What Does Cashback on Credit Cards Mean, and How Does It Work?

Are you tired of never seeing a penny of your hard-earned money again after making a purchase? If so, a cashback credit card might be the answer you’re looking for.

In this post, we’ll explain exactly what cashback on credit cards means and how it works. We’ll also go over the pros and cons of using a cashback credit card and provide some tips for maximizing your earnings. Finally, we’ll give you some ideas for using your cashback once you earn it.

What Does Cashback on Credit Cards Mean, and How Does It Work?

So, what does cashback on credit cards mean? Simply put, it means you can earn a percentage of your purchases back in cash. This cash is usually credited back to your credit card account, but it can also be sent to you in the form of a check or deposited into a bank account.

Here’s how it works:

1. Use your credit card to make a purchase.
2. A certain percentage of the purchase price (usually between 1% and 5%) will be credited back to your account as cashback.
3. The cashback will be credited to your account either at the end of the billing period or after a certain amount of time has passed (e.g., after the return period for the purchase has ended).

Some credit cards have different cashback rates for different types of purchases. For example, a credit card might offer 3% cash back on grocery purchases, 2% cash back on gas purchases, and 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Pros and Cons of using a cashback credit card

Now, let’s talk about the pros and cons of using a cashback credit card.

One of the biggest pros is, of course, the opportunity to earn cash on your purchases. If you use your credit card for a lot of everyday expenses, the cashback can really add up. Even if you only earn a small percentage back on each purchase, it can still make a difference in the long run.

Another pro is that cashback credit cards often have other perks, such as rewards points or extended warranties on purchases. These can be great additions, especially if you use your credit card frequently.

On the flip side, one of the cons of cashback credit cards is that they often come with annual fees. While the cashback you earn might be more than the annual fee, it’s important to do the math and make sure that you’re actually coming out ahead.

Another con is that there may be limits on how much cashback you can earn in a given year. This can be especially frustrating if you’re close to reaching the limit but have to make a large purchase that would push you over the top.

How can you maximize your cashback earnings?

So, how can you maximize your cashback earnings? Here are a few tips:

1. Choose a credit card with a high cashback rate for the types of purchases you make most often. For example, if you do a lot of grocery shopping, look for a credit card that offers a high cashback rate on groceries.
2. Use your credit card for as many purchases as possible, but make sure to pay off the balance in full each month to avoid paying interest.
3. Take advantage of any special offers or promotions that your credit card company is running. These can be a great way to boost your cashback earnings.
4. Use your credit card for large purchases, as the cashback on these will often be higher.

What should you do with your cashback once you earn it?

So, what should you do with your cashback once you earn it? Here are a few ideas:

1. Use it to pay off your credit card balance. This can help you save money on interest charges and allow you to pay off your debt more quickly.

2. Deposit it into a savings account. This can be a great way to build up your savings, and especially if you’re disciplined about putting the cashback you earn into your monthly savings account.

3. Use it to treat yourself. Whether it’s a new piece of technology, a day at the spa, or a night out with friends, using your cashback to splurge on something you’ve been wanting can be a great way to reward yourself for being financially responsible.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, cashback credit cards can be a great tool for saving money on everyday purchases and earning a little extra cash. However, it’s important to choose a card that’s right for your spending habits and to be aware of any fees or limitations that may apply. By using your credit card strategically and being disciplined about paying off your balance each month, you can maximize your cashback earnings and put that extra cash to good use.

Also read:

• 20 Simple Money Management Tips for Everyone in Kenya
• BEWARE! 7 Ways Scammers Can Steal Money from Your Debit Card