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Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card vs Citi Custom Cash
Both are well-respected travel cards. The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card comes from American Express at $250/yr; the Citi Custom Cash from Citi at $0/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
Bottom line
If you're not sure you'll use premium perks, start with the Citi Custom Cash, its annual fee is significantly lower and the bonus values are similar. Upgrade later if you find yourself using the higher-tier benefits.
| Feature | Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card | Citi Custom Cash |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $250 | $0 |
| Sign-up bonus | up to 135,000 Marriott Bonvoy points | $200 cash back |
| Bonus value (est.) | - | $200 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $5,000 in 6 mo | $1,500 in 6 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | Citi |
| Card category | travel | cashback |
| Best earning category (Dining) | 4x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | None | citi-ty |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card
$250/yr · up to 135,000 Marriott Bonvoy points
Read the full review
Citi Custom Cash
$0/yr · $200 cash back
Editorial take: Citi Custom Cash
Genuinely clever. 5% on whichever category you spent most on each month, capped at $500/month. Earns $25/month = $300/year effortlessly. Pairs with Premier to convert to transferable ThankYou Points.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card or Citi Custom Cash?
- The Citi Custom Cash has a public bonus ($200 cash back, worth roughly $200), while the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card doesn't advertise one right now.
- Is the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card's $250 annual fee worth it compared to the Citi Custom Cash?
- At $250/yr, the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the Citi Custom Cash's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card and Citi Custom Cash?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and Citi) the application rules don't conflict. Many points enthusiasts hold both, they pair well when one earns flexible bank points and the other earns a different currency.
- Should I get the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card or the Citi Custom Cash first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card: $5,000 spend in 6 months. Citi Custom Cash: $1,500 in 6 months. Pick the easier minimum spend if you're new to points; pick the larger bonus if you have planned big purchases coming up.
Card details on this page reflect the most recent data we've verified against the issuer's own site. Sign-up bonuses and fees can change at any time, confirm the current offer on the issuer's page before applying.