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How Do Cash Back Credit Cards Work

Jeff Opdyke

Cash back credit cards have become standard in the credit card world. With each purchase, you’re earning money that you can ultimately use to reduce your credit card balance, or which you can direct into your bank account to use for other spending desires.

So, here’s everything you need to know about how these cards work.

This article will cover

How Cash Back Credit Cards Work

Let’s say you buy an airline ticket to fly to Europe on holiday, and it costs $700. If you put that expense on a credit card that offers 2% cash back, then you will earn $14 that will show up as a cash back balance on your credit card statement.

Typically, your credit card company will pay the balance to you annually, though you will find some cards that pay you back monthly.

That money you accumulate will usually reduce your credit card balance when your credit card company releases the funds to you. In some instances, you can have the balance dump directly into your bank account, or you can convert the cash balance into points or vouchers that you can use for travel expenses and other purposes.

Note: You will NOT receive any cash back rewards for a balance transfer or for a cash advance. People always ask that, but, alas, that’s a no-go.

Different Types of Cash Back Credit Cards

Though all cash back cards are built on the same premise – giving money back to you, based on your spending – not all cards are identical.

Several types of cash back cards exist, and each has its own unique traits.

The three most common types of cash back cards are:

Flat-Rate Cash Back Cards

Just what it sounds like: You earn a flat rate on every dollar you spend. Today, that’s typically 1.5%, as with the Capital One Quicksilver card … though with the Citi Double Cash® Card you earn 2% (1% when you buy, and 1% when you pay). Neither card charges an annual fee.

The downside with a flat-rate card is that you have no opportunity to earn higher bonus rates that are now common among bonus-category cash back cards. These bonus rates can be particularly enriching if you spend frequently in certain categories.

Bonus-Category Cash Back Cards

These cards offer higher bonuses – typical 2% to as much as 6% – for spending in one or two particular categories, while offering a flat-rate for spending on everything else.

A good example is the American Express Blue Cash Preferred card. You earn 6% cash back at supermarkets (up to $6,000 in grocery purchases each year; basically $500 a month), and 3% at U.S. gas stations. On everything else, you earn a flat 1%.

The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards card, meanwhile, pays you 4% cash back on dining and entertainment and 2% at grocery stores, and 1% on everything else. Plus, if comes with a $500 sign-up bonus after you spend $3,000 in the first three months.

The point here is that if you know there are certain categories in which you regularly or frequently spend a sizeable amount, then a bonus-category card is probably a good choice for you.

Just be aware that the bonus rate might not apply to all of your purchases. As with the Blue Cash Preferred card mentioned above, you only earn the bonus rate on spending up to a certain amount each year.

Rotating Bonus-Category Cash Back Cards

These are very similar to the bonus-category cards I just mentioned. But instead of limiting your bonus opportunities to an unchanging one or two spending categories, the categories rotate, usually quarterly.

So, for instance, in one quarter you might get 5% cash back every time you buy gas. Then, in the next quarter, you’ll earn 5% every time you shop at the grocery story.

The thing is, you don’t choose the categories. Your credit card issuer does, and usually publicizes the categories – and the quarter in which they will be active – at the beginning of the year. And be aware that you might have to log into your account and activate the category each quarter.

The downside with such cards is that you might have no spending in certain categories. For instance, I live in a city with fabulous mass transit, so I have no need for a car, and, thus, no need for 5% cash back on gasoline purchases, since I never buy gas.

For that reason, a bonus-rate card tied to a particular category might make much more sense.

Among the rotating bonus-category cards, two of the best are:

What’s the Best Cash Back Credit Card?

Choosing which card is right for you is entirely a function of your spending, or a function of where you expect to begin spending in the near future.

So, for instance, if you know you are moving to the suburbs and will be buying a car for your new commute into the city, earning rewards with a bonus-category card that pays you more for gas-station purchases is likely a wise choice.

If, on the other hand, you just want a simple rewards card that pays you a flat-rate regardless of where you spend, then that Citi Double Cash® Card paying you 2% on every purchase might make a lot of sense.

Or, if you are happy earning 1% with the opportunity to supersize your cash back in different categories each quarter, then a rotating bonus-category card such as the Chase Freedom card is probably a good bet.

Is there a Best Cash Back Card?

No.
Because everyone’s needs are different.

That said, here are some recommendations based on what might fit your spending patterns:

How do I Claim my Cash Back?

As with everything, you have several options:

Cash Back Rewards Tips

1. Seek a sign-up bonus
Look for cards that offer a sign-up bonus, or be sure to ask your card provider if one is available. Sign-up bonuses currently run between $150 and as much as $500.

2. Read the fine print
You want to know, for instance, if and how your card issuer can lower cash back amounts … or what you need to do to earn the sign-up bonus or if you must enroll in each quarterly bonus category.

3. Grab the biggest cash back you can
Generally speaking, get a card that offers the biggest rewards – those paying you 1.5% to 2% in cash back.

4. Take advantage of yourself
Know your own spending habits and look for a cash back rewards card that pays you the most for the things you buy most often.

5. Pay your bills on time
Pay your credit card bill on time, even if it’s just the minimum payment. Depending on your card issuer, you can lose cash back rewards for late payments (another reason to read the fine print).

6. Know if your rewards expire
This isn’t common, but some cash back rewards can expire if not used or claimed within a certain period of time. (Once again, the fine print is your friend here).

Summary and a question

Cash back reward cards can be a great way to earn money while you spend on your normal, everyday purchases.

Just be sure you’re applying for the card that best meets your spending patterns, or that offers you the rewards that are best for your desires.

And remember: You will not get rewards for cash advances or balance transfers, so it’s pointless to play that game.

We want to know: Have you had any bad experiences with a cash back reward card?

Or where you disappointed in some way?

Let us know in the comments below!