Beta

Free during beta. Plus launches at $12/mo or $99/yr on July 1. Annual is locked for 12 months during beta.

Skip to content
RewardZ Travel
All credit cards
Side-by-side

Chase Freedom Unlimited vs Citi Custom Cash

Both are cashback travel cards. The Chase Freedom Unlimited comes from Chase at $0/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

These cards are close on the fundamentals (similar bonus value, similar fee). The right pick depends on which category you spend the most in and which transfer partners best fit your travel goals.

FeatureChase Freedom UnlimitedCiti Custom Cash
Annual fee$0$0
Sign-up bonus$200 bonus$200 cash back
Bonus value (est.)$200$200
Min spend to unlock bonus$500 in 3 mo$1,500 in 6 mo
IssuerChaseCiti
Card categorycashbackcashback
Best earning category (Travel)5x1x
Transfer partnerschase-urciti-ty
Headline benefits
  • 1.5% everywhere
  • 5% on travel via Chase
  • 3% dining + drugstores
  • Free if paired with Sapphire
  • 5% on top category
  • Auto-selected monthly
  • No annual fee
  • Convert to TY Points
Read the full review
Chase Freedom Unlimited
$0/yr · $200 bonus
Read the full review
Citi Custom Cash
$0/yr · $200 cash back

Editorial take: Chase Freedom Unlimited

The best no-fee cash back card in the Chase family. Stack it with a Sapphire and your cash back converts into transferable Ultimate Rewards points, a free upgrade most people miss. Note: Cell phone protection is on Freedom Flex, not Freedom Unlimited.

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, Chase Freedom Unlimited or Citi Custom Cash?
The two cards offer comparable sign-up bonuses around $200. Pick based on which earning categories you actually use.
Is the Chase Freedom Unlimited's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the Citi Custom Cash?
The Chase Freedom Unlimited has no annual fee, so the question is whether the Citi Custom Cash's $0 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the Citi Custom Cash's benefits to clear $0 in value annually, it's worth it; otherwise stick with the Chase Freedom Unlimited.
Can I have both the Chase Freedom Unlimited and Citi Custom Cash?
Yes, since they're from different issuers (Chase 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 Chase Freedom Unlimited or the Citi Custom Cash first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Chase Freedom Unlimited: $500 spend in 3 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.