Should you use a credit card for groceries?

Using a credit card for groceries is not inherently a bad idea.  It’s really all about how you use your card and whether or not you are using your credit responsibly.   If you’re using your credit cards to build your credit and paying your bill in full every month then it’s a smart idea to use it to buy your groceries as this will be a way you can build credit, save money on your groceries and ultimately save money on other non-grocery purchases as well.

Which credit card gives the most cashback on groceries?

Currently the Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express is one of the best credit cards for purchasing groceries.  Not only will you earn 3% cash back on your first $6,000 in purchases, you will also receive a cash back bonus of $200 by making $2,000 in purchases within your first 6 months of owning the card.

With inflation per year hovering around 2.3 to 2.7 percent then credit cards offering unlimited cash back on supermarket purchases can act as a hedge against yearly inflation. With some credit cards offering as much as 5% cash back on supermarket purchases the cash back equates to additional discounts on your supermarket purchases.  Combined with coupons, and 2 for 1 sales at supermarkets like Publix this can lead to significant savings on your grocery purchases.  Of course, it’s best to use cash back credit cards with no annual fee as well to avoid additional costs to your grocery bills.

There are different ways you can earn cash back when shopping for groceries depending on what credit card you use.  Some cards such as the Discover It card offer cash back at only certain supermarkets.  Other cards like the Apple Pay card will pay you 2% cash back unlimited at supermarkets as long as you pay using Apple Pay.  The best cards will let you maximize your cash back shopping at supermarkets all year round.  While many cards will offer specific cash back percentages on all of your purchases, we’ll be focusing on credit cards which focus specifically on supermarket purchases.   Below you’ll find a round-up of credit cards that offer cash back buying groceries and which ones are the best.

What credit cards are best for buying groceries?

1. Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express offers rewards for everyday purchases.  Currently offering $200 cash back if you spend $2,000 on purchases within the first 6 months of owning the card and 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months this card can help you save a lot of money on your grocery purchases, especially in the first year.  At supermarkets they offer 3% cash back on eligible purchases up to $6,000 a year and then 1% cash back after that.  Spending $1,000 on groceries in year will give you $30 cash back and if you reach the $6,000 threshold you will earn $180 cash back plus a $200 bonus the first year depending on your card usage.
2. Amazon Prime Visa credit card is Amazon’s offering where you can earn a ton of cash back on your purchases.  This card gives you 5% back on purchases from Amazon.com, 5% cash back on purchases from Amazon Fresh and 5% cash back on your Whole Food Market purchases.  While Whole Foods prices can be generally higher than prices at typical supermarkets having an Amazon Prime membership saves you money on groceries at Whole Foods as they often offer discounts on your in store purchases.  The discounts offered along with the 5% cash back you’ll receive makes this one of the best credit cards you can you when purchasing your groceries.
3. Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi helps your money go even further when you shop at Costco.  Costco already offers bulk grocery purchases at huge discounts so you’ll already be saving money anytime you shop at Costco.  You’ll always pay about 20 cents less per gallon on gas if you purchase your gas at Costco’s gas stations.  Along with these benefits you’ll receive 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging cost, 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel and 1% cash back on all other purchases.  While not specifically supermarket focused you’ll earn 2% cash back on purchases from Costco and Costco.com which includes plenty of bulk groceries that are sold are Costco.
4. Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card offers rewards in different categories including on gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores or home improvement furnishings.  Although you can get cash back in different categories you choose which category you’d like to receive 3% cash back in out of the previously mentioned categories via the online banking website or mobile banking app.  When it comes to grocery stores and wholesale clubs you are guaranteed to earn 2% cash back on the first $2,500 worth of groceries and thereafter 1% cash back for the year.  If you reach the preferred rewards tier, you can increase your cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs to 2.5% to 3.5% and then 1.25% to 1.75% after you surpass $2,500 in spending.
5. Target Redcard Credit Card is Target’s credit card offering and while you will not receive cash back on your grocery purchases you will  save 5% every day on your grocery purchases at Target. Using the red card also get you free shipping on most Target items, 30 extra days for returns and you can use your 5% Red Card discounts along with Circle Offers and Target Subscription savings.  If you’re a new user and you can save $40 off your purchases immediately upon approval.
6.  The Chase Freedom Flex Credit Card is one of two credit cards that Chase offers under the Freedom moniker.  Although both card offer cash back rewards on purchases only the Chase Freedom Flex credit card specifically offers cash back rewards on grocery purchases.  Currently the credit card is offering low introductory APR to new customers.  If approved for this card you’ll receive 0% intro APR for 15 months upon account opening.  You’ll receive 5% cash back on travel purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% cash back on dining at restaurants, including take out and certain delivery services, 3% cash back on drug store purchases and 1% cash back on all other purchases.  When is comes to rewards on grocery purchases Chase also 5% cash back but only during certain quarters throughout the year.  Currently from January through March you’ll receive cash back at Grocery Stores (excluding Walmart), at Target and at Fitness Clubs & Gym memberships.   The only caveat being that the 5% during the quarter is only up to 1500 dollars.  Thereafter you’ll receive 1% cash back on your purchases.
7. TD Cash Credit Card allows you to choose which categories you’d like to earn either 3% or 2% cash back on your purchases throughout the year.  The categories you can choose from can be changed each quarter, or you can keep the same categories throughout the year.  Your 2% and 3% cash back categories can earn unlimited cash back during the year allowing you to earn unlimited 3% cash back on all of your grocery purchases during the year.  Along with the 3% and 2% categories you can also earn 5% cash back on gas purchases for 6 months or up to $6,000 in spend on gas.  The card offers more benefits as well to new cardholders. Currently you can also earn up to $150 cash back by spending $500 on the card within the first 90 days of opening your account.  You’ll also receive 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for the first 12 billing cycles and then between 19.99%, 24.99% or 29.99% APR on balances transfers depending on your credity worthiness.
8. PNC Cash Rewards Visa Credit Card is PNC’s bank offering with supermarket rewards.  Not only will you earn rewards on your supermarket purchases, the card also provides rewards in other categories as well.  While the rewards are greater in categories other than supermarket purchases you can still earn 2% cash bank rewards on the purchases you make at supermarkets.  In other categories you can earn 4% cash back on gas station purchases, 3% cash back on dining purchases at restaurants, and 1% cash back on your other purchases.  Currently PNC Bank Visa Rewards offers a bonus of $200 after you spend $1,000 or more on purchases during the first 3 billing cycles following you opening an account.  Other offers included 0% APR on balance transfers for the first 12 billing cycles.
9. USAA Cashback rewards Plus American Express Credit Card while only available to members of the US military is another card which offers rewards on supermarket purchases. Aside from offering 2% cash back on your first $3,000 in grocery purchases every year and then 1% cash back thereafter you can received 5% cash back on your first $3,000 in combined gags station and military base purchases year.  There is no cash back bonus offered however you can get 0% intro APR for 15 month on balance transfers and convenience checks.
10. U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card doesn’t directly give you cash back, however you do earn points when spending on this card which can be redeemed towards merchadise, gift cards, cash back, travel and more.  Your points on this card never expire and you’ll never pay foreign transaction fees when using this card.  Categories such as dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery will give you 4X points while purchases at grocery stores, grocery delivery, streaming services, gas stations and EV charging stations will give you 2X points.  You’ll receive 1X points on all other eligible purchases.  This card is currently offering a bonus of 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days of owning the card which is a $200 cash back redeemable award.  If you spend $500 a month on groceries then you can earn $320 cash back your first year of owning the card.

How to use credit card at grocery stores?

In conclusion you should use your credit card at grocery stores if they offer cash back or points towards your purchases.  You should only use it in a responsible manner when you’re not carrying a balance and when you’re using the card to build up your credit score.  Additional advantages include purchases you make in other categories which may offer higher cash back percentages and bonuses offered when you first own your card.

When taking all of these things into account you can save money each year allowing you to stretch your dollar further than you would otherwise if you were buying your groceries with cash instead of with your cash back reward credit cards on groceries.

With cash back credit cards however you can see immediately how buying things with your credit cards converts into cash back savings for you.  This can mean greater discounts towards purchases when you buy things on sale as you spend the money upfront but then receive a percentage of the money you’ve spent back to your account.  The cash back can then be used towards your balances or even transferred back to your bank account.

Annual fees and carrying balances however can eat into the cash back you receive as it’s an added tax for using the card.  With interest rates rising and therefore credit card interest rates rising as well it’s best not to keep any balances and pay your credit card bill off every month.  It makes sense to apply for and keep credit cards with no annual fee as no fees increases the worth of the cash back you receive from using the credit cards.  In a previous article I went over hotel credit cards with no annual fee.  In this article we’ll discuss the best cash back credit cards with no annual fee.

The amount of cash back varies based on the credit card you use and the category of purchases you make.  Cash back can also vary depending on how you use the card.  For instance, Apple’s credit card issued by Goldman Sach’s bank provides 2% cash back on all purchases made using Apple Pay irrespective of the category of purchase.  The list below is by no means exhaustive and is not in any particular order.  The list is mainly based on how much cash back you can receive and the categories included in the cash back deals.

10 Best Cash Back Credit Cards With No Annual Fee

1. Chase Freedom Unlimited and Chase Freedom Flex cards.  Chase offers two freedom cards which offer cash back and differ slightly with the cash back details.  Both cards off a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening.  Here are some of the differences between the two cards that Chase offers.
   • Chase Freedom Unlimited – offers cash back on every purchase.  You get at least 1.5% cash back on all purchases, 3% cash back on dining and drug store purchases and 5% cash back on travel purchases through Chase.  This card starts off with 0% APR for 15 months and then has a variable APR of 20.24%-28.99% thereafter.
   • Chase Freedom Flex Credit Card – this card offers up to 5% cash back on purchases in different categories which change each quarter and the 5% cash back is up to $1,500 dollars, meaning the most you can earn is $75 cash back through each category.  You can also earn 5% cash back on travel purchase throug Chase and 3% on dining including takeout.  For all other purchases you will earn 1% cash back.
2. Citi double cash card – The Citi double cash card is Citibank’s no annual fee cash back rewards card.  There are no categories, caps or annual fees with using this credit card.  You can earn up to 2% unlimited cash back on all purchases.  There are 3 different ways you can apply the cash back that you earn.  You can have the cash bank deposited directly into your bank account, use it towards your unpaid balances as a statement credit or receive it via a check by mail.  This card not only has no annual fee, but also offers 0% APR the first 18 months on balance transfers only.  Although you can an up to 2% cash back the way the cash back works is different from other cards.  You automatically earn 1% cash back on all purchases and then you will earn an additional 1% cash back when you pay on the purchases that you make.
3. Discover It Cash Back Card – The Discover It cash back card comes with perks during the first year of owning the card.   You will have 0% APR for the first 15 month on purchases and then a variable APR between 16.99% and 27.99% thereafter.  The card also offers unlimited cash back match on all of the cash back you earned during the first year which is a huge bonus, especially if you’ve been paying off  your credit card bill each month.  Not only can you receive a check for your cash back balance, you can also use the cash back to shop online at Amazon.  There are two levels of cash back that are offered with the card.  You get 5% cash back on up to $1500 in certain categories that rotate quarterly.  You earn 1% cash back in categories that are not included with the 5% quarterly cash back categories.
4. Capital One Cash Back Cards – Capital one offers multiple cards which offer cash back.  They offer cash back through 2 different card offerings, the Capital One Savor cards and the Capital One Quicksilver card.  But what are the differences between the capital one quicksilver and capital one savor cards?
   • Capital One Quicksilver – They offer 3 different tiers of cards based on how good your credit is.  However only 2 tiers of unsecured card come with no annual fee.  For people with fair credit there is an annual fee of $39.  If you have excellent credit then you’ll receive more perks than if your credit is merely good.
     1. Quicksilver Rewards For People with Excellent Credit – with this card users receive 1.5% unlimited cash back on all purchases everyday.  There is also a one-time $250 cash bonus offering if you spend $1,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.  You can also earn 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.  This card comes with 0% APR for 15 months and then a variable APR of 19.99 – 29.99% after that.
     2. Quicksilver Rewards for Good Credit – with this card you also earn up to 1.5% unlimited cash back on all purchases.  However, there is no cash bonus available, or 0% intro APR.  You can also earn unlimited 5% cash back on travel booked through Capital One.  This card has a much higher APR than it’s counterpart card. The APR on these cards start at 30.49%.
   • Capital One Savor Rewards Card – Capital one also offers 2 tiers of Savor cards for people with Good Credit and people with excellent credit.  Just like the Quicksilver card the Savor card offers a few more perks to people with excellent credit versus only good credit.
     1. SavorOne Rewards For Good Credit – With good credit you can get a card that offers unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocer stores, plus 1% on all other purchases.  You can earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases.
     2. Savor One Rewards – The Savor One rewards card is geared towards people with excellent credit.  This card offers all of the same rewards structure as the other card.  However with this card you can earn a $200 cash bonus once you spend $1,000 on purchases within the first 3 months.  This card also offers a 0% intro APR for 15 months and then a variable 19.99% – 29.99% APR after that.  Both cards do not have an annual fee.
5. Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
6. Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express
7. amazon rewards visa card
8. Paypal cashback Mastercard
9. TD Cash Credit Card
10. PNC Cash Rewards Visa

However many of the higher tiered credit cards offered by hotels come with an annual fee.  These annual fees can cut into some of the advantages of having and using a hotel credit card.  While cards with an annual fee typically come with better rewards many people try to avoid cards with fees as they may only use their cards when traveling and they find the fees not worth it.

If you’re looking for hotel credit cards with no annual fee here are 6 cards that fit the bill.

Hotel Credit Cards With No Annual Fee

1. Hilton Honors Card – Hilton Honors offers 3 different levels of cards issued by American Express. Two of the 3 cards they offer come with an annual fee of $95 and $450 respectively.  However the basic Hilton Honors card allows you to earn points on every day purchases with no annual fee.

Currently they’re offering a bonus of 70,000 points plus a free night’s stay if you spend over $1,000 within the first 3 months of opening the card.  Some of the built in benefits you’ll receive is automatic silver status in their rewards program, 7x bonus points at Hilton hotels, 5x bonus points at U.S. restaurants, gas stations and supermarkets and 3X points on all other purchases.

2. Marriott Bonvoy Bold – The Marriot Bonvoy Bold card is one of two cards that are offered by Marriott Hotel.  Both cards are issued by VISA with the Marriot Bonvoy Bold card coming with no annual fee.  Currently the Bonvoy Bold card offers the chance to earn up to a total of 100,000 bonus points towards discounts and stays at Marriot Hotels and with their partners.  You will earn 50,000 bonus points by spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 6 months of opening your account and an additional 50,000 points staying 6 nights at participating Marriot Hotels between now and 1/31/2024.

Other perks of the card include earning 14X points during hotel stays, how it works is you receive 3X points with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card, 10X points from Marriott Bonvoy as a loyalty member and 1x points from Marriott Bonvoy with Silver Elite Status.  You will also earn 2X points on other travel purchases and 1X points on all other purchases.  Lastly you’ll receive15 Elite Night Credits per calendar year which qualifies you for Elite Status.

3. IHG Rewards Traveler Credit Card – The IHG Rewards Traveler Credit Card is offered by IHG Hotels and Resorts.  The card they are offering is a Mastercard issued by Chase bank and does not have an annual fee.  Currently you can earn 80,000 bonus points after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months of opening your account.  This can equate to up to 2 free nights at 5,000 of their global location.

Other perks for using the card include up to 17X points while using the card at IHG Hotels and Resorts, 3X points on dining, utilities, select streaming services and at gas stations.   You automatically get Silver Elite status when you open your account but they’ll move you up to Gold Elite Status if you spend $20,000 on purchases each calendar year.  Card ownership will allow you to redeem 3 nights worth of points and receive a 4th night for free when booking consecutive nights.

A couple of hidden perks are really excellent as well.  You’ll receive baggage delay insurance of up to $100 a day for 3 days, lost luggae reimbursement of $3,000 per passenger, purchase protection and trip cancellation/trip interruption insurance when using your card for booking flights.

4. Best Western Rewards Mastercard – The Best Western Rewards Mastercard is Best Western’s credit card offering issued by Mastercard.  Best western offers to versions of its card, one without an annual fee and one with an annual fee of $89 a year.  The card with no annual fee offers a bonus of 40,000 points when spending $1,000 within the first 3 billing cycles of earning the card.  You’ll also receive 20,000 points when spending $5,000 every 12 billing cycles.

Owners of the card receive automatic Gold status in their reward program.  You’ll also receive 13X point on Best Western purchases, 2X point on all other purchases and exclusive member room rats.  Other perks include points which don’t expire, no blackout dates for using the rewards, access to an exclusive reservation line, and a Free FICO Score.

5. Wyndham Rewards Earner Card – The Wyndham Rewards Earner credit card is a card issued by Wyndham hotels for their loyalty program.  They only offer one credit card and the card does not have an annual fee.  Currently you can earn a bonus of 45,000 points by spending over $1,000 on purchases within the first 90 days of owning the card.  This can equate to up to 6 free nights as some of their hotel locations.

When you get approved for the card you will automatically receive a Wyndham Gold member level and receive free WiFi, preferred room selection, late checkout and more.  You receive 5X points on any hotel stays, 2X points on dining and grocery store purchases and 1x point on everything else.  Your points can be redeemed for free nights at Wyndham Rewards properties, online shopping, gift cards and more.   You can also receive up to 7,5000 bonus points each anniversary year if you spend 15,000 during the year.

6. Choice Privileges VISA Card – Choice Hotels has properties such as Comfort Inn, Sleep Inn, Quality Inn, and EconoLodge under their hotel umbrella.  They currently offer 2 different reward credit cards with the basic one having no annual fee.  If you signed up now and are approved for the card you will receive 60,000 bonus points if you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months.  This is enough to redeem for  up to 7 Reward nights as some of their select Choice Hotel properties.

You can receive up to 16X points for stays at participating choice hotel properties.  The 16X points will be a combination of 5X points for using your mastercard at participating hotels, 10X points for being a Choice Privileges member and 10% bonus points for Gold status which you receive for having the card.  You earn 3X points for purcahses at gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement stores and phone plans (including land lines and cell phones), and 1X points for all other spending.

Even though these cards do not have any annual fees it’s important to be responsible with your spending while using these cards as interest rates can be above 25% depending on your credit worthiness and debt profile.  You’ll also want to review all of the fine print when you receive your card to ensure that you’re receiving all of the benefits and points due to you when using these cards.

1. Marriott Bonvoy: Unveiling Luxury Rewards Marriott Bonvoy credit cards open the door to a constellation of esteemed brands. With these cards, you can enjoy exclusive benefits, rewards, and access to a diverse range of luxury properties. The interest rates for Marriott Bonvoy credit cards vary based on the specific card and issuer, so it’s essential to review the terms and conditions to understand the rates associated with each card. Qualification generally depends on factors such as credit history, income, and responsible financial behavior.

Marriot Bonvoy offers 4 levels of cards to those who qualify. They offer cards with either the Visa logo issued by Chase or the American Express logo, meaning these cards can be used anywhere.   Each card comes with a higher potential bonus points awarded depending on how much you spend during the first months that you have the card. The 4 cards offered within the Marriott Bonvoy program are –

• • Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card from Chase – You can earn up to 125,000 Bonus Points,
  • Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card from Chase – you can earn up to 100,000 bonus points,
  • Marriott Bonvoy Bevy America Express Card – potentially earn up to 175,000 bonus points, and the
  • Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card, which is the highest tiered card they have and where you can earn up to 200,000 bonus points.       

Each point is worth about .008 cents, this would mean that if you find a room that costs $151 a night it would cost you 17,000 points.  Therefore you could potentially stay at a hotel for free for 11 nights if you unlocked the top tier of bonus points.  However  3 of the 4 cards above come with an annual fee and you will need to spend a certain amount of money within the 6 months of owning the card.  For example the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card requires you to make $6,000 in purchases the first 6 months which get you 150,000 points, you can earn an additional 50K points if you spend 6 nights in one of their eligible locations and it comes with a $650 annual fee.

You can earn up to 6X points staying at Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 4X  points earing at restaurants worldwide (will vary depending on the card that you have) and on flights booked and 2X points on all other purchases.

Some of the other benefits the cards offer are Free Night awards each year after your 1 year anniversary, Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite Status and 15 elite Night Credits.

2. Hilton Honors: Unlocking VIP Privileges Hilton Honors credit cards provide an opportunity to elevate your stays at Hilton properties worldwide. These cards offer exclusive perks, upgrades, and access to unique experiences. The interest rates associated with Hilton Honors credit cards can vary, so it’s important to review the terms and conditions for each card to understand the specific rates. Qualifying for these cards typically involves meeting creditworthiness criteria, demonstrating stable income, and responsible credit usage.

Being a Hilton Honors member unlocks certain benefits depending on your membership level.  With the Hilton Honors Credit Card you get access to member benefits at a tier of Silver through Diamond depending on the card that you are accepted for.  Some of the benefits include guaranteed hotel discount rates, no resort fees on reward stays, digital key and checkout, ability to choose the room you stay in, plus point towards free night and available to spend with travel partners.

Hilton Honors offers 3 levels of cards all with the American Express logo:

• • Hilton Honors – No annual fee and an opportunity to earn 70,000 bonus points after yo spend $1,000 in eligible purchases on the card in the first 3 months.  This card grants you automatic silver status, no foreign transaction fees from American Express, and an opportunity to upgrade to Gold Status if you spend over 20,000 through the end of the calendar year.  You’ll also earn 7X Bonus Points and Hilton Hotels, 5X Bonus points and US restaurants, gas stations and supermarkets and 3X bonus points on all other eligible charges.
  • Hilton Honors Surpass – $95 annual fee with a chance to earn 130,000 bonus point and a free night reward after spending $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first 3 months of owning the card. This card grants you automatic Gold Status in the Hilton Honors program.  You can be moved to Diamond status with eligible purchases of over 40K for the year, and a free night reward with 15K spending in the year.  You also get 10 complimentary lounge visits each year of Priority Pass Select membership once enrolled.
  • Hilton Honors Aspire – $450 annual fee with a welcome offer of 150,000 bonus points after $4,000 in eligible purchased on the card within the first 3 months.  This card will grant you automatic Diamond Status in the Hilton Honors program. You also will earn a free night reward each year of card membership.  You get unlimited acces to Priority Pass Select lounge visits.  You may also receive $250 in statement credits each anniversary year and a $250 Airline Fee Credit, making thet $450 annual fee worth it!

Hilton Honors points are worth about .002 cents each which is about 4 times lower than Marriot points.

3. IHG One Rewards Club: A World of Possibilities IHG Rewards Club credit cards grant you access to a wide range of InterContinental Hotels Group properties. With these cards, you can earn valuable rewards, enjoy elite status benefits, and embark on unforgettable adventures. The interest rates for IHG Rewards Club credit cards may vary, so it’s advisable to review the terms and conditions provided by the issuer. Qualification generally depends on factors such as credit history, income, and responsible financial management.

IHG One Rewards have different tiers available.  These tiers range from Club Member, Silver Elite, Gold Elite, Platinum Elite and Diamond Elite.  Each tier offers late checkout of 2PM, free internet, ability to earn point for reward night and no blackout dates for Reward Nights.  The Club Member tier is the only tier where points expire.

The IHG Rewards credit cards off enhanced benefits and the ability to earn up to 26X points per dollar spent.  They offer 2 cards issued by Mastercard:

• • IHG Rewards Traveler Credit Card – This card does not come with an annual fee.  You can earn 80,000 points after spending $2,000 within the first 3 months of owning the card.  You earn up to 17X total points staying at IHG locations, 3X points on dining, utilities, internet, cable, and phone services.   You also earn 2X on all other purchases.  This card gets you automatic silver Elite status in IHG One Rewards.
  • IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card – This card does come with an annual fee, however the annual fee is only $99.  You will receive $140,000 bonus point after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months after opening the account.  You will also earn up to 26X total points staying at an IHG hotel, 5X points on travel, dining and at gas stations and 3X points on everything else.  This card get you Platinum Elite Status in the IHG One Rewards club.

Both cards offer the opportunity to move to the next teir (Gold, Diamond Elite) based on spending during the year.   You get an anniversary free night with each card and if you redeem 3 nights you get a 4th night free.   You can also get a statement credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexus of $100 every 4 years, a $50 United Airlines TravelBank Credit and you save 20% when you buy IHG rewards points.

With 80,000 points you can stay for free for 3 nights in places like Hotel Indigo in Miami, Crowne Plaza in Palo Alto or Crowne Plaza HY36 Midtown.

4. World of Hyatt: Unforgettable Moments Await World of Hyatt credit cards offer a gateway to exceptional experiences at Hyatt hotels and resorts. These cards provide complimentary nights, elite status perks, and a range of benefits tailored to enhance your travel. The interest rates associated with World of Hyatt credit cards may vary, so it’s crucial to review the specific terms and conditions.

The World of Hyatt loyalty program offers 4 different tiers for members.  Those tiers are Member, Discoverist, Explorist and Globalist.
Each of these tiers come with their own benefits and awards offered.  The Member tier is free to join and doesn’t require a stay in their hotel to become a member.  You move up in tier based on either nights you stay at a qualifying hotel or base points earned on qualifying purchases or having meetings or events at a hotel.   Membership includes points earnings, free nights, member rates, resort fee benefits and MGM Rewards.  

You can use your points free night stays, to pay for spas and dining at participating hotels or even turn your points into miles on 25 different participating airlines.  A World of Hyatt credit card offers a quick way to earn points that can be used as part of the World of Hyatt Loyalty program.   World of Hyatt only offers one credit card and is a platinum VISA card.

The World of Hyatt card comes with an annual fee of $95.   They currently have an offer of 30,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of opening the credit card.  You earn complimentary Discoverist status when opening a credit card with World of Hyatt.  You can earn 9X points for every dollar spent on a Hyatt stay or experience which includes their restaurants and spas.

You can earn 2X points on things like local transit and commuting, outside restaurants, cafes and coffee shops and purchasing flights directly from affiliated airlines.  For everything else you purchase with the card you’ll earn 1 bonus point per dollar spent.  The card gets you 1 free night at a Category 1 – 4 hotel each card anniversary, which is worth the annual fee alone.

5. Wyndham Rewards: Flexibility and Rewards Wyndham Rewards credit cards allow you to explore a diverse portfolio of hotels and earn valuable rewards. These cards offer flexible redemption options and the potential for exciting travel adventures. The interest rates for Wyndham Rewards credit cards can vary, and it’s advisable to review the terms and conditions for specific details.

The Wyndham Rewards program offers 4 tiers for members.  They have Blue, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond.  Blue is the automatic tier you are assigned when you sign up.  You are then able to move up to a higher tier based on the number of nights you stay in one of their hotels.  Gold is acquired after only 5 nights stay, Platinum is aquired after 15 nights and Diamond can be acquired after 40 nights.

All reward tiers offer member savings on booking prices, 10 points earned per dollar spent, Free night using as few as 7500 points , rollover free nights and free Wifi.  The rewards increase based on tiers with each tier offering more rewards.

Wyndham rewards offer two different levels of credit card.  They have Earner and Earner Plus and the cards are issued with the Visa logo.

• • Wyndham Rewards Earner Card – With the earner card you get a bonus of 45,000 which is enough for up to 6 free nights after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days.  You will also earn 2 points per $1 spent on eligible dining and grocery store purchases, 5 point per dollar spend on purchases make at Hotels by Wyndahm and 1 point per dollar spent on everything else.  With this card there is no annual fee and you are automatically given a Gold level in their rewards program.  You’ll also receive 7500 bonus points each year you spend 15,000 on qualifying purchases.
  • Wyndham Rewards Earner+ Card – The earner+ card is the higher tiered card and comes with an annual fee of $75.  If you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months you will also received 75,000 points after qualified purchases.  This card had the following perks for members, automatic platinum status, 6X points booking Hotels by Wyndham and gas, 4X points on dining and at grocery stores and 1x points on everything else. Also with this card you’ll receive 7,500 bonus points each year.

6. Choice Privileges: Tailoring Your Travel Experiences Choice Privileges credit cards allow you to curate your ideal travel experiences by earning valuable rewards, bonus points, and enjoying a range of benefits. The interest rates for Choice Privileges credit cards may vary, and it’s advisable to review the terms and conditions for specific details.

Similar to the Wyndham Rewards program Choice privilege offers 4 tiers of membership.  The tiers are Member, Gold, Platinum and Diamond.  All of the tier include exclusive member rates, Your Extras and them park discounts.  The higher level tier are earned based respectively on how many nights you stay at their hotels, 10 for Gold, 20 for Platinum, and 40 to obtain Diamond Status.  The 3 upper level tiers also allow you to rollover free nights.

Choice Privileges offers 2 credit cards both issued by MasterCard.  They have the Choice Privileges Mastercard and the Choice Privileges Select Mastercard.

Choice Privileges Mastercard – You can earn up to 60,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 month which can be used for up to 7 reward nights in certain properties.  There is no annual fee for this card.  You can earn up to 16X points per dollar when staying at their properties, 5X point at other participating properties, 10X points for being a choice privileges member and 10% bonus points as you will automatically receive Gold status in their rewards program.  You can earn 3X points at grocery stores and gas stations and cell phone purchases and 1X points on all other purchases.

Choice Privilege Select Mastercard – This card has a $95 annual fee (waived the first year) but comes with many more perks and points accumulations.   You can earn 90,000 bonus points when spending $3,000 in purchases the first 3 months which may be enough to redeem for up to 11 reward nights at select hotels.  When using this card you earn 22X points at participating hotels, 10X points at their other locations, 10X points for being a choice privileges member and 25% bonus points as you will be given Platinum membership status with this card.  On all other purchases you will earn 5X points on grocery store and gas station purchases and 1X points on everything else.

While not an exhaustive list of hotel credit cards and rewards programs these are some of the most popular with hotels located throughout the US and the world. The benefits of hotel credit cards can make owning a few perfect for your travel goals.   Hotel credit cards offer a wealth of benefits, rewards, and exclusive experiences that can transform your travel adventures. While interest rates and qualification requirements may vary, exploring the offerings of these 10 hotel chains can guide you toward the perfect credit card that aligns with your travel goals. Remember to review the terms and conditions of each credit card to fully understand the interest rates and eligibility criteria. By leveraging the power of hotel credit cards, you can elevate your travel experiences and unlock a world of extraordinary possibilities.

Companies such as Experian, Equifax and Transunion have both free and paid credit monitoring services.  The free services aren’t much different than what most credit card issuers provide to their customers.  Free services offer the ability to view your score(s), (for example Experian will allow you to see one version of your Experian score), alert you to credit inquiries and alert you when changes to your score take place.

These free services can be extremely useful when you’re trying to get your credit on track or if you’ve previously been a victim of fraudulent activity and you now want to be alerted to any activities that look suspicious.

You can sign up for free and you’ll receive alerts any time a credit check is run (these alerts will come immediately) or if there are changes to you score (this will usually be done on a weekly basis when you score is updated).  Services such as Credit Karma and Credit Monkey also offer credit monitoring and repair services for free.

In addition to the free offering these companies provide there are also higher tiered services that you can pay for on a monthly basis.  Despite the free offerings being available not all of the information you may want is available for free.  With Experian for example you’re able to see your Experian FICO 8 score, your total outstanding debt, your total open credit accounts as well as recent credit inquiries.  However you are not given insight into your other scores at the other credit bureaus which can vary, nor can you see other versions of your FICO score such as the scores lenders use to assess your mortgage credit worthiness.  Deeper insights into your full credit worthiness can be the difference between buying a home and being shut out of the home buying process.

Credit Karma does offer more information than what you receive from Equifax but even that may not be sufficient information depending on your needs.  With Credit Karma you will not have access to your Experian score, but you will have access to your Transunion and Equifax scores as well as a snap shot of your open credit lines and total debt.  Credit Karma also provides daily tips that you can use to improve your financial health. They offer things such as credit protection, data breach monitoring (useful for when your information appears in security breaches) as well as debt repayment calculators and mortgage refinance calculators.  They do not have a paid tier as the earn money by promoting affiliate offers for credit cards, mortgages, and mortgage refinancing.

So you’re probably wondering why you would pay for a service if you have access to so much information for free and generally are credit monitoring services worth it?

Here’s what Experian’s paid service offers for $24.99 a month.

1. Access to all 3 FICO reports. Not only will you see your Experian score, you will also see your Transunion and Equifax scores updated on a monthly basis.

2. Credit monitoring for all 3 credit bureaus.

3. Daily FICO scores

4. Experian credit lock (useful for if you need to shut down your credit and attempts to open new accounts immediately)

5. Identity protection and alerts

6. Up to 1 million Identity Theft Insurance

7. Lost Wallet Assistance.

I personally do not think that the services they offer are worth the hefty monthly fee for the additional services.  Most people will be fine with the free services and the ability to keep an eye on one of your FICO scores on a daily basis.  Also, credit cards themselves offer free credit monitoring and the ability to lock your cards if you lose your wallet and want to make sure no one else can use your cards.

Additionally everyone in the United States is entitled to a free credit report from all three credit bureaus each year.  I would keep this option open and only use it when I was planning to make a big purchase such as a house or a car.  Requesting your report in advance will ensure that you aren’t hit with any surprises when it’s time to make a purchase.  You can simply go to www.annualcreditreport.com and request a copy of your credit report from the different agencies.

For now sign up with both Credit Karma and Experian and start keeping an eye on your credit scores.  Then when you’re in the planning stages of making a purchase request a copy of your credit report and remove any lingering items that you can.

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How much money do I need to save before I buy a house?

A credit card is a plastic card issued by the banks that allows you to borrow money from the bank. The borrower can spend up to a limit set on this card within a specified period. You usually pay the borrowed amount in one or two installments with interest before getting your next salary cheque. This way, you get a short-term loan without having to queue up at the bank for hours or deal with a broker!

Credit cards are essentially small loans made to you by the credit card issuer. The interest rate on your card is often very high, but it allows you to have access to instant cash when you need it without having to wait for weeks before getting a bank loan.

These days, even online shopping sites offer free shipping if you pay using your credit card.

Why do I need a credit card?

You need a credit card for several reasons. One reason could be that you are currently working in another country. Still, you would like to make online purchases without having to go through the hassle of getting an international debit or credit card. Another reason could be that your bank does not provide home foreign currency loans, and you want to borrow against a fixed deposit. Or maybe you want to buy a pair of jeans in your favorite shop and pay for it in easy installments.

Whatever the reason, credit cards offer you this advantage: they allow you to borrow money without having to go through a lengthy process! However, be warned – lending through credit cards is very expensive and not recommended unless necessary. Before applying for a credit card, check with your bank first. Some banks offer special discounts on standard credit cards if you have an account with them!

What’s the difference between a credit card and a charge card?

A charge card is different from a credit card in that it does not allow you to carry forward your balance. In other words, if you don’t pay fully for something charged on your card, you cannot carry forward the unpaid amount as an outstanding balance and make minimum payments. You have to pay off your entire due balance before you can use your card again.

What is the best credit card to get for a beginner

One of the most confusing things about getting your first credit card can be which one to get. There are so many different options out there, and each one has its benefits and drawbacks. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about choosing a credit card, whether you’re looking for rewards points or cashback, low-interest rates, or no annual fee.

Types of Credit Cards

Before you go out and get a credit card, it’s helpful to know the different types of cards available. There are two main categories: store-issued credit cards and bank-issued ones. Store cards offer exclusive shopping promotions, but they tend to carry higher interest rates. They may also have specific repayment terms, like requiring that you make a minimum payment each month. You could end up spending more than you can afford if you make only the minimum monthly payments. Many store cards don’t let you transfer your balance to another card, which means you won’t be able to take advantage of 0% intro APR offers or other perks.

Bank-issued credit cards are generally more flexible. They often have lower interest rates, better repayment terms, and the ability to transfer your balance if you need it. Some cards even offer rewards programs to incentivize spending, or they may help you build up your credit with a manageable introductory APR period.

How to choose the right card for you

There are hundreds of different credit cards to choose from, but choosing the right one for your needs can help you save money and build up good credit.

Choosing the right card type

The first thing you’ll need to do is decide which type of card you want.

Retail cards: Retail store credit cards offer great rewards and incentives to spend at the issuing retailer’s shops. These can be a good choice if you frequently shop at one store, but they tend to charge high interest rates and fees for late payments.

Bank-issued credit cards: Bank-issued credit cards generally come with lower interest rates and more flexible repayment terms. They also typically have a better rewards program than retail cards, which means they may offer more value for your spending. Before you choose a bank-issued credit card, you’ll need to decide if you’re looking for cash back or travel points.

Choosing the right features

Once you’ve decided on the type of credit card you want, it’s time to choose the features that will help you get the most out of your spending.

One thing to consider is whether you’ll pay interest on your purchases – if so, it can be helpful to look for a card with a low APR. You may also want to prioritize cards that come with perks like travel insurance or purchase protection.

Rewards credit cards offer cash back, travel points, or merchandise for spending on your card. They tend to have higher fees and interest rates than other cards, but they are often the best choice if you don’t carry a balance from month to month.

If you want flexibility with repayment terms, choose a credit card that allows you to make 0% APR introductory payments. These offers are typically for an initial period of six months or longer. Still, they can give you the time you need to pay off your balance without incurring additional interest charges.

Choosing a credit card with no annual fee

Many store-issued cards charge expensive fees for spending on your credit card. For example, cards at warehouse clubs can charge as much as $55 per year for the privilege of carrying their plastic.

If you spend a lot on your credit card each year, those fees can add up quickly and negate any savings you might get from store promotions.

It’s always a good idea to check whether there is an annual fee on a credit card before applying. You can also avoid paying fees by using a no-fee credit card, which is typically easier to get than a store credit card.

Choosing the right issuer

It’s important to remember that not all issuers offer good card options.

Your priority should always be to make sure the card issuer is a member of the major credit reporting agencies. If they’re not, you won’t be able to get a FICO score for your account, and that can limit future opportunities to get new cards or buy things with credit.

Another thing to consider when choosing a card issuer is whether they offer proprietary perks. Some issuers have special cardholder programs with unique benefits or discounts, so it’s worth looking at these features when comparing credit cards.

How to choose your credit line

Once you know all of the available features on a given credit card, it’s time to pick the one that best fits your lifestyle. Most issuers offer customers several different credit limit options to choose from, so choosing the right one is an essential part of getting a good deal on your card.

If you’re someone who likes to use your card for large purchases and pay it off every month, you’ll want to look for a high credit line with low fees. That way, you can maximize your rewards and avoid paying interest on your purchases.

If you’re new to credit or you plan on carrying a balance from month to month, it’s best to start with a low credit line and work your way up.

Conclusion

Choosing the right credit card for your needs can help you save money and build up good credit. It is important to remember that a low annual fee should be one of your top priorities when looking at different cards. The issuer also plays a vital role in selecting the best card, so make sure to research which companies have been around long enough to offer quality service before signing any contracts or making purchases with them. In addition, choosing debit or charge, Visa will give you more purchasing power than a traditional bank account would allow- but only if you can pay off those balances every month! We hope this article has given you some helpful information about choosing the best credit card for your needs.

1. Earning rates

Cash back cards generally offer at least 1 percent cash back on all purchases, while mile-based cards often only reward you for spending in certain categories. For example, Aeroplan® offers 2 miles per $1 spent on Air Canada family flights and purchases made through Star Alliance™ carriers, so your earning rate may vary depending on what you buy. With most cash back cards offering unlimited earnings without caps or restrictions, it is easier to earn rewards with them than miles-based cards.

2. Redemption rates

You can redeem cash back rewards at any time, but miles are typically more flexible. With some mileage programs, you have to book your travel before you can redeem points for tickets. Other programs let you choose your seat at the time of booking, while some offer even more flexibility by allowing you to change or cancel flights without penalty fees.

3. Number of partners

Cashback cards typically have fewer partner program options than mile-based cards. For example, American Express has over 20 partners in its Membership Rewards program and only one partner in its cash back program (the Blue Business℠ Plus Credit Card). Aeroplan, on the other hand, has over 30 airline partners and four different hotel partners where members can earn and their rewards.

4. Blackout dates

Cash back cards typically have fewer blackout dates when using points for your travel. This is because points are worth a certain amount of cash back or miles, according to the rates assigned by the issuer. You can redeem these points at any time, regardless of whether there are seats available on an airline. Miles, however, can only be redeemed after you’ve booked your ticket in full – any additional taxes and fees must be paid with additional miles in some cases. For example, American Express requires that you use 20 percent more miles if you wish to fly with Air Canada during peak travel times (between December 15 and January 5) due to increased demand during the Christmas holidays.

5. Extending expiration dates

Some mileage programs let you extend the expiration dates of your miles, but this is usually time-consuming. For example, you can enroll in your Aeroplan account at any time to receive bonus miles every year on your membership anniversary. However, after receiving these bonus miles, you must book a flight within 90 days, or else the miles will expire – it’s, therefore, easier to let them expire if you aren’t traveling during that timeframe than to extend their validity. Most cash back cards do not have deadlines for using your cash back.

6. Bonuses

Many cash back cards offer sign-up bonuses to provide you with extra value. If you spend a certain amount during the first three months of opening a card, you’ll receive a bonus on a portion of your purchases, allowing you to boost your earnings for the first few months after opening an account with that issuer. Aeroplan offers two different welcome bonuses: one for new accounts and another for existing members who want to transfer their points from another program. In contrast, most mile-based rewards programs do not have sign-up bonuses or loyalty benefits that reward current cardholders – they only reward new customers for spending with them each year.

7. Account age

Cash back cards are best for frequent travellers with evolving needs, since most mileage programs change their redemption rules every few years. For example, British Airways originally offered special deals to members wanting to redeem Avios points for business or first-class tickets on American Airlines flights before reversing its decision in 2016 due to high demand for these seats. If you have a cash back card, the issuer won’t restrict your ability to use your rewards as you want – but redemption values will usually decrease over time as more people take advantage of certain deals. With mile-based cards, they typically don’t offer benefits based on how long you’ve had their program – they are simply tied to how much you spend each year instead.

Conclusion paragraph: If you don’t want to spend all your time collecting miles, this might be the reward program for you. Cash back is often a much easier way to earn rewards and still get something out of it! I hope these tips will help make spending money more enjoyable – or at least not as bad as before. Good luck on your shopping endeavors – may they always lead to cash back!

Travel rewards take the form of miles or points. They are earned when you make eligible purchases with a credit card. These rewards continue to accumulate as you spend more on your credit card. Though the rewards that are earned can vary quite significantly from one credit card to the next, most people report that they save a good bit of money each year by redeeming their travel rewards.

One of the best things about travel rewards is the fact that they are earned on purchases that you would be making regardless. The rewards can be redeemed for various types of travel expenses. This fact raises a common question that people want to know about this topic. What can you use travel rewards for?

What Can You Use Travel Rewards For?

Travel rewards are a lot of fun to earn and they can also allow you to enjoy yourself to the fullest when you travel. These rewards are the perfect resource for saving you money on an amazing trip. They can be used toward the expenses of a luxury vacation that you might not normally be willing to spend cash on. Some of the expenses that you can use your travel rewards for include:

Airfare

Airfare is one of the most popular uses for travel rewards. It is no secret that the cost of flights can be one of the biggest expenses that you have to deal with when traveling. It is for this reason that using travel rewards on airfare can be such a big money saver. It is not uncommon to practically get a free flight if you have saved up enough travel rewards that you then put toward your airfare costs.

Car Rentals

Renting a car can make your next vacation a more enjoyable one. Having a car while you are traveling can allow you to more fully experience the destination that you have traveled to. At the same time, car rental expenses can accumulate quickly and end up costing you a lot of money. For this reason, it is common for many individuals to use their travel rewards to pay for the convenience of having a rental car during their trip.

Hotels

Hotels are another primary travel cost that is often covered through the use of travel rewards. Using your travel rewards to book a luxury hotel stay can dramatically enhance the experience that you have on your next vacation.

Cruises

Another great way to use your travel rewards is to put them toward the cost of a luxury cruise experience. A luxury cruise to exciting destinations can leave you with memories that will last a lifetime and those memories can be further enhanced knowing that your expenses were covered through the travel rewards points that you earned through making routine purchases on your credit card.

Luxury Vacation Packages

There are a lot of amazing luxury vacation packages that are currently available. Many travelers choose to go the all-inclusive route when booking their next vacation and travel rewards can be put toward this kind of experience as well. Using travel rewards is a great way to treat yourself to a luxury vacation package that you might not normally feel comfortable spending the money on.

It Is Tempting to Save Rewards, But There Is a Strong Argument That You Should Use Them

It is a common practice for many people to continue to save travel rewards for a long period. Though there is some degree of merit to this, there is also an argument to be made for the benefit of using them rather than continuing to hold them. You should always remember that inflation applies to your travel rewards in the same way that it does to any other financial matter. If you hold onto your rewards too long, you are always taking the risk that they will cover less of your travel expenses. Beyond this, you should remember that travel rewards offer you the opportunity to make amazing new memories that you might not normally have the chance to enjoy. It is a good idea to save up your rewards sufficiently so that you can enjoy the vacation that you have been dreaming of, but it is also important for you to actually take that vacation rather than sitting on your rewards when you could simply be enjoying them.