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Side-by-side

Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa vs Citi Custom Cash

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa comes from Chime 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.

FeatureChime Credit Builder Secured VisaCiti Custom Cash
Annual fee$0$0
Sign-up bonusNone$200 cash back
Bonus value (est.)$0$200
Min spend to unlock bonus$0 in 0 mo$1,500 in 6 mo
IssuerChimeCiti
Card categorysecuredcashback
Best earning category (All_purchases)0x1x
Transfer partnersNoneciti-ty
Headline benefits
    • 5% on top category
    • Auto-selected monthly
    • No annual fee
    • Convert to TY Points
    Read the full review
    Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa
    $0/yr · None
    Read the full review
    Citi Custom Cash
    $0/yr · $200 cash back

    Editorial take: Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa

    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, Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa or Citi Custom Cash?
    The Citi Custom Cash has the bigger bonus, $200 cash back, worth roughly $200, versus None (~$0) on the Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa.
    Is the Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the Citi Custom Cash?
    The Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa 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 Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa.
    Can I have both the Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa and Citi Custom Cash?
    Yes, since they're from different issuers (Chime 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 Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa or the Citi Custom Cash first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa: $0 spend in 0 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.