The Master Cash Back (CB) Card Strategies Thread

[JayB27]

We have a thread for travel rewards (points/miles) already.

 

But I was having trouble locating one for CB.

 

Since the two are SO DIFFERENT, I believe separate threads are needed.

 

If you have CB strategies to share, please do so. I do not use CB as much now since I focus on travel rewards.

 

But I believe there is value to the CreditBoards Community in general to share this unique strategy.

 

Please share any experiences, negative or positive. Where the most value lies, and the best way to achieve it.

 

Thank you.

 

 

[cv91915]

[JayB27]

What is THE most valuable Cash Back card, for those looking to maximize reward?

[ubercat]

There should be a master thread of the highest cash back cards that go over a threshold of 1%. The complete list isn't that long that it would be a pain.

 

I'm almost 70% cash back. My heavy lifters lately are Sallie Mae, BCP, Ebates, and of all things Pol Pot. I'm going to make the full shift into cash back at the beginning of 2016 when I can close a few rewards cards like Apple Rewards Visa, etc...

[JayB27]

BCP seems pretty good, and probably the best I have.

 

And uber, this thread serves that purpose, it just doesn't say master.

Compile your list, and add it here. Bump it frequently.

[JayB27]

I also have Freedom, which is useful to me.

[Rorer_714]

There should be a master thread of the highest cash back cards that go over a threshold of 1%. The complete list isn't that long that it would be a pain.

 

I'm almost 70% cash back. My heavy lifters lately are Sallie Mae, BCP, Ebates, and of all things Pol Pot. I'm going to make the full shift into cash back at the beginning of 2016 when I can close a few rewards cards like Apple Rewards Visa, etc...

It would be helpful to others to list the % each card gives. Maybe things like categories and caps also.

[JayB27]

You are very welcome to post as much helpful information here as possible.

 

We have sought out members who focus on the CB game, as opposed to travel rewards.

 

themanwhocan, is very knowledgeable in this area as well.

 

I would welcome his charts.

 

Travel Rewards are so complex in their own regard, I think mixing the two can become overwhelming.

[BobWang]

Many years ago,

 

somebody did a spreadsheet of rewards.

 

It became something like planning

 

a mission to Mars.

[Rorer_714]

Maybe KISS would be a better start.

[ubercat]

Many years ago,

 

somebody did a spreadsheet of rewards.

 

It became something like planning

 

a mission to Mars.

 

If you were to compile a list of cash back cards, and you wanted to keep the list to the top (elite) cards, where would the break-point be? 1%? 1.5%?

 

Maybe KISS would be a better start.

 

The short list. Yeah. I agree.

Edited January 29, 2015 by ubercat

[Rorer_714]

Something you want to check with your Amex cards that offer 5% on gas. Most T&C's state it is only on the first 400 of each purchase. This is important if you are buying 500 GC's at the gas station. You only want to load them with 400.

[JayB27]

We can only make work of examples.

 

I should try to find the chart the previously mentioned member provided a few weeks ago, that was very helpful.

[BobWang]

Or, maybe,

 

I tried to do it,

 

and gave up.

[JayB27]

It is a lot of work to take on, with other things going on.

 

I mentioned it, and started the thread.

 

Tired already.

[ubercat]

Or, maybe,

 

I tried to do it,

 

and gave up.

[JayB27]

Here is a chart provided by "themanwhocan" in the rewards card strategies thread.

 

I don't know how to quote from another thread, my apologies. But it serves as an example.

 

[BobWang]

I still get cold sweats

 

when I think about

 

my spreadsheet attempt

[JayB27]

I have a hard time fathoming a failed attempt at a spreadsheet by you.

 

I will take your word for it though.

[JayB27]

I tried a spreadsheet not long ago Bob, and I couldn't even interact with it.

 

I had a lot to offer with the ideas, but couldn't make it happen.

Or maybe that was a chart.

[BobWang]

[JayB27]

GOOD Lawd !!

[ubercat]

You have to up the burn time or the orbit will start to decay.

[BobWang]

I rest my case

[JayB27]

Reminds me of an Air-Traffic control screen.