Citi Custom Cash Walmart

The Citi Custom Cash card is a versatile credit card that offers cardholders the opportunity to earn rewards on their spending. A key question for many is: How does the Citi Custom Cash card perform at Walmart? This article delves into the specifics of using the Citi Custom Cash card at Walmart, exploring its benefits, limitations, and strategies for maximizing rewards. Understanding how this card interacts with your Walmart purchases can help you make informed decisions and potentially save money.

[Image: Citi Custom Cash card and Walmart logo side-by-side, illustrating their connection]

Understanding the Citi Custom Cash Card

Core Features and Benefits

The Citi Custom Cash card is designed to reward cardholders for their highest spending category each billing cycle. Here’s a breakdown of its core features:

• 5% Cash Back: Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spending category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent.
• 1% Cash Back: Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
• No Annual Fee: This card comes with no annual fee, making it accessible for a wide range of users.
• Introductory APR: Often includes an introductory APR period for purchases or balance transfers.

The 5% cash back category automatically adjusts each billing cycle, providing flexibility and convenience. This means you don’t have to manually select your bonus category.

Eligible Spending Categories

The Citi Custom Cash card offers a range of eligible spending categories for the 5% cash back bonus. These include:

• Restaurants
• Gas Stations
• Grocery Stores
• Drugstores
• Home Improvement Stores
• Fitness Clubs
• Live Entertainment
• Select Travel
• Transit
• Streaming Services

Understanding these categories is crucial for maximizing your rewards. Knowing where your spending aligns with these categories allows you to strategically use your card.

Walmart and the Citi Custom Cash: The Key Question

Does Walmart Qualify for the 5% Category?

The critical question is whether Walmart purchases qualify for the 5% cash back category. The answer isn’t straightforward and depends on how Walmart is categorized by Citi and how you make your purchases.

Generally, Walmart stores are categorized as general merchandise retailers. This means that purchases made directly at Walmart stores typically earn only 1% cash back. However, there are exceptions.

Walmart.com and Online Purchases

Online purchases made through Walmart.com may code differently than in-store purchases. In some cases, online purchases might qualify under a different merchant category code (MCC) that could potentially align with one of the 5% categories, though this is not consistently reported.

It’s essential to monitor your transactions and how they are categorized by Citi to determine if your Walmart.com purchases are earning the bonus reward.

[Image: A screenshot of a Citi Custom Cash statement showing the categorization of Walmart purchases]

Strategies for Maximizing Rewards at Walmart

Using Walmart Pay

Walmart Pay is Walmart’s mobile payment system. While convenient, using Walmart Pay typically doesn’t change how the purchase is categorized. Therefore, it usually doesn’t unlock the 5% category bonus.

Purchasing Online Through Category-Specific Portals

One potential strategy is to purchase through online portals that might code differently. For example, if Walmart.com sells items that fall under a specific category like “streaming services” (although unlikely for most Walmart purchases), it could theoretically trigger the 5% bonus.

However, this is highly dependent on how the transaction is processed and is not a reliable method for consistently earning the 5% cash back.

Utilizing Walmart Grocery Pickup and Delivery

Walmart Grocery Pickup and Delivery services are categorized differently in some instances. If these purchases are coded as “grocery stores,” they could potentially qualify for the 5% cash back if “grocery stores” is your top spending category for that billing cycle.

Monitor your statements to see how these transactions are categorized and adjust your spending accordingly.

Alternative Credit Cards for Walmart Purchases

Capital One Walmart Rewards Card

The Capital One Walmart Rewards Card is specifically designed for Walmart shoppers. Key benefits include:

• 5% Cash Back: Earn 5% cash back on purchases at Walmart.com and the Walmart app.
• 2% Cash Back: Earn 2% cash back on purchases at Walmart stores and restaurants.
• 1% Cash Back: Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.

This card is a strong contender if you frequently shop at Walmart online or through the app.

Discover it Cash Back

The Discover it Cash Back card offers rotating bonus categories each quarter. If Walmart is included as a bonus category during a particular quarter, you can earn 5% cash back on up to a certain spending limit.

This card requires monitoring the bonus calendar and activating the bonus each quarter.

Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card

While not specifically for Walmart, the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card offers 5% back on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases. If you shop at both Amazon and Walmart, this card can be a valuable addition to your wallet.

Consider your overall spending habits when choosing between these cards.

[Image: Comparison of different credit cards suitable for Walmart purchases]

Comparing Citi Custom Cash to Other Reward Cards at Walmart

Reward Rates and Potential Earnings

Let’s compare the potential earnings of the Citi Custom Cash card with other reward cards when used at Walmart, assuming a monthly Walmart spend of $300.

This table illustrates the potential differences in earnings based on the card used and where the purchase is made.

Fees and APR Considerations

When choosing a credit card, consider the fees and APR. The Citi Custom Cash card has no annual fee, which is a significant advantage. However, if you carry a balance, the APR can offset the rewards earned.

Compare the APRs of different cards and choose one that aligns with your spending and payment habits.

Real-World Examples and Use Cases

Scenario 1: Grocery Shopping at Walmart

Sarah uses her Citi Custom Cash card for grocery shopping at Walmart, spending $400 per month. Since Walmart is generally categorized as a general merchandise store, she earns 1% cash back, totaling $4 per month.

If Sarah switched to the Capital One Walmart Rewards Card and shopped online, she could earn $20 per month (5% cash back), significantly increasing her rewards.

Scenario 2: Online Purchases at Walmart.com

John spends $200 per month on various items at Walmart.com. He monitors his statements and notices that some purchases are categorized as “online retail,” earning only 1% cash back. Others, however, occasionally code as “department stores,” which don’t qualify for the 5% bonus either.

John realizes that using the Capital One Walmart Rewards Card online would consistently earn him 5% cash back, simplifying his reward strategy.

Ethical and Practical Considerations

Responsible Credit Card Usage

It’s crucial to use credit cards responsibly. Avoid overspending and always pay your balance on time to avoid interest charges and maintain a good credit score.

Consider setting up automatic payments to ensure you never miss a due date.

Maximizing Rewards Without Overspending

The goal is to maximize rewards without altering your spending habits drastically. Don’t buy things you don’t need just to earn rewards.

Focus on aligning your existing spending with the right credit card to optimize your earnings.

Future Trends in Credit Card Rewards Programs

Personalized Rewards

Credit card companies are increasingly focusing on personalized rewards programs. These programs use data to tailor rewards to individual spending habits.

Keep an eye out for new features and benefits that align with your unique spending patterns.

Integration with Mobile Wallets

Mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay are becoming increasingly popular. Credit card companies are integrating with these platforms to offer seamless payment experiences and additional rewards.

Explore the benefits of using your credit card with mobile wallets.

Key Takeaways

• The Citi Custom Cash card typically earns only 1% cash back on Walmart purchases made in-store due to merchant category coding.
• Walmart.com purchases may code differently, but it’s not a reliable way to consistently earn the 5% bonus.
• The Capital One Walmart Rewards Card offers 5% cash back on Walmart.com and app purchases, making it a better option for Walmart shoppers.
• Monitor your credit card statements to understand how your Walmart purchases are categorized.
• Consider alternative credit cards and strategies to maximize rewards based on your spending habits.
• Always use credit cards responsibly and avoid overspending to earn rewards.

Conclusion

While the Citi Custom Cash card offers a flexible rewards program, its benefits at Walmart are limited due to the typical categorization of Walmart as a general merchandise retailer. To maximize rewards on Walmart purchases, consider using the Capital One Walmart Rewards Card or exploring other cards with category-specific bonuses. Understanding how your purchases are categorized and aligning your spending with the right credit card can help you earn more rewards and save money. Remember to use credit cards responsibly and avoid overspending in pursuit of rewards.

Ready to optimize your credit card strategy for Walmart? Explore the Capital One Walmart Rewards Card today! [See also: Capital One Walmart Rewards Card Review]