on top of it to get the most bang for your buck.
Introductory Offers and Long-Term Value
Both cards offer a 0% intro APR for 15 months, which is excellent for large purchases or balance transfers. However, the U.S. Bank Cash+ edges out slightly with a lower $1,000 spend requirement to snag the $200 bonus, whereas Citi demands $1,500. Long-term, Citi’s automatic rewards on the top category could mean more consistent earnings without the hassle of quarterly planning, but if you’re strategic, U.S. Bank’s multiple high-earning categories might yield better returns.
Redemption and Fees: The Practicalities
Both cards have similar redemption options, allowing you to utilize cashback as a statement credit or direct deposit. However, when it comes to foreign transaction fees, each card charges 3%, which can be a bummer if you travel internationally. If travel is infrequent or you have another travel-friendly card, this may be a non-issue. Citi’s automatic category selection may reduce mental load, but U.S. Bank’s quarterly choice offers more strategic opportunities if you plan carefully.
Watch out for the cap on high cashback rates with both cards: Citi limits it to $500 per billing cycle while U.S. Bank caps it at $2,000 per quarter. These limits can sneak up on you faster than a fast-food craving. Also, with U.S. Bank, missing the quarterly category selection means losing out on potential rewards.
Our Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
If you’re the type who values ease and set-it-and-forget-it convenience, the Citi Custom Cash is a solid choice. It’s perfect for someone with variable spending habits who doesn’t want to fuss over their credit card. On the other hand, if you’re a planner who thrives on optimizing every dollar spent, the U.S. Bank Cash+ card could reward your attention to detail with its customizable categories.
How do I maximize rewards with these cards?
For the Citi Custom Cash, simply use it consistently and let the card’s algorithm choose the highest category. For U.S. Bank Cash+, be proactive about selecting categories each quarter to ensure you’re getting the most rewards.
Can I use these cards internationally without extra fees?
Both cards charge a 3% foreign transaction fee, so they’re not ideal for international spending. Consider a card without foreign fees if you travel often.
Which card is better for large purchases?
Both cards offer a 0% intro APR for 15 months, making them both excellent choices for large purchases if you plan to pay off the balance within that time frame.
