Welcome to the Q4 2012 edition of Maximizing What’s in Your Wallet!
As a reminder, this post is for all the credit card deadbeats out there looking to maximize cash back rewards. So, if you never carry a balance on your credit cards, have them set to auto-pay in full every month, and want to make the most of Q4 2012, then read on.
My apologies for the lateness. Here’s how you should allocate your spending:
Gas – This is a no-brainer. It’s the same card year round. It is the PenFed VISA Platinum Gas / Cash Rewards Card (a sponsor). You’ll get 5% back all the time on gas purchases. Just make sure you pay at the pump. I used to use this card for a lot more, but the rewards have been really scaled back such that only the 5% gas reward makes sense. However, as a gas card, it’s a great choice.
Groceries – I have been very pleased with my Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express (a sponsor) which pays me 6% back on all grocery purchases. It also pays 3% on gas and 1% on everything else, but I only use it at the grocery store. The downside to the card is the card carries a $75 annual fee, but it’s worth it.
Restaurants – For me I’m using my US Bank Cash+ for 5% back in regular and fast food restaurants.
Department Stores – Discover it Card (a sponsor) is offering 5% and Chase Freedom is offering 5% back at Kohls.
Home Improvement – Your best bet is to buy gift cards for your favorite home improvement store using the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express (a sponsor) or use your 2% card.
Hotels and Airlines – Use your favorite hotel card. Mine are the Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express and the Marriott Rewards® Premier Credit Card (both sponsors). Also Chase Freedom is offering 5% back on hotels and airlines.
Movies – Discover it Card(a sponsor) is offering 5% the entire year.
Online Shopping – Discover it Card (a sponsor) is offering 5% this quarter.
Best Buy – Chase Freedom is offering 5% this quarter.
Gifts – For gifts I use the Amazon VISA year round. When you buy through Amazon with the Amazon VISA you get 3% back and the first time you sign up, they give you $40 off your purchase. It’s well worth the sign up. I am tempted to use my new Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express (a sponsor) to buy Amazon gift cards at a grocery store for the 6% cash back.
Everything Else – I use the Fidelity Investment Rewards AMEX. It offers 2% cash back across the board.
Two final thoughts: Please remember to sign up at Chase and Discover to be eligible for their 5% rewards, and remember this advice is ONLY for people who don’t carry a balance…EVER.