Catching your favorite show or movie via streaming service is commonplace in this day and age â especially during the COVID-19 pandemic â and doing so using a smart device other than a standard computer has gained popularity in recent years.
In fact, 2020 data out of the Leichtman Research Group found that 80% of T.V.-owning households in the U.S. have at least one internet-connected T.V. device â from streaming devices like the Roku Streaming Stick to video game consoles like Nintendo Switch to standard smart T.V.s. And with the uptick in internet-connected T.V. devices, one can assume the popularity of streaming services (coupled with Americans’ ever-heightening presence online) may have something to do with it.
As the popularity of streaming services grows, U.S. households are increasingly cutting the cord with cable
Research published as recently as this year by the Leichtman Research Group indicates that â82% of U.S. households have at least one streaming video serviceâ from 11 of the top direct-to-consumer and subscription-based video-on-demand services â a slight increase from its 2019 findings.
At the same time, numerical estimates from eMarketer forecast that an additional 6.6 million U.S. households will âcut the cordâ with cable T.V. subscriptions in 2021, bringing the projected total number of U.S. cord-cutters to 31.2 million.
Overall, it can be inferred that the COVID-19 pandemic could have something to do with these numbers as Americans look for more ways to stay entertained while under stay-at-home orders.
Got streaming subscriptions? A rewards card can help
If you happen to be juggling streaming service subscriptions for personal use â or even to stream calming tunes at your small business or within your (virtual) second-grade classroom, for example â odds are you’re spending a decent amount on these services per month. And while financial tools like a rewards credit card can be helpful, streaming services probably arenât the first bonus category you check for when scoping out the most ârewardingâ card options.
Since these purchases likely make up less of your budget, it makes sense that they wonât be your first priority. Thankfully, though, many great rewards and cash back credit cards now include streaming service bonuses in addition to their ongoing rewards and perks. Hereâs a quick look at some of our favorite cards that reward streaming.
Wells Fargo Propel American Express® card*: Best for earning rewards on streaming with no annual fee
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Best for earning rewards on streaming with an ongoing annual fee
Discover it® Cash Back: Best for rotating category enthusiasts
Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature card: Best for Amazon Prime loyalists
U.S. Bank Altitude Go Card: Best for everyday spending
U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Card: Best for streaming credit
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card*: Best for dinner and a movie
Best for earning rewards on streaming (no annual fee): Wells Fargo Propel
For cardholders who prefer a rewards card with no annual fee, the Wells Fargo Propel American Express card is a great option. It offers 3X points per dollar on dining, travel and transit, gas station purchases and select streaming services. Cardholders also earn 1X point per dollar on other purchases. Based on the average person’s spending habits, we estimate this card offers an average rewards rate of 1.78 points per dollar, one of the highest rates you can find on a card with no annual fee.
Wells Fargo Propel American Express® card*
Why should you get this card?
The Wells Fargo Propel card is one of the best no-annual-fee travel cards on the market, thanks to its 3X point bonus.
Read full review
Other things to know:
3X points per dollar on dining, travel and transit, gas station purchases and select streaming services; 1X point per dollar on other purchases
20,000 points if you spend $1,000 in first 3 months
$0 annual fee
No foreign transaction fee
If you were to spend $29 a month on streaming services, you’d earn 1,044 points annually with this card. That’s just over $10 a year in cash back from streaming purchases.
Streaming services eligible for bonus rewards on Wells Fargo Propel
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This card’s video streaming service category includes a number of popular providers. Eligible partners include Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney+, HBO Now and more. You can also earn rewards on eligible music streaming services, including Apple Music, Spotify Premium and Pandora. With so many providers included, it’s easy to rack up points on your subscriptions.
Other card perks to consider
Beyond offering a good rate on streaming services, the Wells Fargo Propel comes with several other perks that make it a valuable option. New cardholders can enjoy a generous sign-up bonus of 20,000 points for spending $1,000 in the first three months. Plus, the Propel cardâs bonus categories are particularly valuable for frequent travelers, as they include gas stations, transit, travel and dining purchases.
Best for earning rewards on streaming (with an ongoing annual fee): Blue Cash Preferred
The Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express is a great choice for cardholders looking to earn cash back on streaming service purchases, and the card’s terrific ongoing rewards rate should make it easy to offset the $95 annual fee after the first year.
You’ll earn 6% cash back on U.S. supermarket purchases (for up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% on transit and U.S. gas station purchases, and 1% on general purchases.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Why should you get this card?
The Blue Cash Preferred card helps take the sting out of long commutes by offering a generous point bonus on U.S. gas station spending, and it offers one of the highest cash back bonuses you can get when you use your card at U.S. supermarkets.
Read full review
Other things to know:
6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 in purchases per year, then 1%), 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit purchases and 1% cash back on other purchases
$150 statement credit if you spend $3,000 in first 6 months
20% back on Amazon.com purchases in first 6 months, up to $200 back
Free ShopRunner membership
$95 annual fee is waived the first year
Terms apply
The 6% cash back on streaming services is the most generous bonus on this category currently available among rewards cards â especially since there is no cap on how much you can earn. If, like the average person, you pay about $29 each month on various services, you can earn more than $20 a year in cash back on those purchases alone.
Streaming services eligible for cash back on Blue Cash Preferred
The Blue Cash Preferred card also boasts a robust list of eligible streaming services, including popular options like Apple TV+, Netflix, Hulu, SlingTV, Spotify and Disney+, as well as HBO Max.
Keep in mind, however, that according to Amex, “If your subscription is bundled with another product or service or billed by a third party (such as a digital platform, a cable, telecommunications, or internet provider or a car manufacturer), your purchase may not be eligible.”
In other words, if you have an add-on subscription to a service like HBO included as part of your cable service, you won’t earn bonus rewards even if you pay that bill with the Blue Cash Preferred.
Other card perks to consider
On top of the highest rate of cash back currently available for streaming services, the Blue Cash Preferred offers a top-tier rate on U.S. supermarket purchases (6% on up to $6,000 in purchases a year, then 1%). If you spend a lot on groceries each month, this card is one of the most rewarding options available. Even with the $6,000 per year spend cap, you can rack up quite a bit of cash back.
Best for rotating category enthusiasts: Discover it Cash Back
If you enjoy tracking quarterly rotating categories for higher cash back rates, the Discover it Cash Back might be your card of choice. The Discover it Cash Back publishes its quarterly rotating categories ahead of time.
In 2021, the Spring (April to June, activate starting March 1, 2021) categories include select streaming services. During the Spring quarter, if activated, you can earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in purchases per quarter in the bonus categories, then 1% after that. If you miss the Spring bonus quarter this year, keep an eye out to see if itâs offered again next year.
Discover it® Cash Back
Why should you get this card?
The Discover it® Cash Back offers rotating quarterly rewards category, plus no annual fee.
Read full review
Other things to know:
Enroll every quarter to earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in purchases in various categories throughout the year
1% cash back on general purchases
$0 annual fee
Streaming services eligible for cash back on Discover it Cash Back
The following streaming services are eligible in this category: Apple Music and Apple TV+, YouTube TV, Spotify, Disney+, HBO Max, AT&T TV Now, HBO Max, Hulu, Netflix, Pandora, BET+, CBS All Access, DAZN, ESPN+, Fubo TV, Google Play Movies & TV, Philo, Peacock TV, Showtime, Sirius XM, Starz, Sling and Vudu.
Note that if your subscription is bundled with another product or service billed by a third party, it may not be eligible in this category. The same goes for add-ons on select streaming services if they arenât on the list of eligible services.
Other card perks to consider
The Discover it Cash Back card offers other great perks, including a sign-up bonus that matches your cash back at the end of your first year of card membership. In addition, it comes with a $0 annual fee and multiple easy options for how you can redeem your rewards.
Best for Amazon Prime Video loyalists: Amazon Prime Rewards card
The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature card is designed with Amazon fans in mind, making it one of the best options if your streaming service of choice is Amazon Prime Video. The card earns 5% cash back on Amazon.com and Whole Foods purchases (including your Amazon Prime membership), 2% cash back on restaurant, gas station and drugstore purchases, and 1% cash back on everything else. In order to qualify for the card, an Amazon Prime membership is required â but the cardâs 5% rewards rate can help offset the fee.
Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature card
Why should you get this card?
The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature card offers a great 5% rate on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases.
Read full review
Other things to know:
5% cash back on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases, 2% back on restaurant, gas station and drugstore purchases. and 1% back on other purchases
$70 Amazon gift card when you sign up
No foreign transaction fees
Streaming services eligible for cash back on Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature
While Amazon Prime is technically the only streaming platform eligible for rewards, the Amazon Prime Rewards card should prove surprisingly flexible if you want to juggle multiple subscriptions. In addition to your Prime membership (which includes Prime Video and Amazon Music), you’ll earn 5% back on all Prime Video rentals and purchases, as well as on any subscriptions you add to your membership through Amazon Prime Video Channels.
With Amazon Prime Video Channels, you can choose from more than 100 add-on video subscriptions, including premium channels like HBO and niche channels like PBS Masterpiece. Here is a brief selection of Prime Video Channels, all of which earn 5% back when added to your Prime Video account:
Acorn TV
BET+
BritBox
Cheddar
Cinemax
Epix
Hallmark Movies Now
HBO
Lifetime Movie Club
MLB.TV
NBA League Pass
Paramount+
PBS Masterpiece
PBS Kids
Showtime
Starz
Shudder
Sundance Now
To earn rewards on these add-on subscriptions and any video rentals or purchases, be sure your Amazon Prime Rewards card is set as your default payment method for Prime Video. You can adjust this setting in the “Your Payments” section of your account, under “Settings” â or change your payment method for Prime Video Channels in the “Manage Your Prime Video Channels” section of your account.
Other card perks to consider
The Amazon Prime Visa also makes a great grocery card for users who live near a Whole Foods location. The 5% cash back you earn on these purchases is one of the best grocery rates available. Additionally, youâll get a $70 Amazon gift card just for signing up. While this is not the highest sign-up bonus available among rewards cards, it doesnât require you to meet any spend requirement, and youâll be able to take advantage of the perk immediately.
Best for everyday spending: U.S. Bank Altitude Go Card
If you want to earn rewards on an array of everyday expenses, including streaming services, the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Card is a terrific option without paying an annual fee. Along with the 4X points per dollar you’ll earn on takeout, dining and food delivery purchases, youâll earn 2X points per dollar at grocery stores, grocery delivery, gas stations and streaming services, then 1X point per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
U.S. Bank Altitude Go Card
Why should you get this card?
It charges no annual fee, offers an impressive rewards rate on a variety of everyday purchases and comes with the added perk of an annual streaming credit.
Read full review
Other things to know:
4X points per dollar on dining, 2X points per dollar on grocery store, gas station and streaming service purchases, then 1X point per dollar on other purchases
20,000-point bonus when you spend $1,000 in first 90 days
Includes an introductory APR on balance transfers and new purchases
No annual fee
On top of its ongoing rewards on streaming service purchases, the card offers a unique annual streaming credit: When you make 11 consecutive calendar month eligible streaming service purchases, youâll receive a $15 credit (automatic statement credit will be applied within two statement billing cycles following the eleventh month; you are eligible for this credit once per 12-month period).
Streaming services eligible for bonus rewards and credit on U.S. Bank Altitude Go Card
While U.S. Bank does not offer a full list of eligible streaming services, it’s safe to assume based on how merchant category codes are typically assigned that services like Amazon Music, Apple Music, AT&T TV Now, Disney+, Google Music, Hulu, Netflix, Pandora, SiriusXM, Slacker Radio, Sling TV, Spotify, Tidal, Vudu, YouTube Music and YouTube TV are included.
Other card perks to considerinstant card number on approval. As soon as you’re approved, you can load your card number into your favorite mobile wallet and start earning rewards instead of waiting for it in the mail. You can also use the card to pay off a transferred balance or finance new purchases â a major plus considering how difficult balance transfer offers can be to come by.
students with a limited credit history can also enjoy streaming service perks with the Journey Student Rewards from Capital One. You can earn up to $60 in streaming service credits: $5 per month for 12 months on select subscriptions when you pay on time. Some exclusions apply, but popular services like Prime Video, Disney+ and Netflix are included.
Best for streaming credit: U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Card
The streaming service earning on the newly launched U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Card is pay, but it makes up for it with a slightly higher credit of $30 for annual streaming service purchases. Plus, you can still rack up plenty of rewards with the card’s 4X rate on gas and travel, 2X on groceries (including grocery delivery), dining and streaming services and 1X on everything else.
U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature®
Why should you get this card?
The new U.S. Bank Altitude Connect offers a leading rewards rate on gas and travel, and its TSA Precheck/Global Entry application fee credit can help offset the annual fee.
Other things to know:
4 points per dollar on travel and at gas stations
2 points per dollar at grocery stores and on grocery delivery, dining and streaming services
1 point per dollar on all other purchases
50,000 points when you spend $3,000 in the first 120 days
$95 annual fee (waived the first year)
$30 credit for annual streaming service purchases such as Netflix and Spotify
Receive up to $100 in statement credits for reimbursement toward your TSA Precheck or Global Entry application fee once every four years.
No foreign transaction fees
While the card does offer 2X ongoing rewards on streaming service purchases, the annual streaming credit offers the real value. Like with the Altitude Go Card, you just need to make 11 consecutive calendar month eligible streaming service purchases, and then you’ll receive a $30 statement credit.
Streaming services eligible for bonus rewards and credit on U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Card
There is not a full list of eligible streaming services publicly available, but services like Amazon Music, Netflix, Pandora and YouTube TV are said to qualify.
Other card perks to consider
In addition to its high earning rate on travel and gas purchases, the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect card comes with a statement credit of up to $100 to cover your TSA Precheck or Global Entry application fee. Since the annual fee on this card is only $95 (waived in the first year), you can easily offset the cost on the years you use this credit. (Note, membership to these programs last five years.)
Best for dinner and a movie: Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards card has long been a favorite for foodies, thanks to its generous earning rate on both dining and grocery store purchases. But this fan-favorite recently got an upgrade â and with it a new, enhanced rate on streaming service purchases.
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
Why should you get this card?
The Capital One Savor card offers one of the best cash back rates on dining and entertainment purchases combined.
Read full review
Other things to know:
8% cash back on tickets at Vivid Seats through January 2023
4% cash back on dining, entertainment and streaming services
3% cash back at grocery stores
1% cash back on other purchases
$300 if you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months
$95 annual fee
Streaming services eligible for bonus rewards and credit on Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
There is not a full list of eligible streaming services publicly available, but services like Hulu, Disney+ and Netflix are said to qualify.
Other card perks to consider
The Savor card also recently enhanced its earning rate on grocery store purchases, making it more valuable for those who prefer eating in to dining out. So whether you’d rather order takeout (earning 4% cash back) or stock up for cooking your own meal (3% cash back), the Savor will reward you for your next movie night.
Final thoughts
While streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube TV or Tidal might not make up the biggest part of your monthly budget, you can still bring in great rewards on your membership fees by choosing the right rewards card. Whether you prefer a dining, grocery or travel card, you can combine rewards on various purchases with a streaming bonus to maximize points or cash back.
*All information about the Wells Fargo Propel American Express card and Capital One Savor Cash Rewards card has been collected independently by CreditCards.com and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
On Jan. 20, Chase announced a new card design option for the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature card featuring Whole Foods Market art and added a limited-time sign-up bonus offer for those who prefer to shop at Whole Foods in-store.
Amazon has become a leader in grocery shopping during the pandemic, with consumers avoiding grocery stores due to health safety concerns â not to mention the convenience of shopping from a web browser. Amazon Prime members can enjoy speedy free delivery, as well as get access to online shopping at Whole Foods Market and special member deals when shopping in-store.
They can also count on extra savings if they carry the Amazon Prime Rewards card from Chase â or if theyâre looking to apply in the next few weeks.
Hereâs what you need to know.
Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature card
Our rating: 3.8Â out of 5 Score required: Good to excellent Type of card: Cash back Spending categories: Amazon, Whole Foods, restaurants, gas stations, drug stores
5% back on Amazon.com and Whole Foods purchases
2% back on restaurant, gas station and drug store purchases
1% back on other purchases
$70 Amazon.com gift card upon approval or $100 statement credit after spending $100 at Whole Foods in first 2 months
No annual fee
Our take: While the Amazon Prime Rewards card offers excellent cash back on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases, it might not be the best choice for customers who don’t currently have a Prime membership and aren’t looking to subscribe.
A new Whole Foods card design and limited-time offer
Chase introduced a new card design option for new Amazon Prime Rewards cardholders, featuring Whole Foods Market art. New cardmembers with an eligible Prime membership can choose the new design when they apply for the card. If youâre an existing cardholder and would like to switch to the new design option, you can call in to request a new card after Jan. 22.
If you frequently shop at Whole Foods in-store, the new limited-time introductory offer can also be exciting news for you. Through March 3, new Amazon Prime Rewards Visa cardholders can earn a $100 statement credit after spending $100 in Whole Foods Market stores in the first two months from account opening. Alternatively, they can still choose the standard $70 Amazon gift card offer as a sign-up bonus.
Considering the standard bonus is lower, the new temporary offer might be a better deal. On the other hand, if you avoid shopping in-store or normally use Amazon Fresh for buying groceries, the gift card might make more sense for you.
Should I start shopping at Whole Foods if I have an Amazon credit card?
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If you already shop at Whole Foods, the 5% back with the Amazon Prime Rewards Signature Visa and 10% off specially marked items is a good deal. The discounts, though, donât make Whole Foods cheaper than other grocery stores.
In fact, according to a study from 2019, Whole Foods remains the most expensive grocery store with its prices at 34% above Walmart, which was reported to have the lowest prices overall. If your goal is to save on groceries, Whole Foods is evidently not the best option â even if you carry the Amazon Prime card.
Other cards to consider
The Amazon Prime Card isnât the only option you should consider if you often shop on Amazon or at Whole Foods.
See related: Which is the best card to use on Amazon.com purchases?
For instance, with the Chase Amazon.com Rewards Visa card, you can get a $50 Amazon gift card upon approval and earn 3% on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases, 2% percent at restaurants, gas stations and drugstores and 1% on all else. If you donât have a Prime membership and arenât looking to subscribe, this is a good option, since the card doesnât require a cardholder to be a member.
If you do have a membership and shop on Amazon a lot, the Amazon Prime card is a better deal. With 5% for purchases made at Whole Foods and on Amazon, 2% at restaurants, gas stations and drugstores and 1% on all else, this card is hard to beat for Amazon and Whole Foods lovers.
If youâre looking for a card to buy groceries, consider the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, which could save you more than the Amazon Prime Visa at Whole Foods. Why? Blue Cash Preferred cardholders earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 in purchases per year, then 1%).
See related: Best credit cards for grocery shopping
Bottom line
You can now stack your rewards at Whole Foods, earning cash back and the limited-time bonus with the Amazon Prime Card, and you can get extra savings from the loyalty program. Whether it makes sense to shop at Whole Foods, even with rewards cards and the loyalty program, is up to you.
Paying the annual fee on a credit card doesn’t mean you’re wasting your money.
In fact, the top travel and rewards credit cards offer welcome bonuses that are worth considerably more than their annual fees, and that’s on top of the cardholder perks and benefits you can receive.
Case in point: The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card* charges $95 per year, yet the sign-up bonus of 60,000 points is worth $750 on its own. Meanwhile, the more luxurious Chase Sapphire Reserve charges a $550 annual fee, but the sign-up bonus is worth $750 in travel, and you get perks like a $100 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit every four years, Priority Pass Select membership (valued at $429), a $300 travel credit and more.
Still, a problem can arise when you can’t use the benefits your card offers – or when you cannot (or don’t want to) pay the annual fee anymore.
In that case, you should know credit card issuers can be surprisingly receptive to cardholders who may not be excited about paying their credit card’s annual fee another year. With this in mind, you have some options that can help you avoid annual fees, get something in return or switch credit cards altogether.
See related: When is a credit card annual fee worth it?
You may have more power than you think
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According to Howard Dvorkin, CPA and chairman of Debt.com, it’s always worth it for consumers to negotiate their credit card fees or terms. Whether a consumer will get their fees waived is another question, but “it never hurts to ask,” he said.
This is especially true in light of the coronavirus pandemic. As we all know, credit card issuers have been fairly generous when it comes to offering struggling customers relief, with some extending options for deferred payments or waived fees. As an example, a March 2020 statement from Capital One CEO Rich Fairbank noted that the bank was offering assistance to its customers, such as “waiving fees or deferring payments on credit cards or auto loans.”
Dvorkin says consumers can improve their chances of getting their annual fee waived if they have a history of responsible credit use. In some cases, it may be possible to have an annual fee waived altogether, while in others, an account credit may be offered to take the sting out of the fee.
Some credit card issuers even have their own “retention offers” meant to entice you into keeping your card. For example, American Express is known for offering a set number of points for customers who agree to renew their card and pay an annual fee for another year. Sometimes a specific amount of spending is required on the card as well.
On the FlyerTalk website, you’ll even find a running guide of retention offers from several different card issuers, including Amex. After you dig through it, you can find that, as recently as January 2021, at least one person was offered 50,000 Membership Rewards points to renew their Platinum Card from American Express.
See related: Which cards earn American Express rewards points?
6 tips for negotiating annual fees
But how do you make sure you have as much leverage as possible? We interviewed the experts to find out their best tips for negotiating credit card fees:
1. Use the card
Lending expert John Li of Fig Loans says you’ll have the best chances at negotiating your credit card’s annual fee if you use your card frequently.
“At the end of the day, doing so makes the bank money, and a steady flow of transactions puts you in front of the credit card issuer as a worthy customer to build a long-term professional relationship with,” he says.
2. Be respectful
Dvorkin recommends keeping a level head before you pick up the phone. Take the time to state your case, but don’t fly off the handle if you don’t get your way.
“Credit card issuers get angry calls from cardholders all the time, so it helps consumers to be positive when calling to get a fee waived,” he says.
3. Negotiate by phone
While some card issuers like American Express have an online chat feature, you may have better luck negotiating with a customer service agent over the phone. In fact, phone agents can usually perform more services on your behalf versus agents you speak to via online chat.
4. Have a legitimate grievance
Nishank Khanna, CEO of business lender Clarify Capital, says you’ll have a better shot at negotiating if you have a compelling reason for not wanting to pay an annual fee.
“If you’re having this conversation with your lender to begin with, you’ll want to be able to articulate a logical reason for why you deserve to have the fee removed or reduced,” he says. “Customer service representatives are often receptive to legitimate reasons and may have a policy in place to help accommodate customers with specific concerns or circumstances.”
5. Leverage the competition
Khanna also says you can point to other card issuers that may have a better deal right now. Have competitors waived their fees? If you’re looking to knock off a fee on a travel credit card because you haven’t been able to use the card during the pandemic, for example, you should find out how other card issuers are handling the situation.
6. If you’re not satisfied, call again
Persistence can pay off when it comes to negotiating credit card fees and terms. Not only that, but you don’t have to accept the first “no” you receive. If you don’t get the answer you want, you can always try the famous “HUCA” method, which asks you to hang up and try again. You may be connected to a different agent who is more agreeable.
See related: Does applying for a credit card by phone boost approval odds?
What to do when the issuer won’t budge
If you are trying to negotiate an annual fee but can’t seem to make any progress, keep in mind that other options may make just as much sense.
For starters, Dvorkin says consumers who find they cannot negotiate their card’s annual fee should consider opening a credit card that doesn’t have an annual fee and closing their old one.
Note that closing a credit card can lower your credit score by reducing your overall available credit. Depending on how high the card’s credit limit is and what balances you have on other cards, this could raise your credit utilization ratio and lower your score. But this may be a risk worth taking if you can no longer afford your card’s annual fee.
Also, keep in mind some card issuers might let you downgrade your credit card to another card they offer that doesn’t charge an annual fee. You will probably earn a lower rewards rate and get fewer perks if you take this route, but moving your line of credit to a different card won’t cause damage to your credit score like closing an account can.
*All information about the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card has been collected independently by CreditCards.com and has not been reviewed by the issuer. This offer is no longer available on our site.
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Surveys consistently show that no credit card reward is more popular than cold, hard cash. Indeed, cash back cards came out well ahead of other types of rewards cards in a recent CreditCards.com survey, which found that close to half of U.S. adults own a cash back credit card.
And for good reason: Instead of having to decipher a complex redemption scheme, you can opt for a simple, straightforward reward and use it in the way that fits you best.
Here we take a look at some of the most common types of cash back redemption, along with some of the restrictions you may encounter when redeeming your rewards.
How cash back cards work
Cash back cards come in a variety of flavors, but they all fundamentally work the same way: As you make purchases with your card, you earn cash rewards at a set rate. There are three major types of cash back cards.
Flat-rate cash back cards offer the same percentage of cash back for all purchases, usually between 1% and 2%.
Bonus category cash back cards typically reward some purchases, like groceries or dining, at a higher rate, while rewarding general purchases at 1%.
Rotating bonus category cash back cards have dynamic bonus categories that automatically change or allow you to select a different bonus category after a certain length of time.
See related:Â What is cash back?
Ways to redeem cash back
Depending on your card and issuer, you may have a variety of choices in how you redeem your cash back rewards. Some issuers even allow you to set up an automatic redemption, meaning your redemption would automatically initiate after a set number of days or after you earn a certain amount in rewards.
The most common ways to redeem cash back are:
A statement credit
A direct deposit to a bank account
A check
Gift cards
Merchandise
Redeeming cash back as a statement credit
One of the most common ways to redeem cash back is as a statement credit. A statement credit is money credited to your account that reduces your card balance. For example, if you were to spend $1,000 with a card that offers 1.5% cash back on every purchase, youâd earn $15 in cash back rewards; and if you were to redeem this cash back as a statement credit, your balance would decrease by $15 to $985.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, for example, requires you to have earned $25 in cash back before you can redeem as a statement credit.
The Chase Freedom Unlimited®card lets you redeem rewards as a statement credit in any amount, anytime.
Once youâve met your cardâs redemption requirements, you can simply choose a statement credit as your preferred cash back redemption.
Redeeming cash back as a check or direct deposit
A slightly smaller number of credit card rewards programs let you redeem your rewards for âtrueâ cash back in the form of a check or direct deposit to your bank account. Claiming your cash back in this way gives you a bit more leeway since you can save or spend your rewards however you like instead of having them âlockedâ into a particular card account.
As with statement credits, the requirements for requesting a check vary from card to card, with some issuers requiring you to have earned a minimum amount of cash back before you can request a check and others imposing relatively few restrictions.
Direct deposits tend to be a bit trickier across the board, especially if you donât already have a banking relationship with your credit card issuer.
The Bank of America® Cash Rewards credit card, for example, will only let you redeem cash back as direct deposit if you have a checking or savings account with Bank of America.
The Citi® Double Cash Card lets you redeem your cash back as a direct deposit only if you have a linked Citi account or a checking account from which youâve paid a Citi credit card bill at least twice. While the Double Cash card requires you to have earned at least $25 in cash back to redeem as a statement credit, thereâs no minimum to redeem as a direct deposit.
Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa® card lets you claim your cash back via an ATM (in $20 increments only) if you have a Wells Fargo Bank account.
Automatic cash back redemption
Along with manually requesting a statement credit, check or direct deposit, a number of cards allow you to set up automatic cash back redemption. If your card allows automatic redemption, your cash back is generally distributed at set times or after youâve earned a certain amount.
The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card and, for example, allow you to schedule automatic cash back redemption via statement credit or check at a set time once per year or once youâve reached a cash back earnings threshold ($25, $50, $100, $200, $500 or $1,500).
Even some cards designed for credit-builders, like the Credit One Bank American Express® Card, allow automatic redemption as a statement credit, offering those looking to improve their financial habits a âset-it-and-forget-itâ cash back savings tool that will periodically knock off a chunk of their credit card balance.
Travel, gift cards and merchandise on an issuerâs online portal
Most credit card issuers also give you the option of redeeming your cash back through a rewards portal for online shopping or as gift cards to select department stores, restaurants, video streaming services and more.
The Discover it® Cash Backcard, for example, lets you redeem your cash back for gift cards from shopping partners once youâve earned $5 in cash back (gift cards range from $5 to $200, in increments of $5).
The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature card*lets you redeem your points for purchases on Amazon.com, as a statement credit or deposit, or for gift cards and travel â all at a rate of 1 cent per point.
Having the option to use your rewards for travel allows you to enjoy the benefits of travel rewards with a cash back card and is especially common among cash back cards that use points or allow you to choose between cash back and points.
The Chase Freedom Unlimited is a great example. You can earn unlimited cash back at a rate of 5% cash back on every purchase, which translates to 1.5 points per dollar if redeemed for travel in the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal.
Similarly, the Citi Double Cash Card lets you transfer your cash back to Citi ThankYou Rewards and redeem for travel rewards, as well as gift cards, merchandise and other purchases through the Pay with Points program.
Cash back redemption options on popular rewards cards
As you can see, cash back redemption options vary considerably from issuer to issuer and card to card. Hereâs a closer look at how cash back redemption breaks down with some of the most popular cash back credit cards.
Card
Redeem as a statement credit?
Redeem as a check?
Redeem as a direct deposit?
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Yes (once youâve earned $25 in cash back)
No
No
Bank of America® Cash Rewards credit card
Yes (once youâve earned $25 in cash back)
Yes (once youâve earned $25 in cash back)
Yes (into a Bank of America checking or savings account, once youâve earned $25 in cash back)
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
Yes, anytime
Yes, anytime
No
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Yes, anytime
Yes, anytime
Yes
Citi® Double Cash Card
Yes (once youâve earned $25 in cash back)
Yes (once youâve earned $25 in cash back)
Yes (to a linked Citi savings or checking account or to a checking account from which youâve paid your Citi credit card bill at least twice)
Discover it® Cash Back
Yes, anytime
No
Yes
Best cash back redemption options
With all those options for redeeming for cash, which one is best?
The key point to consider is whether your rewards lose any value when redeemed in a certain way. You want to make sure you are getting the most value back, so be careful if you redeem for merchandise, which can be worth less than rewards redeemed for straight cash.
That said, unless your issuer offers a bonus for claiming your rewards as a statement credit instead of âtrueâ cash back, you should simply stick to whichever option is most convenient.
One drawback to cash rewards is they often donât feel like actual rewards because they get swept up into your ongoing finances. If that bothers you, you might consider taking note of how much you are receiving in cash rewards, then rewarding yourself by spending that amount on something you want, so that you feel like youâre getting a reward.
Either way, thatâs the best aspect of cash back rewards: Itâs your decision.
Choosing the best cash back credit card for you
Your redemption options are just one consideration when choosing a credit card. Consider these factors:
Bonus categories
When shopping around for cash back cards, find the card that will work the hardest for you, not the other way around. In other words, a cash back rate of 5% at restaurants is great, but not if you rarely eat out. Bottom line: Find a credit card that matches the largest portions of your budget.
Also, be honest about how much thought you want to give to your credit card. If you prefer a âset and forgetâ approach, a flat-rate card is a better choice than a rotating bonus category card.
Annual fees
With so many great no annual fee cards, you might wonder why you would ever get a card with an annual fee. But often, the rewards rates are so much better that it actually makes sense to get the card with the annual fee. For example, comparing the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express and the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, we found that consumers who spend more than $3,200 annually at U.S. supermarkets ($267 per month) were actually better off with Blue Cash Preferred, which has a $95 annual fee.
From redemption options to bonus categories, each cash back card is designed for a different type of consumer. If you havenât found your perfect match yet, try our CardMatch⢠tool, which can deliver personalized credit card offers in seconds with no impact on your credit score.
All information about the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card and the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card has been collected independently by CreditCards.com. The issuers did not provide the content, nor are they responsible for its accuracy.
Cash back is a rewards benefit that many credit cards offer to cardholders. By taking advantage of it, youâll receive back a prespecified percentage of certain purchases you make. Many credit card companies will provide higher cash back rates on certain types of purchases, such as airfare, gas, food and more. Cash back is just one way that credit cards offer rewards, as mileage and points are some alternatives.
Before you spend too much money with your credit cards, make sure you have a financial plan in place. Speak with a financial advisor today.
What Is Cash Back?
The most commonly recognized style of cash back is what you have likely seen advertised as cash back credit cards. This specifically refers to earning a certain percentage of your credit card purchases back as cash rewards. However, cash back rates vary widely, as do the categories that they apply to.
You usually wonât see credit card cash back rates higher than 5%, while 1% is the typically minimum you will earn. Cash back categorization is significantly more complex though, with a merchant category code (MCC) system being the main organizing force.
MCCs run the entire cash back industry, as they ultimately decide how each purchase you make is classified. These designations coincide with cash back rates set by the issuer of your card. For example, you could use your card for a $50 dinner at a steakhouse, which has a ârestaurantâ code. If your card offers a 2% cash back rate on all spending at restaurants, youâd earn $1 cash back.
Familiar alternatives to cash back include point- and mile-based programs, though many cardholders are partial to cash back. Cash back affords cardholders an independence that is ideal, since you can redeem it for nearly anything.
Popular Cash Back Credit Cards
Discover, American Express, Mastercard and Visa all have cash back rewards credit cards available for prospective cardholders. Each abide by their own set of regulations, though card issuers decide on cash back rates, promotions and bonuses. Chase, Wells Fargo, Citi and Capital One represent some of the most active card issuers on the market today.
Below are a few examples of what you can expect to earn when looking for a cash back credit card:
Cash Back Credit Cards Card Name Cash Back Rates Cash Back Bonus Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi 4% cash back on eligible gas up to $7,000 per year, 3% cash back on eligible travel and restaurants, 2% cash back in-store and online with Costco and 1% cash back elsewhere None Bank of America® Cash Rewards credit card 3% cash back in a category of your choosing, 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs and 1% cash back on all other purchases (up to a quarterly cap of $2,500 in combined grocery/wholesale club/choice category purchases) $200 bonus cash back for spending at least $1,000 over your first 90 days Capital One® Quicksilver® Cash Rewards Credit Card Unlimited 1.5% cash back everywhere $150 cash back bonus when you spend $500 during your first three months Citi Double Cash Card 1% cash back on your purchases and another 1% cash back when you pay your bill None Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card Unlimited 4% cash back on dining and entertainment, 2% cash back on groceries and 1% cash back elsewhere $300 cash back bonus for $3,000 spent over your first three months TD Cash Visa® Credit Card 3% cash back on dining, 2% cash back at supermarkets and 1% cash back on everything else Earn $150 cash back when spending $500 within the first 90 days (See Terms) USAA Preferred Cash Rewards Visa Signature Unlimited 1.5% cash back on everything None Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express 3% cash back on up to $6,000/year at U.S. supermarkets (then 1%), 2% cash back at U.S. gas stations and select U.S. department stores and 1% cash back on other purchases $150 bonus cash back for spending $1,000 over your first six months Getting Cash Back at Retailers
Picture this: youâre buying some groceries on a Sunday morning, but know youâll need $40 cash to fill up your car with some gas later. You could swipe your debit card at the supermarket and then head over to the ATM. Or you could ask for cash back right from the cashier, eliminating the extra errand.
The above situation represents the alternative definition of cash back. Itâs ultimately the use of a cash register as if you were swiping your debit card at the ATM. When you request cash back from a cashier, your bank account will be charged the amount you asked for. This enables the funds to be pulled from your account so the cash can be placed in your hand.
Although this generally only applies to debit cards, there are a few exceptions for credit cards. Discover® allows cardholders to ask for cash back at more than 50 large retail stores without a transaction fee.
Bottom Line
There are many benefits to utilizing credit card rewards programs. But spending money that technically isnât yours will always involve some level of risk. If youâre in good financial shape, though, cash back and other types of credit card rewards can help you take more vacations, save money on purchases and more.
Credit Card Tips
Managing your credit cards and any debt you accumulate using them is a major part of your long-term financial outlook. Consider working with a financial advisor to make sure youâre managing your money with your goals for the future in mind. SmartAssetâs free matching tool can connect you with up to three advisors in your area. Get started now.
If youâre someone who wants freedom when spending credit card rewards, you may prefer cash back to a points- or mileage-based reward system. However, keep in mind that cash back rates are sometimes less than those in point-centric programs.
Editorial Note: This content is not provided by the credit card issuer. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the authorâs alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the issuer.
Advertiser Disclosure: The card offers that appear on this site are from companies from which SmartAsset.com receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). SmartAsset.com does not include all card companies or all card offers available in the marketplace.
The Chase Freedom Flexâ , or the Chase Freedom Unlimited®? The card names sound the same, and at a glance the rewards are similar.
Not so fast: Though the cards have a lot in common, there are a few key differences to keep in mind when deciding which is the best fit for you.
Both the Chase Freedom Flex and Chase Freedom Unlimited offer hefty sign-up bonuses, along with bonus cash back on dining and drugstore purchases, as well as travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards. The difference is their rewards structures: The Freedom Flex card offers 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories, while the Chase Freedom Unlimited offers a flat-rate 1.5% cash back on everything.
Read on to get a rundown on the pros and cons of each card, as well as which card is best suited for you, based on your spending habits.
Chase Freedom Flex versus Chase Freedom Unlimited
Chase Freedom Flexâ
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Rewards rate
5% rotating quarterly categories (upon enrollment, on up to $1,500 in spending per quarter, then 1%)
5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
3% cash back on dining
3% cash back on drugstore purchases
1% cash back on other purchases
5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
3% cash back on dining
3% cash back on drugstore purchases
1.5% cash back on all other purchases
Sign-up bonus
$200 if you spend $500 in first 3 months
$200 if you spend $500 in first 3 months
Annual fee
$0
$0
Estimated yearly rewards value ($1,325 monthly spend, including sign-up bonus)
$532
$405
Pros
No annual fee
High rewards rate on both specific categories year-round and on rotating categories
Large sign-up bonus
Can transfer rewards to other Chase cards
No annual fee
High general rewards rate
Large sign-up bonus
Can transfer rewards to other Chase cards
Cons
Requires some maintenance
Can be difficult to max out rotating categories (may not always align with spending)
Low cash back rate on general purchases
Not the highest rate available on general purchases
Who should get this card?
Rewards maximizers
People who want to collect Ultimate Rewards points
People who like cash back variety
People who want to earn Ultimate Rewards points without paying an annual fee
People who want to keep it simple
People who want to earn bonus cash back in both specific categories and general purchases
People who want to earn Ultimate Rewards points without paying an annual fee
Chase Freedom Flex overview
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The Chase Freedom Flex card offers a combination of year-round and quarterly-rotating bonus cash back categories. Each quarter, you can enroll in a new bonus category from the Chase cash back calendar and earn 5% back on the first $1,500 you spend in that category (then 1% back after you reach the $1,500 threshold). Throughout the year, you’ll also get 5% back on all travel booked through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases and 1% back on all other purchases.
Upsides:Â The opportunity to earn bonus cash back in select categories year-round and in a variety of categories each quarter.
Downsides:Â The complex rewards program. To get the most out of the card, cardholders must track their spending, since the 5% rate only applies to certain categories that rotate frequently and is limited to $1,500 per quarter.
Furthermore, cardholders must log in to their Chase account and activate their rewards category by the deadline each quarter to earn the 5% rate. For example, to earn 5% cash back during the first quarter of 2021 (on select streaming services, phone, cable and internet services and at wholesale clubs), you must activate the category by March 14, 2021.
Chase 5% cash back calendar 2021
Winter
Spring
Summer
Holiday
January â March
April â June
July â September
October â December
Select streaming services
Phone, cable and internet services
Wholesale clubs
TBA
TBA
TBA
Chase Freedom Unlimited overview
Like the Freedom Flex, the Freedom Unlimited earns bonus cash back on Ultimate Rewards travel (5% back) and dining and drugstore purchases (3% back). However, instead of rotating cash back categories, the Freedom Unlimited offers 1.5% cash back on general purchases. Thereâs also no annual fee, and no interest on purchases for 15 months from account opening (after which a variable APR of 14.99% to 23.74% applies). The card is currently offering a $200 bonus for spending $500 in the first three months.
Upsides:Â The Freedom Unlimited card offers a straightforward rewards program that allows cardholders to earn at least 1.5% on every purchase they make â with no earning caps or rotating categories.
Downsides:Â Although 1.5% cash back is a substantial amount to earn on general purchases, it’s not the highest rate out there.
trio of Ultimate Rewards cards.
See related: Chase Ultimate Rewards guide: The best ways to earn and use Ultimate Rewards points
*All information about the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card has been collected independently by CreditCards.com and has not been reviewed by the issuer.Â
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