The Best Travel Card Statement Credits

by Jeannyn Gomez
The Best Travel Card Statement Credits of 2022

Last updated on May 22nd, 2023

Travel credit cards bring a lot to the table for the frequent adventurer, and several of these have major travel statement credits worth considering. Check out our top picks for the best travel card statement credits of 2022.

Top Picks for The Best Travel Card Statement Credits

Here are our top travel card statement credits:

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Platinum Card® from American Express
Visit Card Site Rates & Fees
Excellent
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Excellent
American Express Processing Network
$695 Annual Fee

The Platinum Card® from American Express

  • See Pay Over Time APR Regular Purchase APR
  • 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR

At a Glance

Luxury is always within reach when you use The Platinum Card® from American Express. This exclusive rewards card offers premium travel rewards and a host of additional perks for the savvy voyager. Uber Cash and complimentary lounge access are just a few of the more practical perks that lend ongoing value to Platinum Card members beyond the impressive signup bonus.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel
  • 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline
  • Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue on your Platinum Card®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required
  • $200 Hotel Credit: Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings, which requires a minimum two-night stay, through American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®
  • VIP status and $200 Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the U.S. annually
  • Complimentary Gold status in Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors programs
  • Complimentary membership in premium car rental programs
  • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Audible, Disney+, The Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, Peacock, SiriusXM, and The New York Times. Enrollment required.
  • $179 CLEAR® Credit: Use your Card and get up to $179 back per year on your CLEAR® membership
  • $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $25 back each month on the Equinox+ digital fitness app, or eligible Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax
  • Terms Apply
  • Regular Purchase APR: See Pay Over Time APR
  • Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
  • Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
  • Penalty APR: See Rates & Fees
  • Annual Fee: $695
  • Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
  • Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
  • You travel often and can take advantage of a myriad of benefits including access to airport lounges and Uber credits
  • you intend to sign up for Global Entry or TSA Pre?®
  • You prefer airline flexibility when redeeming points for travel
  • You’re likely spend $6,000 within the first six months as a cardholder to receive the card’s welcome offer
  • You’ll take advantage of exclusive events and experiences available only to Platinum cardholders
The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Rates & Fees
Visit Card Site Rates & Fees

Here to make the top of our list is the Platinum Card® from American Express. The checklist of travel benefits for this card is long and with it you can find a decent amount of travel statement credits. With this card, you earn a $200 hotel credit each year on select prepaid hotel bookings (for Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection) when you book through American Express Travel. This is a convenient perk if you plan on meeting the minimum two-night stay every year.

Moreover, the Platinum Card® from American Express also includes a $200 Airline Fee credit (per calendar year) to ease the stresses of incidental travel costs like checked bags, in-flight refreshments, and more. Merely choose one qualifying airline through the American Express Online Account, which includes Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Spirit Airlines, Southwest Airlines, or United Airlines.

So far, that’s $400 in annual travel statement credits. In addition, you get a $179 Clear® Credit per year so you can breeze through security with touchless ID at select U.S. airports and stadiums. If the time-saving Clear® credit is appealing for your airport needs, you should know there is also a statement credit for Global Entry ($100) or TSA Precheck® ($85). The fee credit is good for up to every 4.5 years – the enrollment period for these services.

The yearly savings on this card do not end with the hotel and airline fee credits. The card features several additional statement credits, which reload year after year. Other annual statement credits included with the Platinum Card® from American Express:

  • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit
  • $200 Uber Cash
  • $300 Equinox Credit
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit
  • $100 experience credit when you stay at a hotel that belongs to The Hotel Collection

The statement credits mentioned above are only half of all the perks you subscribe to when you become a member of the Platinum Card® from American Express. The travel benefits range from The Centurion Lounge access to Car Rental Insurance, plus no foreign transaction fees. The card comes with a $695 annual fee – a high but worthy cost if you plan to use all the included statement credits and perks that add up to over $1,200 per year.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Learn more about the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Terms & Conditions
Excellent
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Excellent
Visa Processing Network
$550, each authorized user: $75 per year Annual Fee

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

  • 21.74% to 28.74% variable based on creditworthiness and Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
  • 21.74% to 28.74% variable based on creditworthiness and Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
  • 29.49% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR

At a Glance

With the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card, luxury and travel rewards come together with this upper-tier card, which offers an attractive points system and includes a lengthy list of perks for any jet setter.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
  • $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
  • Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
  • Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
  • 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs • Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
  • Member FDIC
  • Regular Purchase APR: 21.74% to 28.74% variable based on creditworthiness and Prime Rate
  • Balance Transfer APR: 21.74% to 28.74% variable based on creditworthiness and Prime Rate
  • Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
  • Cash Advance APR: 29.49% variable based on the Prime Rate
  • Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater
  • Penalty APR: Up to 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
  • Annual Fee: $550, each authorized user: $75 per year
  • Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
  • Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
  • You travel often and want a card that provides worldwide value
  • You eat at restaurants frequently
  • You plan to use rewards for travel, which provides the best value for redemption
  • You want a card with no foreign transaction fees
Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Terms & Conditions
Learn more about the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Terms & Conditions

If you plan on spending at least $300 yearly on travel, the Chase Sapphire Reserve is an option to consider. The card features a $300 annual travel credit in the form of a reimbursement for your charged travel purchases each account anniversary year. Furthermore, you can gain a Global Entry, TSA PreCheck®, or NEXUS Fee credit. For speedy and smooth entry through airport gates, you will receive up to $100 every four years as a reimbursement with this credit card.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is not loaded with as many statement credits as the Platinum Card® from American Express. However, it brings its fire through other premium travel benefits, such as complimentary airport lounge access via Priority Pass™ Select. With this perk you can remain comfortable while you wait on your flight at one of 1,300+ VIP lounges available in over 500 cities worldwide.

 In addition, get the special treatment when you book a stay through The Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection℠ with complimentary room upgrades, early check-in, and late checkout so you can sleep in and stay well rested while you travel.

Other built-in travel benefits include:

  • Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance
  • Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver
  • Lost Luggage Reimbursement
  • Trip Delay Reimbursement
  • Emergency Evacuation & Transportation

With the Chase Sapphire Reserve, you also have many ways to earn rewards. You can earn up to 10x total points on hotel stays, flights, dining, and more when you purchase through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal. The card features no foreign transaction fees and a $550 annual fee.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Visit Card Site Terms & Conditions
Excellent-Good
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Excellent / Good
Mastercard Processing Network
$395 Annual Fee

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

  • 21.99% – 28.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
  • 21.99% – 28.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
  • 28.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR

At a Glance

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card provides huge travel perks, impressive miles on every purchase, and more – for a $395 annual fee. New accounts also enjoy 75,000 miles after making $4,000 in purchases in the first three months.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
  • Receive up to $300 back annually as statement credits for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of options
  • Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
  • Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
  • Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and our Partner Lounge Network
  • Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
  • Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more-you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Elevate your stay at luxury hotels and resorts from the Premier Collection with a $100 experience credit, daily breakfast for 2 and complimentary WiFi on every booking, plus other premium benefits like room upgrades, early check-in and late checkout when available
  • Regular Purchase APR: 21.99% – 28.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
  • Balance Transfer APR: 21.99% – 28.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
  • Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: 3% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that we may offer you. None for balances transferred at the Transfer APR.
  • Cash Advance APR: 28.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
  • Cash Advance Transaction Fee: 3% of the amount of the cash advance, but not less than $3
  • Annual Fee: $395
  • Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
  • You travel often, and want a card that provides lounge access, elite status, and more
  • You plan on issuing cards to multiple authorized users
  • You plan on spending at least $4,000 on the card in the first three months
  • You don’t want to pay foreign transaction fees
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Terms & Conditions
Visit Card Site Terms & Conditions

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card pays for itself if used wisely. It shares similarities with the Chase Sapphire Reserve, such as the $300 annual travel credit for bookings done through Capital One Travel – a convenient perk to have if you plan on spending a minimum of $300 yearly on travel. With this credit card, you can also get up to a $100 credit on Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® for smooth access through airport gates and security.

Furthermore, you can relax while waiting for your flight in comfort at the Capital One Lounge because cardholders get unlimited free visits. Plus, you can bring your friends and family too. With lounge access, you are allowed two free guests (and $45 per additional guest). In the same vein, with this card, you also get a complimentary Priority Pass™ membership with unlimited free visits for you and your guest.

With the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, you can earn up to 10x miles per dollar when you book hotel stays, flights, and car rentals through Capital One Travel, and 2x miles on all other everyday purchases. And if you have plans to fly out of the country, you get to save some money and enjoy shopping with no foreign transaction fees. The card does have a $395 annual fee. However, the travel statement credits and travel benefits offset the hefty yearly cost.

Other similar Capital One travel cards with lesser (or no) annual fees include the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
Visit Card Site Rates & Fees
Excellent
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Excellent
American Express Processing Network
$650 Annual Fee

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

  • 20.99% to 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
  • 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR

At a Glance

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card adds a sizable dose of luxury to your wallet with generous rewards and ample perks for your travels. If you feel as though you spend more time in a Marriott Bonvoy hotel room than anywhere else, this card can help you make the most of it with free stays, upgrades and points for days (and nights).

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • Earn 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, earn 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you stay 6 eligible paid nights at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy through 1/31/24. Offer ends 8/9/2023.
  • $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each Card renewal year, get up to $300 in statement credits per calendar year (up to $25 per month) for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide.
  • With Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, you can receive room upgrades, including enhanced views or suites, when available at select properties and booked with a Qualifying Rate.
  • Earn 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® program. 3 points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines. 2 points on all other eligible purchases.
  • Marriott Brilliant Free Night Award: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
  • Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases made on their Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, Card Members are eligible to select an Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See https://www.choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant for Award options.
  • $100 Luxury Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton® or St. Regis® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
  • Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($100) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
  • Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy® member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express. Terms apply.
  • Enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, which offers unlimited access to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks, and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
  • You can be reimbursed for your costs to repair or replace your damaged or Stolen cell phone for a maximum of $800 per claim with a limit of 2 approved claims per 12-month period when your cell phone line is listed on a wireless bill and the prior month’s wireless bill was paid by an Eligible Card Account. A $50 deductible will apply to each approved claim. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. Additional terms and conditions apply.
  • $650 Annual Fee.
  • Terms Apply.
  • Regular Purchase APR: 20.99% to 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
  • Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
  • Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
  • Penalty APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
  • Annual Fee: $650
  • Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
  • Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
  • You book the majority of your hotel stays at Marriott Bonvoy properties
  • You travel frequently for work or pleasure and want to rack up more points on your Marriott Bonvoy loyalty membership
  • You often incur incidental charges such as room service or spa service during your hotel stays
  • You’re looking for a luxury travel card with massive rewards for every purchase and no foreign transaction fees
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

Rates & Fees
Visit Card Site Rates & Fees

If you find yourself often booking Marriott hotel stays for your travels, then the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card can be your best companion. The card offers next-level luxury with its many travel benefits, including a $300 Marriott Bonvoy Statement Credit – granted each year for eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program.

With the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card, you can also get a $100 Marriott Bonvoy Property Credit. This travel credit is for indulging in a little bit of luxury. It only applies when you book a direct 2-night minimum stay at The Ritz-Carlton® or St. Regis®. And when you have to make your way through airport gates and security, the Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck® comes in handy. This benefit is only available up to every 4.5 years but is still worth the mention for the frequent traveler.

In addition to the travel statement credits, you get one free night award every year at a participating hotel, so you can stay and enjoy an extra night out on vacation. The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card earns up to 6x Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels, U.S. restaurants, flights booked directly with airlines, and 2x Marriott Bonvoy points on all other purchases. You can then redeem your points for free night hotel stays, flights, or car rentals.

Other card features:

  • Priority Pass™ Select membership
  • 15 Elite Night Credits
  • Premium Internet Access
  • Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance
  • Baggage Insurance Plan
  • Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance
  • Trip Delay Insurance

It is important to note this card also features no foreign transaction fees and has a $450 annual fee.

Browse more of the “Best of” From BestCards

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Chase Unveils 2024 Freedom 5% Cash Back Calendar

by Cory Santos
Chase Freedom 5% cash back calendar 2023

Last updated on March 14th, 2024

The Chase Freedom Flex will earn 5% back on grocery stores, fitness and gyms, and self-care and spas. The bank unveiled its latest 5% back categories earlier this week, with eligible cardholders earning 5% back on the first $1,500 in those categories from January through March 31, 2023. Here are all the details:

Chase Announces 2024 Cash Back Calendar Categories

Chase has announced the Q1 bonus categories for its 2024 Chase Freedom 5% Cash Back Calendar. Like Discover, which previously announced its full Cashback Calendar in advance, Chase only unveils its calendar one quarter at a time – with Chase Freedom Flex and Freedom cardmembers left to anticipate the typically lucrative cash back categories.

What are the Chase Freedom Q2 Bonus Cash Back Categories?

Date 5% Cash Back Category
Q1 January - March 2024 Grocery stores (excluding Walmart), self-care and spa services, plus fitness and gym memberships
Q2 April - June 2024 Restaurants, hotels, and Amazon.com and Whole Foods purchases
Q3 July - September 2024 Gas, EV charging, select live entertainment, and movie theatres
Q4 October - December 2024 PayPal, McDonald’s, pet shops and veterinary services, plus select charities

Q2 Bonus Categories

So, what are the bonus categories for the second quarter? Beginning April 1st and ending June 30th, eligible Chase Freedom cardmembers earn 5% cash back on different categories up to $1,500 in total combined purchases each quarter you activate, with all purchases in the bonus category earning 1% back after reaching that cap in the following categories:

  • Restaurants: Freedom Flex and Freedom Unlimited cardholders enjoy an impressive 5% cash back on the first $1,500 spent on dining purchases made with the restaurant directly. *This category includes sit-down, eat-in or take-out dining when purchased directly from a restaurant, including fast food and fine dining establishments. Third-party delivery service merchants are not included even if they are classified as restaurant merchants. Merchants that sell food and drinks located within facilities such as sports stadiums, hotels and casinos, theme parks, grocery and department stores will not be included in this category unless the merchant has set up such purchases to be classified in a restaurant category. Purchases made at bakeries, caterers, or gift card merchants are not included in the category.
  • Hotels: Adding hotels is a great bonus for anyone planning a summer vacation.  *Merchants in this category include hotels and motels, and many smaller establishments like bed & breakfasts, and inns. Hotel accommodations not booked directly with the hotel will not qualify; for example, hotel accommodations purchased through travel agencies, discount travel sites, vacation clubs, tour operators, or as part of a package offered by merchants such as cruise lines and railways. Points will not be earned until charges are posted to your account. Purchases other than your room bill on the hotel premises will not be included in the category unless they classify as a hotel merchant; for example, restaurant or entertainment purchases. In addition, the purchasing of hotel points will not qualify in this category.
  • Amazon and Whole Foods: Finally, cardholders enjoy an impressive 5% back when using their eligible Freedom credit card to make purchases at Amazon.com or Whole Foods. This bonus includes Amazon Fresh, the company’s grocery delivery service, which can save you countless time and headaches. Cardmembers who are in the market for a broad mix of items – from necessities for outdoor entertaining to spring travel essentials – can earn cash back when shopping through Amazon.com, one of the most popular online retailers.

Just to let you know, this offer applies to select Chase Freedom credit cards. The 5% back calendar is available to the following Chase credit cards:


Chase Freedom Flex
Chase Freedom *

How Does Q2 2024 Compare with Last Year?

Chase always strives to provide enhanced value towards New Year’s resolution-type purchases at the start of the year, but how does this year’s calendar compare with the last? As a reminder, here is the complete 2023 Chase Freedom 5% Cash Back Calendar:

Date 5% Cash Back Category
Q1 January - March 2023 Target, grocery stores (except Walmart) and fitness club/gym memberships
Q2 April - June 2023 Amazon and Lowe’s
Q3 July - September 2023 Gas stations, EV charging and select live entertainment
Q4 October - December 2023 Wholesale clubs, select charities, plus PayPal

Official Terms and Conditions

As with all 5% Cash Back Calendars, Chase offers specific rules and regulations regarding eligible purchases. The biggest caveat is that the 5% cash back applies to the first $1,500 in purchases in the quarter. Once a cardholder spends over $1,500, they will earn 1% cash back on all purchases until Q2 begins in April.

Other official terms and conditions from Chase:

Merchants who accept Visa/Mastercard credit cards are assigned a merchant code, which is determined by the merchant or its processor in accordance with Visa/Mastercard procedures based on the kinds of products and services they primarily sell. We group similar merchant codes into categories for the purposes of making rewards offers to you. Please note: We make every effort to include all relevant merchant codes in our rewards categories. However, even though a merchant or some of the items that it sells may appear to fit within a rewards category, the merchant may not have a merchant code in that category. When this occurs, purchases with that merchant won’t qualify for rewards offers on purchases in that category. Purchases submitted by you, an authorized user, or the merchant through third-party payment accounts, mobile or wireless card readers, online or mobile digital wallets, or similar technology will not qualify in a rewards category if the technology is not set up to process the purchase in that rewards category.

Related Article:

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Credit Card Purchase Protection: Everything You Need to Know

by Cory Santos
credit-card-purchase-protection-everything-you-need-to-know

Last updated on April 3rd, 2024

Credit cards offer greater protection for consumers than cash. This security is due to the ability to quickly trace transactions versus paper money. Credit cards also offer something called “purchase protection.” While that phrase often appears on credit card feature lists, what does it mean? Here’s everything you need to know about credit card purchase protection.

What Is Credit Card Purchase Protection?

Purchase protection is a common feature in many credit cards. It shields users from damage, loss, or theft of select purchases.

Payment protection insurance helps keep cardholders safe from financial loss. This security is one of the best features of credit cards – even though many consumers often overlook it. These protections add on to the basic security offered by the Fair Credit Billing Act.

That Act ensures consumers are safe from unfair billing practices, including charge disputes, undelivered goods, and more. The FCBA places the maximum liability for consumers at $50 for any unauthorized use of their credit card.

Purchase protection, however, is not the same as extended warranty coverage or price protection – two additional features that come with some credit cards. Those services cover items with warranties and lower prices found elsewhere, respectively. Purchase protection, on the other hand, covers damage, loss, or theft to anything bought with the card.

Here’s what you can typically expect from a credit card that offers purchase protection:

Purchase protection questions Answers
What’s covered? Any eligible purchases that are stolen, or accidentally damaged due to smoke, fire, water, steam, or other act of vandalism.
What’s not covered? Any perishable items, consumables, and other select items aren’t allowed; Items damaged by USPS might not be covered; Leased or rented items are also ineligible for purchase protection.
How much is each purchase covered for? Coverage typically ranges from $500 per item (on average) up to $5,000+ per item for elite cards.
Are there annual limits? Annual coverage limits of $50,000 per account, per year are typical.
How long am I protected? Purchase protection typically ranges from 90 days from the date of purchase to 120 days, depending on your card provider.

How Does Purchase Protection Work?

The process of filing a purchase protection claim varies from issuer to issuer and from bank to bank. Generally, however, the account holder must provide the following information:

  • The credit card statement featuring the purchase in question
  • An itemized receipt from the retailer
  • Any other relevant documentation, including police reports, claim settlements, or insurance declarations

The first step in the purchase protection process is to report the problem to your credit card company. You can typically report the problem by calling the customer service number on the back of your card or logging into your account online. You’ll need to provide your credit card company with relevant information, including the purchase details and any supporting documentation, such as receipts or shipping information. If necessary, you may also need to submit a police report.

The credit card purchase protection process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the nature of your issue and the complexity of the investigation. Once the investigation is complete, your credit card company will determine whether or not you are eligible for purchase protection. If you are, they will work with you to resolve the problem – usually within a month or so.

Which Credit Cards Offer Purchase Protection?

What protections do card issuers offer? Here is how purchase protection benefits break down from the major credit card payment networks. Please note that Discover credit cards do not offer purchase protection. No cards have had this feature since Discover discontinued the program in 2018.

Visa Mastercard Amex
Cards Visa Signature & Visa Infinite Depends on card issuer All*
Protection (per purchase) Up to $10,000* Up to $1,000 Up to $10,000*
Protection (per year) Up to $50,000 Up to $50,000 Up to $50,000
Reimbursement time 15 days after approval 30 days from approval 30 days from approval
*See terms

Amex

All American Express credit cards (and charge cards) offer purchase protection. Because Amex is both a card issuer and a payment network, all products feature this security measure.

Amex cardholders have up to 30 days after an incident to claim their purchase protection benefit, but users have protection for up to 90 days after a purchase is made. American Express provides up to $1,000 in coverage per claim, up to a maximum of $50,000 per calendar year, though this may vary depending on the card. The Amex Gold Card provides coverage of up to $10,000 per claim, and $50,000 per year, for example. The program covers theft and damage to items, as well as gifts, provided they were purchased with an eligible American Express card.

Claims with American Express often take around 30 days, with reimbursement for losses also taking roughly the same amount of time.  Please note that Amex may not offer coverage for lost items with no explanation, items lost via USPS, or items damaged due to wear and tear.

Mastercard

Mastercard also provides purchase protection, but the cards that feature it depend on the bank that issues the card. The feature is available on World and World Elite Mastercard products. If you are unsure if your Mastercard offers this feature, contact your bank’s customer service hotline.

Cardholders have up to 180 days to file a claim, though protection only extends for the first 120 days after purchase. New York residents only enjoy purchase protection for 90 days from the date they bought an item.

Mastercard offers up to $1,000 in coverage per purchase, up to $50,000 per year. Purchase protection also covers the usual scenarios, such as theft and damage. Gifts are also protected if they were purchased with an eligible World or World Elite Mastercard. Please note that Mastercard may not cover items damaged due to wear and tear, items lost via the USPS, items damaged or lost with no explanation, or computer software.

Visa

Visa also offers purchase protection, but only on select cards. Currently, Visa Signature and Visa Infinite credit cards offer this security. Visa Platinum or Traditional Visa cards are excluded. Visa Signature or Infinite cardholders have up to 90 days to claim their purchase protection benefit after an incident.

Visa provides up to $10,000 per claim for Infinite cardholders or $500 for Visa Signature cardholders. The maximum yearly coverage is $50,000 for all claims. Like Amex, Visa covers theft, damage, and gifts if they were bought with an eligible Visa card. Claims are typically resolved within five business days after Visa receives documentation. Please note Visa may not cover items they deem “not kept safe,” items used improperly or not as intended in the directions, or items damaged due to wear and tear. 

Other Issuers

While Visa limits its purchase protection to Visa Signature and Visa Infinite cardholders, Mastercard provides this benefit only on select cards. Because of this, it is important to carefully read the terms and conditions before applying, to ensure you get the benefits you want in a card.  Currently, only American Express and Chase offer purchase protection on most – if not all – of their credit card products. 

Related Article: Smart Ways To Manage Your Credit Card

Bilt Mastercard Now Earns 5X on Lyft

by Cory Santos
Bilt Mastercard Now Earns 5X points on Lyft rides when using the Bilt Mastercard and linking account to Lyft

Last updated on September 6th, 2023

Bilt Rewards, the leading loyalty program for renters, and Lyft, one of the largest transportation networks in North America, have a new partnership to enable Bilt members to earn accelerated Bilt Points when booking rides through the Lyft app. The new partnership means Bilt Mastercard members can earn up to 5X points through Lyft purchases, providing even more reasons to consider switching to Bilt to pay their rent.

Bilt Adds Lyft Bonus Category to Rewards Program

The Bilt Mastercard is unique amongst credit cards in that it rewards you for paying your largest monthly bill – your rent. The card, from Wells Fargo, earns 1X points on every $1 spent on rent through the Blackstone Group – up to $50,000 in spending each year. But don’t worry – if your apartment doesn’t accept credit cards or you rent outside the Bilt Rewards Alliance of landlords, simply make your payment through Bilt’s mobile app, and the company will mail a physical check to your landlord.

Now, Lyft and Bilt have joined forces to add a new way for Bilt loyalty members and Bilt Mastercard cardholders to earn additional Bilt Points on their everyday expenses. Bilt members who link their account to Lyft can earn 2X points on all Lyft journeys, with Bilt Mastercard cardholders enjoying even more value – 5X Bilt Points per $1 spent on Lyft when they use their Bilt card to pay their Lyft fare.

To earn up to 5X Bilt Points on Lyft rides, Bilt members and cardholders can directly link their Bilt Rewards and Lyft accounts in the Bilt Rewards app. Once linked, members will enjoy either 2X points with a Bilt loyalty account, or 5X when the Lyft account is connected to the Bilt Mastercard credit card. :

“Excited to Unlock This Benefit”

“Bilt is focused on rewarding people on their biggest life expenses, like rent,” said Bilt Rewards Founder and CEO Ankur Jain said in a press release. “Through our partnership with Lyft, we can now take transportation, another major everyday cost for our members, and turn that into a rewarding experience that gets members a step closer to booking their next vacation, workout class, or even putting a down payment on a home. We’re excited to unlock this benefit for Bilt members.”

“Partnering with Bilt Rewards gives us the opportunity to elevate the transportation experience for members by giving them a chance to earn additional points every time they complete a ride through the Lyft app,” said Zach Greenberger, Chief Business Officer at Lyft. “Strategic partnerships like this give riders even more reasons to choose Lyft for their transportation needs, offering them the best value for their money and more ways to earn and maximize their rewards.”

About the Bilt Mastercard

Launched in June 2021, Bilt Rewards is the premiere loyalty program for renters that enables the country’s 109 million+ renters to earn Bilt Points on their largest monthly expenses with no fees. The free Bilt Rewards loyalty program is available to renters living within the Bilt Rewards Alliance, a network of more than 2.5 million rental units nationwide, or by using the Bilt Mastercard issued by Wells Fargo, the first credit card that can be used to pay rent with no transaction fees at any rental unit in the U.S.

The Bilt Mastercard is a no annual fee rewards card from Wells Fargo and Bilt Rewards. The card earns rewards points on rent and other everyday purchases. Beyond 5X on Lyft and 1X on rent – up to $50,000 in spending each year – cardholders earn 3X points on dining purchases, including takeout and delivery services. The card also earns double points (2X per $1 spent) on travel purchases booked directly with an airline, hotel, car rental, or cruise line. The cardholder must make at least five purchases with the card each month to earn rewards.

Related Article: Does Bilt Make Paying Rent Easier?

Featured image by JacksonDavid/PixaBay

BNPL Borrowers Exhibit Financial Distress

by Jeannyn Gomez
BNPL Borrowers Exhibit Financial Distress

Last updated on September 6th, 2023

A newly published report dives into Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) borrower trends and reveals they exhibit financial distress. Other trends also indicate that BNPL borrowers likely use different types of credit, like credit cards, personal loans, and student loans. Here’s what you need to know.

What is Buy Now, Pay Later?

Maybe you have heard of companies like Affirm or Afterpay. Companies of the sort offer Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services. BNPL is a form of payment offered to borrowers as installment loans as an alternative to credit cards. This type of borrowing typically does not affect credit scores as qualification for the loan is done through a soft pull. BNPL services may or may not include interest rates and other fees for late or missed payments.

Related Article: Experts Warn of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) Dangers

How Are BNPL Users Exhibiting Financial Distress?

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has published a new study highlighting insights from their Making Ends Meet survey. They found BNPL borrowers, on average, are most likely to exhibit financial distress. Some examples of the economic struggles borrowers face stem from debt, revolving credit card balances, credit card delinquencies, and more. These findings were compared to consumers who don’t use BNPL services. Non-borrowers do not exhibit the kinds of financial hardships of BNPL service users.

Other examples of common financial distress among borrowers include the following:

  • Having higher credit card debt and utilization rates
  • Having a higher likelihood of having an overdraft
  • Having a higher possibility of revolving on at least one credit card
  • Higher utilization rates of alternative financial services like payday loans that charge high-interest rates.

“A common misconception of Buy Now, Pay Later borrowers is that they lack access to other forms of credit. Our analysis shows that these borrowers are more likely to use other credit products,” said CFPB Director Rohit Chopra. “Since Buy Now, Pay Later is like other forms of credit, we are working to ensure that borrowers have similar protections and that companies play by similar rules.” Source.

Are BNPL Users Borrowing Responsibly?

According to the survey, those most likely to use Buy Now, Pay Later products are Black, Hispanic, and female consumers. Consumers with income between $20,001 to $50,000 also show to be most likely to use these services. BNPL borrowers also had more usage of other loan products compared to non-borrowers.

Included spend categories for loan product usage comparison:

  • Retail accounts (62% compared to 44%)
  • Personal loans (32% compared to 13%)
  • Student loans (33% compared to 17%)

The survey discovered that compared to other types of borrowers, like consumers with open credit lines, personal loans, etc., BNPL borrowers had the most delinquency on those types of loans. Other findings include a comparison showing 18% of BNPL borrowers reported delinquencies. In contrast, only 7% of non-borrowers reported delinquency. Overall Buy Now, Pay Later users had higher delinquency rates for credit (9%) and retail cards (8%). Meanwhile, non-borrowers only scored 3% and 1%.

Finally, Buy Now, Pay Later borrowers were found to have lower credit scores than non-borrowers. This might be because BNPL services typically don’t charge interest rates. As a result, a consumer with bad credit might opt for BNPL services with no interest rates instead of other loan products that charge high-interest rates due to the subprime credit score. Non-BNPL borrowers had nearly prime credit between 670 and 739. However, BNPL borrowers had an average of sub-prime credit scores between 580 and 669.

Related Article: BNPL Loans May Soon Count Towards Credit Scores

Featured image by formatoriginalphotos/Canva

Does Bilt Make Paying Rent Easier?

by Cory Santos
Does Bilt Make Paying Rent Easier?

Credit cards are versatile tools that can help you stretch budgets and enjoy savings. But what’s it like to pay your rent with a credit card? Here is how to pay your rent or mortgage with the Bilt Mastercard – and whether you should.

Why Pay Your Rent with a Credit Card?

You can use credit cards to earn rewards on almost any transaction, so why not your rent or mortgage? Paying your housing costs with a credit card is a surefire way to build your credit score. Suppose you pay your credit card bill on time each month. In that case, the regular payments can help demonstrate to lenders that you are responsible with your credit.

You can theoretically double that credit-building power by asking your landlord to report your payments to the credit bureaus. Simply ask your landlord to report your rental payments to the credit bureaus through services like RentReporters, LevelCredit, or others. That means you get double the credit reporting and double the chances for a credit boost.

Paying your rent or mortgage with a credit card can also provide flexibility and convenience. If you regularly use credit cards for other expenses, paying the rent with a credit card can help consolidate your payments and simplify your monthly budget.

The Drawbacks of Paying Rent with a Credit Card

The drawbacks of using credit cards for rent are obvious. The biggest drawback with paying your rent via credit card is that some landlords may not accept credit card payments. Many smaller landlords don’t offer online payment portals or ways that lend themselves to paying with a credit card.

Why don’t some landlords take payments from anywhere beyond a checking or savings account? Part of the problem is the access to payment portals. Another reason is that landlords don’t want to pay fees associated with online payments. The fees for processing these payments are typically around 2% to 3% of the total amount charged.

The other major concern when using a credit card to pay rent is that you risk maxing out the credit card. Suppose your monthly rent exceeds your credit limit. In that case, you may need to make multiple payments or consider using a different credit card. Additionally, if you have a high balance on your credit card, adding your monthly rent payment could push you over your credit limit, resulting in additional fees or penalties.

Does Bilt Make It Easier to Pay Rent?

The Bilt Mastercard makes paying rent a breeze if your rental property is managed by the Blackstone Group – the US’s largest real estate group. But what if Blackstone doesn’t manage your apartment? Are you out of luck?

Fortunately, the answer is, “don’t worry, you can pay rent to any landlord with Bilt.” How? If your apartment doesn’t accept credit cards or you rent outside the Bilt Rewards Alliance of landlords, simply make your payment through Bilt’s mobile app, and the company will mail a physical check to your landlord. This process ensures your rent is paid in a streamlined manner while still earning double rewards points.

Just make sure that you pay your rent through the Bilt mobile app. Paying through the app allows you to earn a single rewards point per $1 spent on rent paid, up to 50,000 annual points. Even better, paying through the app means you’ll pay no transaction fees. The Bilt Alliance typically charges a transaction fee of 3% for rent payments made through the mobile app, meaning Bilt provides even more value for no annual fee.

Here’s how paying your rent with Bilt compares to paying rent with a traditional credit card:

Steps for paying rent with a credit card
Traditional credit card Bilt Mastercard
1) Ask landlord

Not every landlord lets tenants pay with a credit card. In fact, many landlords may be hesitant to accept credit card payments because they don't know how to accept them. And, many third-party payment platforms require landlord approval before allowing you to submit rent payments.

1) Pay rent through the Bilt app

Pay your rent as you would any other bill. through the Bilt mobile app. No matter what your management company you can pay your rent worry-free.

2) Sign-up for a third-party site

There are plenty of third-party payment platforms, including Venmo, PayPal, ClickPay, Cozy, and more. As mentioned, these sites may require landlord approval before payments can be made, with RadPad the only service not requiring this step.

3) Pay rent

Pay your rent with a credit card as you would any other bill. This process allows you to pay off rent over time and earn rewards points.

Summing It Up

So, does using Bilt to pay your rent make life easier? The answer is an emphatic yes. Paying your rent with a credit card can provide many benefits, including building your credit score, earning rewards points or cash back, and providing flexibility and convenience. However, it’s essential to be aware of the potential difficulties, such as fees and credit limits, and to confirm with your landlord that they accept credit card payments.

Bilt sidesteps these drawbacks by streamlining rent payments to a single, straightforward step., This process bypasses the excess fees and confusing language of third-party payment platforms. But always make sure you have the funds to cover the cost of your rent before placing it on your credit card – Bilt Mastercard or otherwise.

Related Article: Citi Custom Cash vs. Citi Double Cash

Featured image by ArtisticOperations/PixaBay

How to Apply for a Business Credit Card

by Cory Santos
how to apply for a credit card for your business

Last updated on April 2nd, 2024

Any business can apply for a credit card. But not every business is ready to apply for a business credit card.  Here is everything you need to know about applying for a credit card for your small business.

Steps for Applying for a Business Credit Card

Having a dedicated credit card for your small business can make it easy to separate business and personal expenses, identify tax deductions, and establish a strong credit history for your company. But accessing business credit isn’t as straightforward as you think. There are several confusing terms and unfamiliar processes that can keep companies from accessing credit.

Business or Personal Credit: Which Is Right for You?

Many small businesses rely on personal credit scores for credit cards, with the personal liabilities that come from this process. Business credit is a different type of credit based on a company’s revenue, capital, and other information to gain access to credit – with no liability to the owner’s credit score or health.

Here’s how personal credit differs from business credit:

Business credit Personal credit
Experian, Equifax, and Dun & Bradstreet Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion
Employer Identification Number (EIN) and/or Tax ID number required Social Security Number (SSN) required*
Based on business revenue and cash flow Based on monthly salary vs. bills
Different models and ranges Credit score ranges from 300 to 850

You don’t need business credit to get a business card. If your company does not have an EIN, for example, you can use your personal credit score (your SSN) in place of the EIN. Because your credit score is attached to your company’s finances, if the market collapses or a vendor refuses payment, you can lose much more than your company.

Put simply, a business credit profile is tied to the business. Suppose the business closes and there are existing debts. In that case, the business owner is less liable for those debts than if they used their personal credit score as a guarantor for their business credit. This also means your business will be more valuable if your business credit score is high.

The Business Credit Card Application Process

Applying for a business credit card might seem like a straightforward process, and in many ways, it is – if you know what you’re doing. Business credit card application requirements differ from personal applications in several ways, including credit agencies, required information, and more.

Here is how to apply for a business credit card – and what information you will need to apply for a business card:

Info Explained
① The legal name and contact address of your business Even if you don’t provide your personal information, you will need to provide all relevant contact information for your business, including the company’s legal name, any names your company is doing business under, and the mailing and phone contact information.
② Basic information about your business Most banks and lenders want to know some basic facts about your company. These facts include your industry type, the structure of your company and number of employees, and your annual revenue.
③ Tax ID number Most business card applications require a tax ID number, which is the number the IRS uses to designate your company when you file your taxes.

Many sole proprietorships have no employees – and never plan to hire additional help. Still, business credit card applications often ask for an Employer Identification Number (EIN). An EIN is basically an SSN for a business – it is the same as a tax ID. If you are a freelancer, tutor, run an online shop, or run some other solo venture, chances are you won’t need your EIN or tax ID. The IRS stipulates that an EIN is only necessary for those companies that:

  • Have employees
  • Operate as a partnership or corporation
  • Withhold taxes on income (other than wages) paid to a non-resident alien
  • Have a Keogh plan
  • Are involved with trusts, estates, real estate mortgage investments, non-profits, farmer’s co-ops, or plan administrators.
④ Estimated monthly spend on the card Lenders want to ensure that your business’ finances aren’t stretched too thin, so expect to answer basic questions about how much you – and your employees – typically place on credit cards each month.
⑤ Personal credit history If you need to provide a personal guarantee, expect to provide all relevant credit information for the primary account holder. This information includes full legal name, home contact information (phone number, mailing address, e-mail), and your Social Security Number.

Can You Apply for Business Credit with an EIN Number?

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique nine-digit identifier that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) assigns to document business entities for tax purposes. It is a business equivalent of a Social Security Number and is essential for businesses, partnerships, corporations, estates, trusts, and other entities. An EIN also protects your personal assets from the liabilities of your business.

Any business entity that operates as a sole proprietorship, corporation, partnership, or limited liability company (LLC) generally requires an EIN. However, there are some exceptions. Consult the IRS guidelines or a tax professional to determine if your business needs an EIN.

Why EINs are Helpful

Why do you need an EIN for a business credit card? Financial institutions typically require a business to have an EIN when applying for a business credit card as it allows them to verify your business’s identity and separate your personal and business finances. Your company also needs an EIN if you have employees, file and withhold certain taxes on your business return, and operate as either a corporation or partnership.

How to Obtain an EIN

Companies can obtain an EIN by contacting the IRS and applying in one of four ways:

  1. Online on the IRS’ dedicated website,
  2. Via fax by sending a completed Form SS-4:
    • Fax 1-855-641-6935 if your company is located in any of the 50 U.S. states or District of Columbia, or
    • Fax 1-855-215-1627 (within the U.S.) or 1-304-707-9471 (outside the U.S.) if you have no legal residence, principal place of business, or principal office or agency in any state, or
  3. Via mail by sending a completed Form SS-4, or
  4. By calling 1-267-941-1099 (non-toll-free) and providing information from the SS-4

The IRS provides the following information regarding the application process for an Employer Identification Number (EIN):
Determining Your Eligibility You may apply for an EIN online if your principal business is located in the United States or U.S. Territories.
The person applying online must have a valid Taxpayer Identification Number (SSN, ITIN, EIN).
Fill Out the Application You must complete this application in one session, as you will not be able to save and return at a later time.
Your session will expire after 15 minutes of inactivity, and you will need to start over.
Submit Application After all validations are done you will get your EIN immediately upon completion. You can then download, save, and print your EIN confirmation notice.

Can You Get a Business Credit Card with Just an EIN?

So, can you get a business credit card with only an EIN? Yes, but your options may be limited. Realistically, only having an EIN limits companies to two distinct types of credit card products: corporate cards and secured credit cards.

Secured and business cards for poor credit are rare, but a few examples are available for application. Remember, however, that applying for a secured credit card for your company requires either a Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification number.

The other type of credit available to companies with only an EIN is a corporate card. These are cards where the business entity, rather than the business owner, is legally responsible for any charges made with the card. As the name implies, corporate cards are typically available to large corporations with an established credit history and millions of dollars in revenue.

Tips for Building Business Credit

Given the benefits of using your company’s credit versus your personal credit score, how can you quickly build business credit?

Get a Business Credit Card

The easiest way to build business credit is by opening a business credit card account. Sure, it might seem like a catch-22 since you can’t apply for a business card if you don’t have a business credit score. Well, that’s not entirely true.

Business cards like the Revenued Business Card Visa® and Ramp Card use alternative scoring models to look beyond personal guarantees and provide credit to your company when needed. With responsible use of these cards, you can build up your business credit and set your company up for success.

Establish Trade Credit

Trade credit is another way to establish business credit. The term “trade credit” refers to any arrangement your company may make with a supplier where they provide goods or services without needing immediate payment. Establishing trade lines is another way to get on-time payments recorded and counted towards your business’ credit.

Always Pay Your Bills On-Time

The most critical step in building credit is to keep a close eye on your company’s progress. Paying your bills on time is crucial for building good credit. Pay all your bills, including loans, credit cards, and other debts, on time to avoid late fees and negative impact on your credit score.

Check out more

Business Credit Cards

Featured image by StartupStockPhotos/PixaBay

2023 Discover & Chase 5% Cash Back Calendar

by Cory Santos
5% cash back bonus calendars for chase and discover

Last updated on September 19th, 2023

Cash back credit cards are a popular option for consumers who want to save money on everyday purchases. Certain cards, however, offer higher rates of cash back than others, with the Chase Freedom Flex and Discover It being two of the most popular options available. These cards offer 5% back on select categories each quarter. Here are the 2023 5% cash back calendars:

At a Glance

These are the 5% categories for Chase and Discover for the first quarter of this year (January 1 through March 30, 2023).


Chase Freedom
Discover It
Target, grocery stores (excluding Walmart), plus fitness and gym memberships Grocery stores, drug stores, and select streaming services

2023 Cash Back Calendars

Cash back credit cards are the most popular option for US consumers, and it’s easy to see why. Cash-back credit cards let you earn rewards for making everyday purchases on your card. Depending on the specific type of cash back credit card, you might earn even more rewards through bonus categories. 

The 5% back rotating categories cash back credit card is one of the most accessible types of cash back card because they provide yearly variety.  Both Chase and Discover offer credit cards with 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in spending per quarter in bonus categories that change each quarter and 1% back on all other purchases. To get the bonus cash back, you have to opt in, or “activate,” the category each quarter.

What Are the Chase Freedom Flex 5% Cash Back Calendar Categories

Chase Freedom Flex

Chase Freedom Flex
Learn more about the Chase Freedom Flex Terms & Conditions
Excellent-Good
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Excellent / Good
Mastercard Processing Network
None Annual Fee

Chase Freedom Flex

  • 19.74% to 28.49% variable Regular Purchase APR
  • 19.74% to 28.49% variable Balance Transfer APR
  • 29.49% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
  • 0% for 15 months from account opening date Intro Purchase APR

At a Glance

The Chase Freedom Flex is a hybrid cash back credit card that offers something for everyone. The card earns 3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases, plus up to 5% back on rotating categories each quarter after activation – all for no annual fee.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
  • Earn 5% on up to $1,500 on combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate
  • Earn 5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
  • Earn 3% on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services
  • Earn 3% on drugstore purchases
  • Earn 1% on all other purchases
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.24%-27.99%
  • No annual fee – You wo’t have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex℠ card
  • Intro Purchase APR: 0% for 15 months from account opening date
  • Regular Purchase APR: 19.74% to 28.49% variable
  • Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 15 months from account opening date
  • Balance Transfer APR: 19.74% to 28.49% variable
  • Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Intro fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, on transfers made within 60 days of account opening. After that: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
  • Cash Advance APR: 29.49% variable based on the Prime Rate
  • Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
  • Penalty APR: Up to 29.99%
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
  • Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
  • Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
  • You want a versatile cash back credit card that earns rewards across various categories
  • You don’t mind the lower cash back rates for dining and drugstore purchases over previous Chase cards
  • You prefer to book travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards
  • You don’t want to pay an annual fee for premium Mastercard features
Chase Freedom Flex

Chase Freedom Flex

Terms & Conditions
Learn more about the Chase Freedom Flex Terms & Conditions

The Chase Freedom Flex Card is one of the most popular cash back credit cards on the market. The card offers 5% back on select categories each quarter, with 1% back on all other purchases. Here are the 5% cash back categories for 2023:

Date 5% Cash Back Category
Q1 January - March 2024 Grocery stores (excluding Walmart), self-care and spa services, plus fitness and gym memberships
Q2 April - June 2024 Restaurants, hotels, and Amazon.com and Whole Foods purchases
Q3 July - September 2024 Gas, EV charging, select live entertainment, and movie theatres
Q4 October - December 2024 PayPal, McDonald’s, pet shops and veterinary services, plus select charities

How to Activate Chase 5% Cash Back Categories

Chase Freedom ad Freedom Flex card members must activate their bonus categories before they earn 5% back on the first $1,500 in spending each quarter. Fortunately, activating new categories with Chase is easy.  They can activate their bonus categories by visiting the Chase bonus activation page or logging in to their Chase account. 

How Does the 2023 Chase Freedom 5% Calendar Compare to 2022?

While the previous year’s cash back calendar usually provides insights into future categories in 2022, that may not be the case this year. Here’s a quick rundown of the 2022 Chase Cash Back Calendar:

  • January to March: Grocery stores (excluding Target, Walmart) and eBay
  • April to June: Amazon.com and select streaming services
  • July to September: Gas stations, car rentals, movie theatres, and select live entertainment
  • October to December: PayPal and Walmart

While Chase does not reveal its full 5% calendar until September, we can gain a few insights based on Q1 2023. Given the return of groceries. we can anticipate much of the same from 2023, including the usual hits, such as PayPal, Amazon, gas, and more.

Related Article: Best Credit Cards for Grocery Shopping

What Are the Discover It 5% Cash Back Calendar Categories?

Discover it® Cash Back

Discover it® Cash Back
Visit Card Site Terms & Conditions
Excellent-Good
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Excellent / Good
Discover Processing Network
None Annual Fee

Discover it® Cash Back

  • 17.24% to 28.24% variable based on creditworthiness and Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
  • 17.24% to 28.24% variable based on creditworthiness and Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
  • 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
  • 0% for 18 months from account opening Intro Purchase APR

At a Glance

The Discover It Cash Back Card is a cash back credit card that offers enhanced earning potential in a selection of rotating categories. Cardholders earn 5% back on purchases in categories that rotate each quarter, and 1% on all other purchases. The card also features 0% intro APR for the first 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, Discover’s 100% U.S.-based customer service, Discover’s bonus cash back match, and no annual fee or foreign transaction fees.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • 5% cash back in rotating categories each quarter, up to the quarterly maximum, when you activate
  • Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically
  • Discover matches all of the cash back earned by the cardholder at the end of the first year automatically; there is no limit to how much cash back is matched
  • Cash back rewards never expire, earn unlimited cash back
  • Use rewards at Amazon checkout
  • No annual fee
  • Intro Purchase APR: 0% for 18 months from account opening
  • Regular Purchase APR: 17.24% to 28.24% variable based on creditworthiness and Prime Rate
  • Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 18 months from date of first transfer
  • Balance Transfer APR: 17.24% to 28.24% variable based on creditworthiness and Prime Rate
  • Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: 3% of the amount of each transfer posted at the promotional rate. After that, 5% of the amount of each transfer
  • Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
  • Cash Advance Transaction Fee: $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
  • Late Payment Penalty Fee: None the first time you pay late. After that, up to $41
  • Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
  • You want to earn 5% back on select category purchases each quarter, including restaurants, gas stations, select rideshares, and online shopping
  • You don’t want to pay an annual fee or foreign transaction fees
  • You want 100% U.S.-based customer service
  • You don’t mind rotating categories changing every three months
Discover it® Cash Back

Discover it® Cash Back

Terms & Conditions
Visit Card Site Terms & Conditions

Discover is another card issuer that offers a 5% cash back credit card. The issuer’s Discover It Cash Back is an excellent cash back card with no annual fees. It also features Discover’s Cashback Match for the first year (only for new cardholders).

Unlike Chase, Discover often announces its Cashback Calendar in full. Unfortunately, that seems to have changed in 2023, with the card issuer instead unveiling the first six months of 5% cash back for 2023: 

Date 5% Cash Back Category
Q1 January - March 2023 Grocery stores, drug stores, and select streaming services
Q2 April - June 2023 Restaurants and wholesale clubs
Q3 July - September 2023 Gas stations and digital wallets
Q4 October - December 2023 Amazon.com and Target

How to Activate Discover Cash Back Categories

Before earning 5% back on the first $1,500 in quarterly spending, Discover cardholders need to activate their 5% back categories. Users can activate a 5% Cashback Bonus using the Discover mobile app, their online account, or by calling 1-800-DISCOVER.

How Does the 2023 Discover 5% Calendar Compare to 2022?

Beyond streaming services in Q2, the 2023 Discover 5% Cashback Calendar is much different than the 2022 version. For reference, here’s the 2021 Discover Calendar:

  • January to March: Grocery stores, gym, and fitness club memberships
  • April to June: Gas stations and Target
  • July to September: Restaurants and PayPal
  • October to December: Amazon.com and digital wallets

Perhaps the most noticeable change is the switch to Amazon.com in the first quarter. This, in turn, can be a great bonus for savvy shoppers – especially with plenty of great deals after the holiday season!

Related Article: The Best No Annual Fee Credit Cards

Other Cash Back Options

Chase and Discover are currently the only major issuers with an active 5% back credit card that uses quarterly categories. Previously, Citi issued the  Citi Dividend Card. though that card is no longer open to new applicants. Amalgamated Bank of Chicago (ABOC) also featured a 5X rotating category card, but that too has been discontinued. 

What Are the 2023 Citi Dividend Platinum Visa 5% Categories?

Here are the 2023 Citi Dividend quarterly categories for existing cardholders:

  • Q1: Amazon and select streaming services
  • Q2: Drugstores and groceries
  • Q3: Gas stations and home improvement
  • Q4: TBD

 

FAQs About Rotating Cash Back

We get it. Sometimes cash back rewards structures are confusing. Don’t worry – here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions:

  • You can activate your 5% cash back categories quickly by clicking on the “Activate” option in your Chase mobile app, or by visiting the Chase website and logging in to your eligible card account.
  • You can activate your Discover it cash back categories through the Discover mobile app, online via the Discover website, or by calling 1-800-DISCOVER.
  • No. Neither card offers “unlimited” 5% cash back. Instead, cardholders earn up to $1,500 on combined purchases in bonus categories, with all other purchases earning 1% after that.

Bottom Line

Chase Freedom and Discover It are two excellent cash back cards. The 5% cash back calendars offer significant value for those who either like to shop online or prefer to plan their major spending ahead of time. The bonus categories are incredibly useful around the holidays, as department stores, online shopping, and other major retailers are the focus.

Those who don’t spend heavily in bonus categories, however, don’t have to settle for 1% cash back. There are plenty of excellent credit cards that offer accelerated cash back on all purchases.

Further Reading

Not sure which card is best for you? Check out some of our “Best Of” lists to discover the top credit cards in each category:

The Best Dining Credit Cards for Dining Out (or Ordering In)

by Cory Santos
The Best Dining Credit Cards for Foodies of 2022

Last updated on April 3rd, 2024

Dining rewards are among the most sought-after bonus category in credit cards. After all, who doesn’t like to eat – so why shouldn’t you get rewarded for enjoying your favorite foods? Here are our top dining credit cards for foodies when dining in, taking out, or however you want to stuff your face!

At a Glance


DoorDash Rewards Mastercard®
Costco Anywhere Visa®
Citi Custom Cash℠
American Express® Gold Card
Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards

Why Choose a Dining Rewards Credit Card?

Dining rewards credit cards offer rewards for every dollar spent on dining.  Many of these cards also provide rewards for other categories, including things like gas, groceries, or travel. These dining cards can help you earn rewards and save money on your dining and travel expenses while also providing additional benefits and perks that can enhance your overall experience. However, it’s essential to choose a card that matches your unique spending habits and financial goals to make the most of the rewards and benefits provided.

What to Look for In Dining or Food Delivery Credit Card

You should consider your spending habits, lifestyle, and financial goal when applying for any credit card, but especially when it’s a dining credit card. That’s because there are a number of issues that can significantly impact the value you get. Here are some of the most important things to look out for:

① Annual fee Some dining cards charge an annual fee. These cards provide slightly higher earning rates, but you need to weigh the annual cost with the points available. When in doubt, opt for a no annual fee credit card.
② Rewards Check to see what type of rewards each card offers. Some dining credit cards offer cash back or points for every dollar spent on dining, while others offer may provide multiple bonus categoires.
③ Sign-up bonus Dining credit cards usually come with a cash back or statement credit welcome offer yo new accounts. Make sure you fully understand the spending requirements, deadlines, and regulations of welcome bonusses before applying.
④ Credits Some cards provide statement credits for dining purchases, complimentary delivery memberships, and more.
⑤ Payment network Don’t forget to check if your favorite restaurants accept the card’s payment network (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover). Some merchants do not accept Discover or Amex, for example, due to higher surcharges.
⑥ Delivery Food delivery services like Uber Eats, GrubHub, DoorDash, and more are growing in popularity. Some cards provide a complimentary or discounted subscription to these services.

The Best Restaurant & Dining Credit Cards

Now that you know what to look for in your next dining credit card, what are the top picks to consider? Here are some of our favorite offers from leading banks:

DoorDash Rewards Mastercard®

DoorDash Rewards Mastercard®
Learn more about the DoorDash Rewards Mastercard® Terms & Conditions
Excellent-Good
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Excellent / Good
Mastercard Processing Network
None Annual Fee

DoorDash Rewards Mastercard®

  • 19.49% to 28.24% variable Regular Purchase APR
  • 19.49% to 28.24% variable Balance Transfer APR
  • 29.49% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR

At a Glance

The DoorDash Rewards Mastercard® makes ordering out a breeze thanks to up to 4% cash back on DoorDash purchases, 2% back on groceries, a free year of DashPass (a $96 value), and a selection of Mastercard perks and protections.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • With the DoorDash Rewards Mastercard get a FREE year of DashPass ($96 value).
  • 4% cash back on DoorDash and Caviar orders. Enjoy this benefit on every type of DoorDash order, including restaurants, groceries, pet supplies, retail items, and more. No earning caps.
  • 3% cash back on dining when purchased directly from a restaurant. No earning caps.
  • 2% cash back on purchases from grocery stores, online or in person. 1% cash back on all other purchases. No earning caps.
  • Get a complimentary DashPass membership ($96 value) every year with $10k in annual card spend. DashPass members enjoy $0 delivery fees & reduced service fees on every eligible order.
  • No annual card fee, just cash back on every purchase.
  • As an exclusive Cardmember benefit, get 10% off one Convenience, Grocery, Alcohol, Retail or DashMart order every month. Maximum discount of $15 per order. Offer expires 12/31/2024.
  • Member FDIC
  • Regular Purchase APR: 19.49% to 28.24% variable
  • Balance Transfer APR: 19.49% to 28.24% variable
  • Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
  • Cash Advance APR: 29.49% variable based on the Prime Rate
  • Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater
  • Penalty APR: Up to 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
  • Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
  • Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
  • You love to order in and want to save money
  • You can make use of the many services DoorDash offers, including groceries
  • You want a $100 cash bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months
DoorDash Rewards Mastercard®

DoorDash Rewards Mastercard®

Terms & Conditions
Learn more about the DoorDash Rewards Mastercard® Terms & Conditions

Best for: Delivery

The DoorDash Rewards Mastercard® is an attractive option for those looking for a card specifically for dining out. Despite its co-branding with DoorDash, the popular food delivery app, the card offers lucrative rewards for dining out.

Cardholders earn 3% cash back on dining when purchased directly from a restaurant, online or in-store. Groceries earn 2% back, and all other purchases with the DoorDash Mastercard earn 1% back. The card also provides 4% back on DoorDash and Caviar orders, making it a great choice for those who frequently use these apps.

In addition to its rewards system, the DoorDash Rewards Mastercard® offers benefits specifically designed for foodies everywhere. Cardholders receive a complimentary DashPass subscription, typically valued at $96 annually. This subscription provides unlimited deliveries and reduced service fees on DoorDash orders over $12. Combined with no annual fee for card membership, this perk is particularly advantageous for individuals who frequently order food deliveries.

Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
Visit Card Site Terms & Conditions
Excellent
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Excellent
Visa Processing Network
$0 with Costco Membership Annual Fee

Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

  • 20.24% (Variable) Regular Purchase APR
  • 20.24% (Variable) Balance Transfer APR
  • 29.99% (Variable) Cash Advance APR

At a Glance

If you’re a Costco member and want to start earning some serious cash back rewards, the bonuses available via the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi – including 4% on gas and EV charging and 2% on your Costco purchases – may be just what you’re looking for.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • Discover one of Citi’s best cash back rewards cards designed exclusively for Costco members
  • 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter
  • 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases
  • 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases
  • No annual fee with your paid Costco membership and enjoy no foreign transaction fees on purchases
  • Receive an annual credit card reward certificate, which is redeemable for cash or merchandise at U.S. Costco warehouses, including Puerto Rico
  • Regular Purchase APR: 20.24% (Variable)
  • Balance Transfer APR: 20.24% (Variable)
  • Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
  • Cash Advance APR: 29.99% (Variable)
  • Cash Advance Transaction Fee: 5% of each cash advance; $10 minimum
  • Penalty APR: Up to 29.99% variable based on your creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
  • Annual Fee: $0 with Costco Membership
  • Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
  • Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
  • You’re a Costco member and want to earn 2% cash back on purchases at their physical and online stores, as well as 4% cash back on gas and EV charging purchases – including gas sold at Costco
  • You enjoy earning cash back on everyday purchases such as dining and travel
  • You seek a versatile rewards credit card with numerous travel protection perks, no foreign transaction fees, and no annual fees as a Costco member
Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

Terms & Conditions
Visit Card Site Terms & Conditions

Best for: Costco

But what if you want to stock up on your pantries while grabbing a quick bite to eat? In that case, Citi has another cash back credit card for you – the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi. Costco is a bulk buyer’s best friend, with incredible value on groceries, home goods, clothing, electronics, and more. Cardholders earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining at restaurants and eligible travel expenses, including those made through Costco travel. This high cash back rate specifically for dining out makes it an attractive choice for food enthusiasts.

Beyond that, the Costco Visa earns an impressive 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases (for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter), 2% back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com, and 1% back on everything else.

The 3% back on dining, 2% back on Costco, and the lucrative gas rewards with the Costco Anywhere Visa® make it a versatile cash back dining card no matter the size of your appetite. Add to that no foreign transaction fees on purchases made abroad, and digital wallet access for contactless payments, offering convenience for dining transactions. Finally, the card doubles as a Costco membership card, streamlining the payment process for Costco members.

Citi Custom Cash℠ Card

Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
Visit Card Site Terms & Conditions
Excellent-Good
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Excellent / Good
Mastercard Processing Network
$0 Annual Fee

Citi Custom Cash℠ Card

  • 18.99% – 28.99% (Variable) Regular Purchase APR
  • 18.99% – 28.99% (Variable) Balance Transfer APR
  • 29.99% (Variable) Cash Advance APR
  • 0% for 15 months on Purchases Intro Purchase APR

At a Glance

The Citi Custom Cash? Card is a generous cash back credit card that offers up to 5% back on eligible purchases. The card, from Citi, does not charge an annual fee and rewards 5% back on the top spending category each month, with options including transit, travel, gas, groceries, dining, and more.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
  • 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.99% – 28.99%, based on your creditworthiness.
  • Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • No rotating bonus categories to sign up for – as your spending changes each billing cycle, your earn adjusts automatically when you spend in any of the eligible categories.
  • No Annual Fee
  • Citi will only issue one Citi Custom Cash℠ Card account per person.
  • Intro Purchase APR: 0% for 15 months on Purchases
  • Regular Purchase APR: 18.99% – 28.99% (Variable)
  • Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 15 months on Balance Transfers
  • Balance Transfer APR: 18.99% – 28.99% (Variable)
  • Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
  • Cash Advance APR: 29.99% (Variable)
  • Cash Advance Transaction Fee: 5% of each cash advance; $10 minimum
  • Penalty APR: Up to 29.99% (Variable)
  • Annual Fee: $0
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%
  • Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
  • Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
  • You want to earn 5% back but do’t want quarterly categories
  • You plan on spending $1,500 within the first 90 days
  • You have a large purchase in mind that you want to pay down over time
  • You plan on transferring an existing balance within the first four months
  • You don’t want to pay an annual fee
Citi Custom Cash℠ Card

Citi Custom Cash℠ Card

Terms & Conditions
Visit Card Site Terms & Conditions

Best for: Flexibility

If you are looking for a card that offers flexible rewards to suit your needs, then the Citi Custom Cash℠ Card is a great option. The no annual fee credit card offers 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, and 1% cash back afterward. Those 5% back categories are generous, including the following:

Dining Fitness clubs Grocery stores
Drugstores Gas stations Home improvement stores
Travel & transit (select) Live entertainment Streaming service (select)

Even better, you can earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. You can then redeem those rewards as a statement credit, direct deposits into bank accounts, or through the ThankYou Rewards Portal for gift cards, travel, or through Amazon for purchases (Shop with Points at Amazon.com). Citi ThankYou points never expire if the account is open and active.

Other great features with the Custom Cash credit card include 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months, no annual fee, and several exclusive Citi customer perks:

Citi Merchant Offers: Citi Merchant Offers is like Amex offers or Chase offers in that it provides Citi credit card members with offers for a specific merchant and then receive a rebate in the form of cash or points when using the card for eligible purchases.
Citi Entertainment℠: Citi Entertainment℠: Cardholders gain exclusive access to tickets for thousands of popular events. This includes unique experiences and presale events for concerts, sporting events, and more.
Citi® Concierge: Citi Concierge is a free benefit that gives on-demand personal assistance to eligible cardholders. Citi customer service experts can help with travel planning, shopping, restaurant reservations and more.

Another great option is the Citi® Double Cash Card, which earns 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.

American Express® Gold Card

American Express® Gold Card
Visit Card Site Rates & Fees
Excellent-Good
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Excellent / Good
American Express Processing Network
$250 Annual Fee

American Express® Gold Card

  • See Pay Over Time APR Regular Purchase APR
  • 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR

At a Glance

Foodies, rejoice! The American Express® Gold Card grants you the ability to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at restaurants worldwide and US supermarkets, and 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or via amextravel.com. There are also numerous travel perks of note, including statement credits for hotel and airline purchases.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • Earn 75,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X)
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required
  • Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees
  • Annual Fee is $250
  • Terms Apply
  • Regular Purchase APR: See Pay Over Time APR
  • Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
  • Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
  • Penalty APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
  • Annual Fee: $250
  • Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
  • Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
  • You want to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for global restaurant purchases, including takeout and delivery
  • You also wish to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on purchases at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 annually)
  • You travel often and can take advantage of 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or via amextravel.com
  • You would benefit from statement credits on a variety of travel expenses
American Express® Gold Card

American Express® Gold Card

Rates & Fees
Visit Card Site Rates & Fees

Best for: Statement Credits

While the American Express® Gold Card carries a hefty annual fee of $250, the value it offers diners is difficult to ignore. The Gold Card earns an impressive 4X Membership Rewards points on global dining – making it a versatile foodie card no matter where your journey takes you. Even better, those 4X points also apply to takeout and delivery services – meaning you can veg out on the couch and enjoy gourmet eats – and still earn 4X points.

Amex charge cards typically come with a dizzying array of statement credits – and the Gold Card is no different. One of the best credits for foodies is the $120 annual statement credit for Uber. Cardholders that register their Gold Card as a payment option through their Uber or UberEATS account receive a $10 credit automatically every month.

You can further maximize Membership Rewards by checking Amexc Offers. The Amex Offers tab in your American Express mobile app can help you earn more points when dining out..

Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card

Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card
Visit Card Site Terms & Conditions
Excellent
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Excellent
Mastercard Processing Network
$95 Annual Fee

Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card

  • 19.99% – 28.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
  • 19.99% – 28.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
  • 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR

At a Glance

Make memories while funding future adventures with the Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card. This exclusive entertainment credit card boasts an unlimited 4% cash back on streaming, dining, and entertainment is a great card for couples, families, and social butterflies.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • Unlimited 4% cash back on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services
  • Earn 3% at grocery stores
  • Earn 1% on all other purchases
  • Earn 8% cash back on tickets through Vivid Seats
  • Receive $9.99 statement credit after paying for Postmates Unlimited membership
  • Enjoy comprehensive, personalized assistance in dining, entertainment and travel— 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
  • Regular Purchase APR: 19.99% – 28.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
  • Balance Transfer APR: 19.99% – 28.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
  • Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: 3% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that we may offer you. None for balances transferred at the Transfer APR
  • Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
  • Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 3% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
  • Annual Fee: $95
  • Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
  • You want to earn an unlimited 4% cash back on streaming, dining, and entertainment, 3% at grocery stores, and 1% on all other purchases
  • You see yourself spending $3,000 within the first 3 months of opening the card to earn that one-time $300 cash bonus
  • You live for unique dining, entertainment, and sports experiences
  • You want complimentary food delivery membership through Postmates
Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card

Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card

Terms & Conditions
Visit Card Site Terms & Conditions

Best for: Premium Rewards

The Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Card is one of the best dining and entertainment credit cards on the market today. The card, which carries a relatively modest $95 annual fee, earns an impressive 4% cash back on dining and entertainment, 2% at grocery stores, and 1% on all other purchases.

As detailed in our comprehensive Savor review, the Savor easily recoups that $95 yearly charge with just $198 in dining purchases every month – an easy task for the well-seasoned foodie. And since the card also earns 2% back on groceries, it offers plenty of value for those who prefer to dine out or create their own culinary delights at home.

The Savor also comes with a complementary food delivery membership through Postmates. This benefit offers $99 in value, quickly recouping the annual fee – and saving cardholders money while earning 4% back on their order!

Other Dining Credit Cards Worth Considering

Dining rewards credit cards are only getting more popular, and many issuers are updating their products to earn you rewards when you dine out or take out. Having a tough time finding one that speaks to you? Consider the picks below; we chose them not because they’re under-the-radar, but because they’re genuinely good cards – they’re simply names you may not be familiar with already.

Bilt Mastercard

Bilt Mastercard
Apply Now Terms & Conditions
Excellent-Good
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Excellent / Good
Mastercard Processing Network
None Annual Fee

Bilt Mastercard

  • 21.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
  • 21.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
  • 29.24% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR

At a Glance

The Bilt World Elite Mastercard is a unique rewards credit card from Wells Fargo that lets users earn 1X on monthly rent payments, 3X on travel, 2X on dining, and offers impressive perks including Lyft and DoorDash statement credits – all for no annual fee.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • No annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Earn 1X points on rent payments (up to 50,000 points each calendar year)
  • Earn 2X points on travel
  • Earn 3X points on dining
  • Regular Purchase APR: 21.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
  • Balance Transfer APR: 21.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
  • Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Introductory fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater, for 120 days from account opening. After that, up to 5% for each balance transfer, with a minimum of $5
  • Cash Advance APR: 29.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
  • Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each advance, whichever is greater
  • Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
  • You rent and want to earn rewards on your monthly rental payments
  • You’re a member of Bilt Rewards
  • You don’t want to pay an annual fee
Bilt Mastercard

Bilt Mastercard

Terms & Conditions
Apply Now Terms & Conditions

Ideal for: Renters

We often harp on the Bilt Mastercard, but it’s only because it provides such robust value for renters. The card is a first-of-its-kind rewards card in that it allows cardholders to earn 1X points per $1 spent on rent payments (up to 50,000 points each calendar year) without the transaction fee you may normally have to pay when you use a credit card for rent.

That rewards bonus is a great feature that’s even better when you realize that it applies to any landlord – even if they don’t accept credit card payments. If your apartment doesn’t accept credit cards or you rent outside the Bilt Rewards Alliance of landlords, pay through Bilt’s mobile app, and the company will mail a physical check to your landlord.

But the Bilt World Elite Mastercard offers far more value –especially if you are looking for a versatile card for your everyday needs. The Bilt Card earns the following reward points on select bonus categories:

There’s even more value thanks to Bilt Dining, a dedicated dining program that allows Bilt Rewards members to earn points on select dining using the Bilt Wallet in the company’s mobile app. Cardholders can earn up to 5X points per $1 spent with these partners – a great haul you can then apply towards rent – or even a down payment.

Those points on dining are only the start, however. That rewards rate doubles on the 1st of every month, thanks to Bilt’s Rent Day promotion. Cardholders can earn double the points on all eligible purchases (excluding rent). Here’s how that promotion works out:

Action Rewards Total Points
Eating at an eligible Bilt Dining restaurant 5X per $1 5
Paying with the Bilt Mastercard 3X per $1 3
“Rent Day” bonus Additional 2X on all purchases* 6
11X per $1
*Bilt Dining not eligible for “Rent Day”

Overall, the Bilt Mastercard offers plenty to get excited about for those who pay rent, dine out often, and want to earn plenty of rewards when making their monthly payments.

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Ideal for: Unlimited Cash Back

When it comes to dining out at fast food places or ordering in from your favorite app – be it Grubhub, DoorDash, Uber Eats, Slice, or anything else – there are few better options than the PayPal Cashback Mastercard® from Synchrony – especially at no annual fee. The card earns an unlimited 3% cash back on all PayPal purchases – an amazing feature given the near-universal reach of the PayPal network. Millions of merchants accept PayPal through contactless payments in-store or via mobile wallet purchases online – both excellent ways to maximize your cash back when ordering some grub.

The PayPal Cashback Mastercard also offers an unlimited 2% back on all other purchases with the card. This base rate is on par with cards like the Citi® Double Cash Card, the Wells Fargo Active Cash, and the TD Double Up Card. Rewards are redeemable as credits to your PayPal account, which is another great feature. Thanks to this simple option, you can transfer funds to your bank account, pay friends for drinks or food tabs, or buy whatever you want through PayPal.

In addition to that, you also get the typical Mastercard protections you expect, such as $0 Fraud Liability against fraudulent charges on your card, ID Theft Protection, and Mastercard Global Services emergency assistance. But no matter how you slice it, the PayPal Mastercard is a lucrative cash back option if you like having a huge amount of choices for purchases, rewards, and a whole lot more.

IKEA® Visa® Credit Card

IKEA® Visa® Credit Card
Visit Card Site Terms & Conditions
Excellent-Good
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Excellent / Good
Visa Processing Network
None Annual Fee

IKEA® Visa® Credit Card

  • 21.99 Regular Purchase APR
  • 26.99% Balance Transfer APR
  • 24.99% Cash Advance APR

At a Glance

Furnishing and redecorating your home becomes five times more rewarding with the IKEA® Visa® credit card. Earn 5% back on all IKEA purchases and an extra 3% bonus on dining, groceries, and utility bills with no annual fee.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • Receive $25 off for making an IKEA purchase the same day the card is opened
  • Receive $25 off for spending $500 outside of IKEA
  • 5% back in rewards on IKEA purchases (includes the restaurant), Traemand installation and TaskRabbit assembly services
  • 3% back in rewards on dining
  • 3% back in rewards on groceries
  • 3% back in rewards on utilities
  • 1% back in rewards on all other purchases
  • Regular Purchase APR: 21.99
  • Balance Transfer APR: 26.99%
  • Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
  • Cash Advance APR: 24.99%
  • Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
  • Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
  • Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
  • You spend at least $300 at IKEA every three years
  • You want to earn rewards for utilities such as electric, gas, cable, and phone services
  • You frequently dine at the IKEA restaurant
  • You already an IKEA FAMILY member
  • You live near an IKEA showroom
IKEA® Visa® Credit Card

IKEA® Visa® Credit Card

Terms & Conditions
Visit Card Site Terms & Conditions

Ideal for: Swedish Meatball Lovers

Wait – a store card in the under-the-radar dining and restaurant cards list? Yes, but hear us out: the IKEA® Visa® is a robust dining and home furnishing card all in one. Let us explain.

There’s a lot to like regarding the IKEA Visa card. For starters, there’s the $25 off your first IKEA purchase of $25 or more when you first get your card and use it to make a purchase the same day (If you apply in-store) or as a statement credit if you apply online. That’s an easy bonus if ever there was one.

But there’s also the generous rewards structure of the retail card from Comenity Bank. The IKEA Visa’s bonus categories are as follows:

  • 5% back on IKEA purchases
  • 3% back on dining, grocery, and utility purchases
  • 1% back on all other purchases

What makes this such a great structure is that Traemand and TaskRabbit purchases also qualify for 5% back – as do purchases at the IKEA restaurant. If you have the Ikea Visa in your wallet, you can enjoy huge rewards by filling your card with the latest BJORTKSTA or stuffing your face with those delicious Swedish meatballs. If you want to fund a home renovation project and satisfy your hunger, check out the IKEA Visa.

Discover it® Chrome for Students

Discover it® Chrome for Students
Visit Card Site Terms & Conditions
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Fair / No Credit Required
Discover Processing Network
None Annual Fee

Discover it® Chrome for Students

  • 18.24% to 27.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
  • 18.24% to 27.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
  • 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
  • 0% for 6 months from date of account opening date Intro Purchase APR

At a Glance

The Discover it Chrome for Students is a student credit card and cash back rewards card that allows college students to earn 2% cash back on gas and restaurants, plus 1% cash back on everything else. In addition to not having to worry about an annual fee, students who maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher will receive a $20 statement credit each school year.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • Get $20 statement credit each school year your GPA is 3.0 or higher for up to next five years
  • Earn 2% cash back at gas and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Plus 1% cash back on all other purchases
  • Discover matches all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year, automatically
  • Cash back rewards do not expired and can be redeemed at any time
  • 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months
  • No annual fee, no late fee on first late payment. No APR change for paying late
  • Intro Purchase APR: 0% for 6 months from date of account opening date
  • Regular Purchase APR: 18.24% to 27.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
  • Intro Balance Transfer APR: 10.99% for 6 months from date of first transfer
  • Balance Transfer APR: 18.24% to 27.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
  • Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: 3% of the amount of each transfer posted at the promotional rate. After that, 5% of the amount of each transfer
  • Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
  • Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
  • Late Payment Penalty Fee: None the first time you pay late. After that, up to $41
  • Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
  • You’re planning on commuting to college
  • You plan to eat out rather than in the cafeteria
  • You want a card that rewards a good school year, as your GPA can get you extra savings
  • You want to take advantage of Cashback Match – only from Discover
  • You don’t want to pay an annual fee
Discover it® Chrome for Students

Discover it® Chrome for Students

Terms & Conditions
Visit Card Site Terms & Conditions

Ideal for: Students

College is nearly back in session, so it only makes sense to include a quality dining credit card option for students. The Discover it® Chrome for Students offers the ideal platform for building credit and getting your hands dirty with credit cards in college.

Students automatically earn 2% cash back at gas stations and dining purchases on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. After that, you’ll earn 1% back – and you also earn 1% all the time on every other purchase that doesn’t fall under gas or dining. Even better, the card also enjoys Discover’s famed “Cashback Match” after the first year. That feature allows you to earn an unlimited dollar-for-dollar match of all the cash back you’ve earned automatically at the end of your first year as a cardholder. It’s a great feature that continually makes Discover one of the best places to build credit.

But Discover offers other benefits, especially for students. Discover’s Good Grade Reward provides a $20 statement credit if you keep your GPA above 3.0. And, since this bonus is good for up to five academic years, the total reward is up to $100 – just for doing your homework. Students also receive free access to their FICO credit score each month and pay no pesky fees, including annual or foreign transaction fees, when using the card abroad.

U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Business Card

U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Business Card
Visit Card Site Terms & Conditions
Excellent-Good
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Excellent / Good
Visa Processing Network
None Annual Fee

U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Business Card

  • 19.24% to 28.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
  • 19.24% to 28.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
  • 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
  • 0% for 15 months Intro Purchase APR

At a Glance

The U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Business Card offers a decent cash back sign-up bonus, up to 3% back on eligible purchases, and two 0% intro APR periods, all for no annual fee.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • Limited Time Offer: Earn $500 in cash back. Just spend $4500 on the Account Owner’s card in the first 150 days of opening your account
  • Introducing the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards, the card that gives back on all your eligible business needs
  • Earn 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations and EV charging stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers and restaurants
  • 1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases
  • Earn 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Travel Rewards Center
  • No limit on total cash back earned
  • Rewards never expire
  • Earn an annual $100 statement credit for recurring software subscription expenses such as FreshBooks or quickbooks
  • 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 15.49% to 24.49%
  • No annual fee
  • Pay over time by splitting eligible purchases of $100+ into equal monthly payments with U.S. Bank ExtendPay™ Plan
  • Great Offer from U.S. Bank, a 2022 World’s Most Ethical Company® – Ethisphere Institute, February 2022
  • Terms and conditions apply
  • Intro Purchase APR: 0% for 15 months
  • Regular Purchase APR: 19.24% to 28.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
  • Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 15 months for balances transferred within 30 days from account opening.
  • Balance Transfer APR: 19.24% to 28.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
  • Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater
  • Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
  • Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either 5% of the amount of each advance or $10 minimum, whichever is greater
  • Penalty APR: 29.99%
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of each foreign transaction in U.S. dollars
  • Late Payment Penalty Fee: $40
  • Return Payment Penalty Fee: $40
  • Over Limit Penalty Fee: $40
  • You own a small business and want to invest in its infrastructure or software
  • You have an existing credit card balance you want to pay down at a lower rate
  • You spend frequently on categories like gas stations, dining, or office supplies
  • You do’t want to pay an annual fee
U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Business Card

U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Business Card

Terms & Conditions
Visit Card Site Terms & Conditions

Ideal for: Small Businesses

When discussing business credit cards, the common options are Chase, Capital One, or Amex. But there are plenty of excellent offers from other banks – including U.S. Bank.

Specifically, the U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Business Card is a lucrative dining card for companies that plan to issue multiple employee cards. It earns 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations, EV charging stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers, and restaurants – in other words, versatility for whatever life throws at your employees. And if they travel frequently, there’s an additional 5% back earned on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the U.S. Bank Travel Rewards Center, plus 1% back everywhere else (with no caps or annual fees to worry about).

U.S. Bank offers companies a simplified award structure for Triple Cash Rewards cardholders. Businesses can opt to redeem their earnings as either a statement credit or a direct deposit into an associated U.S. Bank business checking, savings, or money market account. This is a great feature for account managers who want lucrative and elastic rewards without the headache of confusing hotel or airline rewards programs.

Browse More of the Best Of:

Featured image by die_grafiktheke /PixaBay

Why Secured Credit Cards Help Build Credit

by Jeannyn Gomez
why secured credit cards help build credit

Last updated on January 4th, 2024

There are various ways secured credit cards help build credit making them handy tools to keep in your wallets. More so when you have little to no credit or if you’re in the process of fixing your credit. Familiarize yourself with the benefits of a secured credit card and how it can help improve or build your credit. Here’s what you need to know.

What is a Secured Credit Card?

A secured credit card operates just like a regular credit card, except it requires a cash deposit to act as your credit limit. With a secured credit card, you must pay the cash deposit upfront to act as collateral for any purchases you make. In the case that you miss a payment, the credit card issuer can use the deposit to repay themselves, therefor the payment is secured, hence the name, secured credit card.

In many ways, a secured credit card is like a debit card because you use your own money to make purchases instead of borrowing from the card issuer. The major difference you will notice between a secured credit card and a debit card is that one affects your credit score. Debit card bank issuers do not report your usage to the credit bureaus. In contrast, monthly purchases and payments for a secured credit card are reported to credit bureaus, therefore impacting your credit.

Most importantly, secured credit cards are more accessible than your average credit card because there is less risk involved for lenders. The upfront cash deposit ensures the bank will not lose money by creating a line of credit in return. Secured credit cards are an accessible option for anyone looking to improve or build credit.

First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Applied Bank Secured Visa® Gold Preferred® Card
A discharged bankruptcy still in your credit bureau file will not cause you to be declined Absolutely No Credit Check or Minimum Credit Score Required
Quick and Complete Online Application; No credit inquiry required! Automatic Reporting to All Three National Credit Bureaus
Monthly Reporting to all 3 Major Credit Bureaus Activate Today with a $200 Minimum Deposit – Maximum $1,000
Earn 1% cash back rewards *

Why Not Opt for an Unsecured Card?

Unlike a secured credit card, an unsecured credit card does not require an upfront cash deposit to act as a credit limit. Instead, lenders approve applicants based on their credit scores. As you can see, if you’re someone who is in the process of building or fixing credit, then an unsecured credit card might not always be ideal to seek.

However, both secured and unsecured credit cards operate alike. Both cards will have a credit limit, and both may offer rewards for purchases. Both cards might also charge interest fees and other basic credit card fees like foreign transaction fees, or annual fees. An unsecured credit card may be tougher to qualify for due to the higher risk factors card issuers face. Although, it may result in a lower interest rate for cardholders, better card perks, and a higher credit limit.

Surge® Platinum Mastercard® Applied Bank® Unsecured Classic Visa® Card FIT™ Platinum Mastercard®
Card type Unsecured Unsecured Unsecured
Starting limit Up to $1,000 $300 $400

Why a Secured Credit Card Might be Right for You?

If you’re looking to establish or build credit, with responsible use, a secured credit card can get you there. When you have little or no credit, to begin with, it may be difficult to qualify for an unsecured card. It is important to note unsecured credit cards for bad credit do exist. You just typically have to be willing to pay an annual fee for them and sometimes deal with slightly higher interest rates.

Next, if you don’t mind the upfront cash deposit, a secured credit card might be a good option for your credit-building journey. Either way, the deposit will be returned to you once the account is closed. You’re not losing any money (unless there’s an annual fee or an unpaid balance.)

Another reason to get a secured credit card is to work your way up to an unsecured credit card. Use a secured card to improve your credit score. Once you establish a healthier credit score, you get better approval odds with other sought-after unsecured credit cards. Some secured credit card issuers will upgrade your card to an unsecured credit card after a set time frame and responsible use. The benefit of upgrading to an unsecured credit card is that you no longer need to rely on a cash deposit for your spending. Instead, unsecured card issuers will approve you a credit limit from the bank dependent on the current state of your credit report.

Card Features Annual fee
First Progress Platinum Elite Mastercard® Secured Credit Card
  • Receive Your Card More Quickly with New Expedited Processing Option
  • No Credit History or Minimum Credit Score Required for Approval
  • Quick and Complete Online Application; No credit inquiry required!
  • Includes Free Real-Time Access to Your Credit Score and Ongoing Credit Monitoring powered by Experian
 $29
OpenSky® Secured Visa®
  • No credit check to apply and find out instantly if you are approved
  • OpenSky gives everyone an opportunity to improve their credit with an 85% average approval rate for the past 5 years
  • Get considered for a credit line increase after 6 months, with no additional deposit required
  • You could be eligible for the OpenSky Gold Unsecured Card after as few as 6 months
  • Reports to all 3 major credit bureaus monthly, unlike a prepaid or debit card
 $35
Self Visa® Credit Card
  • Get the savings plan that helps build credit today
  • Start with a Credit Builder Account that reports monthly payments to all 3 major credit bureaus
  • No credit score is needed to get started
  • Your money is secured and protected in a bank account
 $25
First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard® Secured Credit Card
  • Receive Your Card More Quickly with New Expedited Processing Option
  • No Credit History or Minimum Credit Score Required for Approval
  • Quick and Complete Online Application; No credit inquiry required!
  • Includes Free Real-Time Access to Your Credit Score and Ongoing Credit Monitoring powered by Experian
  • Full-Feature Platinum Mastercard® Secured Credit Card; Try our new Mobile App for Android users!
  • Good for Car Rental, Hotels; Anywhere Credit Cards Are Accepted!
 $39

Why a Secured Card Might Not Be For You

  • High fees and interest rates
  • Low credit limits
  • Cash Deposit Required

Should You Get a Secured Credit Card?

If you have little to no credit and you want to better your credit score, a secured credit card could come in clutch. A credit card is one of the best tools you can use to improve your credit. When you have a short credit history or none, you may encounter some obstacles when you apply for other unsecured cards. Bypass the hurtle with a secured credit card to begin your journey to better credit for overall improvement in your finances.

Related Article: The Best Secured Credit Cards

Featured image by Katya Havok/Canva

Chase Launches DoorDash Mastercard

by Cory Santos
Chase, DoorDash and Mastercard Launch First-Ever DoorDash Rewards Mastercard®

Last updated on September 6th, 2023

Credit cards with food delivery benefits existed with the former Uber Visa before the pandemic. But that two-year stretch of COVID-19 really flooded the marketplace, with issuers like American Express, Citi, and Chase getting in on the action and broadening their “dining” categories. DoorDash thinks it can buck the trend and stand out in a crowded marketplace. Chase and DoorDash have launched their new dining rewards credit card, the DoorDash Rewards Mastercard.

About the DoorDash Credit Card

The no annual fee DoorDash Rewards Mastercard, a World Elite Mastercard®, offers cardmembers the opportunity to earn cash back on delivery and every other purchase made with the card:

  • 4% cash back on DoorDash and Caviar orders from hundreds of thousands of merchants on the DoorDash platform
  • 3% cash back on dining when purchased directly from a restaurant, online or in-store
  • 2% cash back on grocery stores, online or in-store
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases

Cardmembers also enjoy flexible cash back redemption options, including:

  • Using rewards to pay for part or all of a DoorDash or Caviar order
  • Receiving a statement credit or direct deposit into a cardmember’s bank account
  • Redeeming rewards for gift cards from a variety of brands and retailers

Other Notable Card Features

Other notable features of the just launched credit card include $25 off the first two Nationwide Shipping orders of $100 or more, 10% off the first order of $35 or more each month (up to $15 per order) on convenience, grocery, alcohol, and DashMart purchases, and no foreign transaction fees.

The DoorDash credit card also enjoys World Elite Mastercard protections and benefits. Cardholders can anticipate the following when using their new DoorDash Mastercard:

Zero Liability Protection Airport Concierge Cell Phone Protection
Mastercard Global Services Priceless Experiences Lyft Credits
ID Theft Protection Priceless Golf Mastercard Travel Services
Mastercard Hotel Stay Guarantee

Earn Cash Back for Future DoorDash Orders

“As we further our mission to empower local communities and connect people to the best of their neighborhoods, we are thrilled to introduce the DoorDash Rewards Mastercard to give consumers more convenience and value on their everyday purchases from their favorite businesses,” said Usman Cheema, Senior Director of Global Partnerships at DoorDash.

“Together with longstanding partners Chase and Mastercard, we are delighted to offer rewards and cash back opportunities for cardmembers to support their neighborhood businesses. Every order on DoorDash helps local businesses grow, and we’re excited to continue championing the prosperity of local communities through our new cardmember benefits offered both on and off the DoorDash platform.”

“We’re excited to offer people who love DoorDash a compelling card that enables all their purchases to earn cash back toward future DoorDash orders,” said Ed Olebe, President of Chase Co-Brand Cards. “To unlock even more value and convenience, the DoorDash Rewards Mastercard can also be used to earn a complimentary DashPass membership every year. Simply put, if you love DoorDash, you will love this card.”

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Chase and DoorDash to bring added benefits to cardmembers shopping in their local neighborhoods,” said Sherri Haymond, EVP of Global Digital Partnerships at Mastercard. “The new DoorDash Rewards Mastercard is created to connect people to their communities through digital solutions, simple payment experiences, and on-demand access.”

Related Article: Chase Sapphire Offers Alterra Mountain Discounts

Featured image by DoorDash

Are Credit Card Late Fees Going Away?

by Jeannyn Gomez
Are Credit Card Late Fees Going Away

Last updated on February 20th, 2024

Are credit card late fee’s going away? Not entirely. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has proposed a new rule to ease up the cost of credit card late fees for consumers. Here’s what you need to know.

CFPB Proposes to Limit Credit Card Late Fees

Credit card late fees are not ideal on top of the likely drop in your credit score. Credit card late fees cost Americans $12 billion every year. Meanwhile, major credit card issuers profit off of late fees and other junk fees they charge card members. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) finds this practice to be a loophole exploited by credit card companies to raise fees with inflation. However, the CFPB is proposing a new rule for late payment penalty fees.

Currently, credit card companies can incur a late payment fee as high as $41. The new proposed rule would ensure the over-the-top late fee amounts become illegal. The new proposed rule was issued on February 1st of 2023 along with a request for public comment. See the rule below:

Credit Card Penalty Fees (Regulation Z)

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Bureau) proposes to amend Regulation Z, which implements the Truth in Lending Act (TILA), to better ensure that the late fees charged on credit card accounts are “reasonable and proportional” to the late payment as required under TILA. The proposal would (1) adjust the safe harbor dollar amount for late fees to $8 and eliminate a higher safe harbor dollar amount for late fees for subsequent violations of the same type; (2) provide that the current provision that provides for annual inflation adjustments for the safe harbor dollar amounts would not apply to the late fee safe harbor amount; and (3) provide that late fee amounts must not exceed 25 percent of the required payment.

Why Credit Card Companies Are Protected

Credit card companies have been able to hike their fees with inflation because of an in-place immunity provision. Due to this provision, credit card companies also do not face collection fees. With the new proposal, the CFPB estimates it will save American families as much as $9 billion per year on credit card late fees.

“Over a decade ago, Congress banned excessive credit card late fees, but companies have exploited a regulatory loophole that has allowed them to escape scrutiny for charging an otherwise illegal junk fee,” said CFPB Director Rohit Chopra. “Today’s proposed rule seeks to save families billions of dollars and ensure the credit card market is fair and competitive.”

Card Late Fees and How They Work

If you have ever been late for a credit card payment, then you know those late fees waste no time rolling in on your statement. CFPB explains in their press release for the proposed rule, that the amount credit card issuers are charging for late fees is excessively more than the actual cost of collecting the late payment.

The late fees typically occur within a few hours of missing the payment which is not needed to discourage late fees. Additionally, the late fees may not be justified in relation to the consumer’s conduct in paying late. In other words, the punishment may not fit the crime. Also, the late fee may not be the only penalty the cardholder incurs. Card members might also lose their grace period on paying interest. Or the late payment may result in a lower credit score dependent upon how long the late payment lasts.

Citi Simplicity® Card Petal 2 Visa® Credit Card Apple Card
No Late Fees, No Penalty Rate, and No Annual Fee... Ever No fees whatsoever. No late fee, foreign transaction fee, annual fee, or any-other-kind-of-fee, fee. No hidden fees, including late fees.
0% Intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers from date of first transfer and 0% Intro APR for 12 months on purchases from date of account opening. No credit score? No problem. If eligible, we'll create your Cash Score instead. Earn cash back with every purchase

What Will Change?

CFPB’s proposed changes would amend the regulations implementing the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 (CARD Act).

Proposed changes:

  • Lower the immunity provision dollar amount for late fees to $8
  • End the automatic annual inflation adjustment
  • Cap late fees at 25% of the required minimum payment

In addition, the proposal also seeks commentary on other potential changes to CARD Act regulations:

  • Whether the changes should apply to all credit card penalty fees
  • whether the immunity provision should be eliminated altogether
  • whether consumers should be granted a 15-day courtesy period, after the due date, before late fees can be assessed
  • whether issuers should be required to offer autopay to make use of the immunity provision

The Bottom Line

In 2020, credit card companies charged approximately $12 billion in late fees. The total late fees charged account for 10% of all credit card interest and fees charged to consumers. All of which are significant numbers for the pockets of consumers. The requested commentaries, if addressed, will only add to the benefit of the consumer.

Featured image by Vadym Petrochenko/Getty Images

Advertiser Disclosure

BestCards is an independent, Florida-based credit card comparison platform. Many of the card offers that appear on this site are from companies from which BestCards receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). BestCards does not include all card companies or all card offers available in the marketplace.