I looked at the money ninja thing, it does look like some of the promos can be very lucrative. I'm definitely going to put this on my watch list.Tingting1013 wrote: ↑Mon Jul 05, 2021 1:18 amForget the base benefits, what other card is paying out 10% on gas/grocery/restaurants for Q3?JBTX wrote: ↑Mon Jul 05, 2021 1:09 amYou may get the 10%, per month, for 3 months if you exceed the monthly threshold, but there is a $10000 limit on the base 5%, 3%, 2% benefit. While it seems possible to use this to your benefit, you really have to track it. I may look at it further but I'm not seeing the net positive given the hoops. The base benefits aren't spectacular and I mostly get them on other cards.Tingting1013 wrote: ↑Mon Jul 05, 2021 12:59 amYou have to spend at least $1500 in one month to get anything. Really separates the boys from the men...JBTX wrote: ↑Sun Jul 04, 2021 11:15 pmSo you have to spend $1500 a month on gas, groceries and restaurants to get the 10%? Is it only on purchases over $1500 a month, or at dollar $1500 do you get $150 credit?Tingting1013 wrote: ↑Sat Jul 03, 2021 12:18 pm
Current promotion on the SYW card is a doozy:
For total eligible gas station, grocery store and restaurant purchases of $1,500 or more made each month from 7/1/2021 (or the date you activate this offer, whichever is later) through 9/30/2021, you’ll earn 10% back in statement credits (up to a maximum total of $200 in statement credit(s) each month for this offer).
What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
Re: Favorite Credit Cards
Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
How do rewards get redeemed from the Sears SYW card?Tingting1013 wrote: ↑Mon Jul 05, 2021 1:18 amForget the base benefits, what other card is paying out 10% on gas/grocery/restaurants for Q3?JBTX wrote: ↑Mon Jul 05, 2021 1:09 amYou may get the 10%, per month, for 3 months if you exceed the monthly threshold, but there is a $10000 limit on the base 5%, 3%, 2% benefit. While it seems possible to use this to your benefit, you really have to track it. I may look at it further but I'm not seeing the net positive given the hoops. The base benefits aren't spectacular and I mostly get them on other cards.Tingting1013 wrote: ↑Mon Jul 05, 2021 12:59 amYou have to spend at least $1500 in one month to get anything. Really separates the boys from the men...JBTX wrote: ↑Sun Jul 04, 2021 11:15 pmSo you have to spend $1500 a month on gas, groceries and restaurants to get the 10%? Is it only on purchases over $1500 a month, or at dollar $1500 do you get $150 credit?Tingting1013 wrote: ↑Sat Jul 03, 2021 12:18 pm
Current promotion on the SYW card is a doozy:
For total eligible gas station, grocery store and restaurant purchases of $1,500 or more made each month from 7/1/2021 (or the date you activate this offer, whichever is later) through 9/30/2021, you’ll earn 10% back in statement credits (up to a maximum total of $200 in statement credit(s) each month for this offer).
I’ve seen some places suggesting they can only be used in a particular list of sores (Sears, Kmart, Lands End, other?) and places that claim they can be redeemed as Citi ThankYou points, which seem more flexible.
I wouldn’t want to jump to this card if the rewards are hard to use.
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Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
A few posts back I gave the link to the gift card store to redeem SYW points.MrBeaver wrote: ↑Mon Jul 05, 2021 10:27 amHow do rewards get redeemed from the Sears SYW card?Tingting1013 wrote: ↑Mon Jul 05, 2021 1:18 amForget the base benefits, what other card is paying out 10% on gas/grocery/restaurants for Q3?JBTX wrote: ↑Mon Jul 05, 2021 1:09 amYou may get the 10%, per month, for 3 months if you exceed the monthly threshold, but there is a $10000 limit on the base 5%, 3%, 2% benefit. While it seems possible to use this to your benefit, you really have to track it. I may look at it further but I'm not seeing the net positive given the hoops. The base benefits aren't spectacular and I mostly get them on other cards.Tingting1013 wrote: ↑Mon Jul 05, 2021 12:59 amYou have to spend at least $1500 in one month to get anything. Really separates the boys from the men...
I’ve seen some places suggesting they can only be used in a particular list of sores (Sears, Kmart, Lands End, other?) and places that claim they can be redeemed as Citi ThankYou points, which seem more flexible.
I wouldn’t want to jump to this card if the rewards are hard to use.
A few of the more useful ones:
American Airlines
Uber
DoorDash
Hotels.com
Instacart
WalMart
But to be clear, SYW points are the sideshow here. The card is all about the straight cash rebates which are paid in statement credits, not points.
Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
You have to spend at least $1500 in one month to get anything. Really separates the boys from the men...Tingting1013 wrote: ↑Mon Jul 05, 2021 10:34 am [quote=MrBeaver post_id=6102587 time=<a href="tel:1625498846">1625498846</a> user_id=127032]
[quote=Tingting1013 post_id=6102183 time=<a href="tel:1625465925">1625465925</a> user_id=164928]
[quote=JBTX post_id=6102176 time=<a href="tel:1625465354">1625465354</a> user_id=123440]
[quote=Tingting1013 post_id=6102171 time=<a href="tel:1625464747">1625464747</a> user_id=164928]
[quote=JBTX post_id=6102106 time=<a href="tel:1625458547">1625458547</a> user_id=123440]
So you have to spend $1500 a month on gas, groceries and restaurants to get the 10%? Is it only on purchases over $1500 a month, or at dollar $1500 do you get $150 credit?
[/quote]
You may get the 10%, per month, for 3 months if you exceed the monthly threshold, but there is a $10000 limit on the base 5%, 3%, 2% benefit. While it seems possible to use this to your benefit, you really have to track it. I may look at it further but I'm not seeing the net positive given the hoops. The base benefits aren't spectacular and I mostly get them on other cards.
[/quote]
Forget the base benefits, what other card is paying out 10% on gas/grocery/restaurants for Q3?
[/quote]
How do rewards get redeemed from the Sears SYW card?
I’ve seen some places suggesting they can only be used in a particular list of sores (Sears, Kmart, Lands End, other?) and places that claim they can be redeemed as Citi ThankYou points, which seem more flexible.
I wouldn’t want to jump to this card if the rewards are hard to use.
[/quote]
A few posts back I gave the link to the gift card store to redeem SYW points.
A few of the more useful ones:
American Airlines
Uber
DoorDash
Hotels.com
Instacart
WalMart
But to be clear, SYW points are the sideshow here. The card is all about the straight cash rebates which are paid in statement credits, not points.
[/quote]
Ah, ok. So the SYW points are a loyalty program on top of statement credit / cash rebates for the 5% gas / 3% groceries / restaurant, and various bonuses offered by email?
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Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
The SYW points are the 5/3/1.
The email bonus statement credits are on top.
The email bonus statement credits are on top.
Re: Favorite Credit Cards
That kills the deal for me, lol.Tingting1013 wrote: ↑Mon Jul 05, 2021 12:59 amYou have to spend at least $1500 in one month to get anything. Really separates the boys from the men...JBTX wrote: ↑Sun Jul 04, 2021 11:15 pmSo you have to spend $1500 a month on gas, groceries and restaurants to get the 10%? Is it only on purchases over $1500 a month, or at dollar $1500 do you get $150 credit?Tingting1013 wrote: ↑Sat Jul 03, 2021 12:18 pmCurrent promotion on the SYW card is a doozy:Tingting1013 wrote: ↑Wed Jun 02, 2021 7:22 pmhttps://www.shopyourway.com/mp/app/19375/l/card
The bonus offers I’ve mentioned are not publicized, but rather are emailed to you to activate at the beginning of every month. Here is a blogger who gets it:
https://themoneyninja.com/shop-your-way ... Store_Card
For total eligible gas station, grocery store and restaurant purchases of $1,500 or more made each month from 7/1/2021 (or the date you activate this offer, whichever is later) through 9/30/2021, you’ll earn 10% back in statement credits (up to a maximum total of $200 in statement credit(s) each month for this offer).
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Re: Favorite Credit Cards
It did for me as well, until I happened to walk by the gift card rack at my local grocery store and noticed the Amazon gift cards with no purchase fee…tj wrote: ↑Mon Jul 05, 2021 1:06 pmThat kills the deal for me, lol.Tingting1013 wrote: ↑Mon Jul 05, 2021 12:59 amYou have to spend at least $1500 in one month to get anything. Really separates the boys from the men...JBTX wrote: ↑Sun Jul 04, 2021 11:15 pmSo you have to spend $1500 a month on gas, groceries and restaurants to get the 10%? Is it only on purchases over $1500 a month, or at dollar $1500 do you get $150 credit?Tingting1013 wrote: ↑Sat Jul 03, 2021 12:18 pmCurrent promotion on the SYW card is a doozy:Tingting1013 wrote: ↑Wed Jun 02, 2021 7:22 pm
https://www.shopyourway.com/mp/app/19375/l/card
The bonus offers I’ve mentioned are not publicized, but rather are emailed to you to activate at the beginning of every month. Here is a blogger who gets it:
https://themoneyninja.com/shop-your-way ... Store_Card
For total eligible gas station, grocery store and restaurant purchases of $1,500 or more made each month from 7/1/2021 (or the date you activate this offer, whichever is later) through 9/30/2021, you’ll earn 10% back in statement credits (up to a maximum total of $200 in statement credit(s) each month for this offer).
Re: Favorite Credit Cards
Still too rich for me, If I buy $4500 of AMZN gift cards in 3 months, that's going to last a long time unless I have some major project that requires items from Amazon.Tingting1013 wrote: ↑Mon Jul 05, 2021 1:08 pmIt did for me as well, until I happened to walk by the gift card rack at my local grocery store and noticed the Amazon gift cards with no purchase fee…tj wrote: ↑Mon Jul 05, 2021 1:06 pmThat kills the deal for me, lol.Tingting1013 wrote: ↑Mon Jul 05, 2021 12:59 amYou have to spend at least $1500 in one month to get anything. Really separates the boys from the men...JBTX wrote: ↑Sun Jul 04, 2021 11:15 pmSo you have to spend $1500 a month on gas, groceries and restaurants to get the 10%? Is it only on purchases over $1500 a month, or at dollar $1500 do you get $150 credit?Tingting1013 wrote: ↑Sat Jul 03, 2021 12:18 pm
Current promotion on the SYW card is a doozy:
For total eligible gas station, grocery store and restaurant purchases of $1,500 or more made each month from 7/1/2021 (or the date you activate this offer, whichever is later) through 9/30/2021, you’ll earn 10% back in statement credits (up to a maximum total of $200 in statement credit(s) each month for this offer).
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Re: Favorite Credit Cards
You don’t need to buy $4500 in AMZN gift cards unless you literally have no gas/grocery/restaurant spend.tj wrote: ↑Mon Jul 05, 2021 1:11 pmStill too rich for me, If I buy $4500 of AMZN gift cards in 3 months, that's going to last a long time unless I have some major project that requires items from Amazon.Tingting1013 wrote: ↑Mon Jul 05, 2021 1:08 pmIt did for me as well, until I happened to walk by the gift card rack at my local grocery store and noticed the Amazon gift cards with no purchase fee…tj wrote: ↑Mon Jul 05, 2021 1:06 pmThat kills the deal for me, lol.Tingting1013 wrote: ↑Mon Jul 05, 2021 12:59 amYou have to spend at least $1500 in one month to get anything. Really separates the boys from the men...
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Re: Favorite Credit Cards
Depends where you shop but you can get a variable amount prepaid visa card with a $6 one-time fee to pay off auto insurance etc. I have the Best Buy Citi Visa that has similar offers (though far worse than Sears), with the current offer being 8% back in points on groceries up to a $25 max in rewards. I just stock up on ~$300 visa cards whenever these come around with a worst case 6% back in rewards. Some groceries also run some kind of deal where the fee is effectively zeroed out.tj wrote: ↑Mon Jul 05, 2021 1:11 pmStill too rich for me, If I buy $4500 of AMZN gift cards in 3 months, that's going to last a long time unless I have some major project that requires items from Amazon.Tingting1013 wrote: ↑Mon Jul 05, 2021 1:08 pmIt did for me as well, until I happened to walk by the gift card rack at my local grocery store and noticed the Amazon gift cards with no purchase fee…tj wrote: ↑Mon Jul 05, 2021 1:06 pmThat kills the deal for me, lol.Tingting1013 wrote: ↑Mon Jul 05, 2021 12:59 amYou have to spend at least $1500 in one month to get anything. Really separates the boys from the men...
As for the Sears card, does anyone know how inquiry/account sensitive they/Citi are when it comes to the card? I am like lol/12 right now but will get to 0/6 and 2/12 in mid-October.
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Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
BOA introduces new cashback card. Appears to be a solid offering and no annual fee. Seems many here already use BOA for every day spend?
Thoughts?
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/bank-of- ... nnual-fee/
Thoughts?
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/bank-of- ... nnual-fee/
How many retired people does it take to screw in a lightbulb? Only one, but he takes all day.
Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
If you don't travel (3% foreign transaction fee), and don't value the annual travel and Global entry credits, this would be a better choice than the Premium Rewards card.Barefootgirl wrote: ↑Tue Jul 20, 2021 4:25 pm BOA introduces new cashback card. Appears to be a solid offering and no annual fee. Seems many here already use BOA for every day spend?
Thoughts?
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/bank-of- ... nnual-fee/
Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
Premium Rewards also earns 2 points per dollar on dining (and travel) spending, so if you eat out a lot the PR card may still be better.tj wrote: ↑Tue Jul 20, 2021 4:51 pmIf you don't travel (3% foreign transaction fee), and don't value the annual travel and Global entry credits, this would be a better choice than the Premium Rewards card.Barefootgirl wrote: ↑Tue Jul 20, 2021 4:25 pm BOA introduces new cashback card. Appears to be a solid offering and no annual fee. Seems many here already use BOA for every day spend?
Thoughts?
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/bank-of- ... nnual-fee/
Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
I have a 5.25% Cash Rewards card for that.sycamore wrote: ↑Tue Jul 20, 2021 9:13 pmPremium Rewards also earns 2 points per dollar on dining (and travel) spending, so if you eat out a lot the PR card may still be better.tj wrote: ↑Tue Jul 20, 2021 4:51 pmIf you don't travel (3% foreign transaction fee), and don't value the annual travel and Global entry credits, this would be a better choice than the Premium Rewards card.Barefootgirl wrote: ↑Tue Jul 20, 2021 4:25 pm BOA introduces new cashback card. Appears to be a solid offering and no annual fee. Seems many here already use BOA for every day spend?
Thoughts?
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/bank-of- ... nnual-fee/
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Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
I was thinking that if you already have a better card for the travel & dining category, then this new card might be a solid bet for every day (outside of any particular category)
Thanks
Thanks
How many retired people does it take to screw in a lightbulb? Only one, but he takes all day.
Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
What Rewards card is that?tj wrote: ↑Tue Jul 20, 2021 9:22 pmI have a 5.25% Cash Rewards card for that.sycamore wrote: ↑Tue Jul 20, 2021 9:13 pmPremium Rewards also earns 2 points per dollar on dining (and travel) spending, so if you eat out a lot the PR card may still be better.tj wrote: ↑Tue Jul 20, 2021 4:51 pmIf you don't travel (3% foreign transaction fee), and don't value the annual travel and Global entry credits, this would be a better choice than the Premium Rewards card.Barefootgirl wrote: ↑Tue Jul 20, 2021 4:25 pm BOA introduces new cashback card. Appears to be a solid offering and no annual fee. Seems many here already use BOA for every day spend?
Thoughts?
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/bank-of- ... nnual-fee/
Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
Bank of America Cash Rewards, coupled with at least $100k in Bank of America assets (Merrill Edge IRA /Roth IRAs count). You can choose your own 3% rewards category, and sounds like @tj chose Dining as one of those category. With the $100k in BofA assets, it qualify for Platinum Honors bonus, a 75% extra rewards. 3% * 1.75 = 5.25%.
https://www.bankofamerica.com/credit-ca ... edit-card/
Look at the bottom of that page for Platinum Honors bonus.
Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
Thank you. That sounds a bit more involved than I would like.lakpr wrote: ↑Sun Jul 25, 2021 7:49 pmBank of America Cash Rewards, coupled with at least $100k in Bank of America assets (Merrill Edge IRA /Roth IRAs count). You can choose your own 3% rewards category, and sounds like @tj chose Dining as one of those category. With the $100k in BofA assets, it qualify for Platinum Honors bonus, a 75% extra rewards. 3% * 1.75 = 5.25%.
https://www.bankofamerica.com/credit-ca ... edit-card/
Look at the bottom of that page for Platinum Honors bonus.
Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
Not really. Just transfer your Traditional IRA or Roth IRA to Merrill Edge (assuming you have $100k there). Then open a Bank of America checking account (preferred rewards can only be deposited into a BofA checking account). Once this is done, you are set -- at least until Bank of America changes the rules.RJC wrote: ↑Sun Jul 25, 2021 7:55 pmThank you. That sounds a bit more involved than I would like.lakpr wrote: ↑Sun Jul 25, 2021 7:49 pmBank of America Cash Rewards, coupled with at least $100k in Bank of America assets (Merrill Edge IRA /Roth IRAs count). You can choose your own 3% rewards category, and sounds like @tj chose Dining as one of those category. With the $100k in BofA assets, it qualify for Platinum Honors bonus, a 75% extra rewards. 3% * 1.75 = 5.25%.
https://www.bankofamerica.com/credit-ca ... edit-card/
Look at the bottom of that page for Platinum Honors bonus.
It's a one time effort, and in my opinion well worth it. It is a different matter altogether that it is a bit difficult to round up $100k in assets.
At Merrill Edge, you are not obligated to use any financial advisor, you can keep investing in the same stocks or ETFs as you like. Only if you want to purchase mutual funds would you be likely hit with transaction fee ... but with the almost unlimited choices of ETFs transaction free, no need to actually buy mutual funds.
Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
There's no need to do any trading at all. I moved $100k of a Vanguard mutual fund some years ago. New IRA contributions get invested in same fund at Vanguard.lakpr wrote: ↑Sun Jul 25, 2021 8:06 pmNot really. Just transfer your Traditional IRA or Roth IRA to Merrill Edge (assuming you have $100k there). Then open a Bank of America checking account. Once this is done, you are set -- at least until Bank of America changes the rules.RJC wrote: ↑Sun Jul 25, 2021 7:55 pmThank you. That sounds a bit more involved than I would like.lakpr wrote: ↑Sun Jul 25, 2021 7:49 pmBank of America Cash Rewards, coupled with at least $100k in Bank of America assets (Merrill Edge IRA /Roth IRAs count). You can choose your own 3% rewards category, and sounds like @tj chose Dining as one of those category. With the $100k in BofA assets, it qualify for Platinum Honors bonus, a 75% extra rewards. 3% * 1.75 = 5.25%.
https://www.bankofamerica.com/credit-ca ... edit-card/
Look at the bottom of that page for Platinum Honors bonus.
It's a one time effort, and in my opinion well worth it. It is a different matter altogether that it is a bit difficult to round up $100k in assets.
At Merrill Edge, you are not obligated to use any financial advisor, you can keep investing in the same stocks or ETFs as you like. Only if you want to purchase mutual funds would you be likely hit with transaction fee ... but with the almost unlimited choices of ETFs transaction free, no need to actually buy mutual funds.
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Best rewards credit card?
[Thread merge into here --admin LadyGeek]
Thoughts on the best rewards credit cards out there? I’m not looking for one focused on travel rewards (like an airline or hotel chain rewards card). I’m more interested in maximizing cash back.
Two that I’ve been considering are:
1) Citi Double Cash - straight 2% cash back, no fee, 3% foreign transaction fee (we do travel internationally every couple years)
2) Amazon Prime Rewards Visa - 5% back on Amazon purchases (we are regular Amazon customers), 2% at restaurants, gas stations, drugstores (it wasn’t clear if this is only for certain chains), 1% back on everything else. No foreign transaction fees. No fee if an Amazon Prime customer (I am).
Any experience with either of these? Other better options?
Also, are there any US cards that use a PIN? This is standard in Europe and it significantly increases security. Why is the US so far behind??
Thoughts on the best rewards credit cards out there? I’m not looking for one focused on travel rewards (like an airline or hotel chain rewards card). I’m more interested in maximizing cash back.
Two that I’ve been considering are:
1) Citi Double Cash - straight 2% cash back, no fee, 3% foreign transaction fee (we do travel internationally every couple years)
2) Amazon Prime Rewards Visa - 5% back on Amazon purchases (we are regular Amazon customers), 2% at restaurants, gas stations, drugstores (it wasn’t clear if this is only for certain chains), 1% back on everything else. No foreign transaction fees. No fee if an Amazon Prime customer (I am).
Any experience with either of these? Other better options?
Also, are there any US cards that use a PIN? This is standard in Europe and it significantly increases security. Why is the US so far behind??
Re: Best rewards credit card?
Aliant Credit Union has a 2.5% cash back on up to $10,000 spend each year, you have to maintain an account with them, and jump through some minor hoops like have direct-deposit into checking to qualify for the 2.5% reward.
https://www.alliantcreditunion.org/bank ... d#features
If you're willing to maintain a high balance in a bank or linked brokerage account, Bank of America rewards that are tiered based on the amount of assets you keep with them, linked to the right rewards card, and with a high enough balance, it can be more than 2% cash back.
There are a handful of 2% cash back cards out there.
The Citi Double Cash is the only 2% cash-back card I know that doesn't require you to have some other account or relationship with the bank.
I was using the Fidelity 2% rewards card for awhile, but I already had an account with Fidelity so it didn't require anything new for me to get the 2% reward.
There are specific cards that have perks for specific businesses, like the Costco card, the CapitalOne-Walmart Card, the Amazon card you mentioned, etc.. but it gets to be a pain to have a different card for each of the major businesses you frequent. 2% on everything looks pretty good to me.
This year I've been using a Chase "Freedom" card that gives 3% on restaurants (which is my largest spend each month), and in the first year it's also giving 5% at grocery stores (which can be gamed by buying gift-cards at a grocery store for things like Amazon.com, Target, etc...).
https://www.alliantcreditunion.org/bank ... d#features
If you're willing to maintain a high balance in a bank or linked brokerage account, Bank of America rewards that are tiered based on the amount of assets you keep with them, linked to the right rewards card, and with a high enough balance, it can be more than 2% cash back.
There are a handful of 2% cash back cards out there.
The Citi Double Cash is the only 2% cash-back card I know that doesn't require you to have some other account or relationship with the bank.
I was using the Fidelity 2% rewards card for awhile, but I already had an account with Fidelity so it didn't require anything new for me to get the 2% reward.
There are specific cards that have perks for specific businesses, like the Costco card, the CapitalOne-Walmart Card, the Amazon card you mentioned, etc.. but it gets to be a pain to have a different card for each of the major businesses you frequent. 2% on everything looks pretty good to me.
This year I've been using a Chase "Freedom" card that gives 3% on restaurants (which is my largest spend each month), and in the first year it's also giving 5% at grocery stores (which can be gamed by buying gift-cards at a grocery store for things like Amazon.com, Target, etc...).
"To achieve satisfactory investment results is easier than most people realize; to achieve superior results is harder than it looks." - Benjamin Graham
Re: Best rewards credit card?
I think it still depends on your normal spending habits.
Re: Best rewards credit card?
Probably are, but it's not something I'm concerned with for a individual consumer card, I have zero liability for credit card fraud. I enjoy the newer cards and readers with touchless pay.Sam Clemens wrote: ↑Wed Jul 28, 2021 7:57 pm...
Also, are there any US cards that use a PIN? This is standard in Europe and it significantly increases security. Why is the US so far behind??
"To achieve satisfactory investment results is easier than most people realize; to achieve superior results is harder than it looks." - Benjamin Graham
Re: Best rewards credit card?
Citi double cash 2%
Fidelity cash rewards 2%
Chase freedom (changing 5%)
Fidelity cash rewards 2%
Chase freedom (changing 5%)
Re: Best rewards credit card?
Those are fine. I have both, though I'll be losing my Prime Visa when I let prime expire next month.Sam Clemens wrote: ↑Wed Jul 28, 2021 7:57 pm Thoughts on the best rewards credit cards out there? I’m not looking for one focused on travel rewards (like an airline or hotel chain rewards card). I’m more interested in maximizing cash back.
Two that I’ve been considering are:
1) Citi Double Cash - straight 2% cash back, no fee, 3% foreign transaction fee (we do travel internationally every couple years)
2) Amazon Prime Rewards Visa - 5% back on Amazon purchases (we are regular Amazon customers), 2% at restaurants, gas stations, drugstores (it wasn’t clear if this is only for certain chains), 1% back on everything else. No foreign transaction fees. No fee if an Amazon Prime customer (I am).
Any experience with either of these? Other better options?
Also, are there any US cards that use a PIN? This is standard in Europe and it significantly increases security. Why is the US so far behind??
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=192008 has an epic number of posts on this topic, may find what you like there.
If you are a Costco member, the Costco Visa is quite good. 4% gas, 3% restaurants and travel, 2% Costco (1% on other things). Chase Freedom or Discover have rotating 5% categories that come in handy too.
Better deals are probably sign up bonus related. e.g. Chase Sapphire Preferred I think still has 100K points ($1000) sign up bonus if you meet the spending criteria.
- ResearchMed
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Re: Best rewards credit card?
Some want a card with a PIN for use overseas, where they might have trouble finding a vendor who takes a "signature" card. Worse... at an unattended gate kiosk, such as a train station entry or a highway tollboth.JoMoney wrote: ↑Wed Jul 28, 2021 8:15 pmProbably are, but it's not something I'm concerned with for a individual consumer card, I have zero liability for credit card fraud. I enjoy the newer cards and readers with touchless pay.Sam Clemens wrote: ↑Wed Jul 28, 2021 7:57 pm...
Also, are there any US cards that use a PIN? This is standard in Europe and it significantly increases security. Why is the US so far behind??
What I don't know is whether the new touchless cards will "work" where they require(d?) a PIN.
RM
This signature is a placebo. You are in the control group.
Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
I merged Sam Clemens's thread into a similar discussion.
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Re: Best rewards credit card?
Yes!! We were in Iceland a couple years ago and I was trying to get gas in a remote part of the country at an unattended gas station. The pump would only work with a PIN. Long and very aggravating story of what we had to do to get gas…ResearchMed wrote: ↑Wed Jul 28, 2021 8:27 pmSome want a card with a PIN for use overseas, where they might have trouble finding a vendor who takes a "signature" card. Worse... at an unattended gate kiosk, such as a train station entry or a highway tollboth.JoMoney wrote: ↑Wed Jul 28, 2021 8:15 pmProbably are, but it's not something I'm concerned with for a individual consumer card, I have zero liability for credit card fraud. I enjoy the newer cards and readers with touchless pay.Sam Clemens wrote: ↑Wed Jul 28, 2021 7:57 pm...
Also, are there any US cards that use a PIN? This is standard in Europe and it significantly increases security. Why is the US so far behind??
What I don't know is whether the new touchless cards will "work" where they require(d?) a PIN.
RM
Re: Best rewards credit card?
The reason the US is behind is because market research shows that the cards that require PINs get used less. Credit card companies want to be your "go to" card and being the anamalous one jeopardizes that. They've made the business calculation basically....so, we need to blame human behavior/tendencies. I think European laws may have different incentives for many providers.Sam Clemens wrote: ↑Wed Jul 28, 2021 7:57 pm [Thread merge into here --admin LadyGeek]
Also, are there any US cards that use a PIN? This is standard in Europe and it significantly increases security. Why is the US so far behind??
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Re: Best rewards credit card?
My story with a US card in pumps overseas:ResearchMed wrote: ↑Wed Jul 28, 2021 8:27 pm
Some want a card with a PIN for use overseas, where they might have trouble finding a vendor who takes a "signature" card. Worse... at an unattended gate kiosk, such as a train station entry or a highway tollboth.
What I don't know is whether the new touchless cards will "work" where they require(d?) a PIN.
RM
I had one chip card with PIN that worked on a given pump
Then, the PIN requirement disappeared
I tried another pump and they still required a PIN
I was upgraded the card to NFC, and that second pump worked without the PIN
So I think someplaces use PIN, some don't.
And AFAIK, NFC doesn't require PIN. It beats me why is required when you use your card via chip and not via NFC beats me
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Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
I can actually apply the points as statement credit via my card account without checking, but enrolling in the Preferred Rewards program requires a checking account. I don't like having to do all this but I think it's worth it in the end.lakpr wrote: ↑Sun Jul 25, 2021 8:06 pm Not really. Just transfer your Traditional IRA or Roth IRA to Merrill Edge (assuming you have $100k there). Then open a Bank of America checking account (preferred rewards can only be deposited into a BofA checking account). Once this is done, you are set -- at least until Bank of America changes the rules.
It's a one time effort, and in my opinion well worth it. It is a different matter altogether that it is a bit difficult to round up $100k in assets.
At Merrill Edge, you are not obligated to use any financial advisor, you can keep investing in the same stocks or ETFs as you like. Only if you want to purchase mutual funds would you be likely hit with transaction fee ... but with the almost unlimited choices of ETFs transaction free, no need to actually buy mutual funds.
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Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
If one doesn't want to set up the BOA preferred rewards arrangement, what would be the second best option for for earning on dining expenses?
Thank you.
Thank you.
How many retired people does it take to screw in a lightbulb? Only one, but he takes all day.
Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
I would think the AMEX gold for 4x MR points if you want a flexible currency. If you just want cash, it may be different.Barefootgirl wrote: ↑Thu Aug 05, 2021 2:59 pm If one doesn't want to set up the BOA preferred rewards arrangement, what would be the second best option for for earning on dining expenses?
Thank you.
Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
Amex Gold has a not small annual fee.jalm1 wrote: ↑Thu Aug 05, 2021 3:20 pmI would think the AMEX gold for 4x MR points if you want a flexible currency. If you just want cash, it may be different.Barefootgirl wrote: ↑Thu Aug 05, 2021 2:59 pm If one doesn't want to set up the BOA preferred rewards arrangement, what would be the second best option for for earning on dining expenses?
Thank you.
Probably the new Citi Custom Cash that gives you 5% on your highest spend category. Just use it for dining.
https://www.citi.com/credit-cards/citi- ... redit-card
Also US Bank Altitude Go - 4%
https://www.usbank.com/credit-cards/alt ... -card.html
Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
A couple days ago, I applied for an Amtrak card from Bank of America. It now offers a 50k point bonus for spending $2,500 within three months. If you start making an Amtrak reservation, you'll also get this offer together with $100 statement credit. The fee is $79/year and is not waved.
I was inspired by dodecahedron's post about Amtrak. Like dodecahedron, I take Amtrak several times per year along the Eastern corridor and consider increasing it.
Victoria
I was inspired by dodecahedron's post about Amtrak. Like dodecahedron, I take Amtrak several times per year along the Eastern corridor and consider increasing it.
Victoria
Inventor of the Bogleheads Secret Handshake |
Winner of the 2015 Boglehead Contest. |
Every joke has a bit of a joke. ... The rest is the truth. (Marat F)
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Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
Wow! Definitely jealous! I got my Amtrak World card back in April (no statement credit and only 20K signup bonus, though minimum spend to get the bonus was only $1,000.) But quite happy with the perks (two one-class upgrades, free companion tickets, and a free lounge pass I will use for the *extremely* nice new Acela Club.). Plus I have now traveled enough to get myself qualified for Amtrak Select (more one-class upgrades, free companion tickets, and free lounge passes.)VictoriaF wrote: ↑Mon Aug 09, 2021 1:56 pm A couple days ago, I applied for an Amtrak card from Bank of America. It now offers a 50k point bonus for spending $2,500 within three months. If you start making an Amtrak reservation, you'll also get this offer together with $100 statement credit. The fee is $79/year and is not waved.
I was inspired by dodecahedron's post about Amtrak. Like dodecahedron, I take Amtrak several times per year along the Eastern corridor and consider increasing it.
Victoria
I am currently ONLY traveling on Amtrak (avoiding airports and crowds because of public health considerations, not wanting to spend hours packed in like sardines to overcrowded boarding lounges.). I love that my local Amtrak station has an open air covered platform for waiting to board (and there are nice nearby restaurants with outdoor seating and a view of the station, where it is pleasant to wait in case of delays.). And the new Moynihan train hall at Penn Station in NYC is delightful and not crowded (even if I don't use the Acela lounge pass.)
Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
Sorry if I made you jealous. I am grateful to you for the idea, because I was not considering this card at all. Until recently I was making bonus-qualifying spending on my new Choice card and just made a note to look into Amtrak later this year or early next year. But when I read on Doctor of Credit that the bonus was significantly increased I took advantage of it.dodecahedron wrote: ↑Mon Aug 09, 2021 2:09 pmWow! Definitely jealous! I got my Amtrak World card back in April (no statement credit and only 20K signup bonus, though minimum spend to get the bonus was only $1,000.) But quite happy with the perks (two one-class upgrades, free companion tickets, and a free lounge pass I will use for the *extremely* nice new Acela Club.). Plus I have now traveled enough to get myself qualified for Amtrak Select (more one-class upgrades, free companion tickets, and free lounge passes.)VictoriaF wrote: ↑Mon Aug 09, 2021 1:56 pm A couple days ago, I applied for an Amtrak card from Bank of America. It now offers a 50k point bonus for spending $2,500 within three months. If you start making an Amtrak reservation, you'll also get this offer together with $100 statement credit. The fee is $79/year and is not waved.
I was inspired by dodecahedron's post about Amtrak. Like dodecahedron, I take Amtrak several times per year along the Eastern corridor and consider increasing it.
Victoria
I am currently ONLY traveling on Amtrak (avoiding airports and crowds because of public health considerations, not wanting to spend hours packed in like sardines to overcrowded boarding lounges.). I love that my local Amtrak station has an open air covered platform for waiting to board (and there are nice nearby restaurants with outdoor seating and a view of the station, where it is pleasant to wait in case of delays.). And the new Moynihan train hall at Penn Station in NYC is delightful and not crowded (even if I don't use the Acela lounge pass.)
I think the benefits of my card include only one one-class upgrade per year and a one-time lounge pass. Still it's quite good.
Victoria
Last edited by VictoriaF on Mon Aug 09, 2021 2:25 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Inventor of the Bogleheads Secret Handshake |
Winner of the 2015 Boglehead Contest. |
Every joke has a bit of a joke. ... The rest is the truth. (Marat F)
KISS
Our normal behavior is to use our BA Visa card for almost everything because we will use the Avios.
And, once you spend $30K in a calendar year, your get a twofer voucher.
This make Avios worth >3¢ a point.
We also have an AMEX Platinum for travel. (Was worth it when trapped in Italy during March 2020.)
And, once you spend $30K in a calendar year, your get a twofer voucher.
This make Avios worth >3¢ a point.
We also have an AMEX Platinum for travel. (Was worth it when trapped in Italy during March 2020.)
Last edited by Bogle7 on Thu Aug 12, 2021 4:20 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Old fart who does three index stock funds, baby.
- dodecahedron
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Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
No worries! I have learned to be philosophical! And quite pleased it worked out so well for you!VictoriaF wrote: ↑Mon Aug 09, 2021 2:16 pmSorry if I made you jealous. I am grateful to you for the idea, because I was not considering this card at all.dodecahedron wrote: ↑Mon Aug 09, 2021 2:09 pmWow! Definitely jealous! I got my Amtrak World card back in April (no statement credit and only 20K signup bonus, though minimum spend to get the bonus was only $1,000.) But quite happy with the perks (two one-class upgrades, free companion tickets, and a free lounge pass I will use for the *extremely* nice new Acela Club.). Plus I have now traveled enough to get myself qualified for Amtrak Select (more one-class upgrades, free companion tickets, and free lounge passes.)VictoriaF wrote: ↑Mon Aug 09, 2021 1:56 pm A couple days ago, I applied for an Amtrak card from Bank of America. It now offers a 50k point bonus for spending $2,500 within three months. If you start making an Amtrak reservation, you'll also get this offer together with $100 statement credit. The fee is $79/year and is not waved.
I was inspired by dodecahedron's post about Amtrak. Like dodecahedron, I take Amtrak several times per year along the Eastern corridor and consider increasing it.
Victoria
I am currently ONLY traveling on Amtrak (avoiding airports and crowds because of public health considerations, not wanting to spend hours packed in like sardines to overcrowded boarding lounges.). I love that my local Amtrak station has an open air covered platform for waiting to board (and there are nice nearby restaurants with outdoor seating and a view of the station, where it is pleasant to wait in case of delays.). And the new Moynihan train hall at Penn Station in NYC is delightful and not crowded (even if I don't use the Acela lounge pass.)
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Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
Please let me know if I can do better?
When not spending toward a specific bonus, here's what I use for cash back:
Groceries & Amazon - Amazon Business American Express Card - 5%
Dining Out - Citi Custom Cash - 5%
Hotels/Airlines - use branded cards - paid out in program points, more with promotions
Everything Else - Amex My Blue Cash - 2%
Any other categories escaping my mind at the moment?
When not spending toward a specific bonus, here's what I use for cash back:
Groceries & Amazon - Amazon Business American Express Card - 5%
Dining Out - Citi Custom Cash - 5%
Hotels/Airlines - use branded cards - paid out in program points, more with promotions
Everything Else - Amex My Blue Cash - 2%
Any other categories escaping my mind at the moment?
How many retired people does it take to screw in a lightbulb? Only one, but he takes all day.
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Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
Mine is:
Amex Gold for Groceries and Dining (retention offer received, so card is "free" still)
Chase Sapphire Reserve for Travel (I organically use the doordash credit and primary rental car protection and break even on annual fee)
Schwab Platinum (will eventually cancel this one -- but good for now since retention offer received, cashing out points to Schwab)
Delta Reserve for all other spending
In the future, it'll just be:
Delta Reserve
CSR
Eventually, it'll be:
Schwab Investor Card @ 1.5% cash back
... once I get tired of optimizing.
Amex Gold for Groceries and Dining (retention offer received, so card is "free" still)
Chase Sapphire Reserve for Travel (I organically use the doordash credit and primary rental car protection and break even on annual fee)
Schwab Platinum (will eventually cancel this one -- but good for now since retention offer received, cashing out points to Schwab)
Delta Reserve for all other spending
In the future, it'll just be:
Delta Reserve
CSR
Eventually, it'll be:
Schwab Investor Card @ 1.5% cash back
... once I get tired of optimizing.
Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
Fidelity Visa 2% cashback
State Department FCU Premium Cash Back+ 2% cashback - no foreign transaction fee and PIN for oversees travel
Apple Card 3% cashback for Apple/iTunes purchases and subscriptions
Amazon Prime Visa 5% cashback for Amazon purchases
Costco Visa 4% cashback gas 3% cashback restaurants and travel
State Department FCU Premium Cash Back+ 2% cashback - no foreign transaction fee and PIN for oversees travel
Apple Card 3% cashback for Apple/iTunes purchases and subscriptions
Amazon Prime Visa 5% cashback for Amazon purchases
Costco Visa 4% cashback gas 3% cashback restaurants and travel
Re: KISS
Access to travel desk with lots of help.
Old fart who does three index stock funds, baby.
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What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
I used Amex Plat Travel for a travel problem quite some time ago. They hadn't even made the reservation.Bogle7 wrote: ↑Fri Aug 20, 2021 9:41 pmAccess to travel desk with lots of help.
Odd snafu at O'Hare. I was traveling on a single ticket, connecting at O'Hare, all on the same airline. So... that airline "knew" i was arriving in time to make the connection, and it wasn't particularly tight.
I was traveling with a cat (declared, with "pet fee" paid).
I got off one flight and wandered over to the other gate, not particularly far away.
I went to check in/double check seating, etc., and was stunned to be told that i wasn't on that flight, despite the ticket i had handed the gate agent... there were still cardboard tickets then, etc.
The response: "You cancelled this leg of the flight!"
Uh, no, I definitely had done no such thing.
Problem was, the flight was full - without me. And it was the last flight of the night to my destination.
And while discussing this with the agent, they started boarding (somewhat earlier than i would have expected, but that's just my percepting under the circumstances).
They absolutely insisted that I had cancelled my connecting flight, and thus it didn't matter that they/the computer/etc., could "see" my on time arrival from the first flight, etc.
Yes, it was a "legal connection", in terms of time between flights.
I looked around and found a pay phone (yup, back in the day... along with the cardboard tickets), and called Amex Plat Travel, and told them of my plight (and my cat).
They asked me to hold as i described the boarding procedure continuing at an alarming speed.
After what felt like a *very* long wait, the agent returned to phone:
A: Can you see the boarding gate from where are?
Me: Yes.
A: Do you see a female agent waving her hand in the air?
M: Yes.
A: RUN, don't walk, to her NOW and have a good trip home. Good bye.
Me: Okay, bye.
I ran over. There were no more people actively boarding, but a few people milling around.
The agent waving her hand looked at my ticket, and almost pushed me into the open airplane door, which then shut behind me. i went to my seat and strapped in, we were getting the on-board directions, etc., and then the plane pushed off...
I have no idea what happened, or - guessing - which of those people milling around had expected to be boarding...
I've used them for several other special situations, but that was the most memorable.
They do appear to have some clout with airlines and hotels, in addition to the Amex Plat Concierge service which can occasionally make magic happen (although I think this was more common in the earlier days than now).
We've also used Amex Plat travel a few times when a filght was cancelled on short notice, and a swarm of passengers was trying to line up at a very limited number of agent desks for re-ticketing.
While we found the shortest place in line and waited, we also were on our cell phone with Amex Plat Travel, who were able to sort of jump the queue for us as "next in line" while we weren't physically there yet...
And I wouldn't be surprised to learn that it was more than just the equivalent of "being next in line".
RM
This signature is a placebo. You are in the control group.
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Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
I use a mid Florida credit union card that pays 2.5% cash back (fla address requirement) - thanks to boglehead heads up
I use a pentagon federal credit union that gives 5% cash back on gas (not sure this is still issued)
I use Amazon card on Amazon for 5% cash back
Trying to keep life simple
I use a pentagon federal credit union that gives 5% cash back on gas (not sure this is still issued)
I use Amazon card on Amazon for 5% cash back
Trying to keep life simple
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Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
3 Credit Cards:
1.) Primary Card: BoA Unlimited Cash Rewards, 2.6% cash back on all purchases (requires BoA plat honors tier, aka 100k+ of investments held at Merrill).
2.) Specialty Card 1: Amazon Visa, 5% cash back on Amazon and Whole Foods transactions, used only for these transactions.
3.) Specialty Card 2: Target Card, 5% off target transactions, used only for these transactions.
We've always routed all spending through rewards cards
1.) Primary Card: BoA Unlimited Cash Rewards, 2.6% cash back on all purchases (requires BoA plat honors tier, aka 100k+ of investments held at Merrill).
2.) Specialty Card 1: Amazon Visa, 5% cash back on Amazon and Whole Foods transactions, used only for these transactions.
3.) Specialty Card 2: Target Card, 5% off target transactions, used only for these transactions.
We've always routed all spending through rewards cards
This content is for entertainment purposes only
Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
I’ve been waiting several months to go under 5/24. Also has finally been more than 48 months since sapphire bonus. Just successfully applied for ink unlimited using Mrs. lkar’s referral link and now plan to wait a few days and use her referral link for sapphire preferred. Should be 215,000 points when all is done. Not sure whether I will now just go crazy and go way over 5/24 or maybe will wait until January when I am back under 5/24 so I can get the Chase Hyatt card.