What actually happened
On May 28, 2026, Citi closed the Custom Cash to new applications. A few things to be clear about, because most of the internet is getting this wrong:
- It's not cancelled for existing holders. If you already have the card, nothing changes — you keep the 5% top-category benefit.
- You just can't apply for it new. Citi is steering new applicants to its flat-2% Double Cash instead.
- Product changes may still work. Cardholders report being able to convert another Citi card (held 1+ year) into a Custom Cash — worth a call to Citi.
Why there's no single replacement
The Custom Cash was loved for one reason: it automatically paid 5% back on your single highest-spend eligible category each billing cycle (on up to $500 in spend), with no category to pick. The catch for anyone shopping for a replacement is that yourtop category isn't the same as the next person's. A dining-heavy spender and a grocery-heavy spender should walk away with different cards. So “the one best replacement” doesn't exist — but the best replacement for you absolutely does.
Want the answer for your spending? See it in 30 seconds — free, no account.
Find my best card →The closest matches
If you want the same “bonus on your top category” mechanic, start here:
U.S. Bank Cash+
$0 annual feeThe closest mechanical match — and arguably better.
Earns 5% back on TWO categories you choose (on up to $2,000 in combined purchases per quarter), plus 2% on one everyday category and 1% on everything else. Where the Custom Cash auto-picked one 5% category, the Cash+ lets you lock in two — you just have to re-select them each quarter.
Citi Strata
$0 annual feeStay inside the Citi ecosystem.
Earns 3% on your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, plus standing 3% on groceries, gas, and transit. It's a ThankYou points card rather than straight cash back, but for an existing Citi customer it's the most natural in-house swap.
Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards
$0 annual feePick-your-own-category, no enrollment churn.
Earns 3% on one category you choose, plus 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (combined 3%/2% rates apply to the first $2,500 in purchases each quarter). Lower headline rate than 5%, but you set the category once instead of re-enrolling quarterly — and Preferred Rewards members can boost the rate.
Or pick by where you actually spend
You spend most on dining & entertainment
→ Capital One Savor / SavorOne
3% on dining, entertainment, streaming, and groceries. SavorOne is no-fee.
You spend most on groceries
→ Amex Blue Cash Preferred
6% at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000/yr) and on select streaming, 3% on transit and gas. $95 annual fee — worth it for heavy grocery spend. The no-fee Blue Cash Everyday earns 3%.
You like maximizing rotating categories
→ Chase Freedom Flex / Discover it
5% on quarterly rotating categories you activate, plus fixed bonus categories. Best if you don't mind a little hands-on management.
You just want set-and-forget
→ Citi Double Cash
2% on everything (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay), no categories to track. This is the card Citi itself steers new applicants toward.
Which one actually wins for you?
Skip the guesswork. Add your recent transactions and we'll rank these cards by the real cashback they'd earn on your spending — free, no account, 30 seconds.
Find my best card →No sponsored results · We don't earn commissions on these cards
Frequently asked questions
Is the Citi Custom Cash discontinued?
Not exactly. Citi closed the Custom Cash to new applications on May 28, 2026. It is not being cancelled for people who already have it — existing cardholders keep the card and continue earning its rewards.
Will I lose my Custom Cash card?
No. If you already hold the Custom Cash, nothing changes right now. You keep the 5% top-category benefit and can continue using the card as normal.
Can I still get the Custom Cash somehow?
You can no longer apply for it directly. However, cardholders have reported being able to product-change into the Custom Cash from another Citi card (such as the Double Cash) they've held for at least a year. Contact Citi to ask whether a product change is available to you.
What's the best card to replace the Custom Cash?
There isn't a single answer. The Custom Cash paid 5% on your top spending category, and the best replacement depends on what that category actually is for you. The U.S. Bank Cash+ is the closest mechanical match, but a dining-heavy spender and a grocery-heavy spender should choose different cards. The fastest way to know is to compare cards against your real spending.
Reward rates are current as of June 2026 and may change; always confirm details on the issuer's site before applying. RightCard is not paid to recommend any card. Privacy Policy