The Citi Strata edges out the Citi Custom Cash for most cardholders — it wins on 1 of 4 comparison categories and offers 30,000 pts signup bonus. The Citi Custom Cash is the better choice if you prioritize a different rewards ecosystem.
Citi Custom Cash vs Citi Strata
Side-by-side comparison of fees, rewards, benefits, and transfer partners.
Which Card Comes Out Ahead?
Citi Strata is the stronger all-around option for most people in this matchup because it wins more measurable categories in our scoring model. Citi Custom Cash still makes sense if your spending pattern lines up better with its fee profile, issuer rules, or rewards ecosystem.
Best if transfer partners and redemption flexibility matter more than simplicity.
Best if transfer partners and redemption flexibility matter more than simplicity.
Comparison Method
CardCurator compares measurable differences first: annual fee, current welcome offer, top-end earning, and recurring credits. If the cards are close, the right answer depends on spending pattern and perk usage rather than headline prestige.
- Top Eligible Category 5x
- All Other Purchases 1x
- Hotels (Citi Travel) 5x
- Car Rentals (Citi Travel) 5x
- Attractions (Citi Travel) 5x
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Quick summary
A short version of the comparison with the main differences at a glance.
The Citi Strata edges out the Citi Custom Cash for most cardholders — it wins on 1 of 4 comparison categories and offers 30,000 pts signup bonus. The Citi Custom Cash is the better choice if you prioritize a different rewards ecosystem. On raw upside, Citi Strata tops out at 5x versus 5x for Citi Custom Cash. Current signup bonus values are roughly $2 for Citi Custom Cash and $5 for Citi Strata. Updated June 3, 2026. Source: https://cardcurator.ai/compare/citi-custom-cash-vs-citi-strata
- Citi Strata wins 1 of 4 comparison categories in CardCurator's quick verdict model.
- Top earn rate: Citi Strata reaches 5x; Citi Custom Cash reaches 5x.
- Annual fee: Citi Strata is no annual fee; Citi Custom Cash is no annual fee.
- Current public bonus values are approximately $2 and $5.
Common Questions: Citi Custom Cash vs Citi Strata
Is the Citi Custom Cash or Citi Strata better for dining?
Neither card offers a specific dining bonus — both earn their base rate on restaurant purchases.
Which has the higher signup bonus in 2026?
Citi Custom Cash currently offers $2 signup bonus (spend $1,500 in 6 months). Citi Strata offers 30,000 pts signup bonus (spend $1,000 in 3 months). Citi Strata has the larger bonus.
Which card is better for international travel?
Both cards charge no foreign transaction fees, making either a solid choice for international travel.
Can I hold both the Citi Custom Cash and the Citi Strata?
In most cases yes — holding both is allowed and can be a smart strategy for maximizing rewards across different spending categories. Both cards are from Citi, so check their specific application rules.
Keep Researching
If this matchup is close, the stronger next step is usually to read the full card reviews or use a broader ranking page instead of comparing random pairs one by one.