
If you're looking to maximize your rewards, 2x rewards credit cards are a great place to start. These cards offer double points or cash back on every purchase, making them a lucrative option for frequent spenders.
One key thing to consider is the types of purchases that qualify for 2x rewards. Some cards offer double points on categories like dining, travel, or gas stations, while others offer double points on all purchases.
The rewards rates can add up quickly, with some cards offering up to 2% cash back on all purchases. This can be a game-changer for those who use their credit cards for everyday expenses.
To get the most out of your 2x rewards credit card, it's essential to understand the rewards structure and how it applies to your spending habits.
Earning Rewards
Earning rewards with a 2x credit card is a great way to boost your points balance. You can earn rewards on all purchases, not just specific categories.
Some 2x credit cards offer a flat rate, like the Blue Business Plus, which earns 2% on all purchases. This means you'll earn 1% when you make a purchase and another 1% after paying your bill.
For example, the Blue Business Plus earns 2x Membership Reward points on all eligible purchases up to $50,000 per calendar year. This can be worth 100,000 extra Amex points in your stash.
If you have multiple Amex cards, you can use the "Amex Trifecta" strategy to earn even more points. This involves using different cards for different types of purchases, such as airfare, restaurants, and travel expenses.
Here's a breakdown of how the "Amex Trifecta" strategy works:
By using the right card for each purchase, you can maximize your points earnings and get the most out of your Amex cards.
Pros and Cons
2x rewards credit cards can be a great way to earn rewards, but it's essential to consider the pros and cons before applying for one.
The main advantage of 2x rewards credit cards is that they offer a higher rewards rate on certain categories, such as dining or groceries, which can be a significant benefit for frequent buyers.
You can earn up to 2x points or miles on every dollar spent in these categories, which can add up quickly and help you reach your rewards goals faster.
However, these cards often come with higher fees, such as annual fees or foreign transaction fees, which can offset the benefits.
Some 2x rewards credit cards also have rotating categories, which can be confusing to keep track of and may require you to spend more money to earn rewards in specific months.
Pros
One of the best things about this card is that you earn 2% back on every purchase. This means you'll be getting a significant return on your spending, which can add up over time.
You'll also have the flexibility to convert your rewards to ThankYou points with an eligible card, giving you even more options for redemption.
One of the most attractive features of this card is that it has no annual fee. This means you can enjoy the benefits without breaking the bank.
Citi Double Disadvantages
The Citi Double Cash card isn't perfect, and here are some of its key disadvantages. The Citi Double Cash card has no sign-up bonus. It also has a higher interest rate compared to some other credit cards.
The card's foreign transaction fee is 3%, which can add up quickly if you travel frequently. You'll also need to pay a late fee if you miss a payment.
The Citi Double Cash card has no rewards categories, so you won't earn bonus points for specific purchases. This can be a drawback if you have specific spending habits or preferences.
Cards with 2x Rewards
The Citi Double Cash card is a no-annual-fee powerhouse that offers two points per dollar for all purchases, making it a 2% cash back card. Points can be simply cashed out.
The American Express Blue Business Cash Card also offers 2% cash back on all purchases, but with a cap of $50,000 per calendar year. You'll then receive 1% back on your purchases.
Small businesses looking for a cash-back card should consider these options, as they offer straightforward and lucrative rewards programs.
Related Cards
If you're looking for more options beyond the top 2% cash-back cards, here are a few related cards worth considering.
The Citi Double Cash Card offers a unique rewards structure, paying 2% cash back on all purchases, with no rotating categories or spending limits.
The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card is another solid option, offering 2% cash back on purchases, with a $0 annual fee.
If you're looking for a more specialized rewards program, the Synchrony Premier World Mastercard is worth considering, offering rewards in specific categories.
Here are some of the top 2% cash-back cards:
- Citi Double Cash Card
- Wells Fargo Active Cash Card
- Synchrony Premier World Mastercard
Citi Double Rewards
The Citi Double Cash Card is a no-brainer for anyone looking for a simple cash-back card with no annual fee. It earns a 2% flat rate across all purchases, with 1% when you make a purchase and another 1% after paying your bill.
This card is perfect for those who want to maximize their rewards without having to keep track of bonus categories. With the Citi Double Cash Card, your rewards are very simple every time you swipe it.
You can redeem your rewards by requesting a check, a statement credit, or a direct deposit into your Citi checking or savings account. The card also offers a 24-month Extended Warranty, which doubles the time period of your covered purchase's original manufacturer's warranty.
If you decide that you'd prefer to redeem your cash-back rewards for travel instead, you'll have that opportunity as well, if you pair this card with a premium Citi ThankYou product.
American Express Blue Business Card
The American Express Blue Business Cash Card is an excellent option for small businesses looking for a cash-back card. It offers 2% cash back on all purchases, with a cap at $50,000 per calendar year.
This card is extremely straightforward and easy to use, making it a great choice for businesses that want to earn rewards without a lot of hassle. You'll earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in purchases in your first three months of account opening.
The annual fee is $0, which is a major plus for small businesses on a budget. If you have a small business that spends less than the cap threshold annually, this may be a preferred card due to the $0 annual fee.
Redeeming your cash back is also incredibly easy, as you'll receive the money earned automatically as a monthly statement credit.
Capital One SparkPlus
The Capital One Spark Cash Plus is a great option for small businesses with a decent amount of spending. You can earn 2% cash back on all purchases, which is a huge benefit.
The card's welcome offer is incredibly enticing, with a $2,000 cash bonus after spending $30,000 in the first three months. This can be a huge jump-start for your company's cash reserves.
However, you'll need to meet a high spending requirement to unlock the bonus, which might be a challenge for some businesses. The annual fee is $150, but it can be refunded every year you spend at least $150,000.
The card offers no foreign transaction fees, roadside assistance, extended warranty protection, and free employee cards, making it a well-rounded option.
Rewards Management
Rewards Management is a crucial aspect of 2x rewards credit cards. Cardholders can earn rewards by making purchases on these cards.
Some cards offer a flat rate across all purchases, like the one that earns a 2% rate. This means you'll earn rewards on every transaction, no matter what you buy.
Another perk is earning rewards on two different occasions - when you make a purchase and when you pay your bill. This card, for example, gives you 1% when you make a purchase and another 1% after paying your bill.
Sign-up and Spending
The Citi Double Cash card is a great option for earning 2x rewards on your credit card spend. It earns 2% cash back on all purchases, making it a great choice for non-bonus spend.
This card is particularly good for everyday purchases, like groceries, gas, and other expenses that don't have a specific bonus category. The rewards are straightforward and don't have any rotating categories or spending limits.
If you're looking to earn a sign-up bonus, the Citi Double Cash card occasionally offers a bonus of $200 cash back after spending $1,500 in the first six months. This can be a nice boost to get you started with your rewards earnings.
Signup Bonus
If you're new to credit cards, you might be wondering what a signup bonus is and how it works. In simple terms, a signup bonus is a reward you receive when you sign up for a credit card and meet certain requirements.
The Citi Double Cash Card offers a signup bonus of $200 cash back after spending $1,500 in the first six months. This is a great opportunity to earn some extra cash back on your purchases.
Not all credit cards offer a signup bonus, but it's definitely worth looking for if you're considering applying for a new card.
Spend
The Citi Double Cash card is a great choice for everyday spend, earning 2X everywhere, or 2% cash back.
This card is particularly good for "non bonus" spend, meaning it rewards you for purchases that don't fall into specific bonus categories like restaurants or grocery stores.
You can earn 1 point per dollar (1%) when you make a purchase and 1 points per dollar (1%) when you pay your credit card bill, which adds up to 2 points per dollar.
This makes it a simple and rewarding card for all your regular expenses.
Holiday Purchases
With the holiday season approaching, it's a great time to take advantage of bonus rewards promotions on your credit card. This is a timely promotion for earning extra rewards on holiday shopping.
You could also prepay bills or other expenses and lock in those extra rewards, which could add up quickly.
Bank of America's Premium Rewards credit card offers a sign-up bonus of 60,000 online bonus points, worth $600, after you spend $4,000 in the first 90 days.
If you apply soon and receive the card before November 7, any purchases you make on More Rewards Day will count toward the spend threshold required to earn the sign-up bonus.
This is a smart move if you plan to make holiday purchases, as you'll earn an additional 2x rewards on those purchases, up to the spending cap.
Earning those extra rewards can make a big difference in your holiday shopping budget.
Back
Redeeming rewards is a crucial part of getting the most out of a 2x rewards credit card. Double Cash cardholders can redeem their ThankYou points for cash back at a rate of 1 cent for each point.
You can think of this as earning a 2% cash back rate, which is a great perk.
Sources
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/bank-of-america-more-rewards-day-2023
- https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/citi-double-cash-card/
- https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/best-two-percent-cash-back-cards/
- https://militarymoneymanual.com/amex-blue-business-plus/
- https://frequentmiler.com/dc/
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