Best Cards for Flexibility: Future Travel AND Cash Back

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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

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.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Chase Freedom Flex

Make sure you read our post on the new stay-at-home enhancements that will make these cards even more valuable.

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

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

Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

Pros

  • Up to 1.5% cashback on spend, 1.8% cashback on mobile purchases for the first year
  • Up to 15 months 0% APR on transfers and purchases
  • No annual fees

Cons

  • After the 0% APR period, you’ll pay high APR rates depending on your credit scores
  • Rewards can be redeemed only in $20 or $25 increments

Citi Double Cash Card

Pros

  • Can earn ThankYou points
  • 18 months 0% APR on balance transfers
  • Known to be an easy approval
  • No annual fee

Cons

  • No introductory 0% APR on purchases
  • Zero Sign Up Bonus
  • Foreign transaction fees

Best Pure Cash Back Business Cards

Capital One Spark 2% Cash Plus

This card is very generous on sign-up bonuses.  Beyond a doubt, this card is a great choice for small-business owners looking for a good cash back card.

Pros:
  • Unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases.
  • If your card is lost or stolen, you pay $0 for Fraud Liability.
  • As long as the account is existing, the rewards earned don’t expire and you redeem any amount.
  • No foreign transaction fees.
  • Damage coverage for auto rental collision.
Cons:
  • High APR.
  • Lack of travel transfer partners.
  • Has an annual fee of $95 after the first year.
  • A card without an annual fee is a better option if you spend less than $1,000 monthly.

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 card with no annual fee. Great for carrying a balance. This one should be in every business owner’s wallet. Incredible signup bonus for a no-fee card. Excellent companion card to Sapphire Reserve or Sapphire Preferred! Like the Sapphire cards, this card earns valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards. You can earn 5X rewards (on first $25k spent) for phone service, cable, internet, and office supply stores.

Chase Ink Business Unlimited®

This is a no-brainer, great business card from Chase. A great bonus with no annual fees. Great for carrying a balance. You can combine points with other cards that earn Chase Ultimate Rewards. Like the name says, you earn unlimited 1.5% cash back (or 1.5x points) per $1 spent on all purchases. Note that unlike many Chase cards, this card does charge foreign transaction fees.

American Express Blue Business Cash Card

Best Balance Transfer Cards

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!

November 2024: Best Travel Credit Card Offers

Best Hotel Credit Cards

Increased Offer Ending Soon! Chase Sapphire Preferred® Complete Guide