AARP Essential Rewards Mastercard from Barclays vs Citi Custom Cash® Card
Citi Custom Cash® Card earns more in 10 of the 11 categories we track. Neither has an annual fee.
The basics
| Detail | AARP Essential Rewards Mastercard from Barclays | Citi Custom Cash® Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | None | None |
| Card type | Personal | Personal |
| Rewards | Cash Back | Cash Back |
| Each point is worth | 1.00¢ | 1.00¢ |
| Everywhere else | 1x | 1x |
| Welcome bonus | $100 after $500 in 90 days | $200 after $1,500 in 180 days |
What each earns
| Category | AARP Essential Rewards Mastercard from Barclays | Citi Custom Cash® Card |
|---|---|---|
| Dining & Restaurants | 1.0% 1x | 5.0% (higher) 5x, up to $500 |
| Gas Stations | 3.0% 3x | 5.0% (higher) 5x, up to $500 |
| Groceries | 1.0% 1x | 5.0% (higher) 5x, up to $500 |
| Streaming | 1.0% 1x | 5.0% (higher) 5x, up to $500 |
| Drugstores & Pharmacies | 3.0% 3x | 5.0% (higher) 5x, up to $500 |
| Home Improvement | 1.0% 1x | 5.0% (higher) 5x, up to $500 |
| Gym & Fitness | 1.0% 1x | 5.0% (higher) 5x, up to $500 |
| Rideshare & Transit | 1.0% 1x | 5.0% (higher) 5x, up to $500 |
| Entertainment | 1.0% 1x | 5.0% (higher) 5x, up to $500 |
| Travel | 1.0% 1x | 5.0% (higher) 5x, up to $500 |
| Everything else | 1.0% 1x | 1.0% 1x |
Returns are the points per dollar times what a point is worth, using your smart setting. Caps and rotating categories change what you actually earn. How we value rewards
The better question is which one adds more to the cards you already have.
Ask the advisor