June 2007
The credit cards that pay you big time
Decided to go for a cash-back credit card? You can start your search by poring over the chart below, which details five programs
that received the top rating by staff members at CardRatings.com, a Web site that provides information about credit-card offers. Reviewers judged the programs based on the following criteria:
how the card’s benefits compared with those of similar reward cards as well as those in other categories; card reviews from
other independent sources; how long the card had existed (higher marks are given to cards that have established reward programs);
reviews by cardholders; and the card’s annual fees and interest rates. None of the reward cards below charge an annual fee.The
programs are listed in alphabetical order.
| Program | Issuer | Variable purchase APR | Toll-free phone number | Program description* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Cash | American Express | 12.49% to 17.49% | 800-258-3227 | 1% reward on purchases at drugstores, gas stations, and supermarkets; 0.5% on other purchases up to $6,500 annually; 5% and 1.5%, respectively, on charges from $6,501 to $50,000. May be redeemed for account credit. Annual refund cap: None, but no rebates after $50,000 in charges. |
| Cash Plus Rewards Visa | JP Morgan Chase | 13.49% to 22.49% | 888-215-3049 | 5% cash back at drugstores, gas stations, and supermarkets; 1% on other charges. Money can be redeemed in check form or as gift certificates at merchants that include Best Buy, Home Depot, and Macy’s. Annual refund cap: $300 per calendar year. |
| Dividend Platinum Select MasterCard | Citibank | Prime plus 6.99%; 14.5% in Feb. | 800-248-4226 | 5% cash back at drugstores, gas stations, and supermarkets; 1% on other charges and cash advances. Annual award amount capped at $300 except on purchases made through Dividend Merchant Network (mainly online retailers), which have no refund cap. |
| Platinum Card Get More | Discover | 10.99% to 17.99% | 800-347-2683 | 5% cash back from merchants in categories (example, restaurants) that vary over the course of a year. 1% cash back in all other categories if you charge more than $3,000. Cash-back bonus doubled when redeemed for gift cards or certificates at certain merchant partners. Annual refund cap: None. |
| Power Rewards Visa | Bank of America | 11.49% to 20.49% | 800-729-8916 | Rewards based on points system. Cash-back equivalent of 1% of the amount you charge. May be redeemed for card credit, gift certificates, or gift cards from companies including Best Buy and Bed, Bath and Beyond. Annual refund cap: None. |
