Choosing the Best Cash Back Credit Cards for You

Summary: This article describes how consumers can evaluate and choose the best cash back credit cards available in the marketplace.

If you have decided that a cash back credit card is the right choice for you, then the next step is to choose the one that fits your needs the best. Therefore, you need to take a few things into consideration when trying to choose the best cash back credit cards. Lifestyle The first thing you need to take into consideration when looking for a cash back credit card is your lifestyle. Not all cash back credit cards are the same and, as such, not all of them will suit you well. For example, some cash back credit cards only supply you with rewards for purchases made at specific stores or on specific items. Therefore, these cards will not do you a whole lot of good if you never make purchases at these stores or on these items. Make sure to choose a cash back credit card that provides rewards for something you already purchase regularly. Never change your spending habits based on a cash back credit card. Instead, find one that conforms to you and your lifestyle. In addition to having different ways for allowing you to accumulate cash back rewards, there are different ways for you to receive the reward as well. Some will cut you a check automatically once you have earned a certain amount of money, while others will expect you to monitor your own rewards and to request your cash back reward. Yet others will automatically apply your reward toward your credit card balance or will invest your money in certain savings programs. Once again, you need to assess your lifestyle to determine which option is best for you. A cash back credit card that invests you cash rewards into a college savings plan, for example, is not best for you if you do not have children or someone else to help through college. Similarly, if you know that you do not have the time or inclination to monitor your own rewards program and to request your cash back, then be sure to select a cash back credit card that issues checks automatically. Spending Habits When choosing a cash back credit card, you also need to assess your own spending habits and find a card that compliments your habits the best. If you tend to leave a balance on your credit card from time to time, then you want to find a cash back credit card with a low interest rate. Otherwise, you might end up spending more in finance charges than you receive from the cash back program. You also need to pay attention to limits and restrictions the cash back credit card might have. Some have a maximum on the amount of cash back rewards you can spend. This could cause you to lose out on money that you could get with other cash back credit cards. For example, if a credit card only supplies cash back rewards for the first $10,000 you spend per year, but you typically spend $15,000 per year on your credit card, then you are losing out on $5,000 that could be earning you money. Therefore, you want to be sure to apply for a cash back credit card that provides rewards for at least up to $15,000 worth of purchases. Additional Benefits In addition to providing you with cash rewards, cash back credit cards also come with a number of other benefits. The benefits provided by these cards, however, are not the same from card to card. For example, some cash back credit cards might provide you with extended warranty protection and purchase protection while others may not. Some might also provide emergency roadside service, fraud protection, travel insurance, and auto rental insurance. If any of these benefits are important to you, you need to take them into consideration when choosing the cash back credit card that is best for you.