Let’s talk about credit cards that offer ultimate flexibility. With these cards, you don’t have to choose cash back vs. travel. You are able to do BOTH!
Table of Contents
- Cards with the Option for Travel or Cash
- How to Get Cash Back on Chase’s Travel℠ Portal
- Best Pure Cash Back Personal Cards
- Best Pure Cash Back Business Cards
- Maximize Rewards in Shopping Portals
- Final Thoughts
Cards with the Option for Travel or Cash
Many cards earn points that are easily redeemed for cash where one point equals one cent. Chase points and the Citi Strata Premier ℠ Card offer the highest cash back option (100%) compared to any other program.
The cards listed below offer points that are more valuable when used towards travel. In order to understand how valuable each of the below offers is, convert the number of points to cash back, in your head by following this pattern (drop the last two zeros and add a dollar sign):
- 25,000 points = $250
- 50,000 points = $500
- 60,000 points = $600
- 80,000 points = $800
- 100,000 points = $1,000
Check out our Chase Ultimate Rewards Guide for a full understanding of how Chase Ultimate Rewards are valued and used for travel and transfer partners. Although it can be very helpful, the cash back value is the lowest redemption value compared to using points for travel.
Chase Sapphire Preferred®
Read our Complete Guide on the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
Our #1 personal card we recommend most often. Hands down the single best "starter card" for beginners and the MVP card for free travel.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Great choice for a frequent traveler, but note the large annual fee. If you're starting out or not going to travel frequently in the coming year, you might want to instead consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
With the current offer, you'll now earn a total of 4.5x on dining (including takeout and eligible delivery services), 4.5x on drugstores, 6.5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, and 3x on everything else for the first year, up to $20,000. This special offer is best for those who have a healthy amount of monthly spending on dining and general expenses.
Chase Freedom Flex℠
A very strong card that is super flexible for cash back or free travel. Lots of good spending categories and the ability to move points to a Sapphire card makes this a great card to have.
How to Get Cash Back on Chase’s Portal
Best Pure Cash Back Cards
Here’s a list of our “Best Cash Back Credit Card Offers” to guide you through choosing the best cash back cards with bonuses, rewards from spending, and cash back shopping.
Citi Double Cash® Card
Now with a signup bonus! A great complement to the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card.
Pros
- Can earn ThankYou® Points
- Great card for carrying a balance
- Known to be an easy approval
- No annual fee
Cons
- Foreign transaction fees
Chase Freedom Unlimited
With the current offer, you'll now earn a total of 4.5x on dining (including takeout and eligible delivery services), 4.5x on drugstores, 6.5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, and 3x on everything else for the first year, up to $20,000. This special offer is best for those who have a healthy amount of monthly spending on dining and general expenses.
Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express
In addition to the welcome offer you receive after meeting the minimum spend requirement, you'll also receive 10% back as a statement credit on purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of card membership (up to $150 back). Definitely worth considering if you're looking for a cash-back card, as you'll earn 3% cash back on several credit cards. Cash back is received in the form of reward dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit. Terms apply.
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
Best Pure Cash Back Business Cards
Capital One Spark 2% Cash Plus
Intriguing small business card for business owners wanting simple, easy earning. Note: the annual fee is higher than most comparable cards.
Chase Ink Business Cash®
This card is a top pick for cash back lovers and travelers. We have a complete guide for you to learn more about this card.
Great signup bonus for a business card with no annual fee, now with an extended timeline for hitting the spend requirement. Great for carrying a balance. 5x earning categories, and if paired with a premier Chase credit card (one that carries an annual fee), your points are worth even more.
Chase Ink Business Unlimited®
A no-brainer, great business card. Your choice to receive 1.5% cash back or 1.5x points.
American Express Blue Business Cash Card
This $0 annual fee card is intriguing for the 2% cash back on all eligible spending (up to $50,000 annually). Cash back is earned in the form of statement credits. Terms apply.
Best Balance Transfer Cards
Now with a signup bonus! A great complement to the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card.
Maximize Rewards in Shopping Portals
Read our full article on maximizing rewards and cash back in shopping portals. Here’s a quick summary on maximizing rewards with online shopping: Check out CashbackMonitor.com; Join Rakuten and get an easy $10; Join your favorite airline’s shopping portal; and, Maximize your spending by getting a new credit card with a big sign-up bonus.
Final Thoughts
Getting into the habit of earning flexible rewards can be a great way to save money and earn points for when you’re ready to travel. Make sure you check out each of these offers, earn the points you need, and get ready to execute a very good points strategy. You can be traveling to your dream destination soon!
