Introduction
When it comes to choosing a credit card, there’s no single perfect solution. Finding the best card depends on your spending habits and lifestyle. Citi Custom Cash vs Chase Freedom Flex are both popular rewards cards offering great rewards or cash-back programs, so which is right for you? Let’s look at Custom Cash card vs Chase Freedom Flex and how they compare their features, benefits, fees, and more.
Features of Chase Freedom Flex vs. Citi Custom Cash
Chase Freedom Flex and Citi Custom Cash have quite a few features in common. Both offer cash-back rewards for everyday spending and bonus rewards on select categories. Chase Freedom Flex also offers rotating bonus categories and a signup bonus, while Citi Custom Cash has an introductory APR offer. Here’s a closer look at some of the features of Chase Freedom Flex vs. Citi Custom Cash.
Cash Back Rewards
Chase Freedom Flex and Citi Custom Cash offer cash-back rewards on everyday spending. Chase offers 5 percent cash back in quarterly rotating categories, up to $1,500. Citi Custom Cash offers 3% cash back at supermarkets, 2% at gas stations and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases. Both cards also have no annual fee.
Bonuses and Introductory Offers
Chase Freedom Flex offers a signup bonus for new cardholders — earn $200 after you spend $500 on purchases in your first three months from account opening. Citi Custom Cash has an introductory APR offer — 0% intro APR on purchases for the first 15 months, then 12.99%-22.99% variable APR after that. You’ll also get a one-time $150 cash bonus when you spend $1,000 within three months of approval.
Other Benefits
Both Chase Freedom Flex and Citi Custom Cash have other features to entice customers — Chase offers access to Chase Ultimate Rewards, while Citi offers special rewards programs and discounts tailored to Citi customers. Chase also offers auto rental collision damage waiver, and Citi offers an extended warranty program.
Fees and Interest Rates
Chase Freedom Flex has the same fee structure as Chase’s other rewards cards — a 3% foreign transaction fee, up to $10 returned payment fee, a late payment fee of up to $39, and balance transfer fees of either $5 or 5%. Citi Custom Cash has no foreign transaction fees and a lower balance transfer fee of either $5 or 4%, plus a late payment fee of up to $40. Chase Freedom Flex and Citi Custom Cash have variable APR ranges from 12.99%-22.99%.
Customer Service
Chase and Citi have been around for a long time and are well known for their excellent customer service. Chase is known for its 24/7 customer service, while Citi has a 24-hour call center plus access to online chat and email support. Chase also offers Chase Mobile and Chase Mobile Checkout, while Citi offers Citi Quick Cash and Citi Mobile App.
Drawbacks
Chase Freedom Flex and Citi Custom Cash have some limitations — Chase has a cap on earning cash-back rewards each quarter, while Citi’s rewards program requires customers to opt-in. Chase also charges a foreign transaction fee, and Citi doesn’t offer any bonus categories beyond grocery stores, gas stations, and drugstores.
Citi Custom Cash vs. Chase Freedom Flex: Which Credit Card Is Right for You?
Chase Freedom Flex and Citi Custom Cash offer cash-back rewards for everyday spending, but Chase have a signup bonus plus rotating bonus categories that can help you earn more rewards. Citi Custom Cash has an introductory APR offer, plus no foreign transaction fees and a lower balance transfer fee than Chase. Ultimately, the best card depends on your spending habits and lifestyle — Chase is better if you’re looking for more opportunities to earn rewards, while Citi is better for those who want an introductory APR offer and no foreign transaction fees.
Conclusion
Chase Freedom Flex and Citi Custom Cash offer great benefits for everyday spending — Chase offers high cash-back rewards in quarterly rotating bonus categories, plus an introductory bonus for new cardholders. Citi Custom Cash has a special introductory APR offer and no annual fee. Both cards have some drawbacks — Chase has a cap on earning cash-back rewards each quarter, while Citi’s rewards program requires customers to opt in.
Chase Freedom Flex and Citi Custom Cash are great rewards cards, so deciding which is best and most suitable for you depends on your spending habits and lifestyle. Chase is better for those who want more opportunities to earn rewards, while Citi is better for those who want an introductory APR offer and no foreign transaction fees.
