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It’s possible to save lots of money with cash back cards. Here’s how to take your cash rewards to the next level with a few hacks to earn even more. [[{“value”:”
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When it comes to cash back cards, people usually fall into one of two groups. Some are happy keeping it simple and earning a little money back on their expenses. Others want to take it to the max and earn as much cash back as possible.
If you’re in the latter group, there are lots of cash back hacks you can use to earn more. You may already be familiar with some of them, including opening more cards to earn sign-up bonuses and getting cards with bonus categories to fit your spending habits.
Here are the methods many people don’t know about.
1. Get around bonus caps by opening two of the same card
Cash back cards with bonus categories often limit how much bonus cash you can earn. For example, a card may earn 5% back in your top spending category, but only on up to $500 per month. Any additional spending earns the standard 1% rate.
But many credit card companies let you open more than one of the same card. I’ve gotten two of the same credit card before. I’ve also heard of people who have taken it even further, opening three or more of the same credit card to get around bonus limits.
Are you currently looking for cash back cards with big bonus opportunities? Click here to see our curated list of the best cash back cards, with cards that earn as much as 6% back.
2. Open cash back cards with rotating bonus categories
Many cash back cards have fixed bonus categories. But there are also a few with rotating bonus categories that change every quarter. Your card might earn bonus cash at Amazon and Target in the fourth quarter of the year, gyms and grocery stores in the first quarter of next year, and so on.
I personally wouldn’t recommend using one of these as your only cash back card. However, this type of card can be a good addition to your wallet. These cards typically earn 5% in their rotating bonus categories, on up to $1,500 in quarterly spending.
Since they earn such a high rate, they can boost your cash back earnings quite a bit. And if the bonus cap is too low, you can always open multiple cards with this benefit.
3. Send referral offers to friends and family
Credit card companies are always looking for new customers. And if you send them one, you could get a finder’s fee out of it.
Check if your card issuer has a referral program. How this normally works is you share a referral link with your friends and family. If someone applies for the card through your link and gets approved, your card issuer will reward you with bonus cash back. For example, one of my cards has a $50 referral bonus for each person who gets the card through my referral link.
Make sure the card you’re recommending is a good fit for your referral. It’s not just about earning cash back — it’s about helping someone you know find the best credit card.
4. Use your card issuer’s online shopping portal
Several credit card companies have their own online shopping portals. You can access these through your online account. If you go to an online store through your card issuer’s shopping portal, you could earn bonus cash back on any purchases you make.
Let’s say you’re going to buy some workout gear from Lululemon. Your card would normally earn 1% back there. But you check your card issuer’s online shopping portal first, and you see it’s offering 3% back on Lululemon. Just by going to the Lululemon site through your card issuer’s portal, you earn three-times as much cash back.
5. Stack your rewards with cash back apps
Credit cards aren’t the only way to earn cash back. There are also cash back apps that allow you to earn cash back with their partner merchants.
Here’s the best part: You can combine these with cash back cards to earn even more. You use the cash back app to find offers, and then you pay for the purchase with your cash back card. Instead of earning 2% from a cash back app or 2% from a cash back card, you could earn it with both of them for a total of 4% back. Click here to see our list of the top cash back apps and start earning more today.
Cash back is one of the most valuable credit card perks. If you use those strategies to maximize your cash back, you could save $500 to $1,000 or more every year.
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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Lyle Daly has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon and Target. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
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