When it comes to a cash back credit card, do not tolerate or settle for less. Credit cards are willing to offer a lot to get your business. And no matter how many credit card offers come to you by mail, don't make the mistake of accepting or applying for them just because you've been pre-approved. Whether you have excellent credit or are a college student building credit from scratch, maximize the credit that you have by knowing your credit score, researching the best cards, and choosing the one that gives you the rewards you want. Here are three cash back credit cards for your consideration. Which one will you put in your wallet...?
Chase Freedom®
Do you want to earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 through bonus categories each quarter, and 1% cash back on all other card purchases at all times? Then the Chase Freedom® is the cash back card to add to your wallet!
The Chase Freedom® rewards system is set up so every quarter your bonuses and reward categories change, bringing with them new categories to earn cash back—gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, wholesale clubs, and holiday shopping are just a few. This card is full of practicality and excitement both in its rewards and opportunities to be rewarded when you shop!
To take full advantage of the quarterly bonus categories, you need to activate the card every three months, and opt into the bonus categories. They make this really easy by sending you an email with one click activation. If you miss the email, don't worry...activating prior to the quarterly deadline makes your bonus retroactive. This means you will still get the full bonus points on the money you spend within a category for the entire quarter as long as you activate prior to the deadline. Bonus points earned prior to activation in a quarter will appear separately on your monthly statement. Also, the bonuses on your statement are itemized by category.
Need three more reasons to add it to your wallet?
Citi® Double Cash Card
Do you want to earn 1% cash on all your purchases and 1% cash back when you pay your bill, for a total of 2% cash back? That's why they call it the Citi Double® Cash Card, and if you like the way that sounds, then we suggest you add it to your wallet!
The Citi Double® rewards system is simple. It comes without enrollment, activation, or category requirements. You do not need to worry about changing bonus reward categories to get all the rewards the card has to offer. So go make travel plans or buy gas, groceries, entertainment, and anything else you may want. No matter what you buy, the card will earn 1% cash back. And when you pay for what you have charged you earn an additional 1% cash back, even if when your statement arrives, you just make the minimum payment. This card is full of simplicity and who doesn't want to earn double points when you shop!?
And wouldn't you like a card that provides cash back and a high-five for paying your statement each month? When you've accumulated a minimum of $25 in cash back rewards you can redeem your cash in one of four forms: statement credit, gift card, check, or credit to a linked checking account.
To take full advantage of the Citi Double® cash card, apply for it when you are looking for a balance transfer. You will not earn cash back on balance transfers, however, you will save with its 0% interest for the first 18 months. Your interest rate after the 18 month introduction will depend on your credit.
Need three more reasons to add it to your wallet?
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Do you want to earn 6% cash back while buying groceries, 3% at gas stations and 3% at department stores, and 1% cash back everywhere else? Then the Blue Cash Preferred® card from American Express is the cash back card to add to your wallet!
Even with its $95 annual fee, the Blue Cash Preferred® rewards program is set up to serve your family's needs. And you don't need to worry about changing bonus reward categories to get all the rewards the card has to offer. Phew...
In the supermarket category, there's a $6,000 annual spending limit. If and when you exceed it, you'll receive 1% back on supermarket purchases, with no limit. Superstores, wholesale stores, and alcohol retailers don't count toward the 6% cash back category of supermarkets, so don't use it when you're shopping at Costco, Target, or Walmart. There are no spending limits on both department store and gas purchases, no matter how much you spend annually— you can count on the 3% cash back every time you fill up at the pump or shop for your new outfit. This card is delicious and sensible when it comes to preparing meals for a family, and saving money.
To take full advantage of the Blue Cash Preferred®, purchase gift cards from the grocery store as birthday gifts or to your favorite places to eat and shop. It will help you meet the annual $6,000 supermarket limit while providing an instant 6% discount. This is a perfect way to take advantage of the 6% cash back while still getting to shop at Walmart or another supperstores--just buy a gift card.
Need three more reasons to add it to your wallet?