Rewards Cards - Part 1 - Cash Rewards

[berlinsmommy]

Here it goes, I'm going to try to compile a list of credit cards that give cash rewards back on purchases. I'll start with what I know and hopefully a lot of you can add on!

Citi Dividend American Express 5% cash back at supermarkets, drugstores, and gas stations. 1% cash back on other purchases. 0% on balance transfers for 12 months. $5 Cash bonus with each balance transfer over $1,500, but balance transfer fees apply. No annual reward limit. This is probably the best straight rewards cards, especially for gas, grocery, and drugstore as long as you pay it in full every month.

Citi Dividend Platinum Select Mastercard 5% cash back at supermarkets, drugstores, and gas stations. 1% cash back on other purchases. Limit $300 back per year, warehouse stores do not count for 5% catagories. 0% Balance Transfer for 12 months.

Discover Platinum 5% Cash Back on "Get More" Purchases, these are random catagory promos that seem to change quarterly. Past promos have included: gas, groceries, health clubs, home improvement, books, and more. The current promo is a hodge-podge that includes Pier 1, Linen's N Things, and tuition. All other purchases are on a tiered system based on annual spending. The first $1,500 is 0.25% cash back, the second $1,500 is 0.50% cash back, and after that it is 1% cash back. They also offer a 0% Balance Transfer for 12 months.

Discover Platinum Gas 5% Cash Back on gas. All other purchases are on a tiered system based on annual spending. The first $1,500 is 0.25% cash back, the second $1,500 is 0.50% cash back, and after that it is 1% cash back. They also offer a 0% Balance Transfer for 12 months.

American Express Blue Cash For the first $6,500 in purchases: 1% back on gas, grocery, and drugstore purchases, 0.5% on all other purchases. $6,500-$50k in spending: 5% back on gas, grocery, and drugstore purchases, 1.5% on all other purchases. If you spend a lot, this might be a good choice, the 1.5% on other purchases after $6,500 is the best I was able to find.

Chase Cash Plus Rewards $50 cash back after first purchase, 5% back on gas, grocery, and drugstore purchases, 1% on all other purchases. $300 yearly reward limit. 0% APR for 12 months on balance transfers and purchases. If you have a large upcoming purchase that you could pay off in the next 12 months, this card would be a fantastic choice. Also for someone who does not charge much and would not hit the $300 yearly reward limit, the sign up bonus might make this a good card for you.

[robinbrooke]

We received a letter in the mail today regarding our Citi Dividend Card, informing us of the following changes:

"You will earn only 2% cash back on purchases made at supermarkets, drugstores and gas stations (effective October 13)." (Formerly, was earning 5%).

"However, you will also earn 2% cash back on convenience stores and utilities. Utilities are defined as electric, gas power, water supply, refuse services, excluding telephone services. Cable is defined as satellite and other pay television and radio services. 1% cash back on all other purchases, etc., etc., etc.." (Our utility companies do NOT accept credit card payments, so no benefit to us on that.)

Well, it looks like it's time to apply for a new credit card that will still offer the 5% reward....if they still exist! :rolleyes:

[reminbi2000]

We received a letter in the mail today regarding our Citi Dividend Card, informing us of the following changes:

"You will earn only 2% cash back on purchases made at supermarkets, drugstores and gas stations (effective October 13)." (Formerly, was earning 5%).

"However, you will also earn 2% cash back on convenience stores and utilities. Utilities are defined as electric, gas power, water supply, refuse services, excluding telephone services. Cable is defined as satellite and other pay television and radio services. 1% cash back on all other purchases, etc., etc., etc.." (Our utility companies do NOT accept credit card payments, so no benefit to us on that.)

Well, it looks like it's time to apply for a new credit card that will still offer the 5% reward....if they still exist! :rolleyes:

Thanks for the update. I just cashed out $50 from Citi Dividends card and still have $5.00 balance there. So probably time to put that card in my drawer now.

Did you have Chase Cash Plus Rewards? I and DW both have one so we can take advantage of $300 yearly max rewards per card.

Also, Chase Cash Plus Rewards will give you 5% Full Cash Rewards at Walmart SuperCenter purchase and Citibank Dividend Card does not give you that. Though must be at Super Walmart where grocery is sold though. I buy Walmart Gift Cards to use at Sam's Club to get my 5% rewards. I raraly shopped at Walmart though except when I do oil change.

[robinbrooke]

Thanks for the update. I just cashed out $50 from Citi Dividends card and still have $5.00 balance there. So probably time to put that card in my drawer now.

Did you have Chase Cash Plus Rewards? I and DW both have one so we can take advantage of $300 yearly max rewards per card.

Also, Chase Cash Plus Rewards will give you 5% Full Cash Rewards at Walmart SuperCenter purchase and Citibank Dividend Card does not give you that. Though must be at Super Walmart where grocery is sold though. I buy Walmart Gift Cards to use at Sam's Club to get my 5% rewards. I raraly shopped at Walmart though except when I do oil change.

I need to cash out the $200+ Citi Dividends and put my card in the drawer, too, (as soon as I can find a replacement card).

Does the Chase Cash Plus card give you 5% on supermarkets, gasoline, and drugstores (in addition to Super Walmart)? I also don't shop a lot at Walmart (our store does have groceries), but I would be happy to get the 5% on my occasional purchases there. I think that's a very smart idea to buy your gift cards at Walmart to use at Sam's. You certainly know how to maximize your rewards/savings!!! :yourock:

So, do you recommend the Chase Cash Plus card then as a good replacement for the Citi card?

Hmmmm, Walmart for oil changes....I need to check their price. We usually get the oil changed in our vehicles at one of those oil change places, using a $3 coupon, but I bet Walmart would be cheaper???? I need to check.

Thanks for sharing your info!

[reminbi2000]

$200 dividends! Wow. :beavisnbutthead:

Let me put this way, Chase Rewards at least give same 5% rewards as Citi Dividend card, plus 5% at Walmart SuperCenter at least for now. Also you get $50 bonus cash after your first purchase.

[robinbrooke]

$200 dividends! Wow. :beavisnbutthead:

Let me put this way, Chase Rewards at least give same 5% rewards as Citi Dividend card, plus 5% at Walmart SuperCenter at least for now. Also you get $50 bonus cash after your first purchase.

Sounds good to me. Guess I'll check on the Chase and apply for it. And YAY, I'd like to have the $50 bonus cash for first purchase!!!!!! Thanks reminbi, and I hope you and DW have a great holiday weekend!!! :BigHandWave:

[MOM2SNOX]

I've had my fill of BOTH Citibank and Chase.... I've decided to STOP using all of my credit cards but keeping the upper limit ones open so my credit rating remains high!

[reminbi2000]

Thanks reminbi, and I hope you and DW have a great holiday weekend!!! :BigHandWave:

Same to you!

By the way, I just signed up this promotion for Discover Platinum Card (either call or sign up in your account online website). It runs from 10/01/2006 till 12/31/2006 and up to $50 rewards or $1000 Qualified Purchase!

From October 1, 2006 through December 31, 2006, use your Discover Card to get 5% Cashback Bonus for $1,000 in purchases on:

Restaurants—From fast food to fine dining

Movies—From movie tickets to movie rentals

Books, Music and Everything Else
In-store or online from these specific retailers:
AMAZON.COM
Barnes & Noble
Borders®
Circuit City
Crutchfield®
Napster®
Waldenbooks®

[reminbi2000]

[QUOTE=robinbrooke]"However, you will also earn 2% cash back on convenience stores and utilities. Utilities are defined as electric, gas power, water supply, refuse services, excluding telephone services. Cable is defined as satellite and other pay television and radio services. 1% cash back on all other purchases, etc., etc., etc.." (Our utility companies do NOT accept credit card payments, so no benefit to us on that.)
QUOTE]

Actually this is good news for me. Now I can get extra 1% for my internet service fee (by cable company so I assume maybe it will get 2%) and my satellite TV bill. Still I shall be able to get $50 rebate check in two years. :Cow:

[robinbrooke]

From October 1, 2006 through December 31, 2006, use your Discover Card to get 5% Cashback Bonus for $1,000 in purchases on:

Thanks for the info on the Discover Card. Do I understand correctly that you get the 5% ONLY for the time period of Oct. 1, 2006 through Dec. 31, 2006?