Getting the Most out of a Cash Rewards Credit Card
With cash rewards credit cards, you can easily earn money from your everyday spending — allowing you to offset expenses, save for your financial goals, or just enjoy the extra cash. While rewards credit cards offer points that can be redeemed for specific perks, like airfare or gift cards, cash rewards credit cards put dollars back in your pocket. With many options available, from flat-rate to tiered cash rewards, choosing the right card can help you maximize your benefits.
What Is a Cash Rewards Credit Card?
A cashback or cash rewards credit card gives you just that — cash. The cash reward is usually a percentage of the amount you spend. Therefore, if a card offers 1% cashback, spending $4,500 over the course of a year would give you a reward of $45. Typically, you can choose to either apply your cash reward toward your statement or transfer it to a checking or savings account.
Types of Cash Rewards
There are four different kinds of credit card cash rewards:
- Flat-Rate Rewards: With flat-rate rewards, you get the same percentage back regardless of the amount you spend. It doesn't matter if you spend $1 or $1,000 — the rewards percentage is always the same.
- Tiered Rewards: A tiered rewards program offers different levels of rewards depending on how much you spend or other criteria. For example, you might earn 1% cashback when you spend under $2,000 in a quarter, or 1.5% cashback once you've spent more than $2,000. Some rewards cards offer special tiers to bank clients based on the other accounts they hold at the bank. With the Key Cashback® credit card, clients earn 2% cashback on every purchase with no limits when they also have a KeyBank checking account that they use at least five times a month for qualified transactions.1
- Category Rewards: Some rewards cards offer different levels of cashback for different spending categories. For example, a card might have 3% cashback on spending at gas stations, restaurants, and grocery stores, but only 1% cashback on all other purchases. Typically, these rewards are capped at a certain amount.
- Bonus Rewards: A cashback bonus may be offered as a perk for signing up for a card. After using the card for a certain period or spending a minimum amount of money, you get a one-time cash reward.
How to Take Advantage of Your Cash Rewards Credit Card
Choose the Card That’s Right for You
Choose a cash rewards credit card that aligns with your spending habits and financial goals. If you’re looking to earn an upfront cash bonus, look for rewards cards with a sign-on bonus when you meet the spending requirement. If you want to shop anywhere earning consistent rewards, a flat-rate rewards card may be best.
Use It for Recurring Bills
Another way to make the most of cash rewards credit cards is by using them for utilities and recurring bills. Be sure to check whether your service providers charge extra fees for credit card payments, as they could offset cashback earnings. Instead of using your checking account to pay monthly bills, use a rewards credit card to earn cashback. For instance, if you spend $500 a month for utilities, services, and subscriptions, using a 2% cashback rewards card could earn you $10 per month or $120 a year.
Be Aware of Special Promotions
While you may already be using a cash rewards credit card, always be alert for new opportunities to earn more. Credit card companies sometimes offer new levels of cash rewards depending on a spending requirement or how long you’ve been a cardholder. Category rewards cards are great for seasonal promotions that have different rewards for each quarter of the year. For instance, from January to March, they may offer 4% on gas and groceries, and from April to June, 3% at restaurants. By tracking these changes, you can shift your spending to maximize rewards.
Why Use a Cash Rewards Credit Card?
A cash rewards credit card can be a great asset to your overall finances. While perks like airline points or gift cards might be appealing, cashback offers the most flexibility, allowing you to use your rewards however you choose. For example, if you're looking to save up for a large purchase or hoping to add to your rainy day fund, you can redeem your rewards into your savings account.
Cash rewards are also easy to keep track of and redeem. Just sign on to your credit card account to check what percentage you're getting back, see how much cashback you've earned, and decide how you'd like to redeem it. Make sure to be aware of any expiration dates that may affect when you can redeem your cash.
If you’re looking into cash rewards credit cards, learn more about Key's solution and be sure to choose a card that aligns with your spending habits. By using the right card for you and a smart spending strategy, you can maximize your benefits