Yesterday, Simon Mall opened registration for a new manufactured spending opportunity that enables the volume for which their malls have become known with the convenience of shopping from home. See: Simon Gift Card online bulk ordering. Everything you need to know. Readers had two key questions: Which credit card(s) should you use to purchase and how the heck are you liquidating these Simon gift cards in a time when most of the United States is under stay-at-home orders? Greg recently wrote about 7 ways to increase spend from home. The truth is that apart from paying taxes, your options are limited today. Don’t buy these cards if it means you will need to make extra trips to the store today. However, we’ll eventually get past COVID-19 and return to a world in which liquidation is easier, so today’s post will focus on which card(s) to use to buy Simon Visa Gift Cards when it makes sense for you to do so again.
A word of caution
First up: if you are new to manufactured spending, you should read our Manufactured Spending Complete Guide before you jump into buying any type of prepaid gift cards. Know that there are risks and complications. You have to be organized (losing one thousand-dollar-card will wipe out the value gleaned from a lot of points). Banks may not like your spending patterns and may shut down your accounts. Liquidating cards can be complicated, difficult, or impossible in some areas. There are a lot of variables.
To that end, I recommend reading a post I wrote last year when Simon debuted the $1K Visa Gift Cards at their malls: Mistakes to avoid on $1K Simon Visa Gift Cards.
A couple of key points from that post (I recommend reading the whole thing if you haven’t):
- Avoid a sudden sharp increase in spend on any one issuer’s card(s) as this is a common trigger for account shut downs. Also see Why Chase shutdowns have increased and how to avoid them. This may become even more relevant in a recession.
- Diversify your earnings. Amex awards no points for Simon purchases (so don’t use an Amex to buy these). You never know when another issuer may become the next Amex, so don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
- Have a backup to your backup plan in terms of liquidation. I wrote last year that you never know when your preferred liquidation option might disappear. I never could have anticipated that this would be because we are all sheltered at home trying to get a pandemic under control, but the current situation with COVID-19 is a good example as to why you don’t want to buy more cards than you can afford to float since you don’t know when things can suddenly change.
- If you are purchasing money orders, be sure to deposit in a bank that you don’t care much about. Some banks will shut down your accounts for money order deposits, so you don’t want to deposit them in a bank that issues credit cards that you want to have. Furthermore, avoid structuring your deposits, which is a crime.
You can read more on mistakes to avoid in the post linked above in this section.
Costs of Simon Gift Cards
Simon Gift Cards can be purchased online in denominations of $10-$1,000 with an activation fee of $3.95 per card.
When ordering online, there is an additional $10 processing fee per order regardless of order size. You will also pay for shipping, which varies depending upon your location. The fee to my home address is $10 per order, others have reported $11 or $12. For the purposes of this post, I’ll suppose a $12 shipping fee.
Simon’s velocity limit is $25,000 per day. That number is total spend including fees. Customers can place multiple smaller orders as long as they stay under $25K per day, but note that the processing and shipping fees will be charged separately for each order.
For the purposes of comparison below, it is useful to figure the cost per point if you’re buying Simon Gift Cards online. However, the cost per point varies depending on your order size since the processing and shipping fees make up a larger percentage of a smaller order.
The Simon bulk ordering program is really designed for those who can and want to buy larger volume, but to create comparison points, I have figured costs below based on 3 hypothetical order sizes: $5K in gift cards, $10K in gift cards, and $24K in gift cards (I’m using $24K in case you don’t want to end up with a single card with an odd amount on it). I’m using $12 as my estimated shipping figure to do the math.
I am further going to assume a cost of $1 per $1K to liquidate. Your true cost may be more or less depending upon how you liquidate.
That means those orders will cost:
- $5K in Visa Gift Cards + $19.75 activation fees (5 x $3.95) + $10 processing + $12 shipping + $5 liquidation = $5,046.75.
- $10K in Visa Gift Cards + $39.50 activation fees (10 x $3.95) + $10 processing + $12 shipping + $10 liquidation = $10,071.50
- $24K in Visa Gift Cards + $94.80 activation fees (24 x $3.95) + $10 processing + $12 shipping + $24 liquidation = $24,126.80
Below you’ll find the cost per point for each of those order sizes depending upon whether you’re using a credit card that earns 1x, 1.5x, or 2x points as well as your cost per thousand dollars spend for those focusing on cash back.
To give an example that explains the methodology for the numbers:
- Buy $5K in gift cards for $5,041.75, earn 5,041.75 points at 1x.
- Cost to earn those points with $5 in liquidation fees added = $46.75
- $46.75 / 5,041.75 points = $0.00927 (rounded to 0.93 cents per point)
As you can see, at 1x you’re paying just under 1 penny per point all-in. That’s the methodology used for the numbers below.
Cost per point at 1x
- $5K order = 0.93c per point
- $10K order = 0.71c per point
- $24K order = 0.53c per point
Cost per point at 1.5x
- $5K order = 0.62c per point
- $10K order = 0.47c per point
- $24K order = 0.35c per point
Cost per point at 2x
- $5K order = 0.46c per point
- $10K order = 0.36c per point
- $24K order = 0.26c per point
Cost per $1K card including shipping and processing before liquidation:
- $5K order = $8.35 per card
- $10K order = $6.15 per card
- $24K order = $4.87 per card
Why buy Simon Gift Cards online?
To someone relatively inexperienced in manufactured spending, the numbers above likely look pretty good: after all, those costs are well below the Reasonable Redemption Values of many different types of points.
However, it isn’t the cheapest game in town. As Greg previously noted in his post about 7 ways to increase credit card spend from home, Gift Card Mall and GiftCards.com both offer cheaper options considering portal rewards. Given the fact that Simon is more expensive, it probably wouldn’t make sense to sign up for the program if your aim is only to buy a few thousand in cards at a time. You can do better if you’re only looking to order a couple thousand now and then. However, Simon does have some advantages that make it attractive for some.
For starters, Simon welcomes MSers with open arms. They know we’re buying cards to earn points and they are happy to have us — they obviously launched this special bulk ordering program specifically for folks looking to earn points. While I have no doubt that GCM and the like know why people are ordering, they can sometimes be a real pain. After just one or two orders of $1K or $1500, my account was banned from ordering on Gift Card Mall for years for no explicable reason. We couldn’t even place orders under my wife’s maiden name before we were married (same shipping address). Eventually, after several years, I was able to get an order through — but my wife still hasn’t gotten one through successfully. Many readers regularly place orders with those sites without issue, but at the same time we aren’t the only ones who have had difficulty. That’s not an issue with Simon.
A second benefit of Simon cards is that they offer the highest denomination available online since each card can be loaded with $1K. Those higher denomination cards are much more convenient for me in terms of liquidation. Larger cards means splitting tender fewer times which in turn tends to mean less scrutiny / skepticism from cashiers. I have a much easier time splitting tender two ways for $2K in MOs than four or more ways over smaller cards. The fact that the cards can now be personalized with my name should make this even easier.
Finally, volume makes Simon appealing. The ability to spend up to $25K per day is unmatched. I imagine that most readers don’t need anywhere near that capacity, but it far exceeds the limits you’ll hit elsewhere so for those who are looking to do heavy volume, this provides an option.
Which are the best credit cards to use for Simon gift cards online? The Best Everywhere else cards
First of all, do not use Amex cards to buy Simon gift cards. Since 2019, Amex cards have not earned points on Simon gift card purchases.
[Update] Second, do not use the Alliant Visa Signature card. Alliant stopped paying cash back on obvious online gift card purchases in February 2018.
In terms of risk, no other issuers stand out as particularly risky nor particularly safe. Any issuer may shut down your accounts for large gift card purchases. My advice is always to go slow: avoid spending way beyond your stated income with any one bank, avoid a sudden sharp increase in spend, do not cycle your credit limits (this means using your entire credit limit, paying off the amount owed, and then charging on the card again in a single billing cycle). Even if you follow those pieces of advice, a bank could shut you down at any time. If you will lose sleep over being shut down, you should re-think buying gift cards.
All that said, the best cards for Simon purchases will be those that earn the best rewards for everyday spend since Simon purchases likely will not trigger category bonuses on most credit cards. Of course, if you’re working on a new welcome bonus, Simon makes for a relatively cheap way to earn a big initial bonus. There are also the Best Big Spend Bonuses to consider. For example, I earned 3 Radisson free night certificates this past year mostly by buying Simon gift cards.
In the next section, I’ll summarize the best card from each bank, but the following table comes from our Best Everywhere Else Cards page. See that page for a full explanation and keep in mind that you need to ignore the Amex cards.
| Card Info Name and Earning Rate (no offer) |
|---|
Earning rate: 2X Membership Rewards points on all purchases, up to $50K spend per calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Terms apply. (Rates & Fees) Base: 2X (3.1%) |
Earning rate: After spending $15,000 within your cardmember year, the base earning rate becomes 3x. This is applied for both the first $15K of spend and future spend within the same cardmember year. Note that there is a $7,500 monthly cap on 3x rewards Base: 3X (3%) |
Earning rate: 1.5 miles per dollar for all spend. All Miles are doubled at the end of your first card membership year. Base: 3% |
Earning rate: 2% cash back everywhere (1% cash back for each purchase + 1% when paying your credit card bill for that purchase). ✦ For a limited time: Earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel portal through 12/31/24. |
Earning rate: 2X Miles everywhere ✦ Earn 5X miles on hotel and rental car bookings through Capital One Travel |
Earning rate: 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel ✦ 5x on flights booked via Capital One travel. ✦ 2X everywhere else. |
Earning rate: 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel ✦ 5x miles on flights booked via Capital One travel. ✦ 2X miles everywhere else. |
Earning rate: 2X miles everywhere ✦ 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel |
Earning rate: With Platinum Honors status with Bank of America's Business Advantage Relationship Rewards program, this card earns: 2.625X points for all spend (and 5.25X for travel purchased through BOA's travel center) |
Earning rate: With Platinum Honors status with Bank of America's Preferred Rewards program, earn: 3.5X travel and dining ✦ 2.625X everywhere else |
Earning rate: 1.5% everywhere; Earn up to 2.625% back everywhere with Bank of America Platinum Honors status Base: 2.625X (2.63%) |
Earning rate: 1.5% everywhere; Earn up to 2.625% back everywhere with Bank of America Platinum Honors status Base: 2.625X (2.63%) |
Earning rate: With Platinum Honors status with Bank of America's Preferred Rewards program, this card earns: 2.625X points for all spend (and 5.25X for travel purchased through BOA's travel center) |
Earning rate: 2X Amtrak ✦ 2X dining ✦ 1X elsewhere |
Earning rate: ✦ 3X Amtrak ✦ 2X qualifying travel, dining, transit, and rideshare ✦ 1X elsewhere |
Earning rate: Tier One Rewards (which now requires $1,000 in an Alliant high-yield checking account and 2 electronic transactions per month) offers 2.5% cash back everywhere on up to $10K per billing cycle, then unlimited 1.5% cash back beyond $10K in purchases in a billing cycle. (Note that some purchases, like those from GiftCards.com, are not eligible for cash back) Base: 2.5% |
Earning rate: Earn 50% more points: Use your Card 30 or more times on purchases in a billing period and get 50% more points on those purchases less returns and credits. With 30 or more purchases, earn: 4.5x points at US supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1.5x) ✦ 3x points at US gas stations ✦ 1.5x points on other purchases. |
Earning rate: 1.5% cash back everywhere in the form of Go Far Rewards ✦ 1.8% back on Google Pay or Apple Pay purchases for the first 12 months Base: 1.5X (2.25%) |
Earning rate: 1.5X on all purchases ✦ 5X Lyft through through March 2025 |
Earning rate: 5x travel booked through Chase ✦ 5X Lyft through March 2025 ✦ 3x dining ✦ 3x drugstores ✦ 1.5X everywhere else |
Earning rate: Collect 1 $110 stamp for every night you stay at any eligible property booked on Hotels.com and collect 1 stamp each time you spend $500 on purchases with your card. Collect 10 stamps, get 1 reward night. Base: 0.002X (2.2%) |
Earning rate: 1.5X miles everywhere ✦ Earn 5X miles on hotel and rental car bookings through Capital One Travel |
Earning rate: ✦ 2X in the top 3 spend categories each calendar quarter through 12/31/24 (then the top 2 categories after that). Eligible categories include dining; airline tickets purchased directly with the airline; car rental agencies; local transit and commuting; gas stations; internet, cable and phone services; social media and search engine advertising; and shipping ✦ 4X Hyatt |
Earning rate: ✦ 2X restaurants / cafes / coffee shops, airlines, local transit, fitness clubs and gym memberships ✦ 4X Hyatt |
Earning rate: X1 offers "Boosts" of additional point earnings for various categories of spend, for specific merchants, and for certain thresholds of spend. You must enroll in these boosts to earn more points. Additionally, earn 3x for all spend between $1000 and $7,500 each calendar month Base: 2X (2%) |
Base: 2X (2%) |
Earning rate: 2X Miles on all purchases Base: 2X (2%) |
Earning rate: 2X Miles on all purchases Base: 2X (2%) |
Earning rate: Earn 2% cash back on your first $100,000 in eligible purchases each year then 1% Base: 2% |
Earning rate: 3% cash back when you check out with PayPal ✦ 2% cash back everywhere else Base: 2% Brand: 3% |
Earning rate: 3% cash back when you check out with PayPal ✦ 2% cash back everywhere else Base: 2% Brand: 3% |
Earning rate: 2.5% cash back on purchases of $5,000 or more ✦ 5% back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards ✦ 2% cash back on all other spend Base: 2% Other: 5% |
Earning rate: 2% everywhere ✦ 5% on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel Base: 2% Travel: 5% |
Earning rate: 2% cash back as a statement credit on all purchases, up to $50K spend per calendar year (then 1% thereafter). Terms apply. Base: 2% |
Earning rate: ✦ 2X United ✦ 1.5X everywhere else |
Earning rate: 3X on Air France, KLM, and SkyTeam purchases ✦ 1.5X everywhere else |
Earning rate: 3X Virgin Atlantic ✦ 1.5X everywhere else |
Earning rate: 10X IHG ✦ 5X travel, gas stations, restaurants and dining, social media and search engine advertising, office supply stores ✦ 3X on all other purchases |
Earning rate: 10X IHG ✦ 5X travel, dining, and gas stations ✦ 3X on all other purchases |
Earning rate: Make 20 or more purchases in a billing period and get 20% more points, less returns and credits ✦ With 20% more points, earn: 2.4X points at US supermarkets, on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1.2x) ✦ 1.2X on other purchases |
Earning rate: 1.25X miles everywhere ✦ 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel |
Earning rate: 1.8% back everywhere Base: 1.8% Dine: 1.8% Gas: 1.8% Other: 1.8% |
Earning rate: With Platinum Honors status with Bank of America's Business Advantage Relationship Rewards program, this card earns: 3.5% on dining plus 5.25% on 1 choice from: gas stations (default), office supply stores, travel, TV/telecom & wireless, computer services or business consulting services (for the first $50,000 in combined choice/dining purchases each calendar year, 1.75% thereafter) and 1.75% everywhere else. Base: 1.75% Travel: 5.25% Dine: 3.5% Gas: 5.25% Phone: 5.25% Office: 5.25% Biz: 5.25% |
Earning rate: With Platinum Honors status with Bank of America's Preferred Rewards program, earn: 3.5% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs and 5.25% on gas up to the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter Base: 1.75% Travel: 5.25% Dine: 5.25% Gas: 5.25% Grocery: 3.5% Shop: 5.25% Other: 5.25% |
Earning rate: 6X Marriott ✦ 4X dining, internet, cable and phone service ✦ 4X gas stations and shipping ✦ 2X everywhere else. |
Earning rate: ✦ 6X Marriott Bonvoy ✦ 3X gas stations, grocery stores, and dining on up to $6K in combined purchases each year ✦ 2X everywhere else |
Earning rate: ✦ 6X Ritz & Marriott.✦ 3X airline tickets purchased directly with the airline, at car rental agencies and at restaurants ✦ 2X everywhere else |
Earning rate: 6X Marriott.✦ 4X restaurants & grocery on up to $15K spend per year ✦ 2X everywhere else |
Earning rate: 6X Marriott.✦ 4X restaurants & U.S. Supermarkets on up to $15K spend per year ✦ 2X on all other eligible purchases |
Earning rate: 6x at Marriott Bonvoy properties ✦ 4x at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased from U.S. suppliers and on U.S. purchases for shipping ✦ 2x on all other eligible purchases. Terms Apply. (Rates & Fees) |
Earning rate: 3X airfare -on flights booked directly with airlines; 3X restaurants worldwide, 6X Marriott; 2X on all other eligible purchases |
Earning rate: 6X Marriott ✦ 2X on all other eligible purchases |
Earning rate: Must use your card for 5 purchases per month, then: 3x Dining ✦ 3x Lyft ✦ 2x Travel ✦ 1x rent (one payment per month, up to 100,000 points per year) ✦ 1x everywhere else |
Earning rate: ✦ 5X points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel ✦ 5X points for prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel |
Earning rate: ✦ 2X U.S. Restaurants ✦ 2X select U.S. Department Stores ✦ 2X Car Rentals Purchased Directly from Select Car Rental Companies ✦ 2X Airfare Purchased Directly from Airlines |
Earning rate: ✦ 5X points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel ✦ 5X prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel |
Earning rate: ✦ 3x points at US supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1x) ✦ 2x points at US gas stations ✦ 1x points on other purchases. |
Earning rate: ✦ 2x points at US supermarkets, on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1x) ✦ 1x on other purchases |
Earning rate: Earn 3X on one of your choice, 2X on rest. [3X choices: ✦ Airfare purchased directly from airlines ✦ U.S. purchases for advertising in select media ✦ U.S. purchases at gas stations ✦ U.S. purchases for shipping ✦ U.S. computer hardware, software, and cloud computing purchases made directly from select providers. 3X and 2X apply to first $100,000 in purchases in each of the 5 categories per year, 1X point per dollar thereafter. |
Earning rate: Earn 4X in combined eligible purchases in the two categories where your business spends the most each billing cycle (capped at $150K spend per calendar year, then 1x): Electronic goods retailers or software and cloud system providers in the U.S. ✦ Monthly wireless telephone service charges made directly from a wireless telephone service provider in the U.S. ✦ U.S. purchases for advertising in select media ✦ U.S. purchases at gas stations ✦ Transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways. ✦ 3x on eligible purchases through AmexTravel.com ✦ 1x on all other purchases. Terms apply. |
Earning rate: ✦ 2X at AmexTravel.com ✦ 1X points on other purchases. Terms apply. |
Earning rate: ✦ 3X on travel & transit (including flights, hotels, taxis, and rideshares) ✦ 3X dining ✦ 1X points on other purchases. Terms apply. See |
Earning rate: 3X points for flights booked with airlines or on amextravel.com ✦ 4x points at US Supermarkets (up to $25K in purchases, then 1x) ✦ 4x at restaurants worldwide ✦ 1X points on other purchases. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees) |
Earning rate: 5X points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel ✦ 5X points for prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel |
Earning rate: 5X flights and prepaid hotels at AmexTravel.com ✦ 1.5X points per dollar on eligible purchases of $5000 or more (on up to $2 million of those purchases per year) ✦ 1.5x on US construction/hardware stores, US electronic goods, and US shipping ✦ 1X elsewhere ✦ Terms apply. |
Earning rate: 3x for air travel and hotel stays, 2x for eligible business expenses (office supplies, business cable/internet, shipping, business phone and advertising), 1X everywhere else |
Base: 1X (1.5%) |
Earning rate: 3x for commercial air travel, 2x for gas and groceries, and 1X everywhere else |
Base: 1X (1.5%) |
Earning rate: 3X flights, hotels, homestays, car rentals, dining, gas, rideshares, transit, and streaming services |
Earning rate: 5x prepaid hotel & car rental through Altitude Rewards Center ✦ 3X travel and mobile wallet payments |
Earning rate: ✦ 3X restaurants ✦ 2X gas stations and airlines |
Earning rate: 2X charity and then 2X in one of the following: cell phone providers, gas, grocery, or airline purchases (whichever category you spend most on each month). |
Earning rate: ✦ 2X cell phone ✦ 2X charity ✦ 2X gas, office supply, or airline purchases (whichever is most each month). |
Earning rate: ✦ 5X office supplies, 5X cellular/landline/cable ✦ 2X gas and hotels ✦ 5X Lyft through March 2025 |
Earning rate: 3X travel, shipping, internet, cable, phone, and advertising with social media sites (up to $150K spend per year) ✦ 5X Lyft through March 2025 |
Earning rate: 5X office supplies ✦ 5X cellular/landline/cable (on up to $25,000 in total purchases in 5x categories annually) ✦ 2X on the first $25K in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each cardmember year ✦ 5X Lyft through March 2025 |
Earning rate: 5x travel booked through Chase ✦ 5X Lyft through March 2025 ✦ 3x dining ✦ 3x drugstores ✦ 5X in rotating categories on up to $1,500 spend per quarter (Q4 2023: PayPal, wholesale clubs, and select charities) |
Earning rate: 5X Lyft through March 2025; 5X in rotating categories on up to $1,500 spend per quarter (Q4 2023: PayPal, wholesale clubs, and select charities). |
Earning rate: 5X Travel booked through Chase (2X all other travel) ✦ 3X Dining ✦ 3X Select streaming services ✦ 3X Online grocery ✦ 5X Lyft (through March 2025) ✦ 10% annual point bonus |
Earning rate: 10X hotels & car rentals booked through Chase ✦ 10X Chase Dining ✦ 5X flights booked through Chase ✦ 3X Travel and Dining ✦ 10X Lyft (through March 2025) |
Earning rate: ✦ 3X Travel ✦ 1.5X everywhere else |
Earning rate: 1.5% cash back for all spend. Base: 1.5X (1.5%) |
Earning rate: 1.5X everywhere; 3X for travel booked through BOA's travel center |
Earning rate: 1.5% everywhere; Earn up to 2.625% back everywhere with Bank of America Platinum Honors status. Note that you'll need Preferred Rewards on the business side ("Preferred Rewards for Business") to earn a greater return. Base: 1.5X (1.5%) |
Earning rate: 1.5% everywhere; Earn up to 2.625% back everywhere with Bank of America Platinum Honors status Base: 1.5X (1.5%) |
Earning rate: 1.5X everywhere; 3X for travel booked through BOA's travel center |
Earning rate: 2.5% for groceries, drugstores, sporting goods, fitness, and athletic apparel ✦ 1.5% everywhere else. Earn double (5% or 3%) each week when you meet fitness goals. Base: 1.5% Grocery: 2.5% Shop: 2.5% Other: 2.5% |
Earning rate: 1.5% cash back everywhere if you choose the cash back program (note that you must opt in to the cash back program at account opening to get the signup bonus and 1.5% everywhere. If you choose points, this card earns 1x everywhere and a bonus 1,000 points in any statement period that you spend $1,000 or more. Base: 1.5% |
Earning rate: 6x on first $1,500 in purchases each quarter with two retailers you choose ✦ 3x on first $1,500 in purchases per quarter on one everyday category (like wholesale clubs, gas and EV charging stations, bills and utilities) Base: 1.5% Gas: 2% Other: 6% |
Earning rate: 1.5 miles per dollar for all spend. Base: 1.5% |
Earning rate: 1.5% everywhere ✦ 5% on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel Base: 1.5% Travel: 5% |
Earning rate: 2.5%, 5%, or 10% back at select retailers ✦ 1.5% everywhere else ✦ Note a monthly limit of $200 in earned rewards. Base: 1.5% |
Earning rate: 1.5% everywhere ✦ 5% on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel Base: 1.5% Travel: 5% Other: 5% |
Earning rate: ✦ 2X travel and dining ✦ 1.5X everywhere else Base: 1.5% Travel: 2% Dine: 2% |
Earning rate: ✦ 2X travel and dining ✦ 1.5X everywhere else Base: 1.5% Travel: 2% Dine: 2% |
Earning rate: Unlimited 1.5% cash back on eligible charges when you pay within 10 days of your statement closing date. Pay your Minimum Payment Due by your Payment Due Date and the discount is applied to your next statement Base: 1.5% |
Earning rate: 5x on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1x thereafter. Eligible categories: Restaurants, Gas Stations, Grocery Stores, Select Travel, Select Transit, Select Streaming Services, Drugstores, Home Improvement Stores, Fitness Clubs and Live Entertainment. ✦ 1x on all other purchases |
Earning rate: ✦ 3 points per $1 at gas stations ✦ 2 points per $1 oat grocery stores ✦ 1 point per $1 on all other purchases |
Earning rate: ✦ 2 points per $1 on products and services that are purchased directly from AT&T ✦ 2 points per $1 on all purchases at online retail and travel sites ✦ 1 point per $1 on all other purchases |
Earning rate: ✦ 3 points per $1 on products and services that are purchased directly from AT&T ✦ 3 points per $1 on all purchases at online retail and travel sites ✦ 1 point per $1 on all other purchases |
Earning rate: 2X at supermarkets and gas stations on up to $6,000 per year ✦ Round up to nearest 10 TY points on all purchases |
Earning rate: 5x on travel booked through Citi Travel Portal through June 30 2024 (excludes air travel) ✦ 2X at supermarkets and gas stations on up to $6,000 per year ✦ Round up to nearest 10 TY points on all purchases |
Earning rate: 2X dining and entertainment |
Earning rate: 3X grocery ✦ 3X dining ✦ 3X gas stations ✦ 3X flights, hotels, travel agencies |
Earning rate: 5X airfare, dining, and travel agencies ✦ 3X hotels and cruise line ✦ 1X everywhere else |
Earning rate: 3x travel ✦ office supply ✦ professional services |
Earning rate: ✦ 7X Hilton spend ✦ 5X US restaurants, US Supermarkets, and US gas stations ✦ 3X on all other eligible purchases |
Earning rate: ✦ 12X Hilton spend ✦ 6X on Select Business & Travel Purchases (flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel; car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies; US restaurants; US gas stations; wireless telephone services purchased directly from US service provider; US shipping purchases) ✦ 3X on all other eligible purchases |
Earning rate: ✦ 12X Hilton spend ✦ 6X U.S. restaurants, US Supermarkets, and US gas stations ✦ 4X U.S. Online Retail Purchases ✦ 3X on all other eligible purchases |
Earning rate: ✦ 14X Hilton spend ✦ 7X US restaurants, flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com, select car rental companies ✦ 3X on all other eligible purchases ✦ Terms & Limitations Apply. |
Earning rate: 8x Rideshare ✦ 5x Brex Travel ✦ 4x Restaurants ✦ 3x on recurring software like Salesforce, Zendesk, Twilio, and more ✦ 1x everywhere else |
Earning rate: 3X Southwest ✦ 2X Rapid Rewards(R) hotel and car partners ✦ 2X local transit and rideshare ✦ 2X internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming ✦ 1X on all other purchases. |
Earning rate: 3X Southwest ✦ 2X Rapid Rewards(R) hotel and car partners ✦ 2X local transit and rideshare ✦ 2X internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming ✦ 1X on all other purchases. |
Earning rate: 4X Southwest ✦ 3X Rapid Rewards(R) hotel and car partners ✦ 2X rideshare ✦ 2X social media and search engine advertising, internet, cable, and phone services ✦ 1X on all other purchases. |
Earning rate: 3X Southwest ✦ 2X Rapid Rewards(R) hotel and car partners ✦ 2X rideshare ✦ 1X on all other purchases. |
Earning rate: 2X local transit and commuting, including rideshare ✦ 2X internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming ✦ 2X Southwest |
Earning rate: ✦ 2X restaurants and grocery ✦ 3X JetBlue ✦ 1X everywhere else✦ |
Earning rate: ✦ 2X restaurants and office supply stores ✦ 6X JetBlue ✦ 1X everywhere else |
Earning rate: 2X restaurants and grocery ✦ 6X JetBlue ✦ 1X everywhere else |
Base: 1X (1.3%) |
Earning rate: 2X miles on Korean Air, Gas Stations, Dining |
Earning rate: 3X miles on Korean Air, 2x on Other Airlines, Car Rental, Hotels and Dining |
Earning rate: 2x on Korean Air, Hotels and Dining |
Earning rate: 2X Aeroplan miles per dollar spent on Air Canada purchases |
Earning rate: ✦ 3X Avianca ✦ 2X gas & grocery ✦ Free bag for travel between US & South America |
Earning rate: 4X AA ✦ 10X hotels booked through AA.com/Hotels ✦ 10X car rentals booked through AA.com/Cars ✦ 1X everywhere else |
Earning rate: ✦ 2X AA ✦ 2X certain telecommunications merchants ✦ 2X car rental merchants ✦ 2X gas |
Earning rate: 2X grocery ✦ 2X AA ✦ 1X everywhere else |
Earning rate: 2X restaurants ✦ 2X gas ✦ 2X AA |
Earning rate: 3X Air Canada ✦ 3X grocery stores ✦ 3X dining ✦ 500 bonus points with each $2K calendar month spend, up to $6K spend per month (1,500 points max) ✦ 1X everywhere else |
Earning rate: 2X United ✦ 2X gas stations ✦ 2X local transit and commuting |
Earning rate: 3X United ✦ 2X restaurants including eligible delivery services ✦ 2X on all other travel ✦ 2X select streaming |
Earning rate: 2X United ✦ 2X restaurants ✦ 2X on hotel stays |
Earning rate: ✦ 4X United ✦ 2X dining & travel |
Earning rate: 2X at restaurants including eligible delivery services , gas stations, and office supply stores ✦ 2X United ✦ 2X on local transit and commuting, including taxicabs, mass transit, tolls, and ride share services |
Earning rate: ✦ 2X gas and grocery ✦ 3X Asiana. |
Earning rate: ✦ 3X Virgin Atlantic ✦ 1X elsewhere |
Earning rate: 3X Alaska Airlines ✦ 2x gas, EV charging, shipping and local transit ✦ 1X elsewhere |
Earning rate: 3X Alaska Airlines ✦ 2x gas, EV charging, local transit, rideshare, cable, and select streaming services purchases ✦ 1X elsewhere |
Earning rate: 3X Emirates ✦ 2X airfare, hotel, and car rentals ✦ 1X everywhere else |
Earning rate: 3X Emirates ✦ 2X airfare, hotel, and car rentals ✦ 1X everywhere else |
Earning rate: 2X Miles & More |
Earning rate: ✦ 2X AA, office supply, telecommunications services, and at car rental agencies ✦ 1X everywhere else |
Earning rate: 2X AA ✦ 1X everywhere else |
Earning rate: ✦ 3X AA ✦ 2X hotel and car rentals ✦ 1X everywhere else |
Earning rate: 2X restaurants worldwide ✦ 2X Delta ✦ 1X on all other eligible purchases |
Earning rate: 2X Delta ✦ 2x restaurants worldwide ✦ 2x US supermarkets |
Earning rate: 2X Delta ✦ 2X restaurants ✦ 2X U.S. purchases for advertising in select media and U.S. shipping purchases (capped at $50k per year starting 1/1/24) |
Earning rate: 3X Delta ✦ 1.5X on all eligible purchases per calendar year after spending $150K |
Earning rate: 3X Delta ✦ 3X purchases made directly with hotels ✦ 2X restaurants ✦ 2X US Supermarkets |
Earning rate: 3X Delta ✦ 3X purchases made directly with hotels ✦ 1.5X on purchases of $5K or more (max 50K extra miles per year) |
Earning rate: 5x Gas and EV Charging ✦ 3X supermarkets, restaurants, and TV, radio, cable, streaming services ✦ 1X everywhere else. |
Earning rate: 4X Travel for PenFed Honors Advantage Members ✦ 3X travel otherwise ✦ 1.5X everywhere else. Advantage membership is available to anyone who opens an Access America Checking account, or to military members. |
Earning rate: ✦ 5X IHG ✦ 3x dining, gas stations utilities, cable, Internet, phone, and select streaming services ✦ 2X everywhere else |
Earning rate: Earn 1.529% back on your purchases when your Upromise Program account is linked to an eligible College Savings Plan or 1.25% if it is not ✦ Up to $250 cashback rewards per calendar year on gift card purchases at MyGiftCardsPlus Base: 1.25% |
Earning rate: 3x TAP Air Portugal purchases ✦ 3x hotels, car rentals, & rideshare ✦ 1x everywhere else |
Earning rate: 3X Spirit ✦ 2X dining & grocery ✦ 1X everywhere else |
Earning rate: ✦ 3X airline, hotel, taxi, limousine, rental car, train bus, restaurant, fast food and takeout food and dining purchases ✦ 1X everywhere else |
Earning rate: ✦ 2X Cathay Pacific ✦ 1.5X dining ✦ 1.5X purchases outside of the US ✦ 1X everywhere else |
Earning rate: 3X British Airways. Iberia, Aer Lingus, and LEVEL ✦ 2X hotel accommodations booked directly with the hotel ✦ 1X elsewhere |
Earning rate: 3X British Airways. Iberia, Aer Lingus, and LEVEL ✦ 2X hotel accommodations booked directly with the hotel ✦ 1X elsewhere |
Earning rate: 3X British Airways. Iberia, Aer Lingus, and LEVEL ✦ 2X hotel accommodations booked directly with the hotel ✦ 1X elsewhere |
Earning rate: 10X at Best Western properties ✦ 2X elsewhere |
Earning rate: 3% cash back on all net qualified purchases for the first 90 days, then 1% Base: 1.05X (1.05%) |
Earning rate: Earn Verizon Dollars: 4% grocery & gas ✦ 3% dining ✦ 2% Verizon (including monthly wireless bill) ✦ 1% everywhere else |
Earning rate: 3x Allegiant ✦ 2x dining |
Earning rate: 2x Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Azamara |
Earning rate: 2x Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Azamara |
Earning rate: 3x Norwegian cruise line purchases ✦ 2x air and hotel |
Earning rate: 3x travel (includes airlines, hotels, and car rentals) ✦ 2x dining |
Earning rate: 2x travel (includes airlines, hotels, and car rentals) |
Earning rate: 3X travel & transit, gas, phone plans (wireless and landline) and streaming services |
Earning rate: 5x hotels and car rentals when booked through US Bank Portal ✦ 4X travel, gas stations and EV charging ✦ 2x take out, food delivery (including apps like GrubHub, UberEATS, etc), dining and streaming services |
Earning rate: 4X travel and gas stations ✦ 2x take out, food delivery (including apps like GrubHub, UberEATS, etc), dining, grocery (including meal kit delivery) and streaming services |
Earning rate: 4X take out, food delivery (including apps like GrubHub, UberEATS, etc), and dining ✦ 2X grocery (including meal kit delivery), gas stations, and streaming services |
Earning rate: Choose one of ten categories for 3x and one for 2x each quarter, then 1x everywhere else. Must choose 3x and 2x categories before each quarter starts or all purchases will default to 1x. You may select your categories as early as the first day of the preceeding quarter. Bonus categories are not capped. Base: 1X (1%) |
Earning rate: 3X travel & dining |
Earning rate: ✦ 3X Travel, Dining and Gas ✦ 1X everywhere else |
Earning rate: 5X in rotating categories, up to $1500 spend per quarter (Q4 2023: Amazon.com and Target) |
Earning rate: 5X in rotating categories, up to $1500 spend per quarter (Q4 2023: Amazon.com and Target) |
Earning rate: 5X gas ✦ 3X grocery and dining ✦ 2X Sears and KMart |
Earning rate: 4X gas stations ✦ 3X dining ✦ 2X grocery stores (up to $8,000 spend per cardmember year across all three categories combined) |
Earning rate: ✦ 2X Miles for travel and dining ✦ 1X everywhere else |
Earning rate: 3% travel & AAA ✦ 2% gas, grocery store, wholesale club and drugstore purchases ✦ 1% back everywhere else Base: 1% Travel: 3% Gas: 2% Grocery: 2% Shop: 2% Brand: 3% Other: 2% |
Earning rate: 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations and EV charging stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers and restaurants ✦ 1% back everywhere else ✦ Note: purchases of gaoline greater than $200 will not be deemed to be a purchase of automotive gasoline and will therefore earn only 1%. Base: 1% Dine: 3% Gas: 3% Phone: 3% Office: 3% |
Earning rate: 3% back at gas stations, office supply stores, and cell phone/service providers ✦ 1% back everywhere else ✦ Note: purchases of gaoline greater than $200 will not be deemed to be a purchase of automotive gasoline and will therefore earn only 1%. Base: 1% Gas: 3% Phone: 3% Office: 3% |
Earning rate: 3% cash back on up to $2K in spend in the category you choose each quarter: gas stations, travel & entertainment, restaurants, discount & warehouse stores, grocery stores, utilities & office supply stores, electronics and computer and camera stores, department and apparel and sporting good stores, auto parts & service, and home improvement stores Base: 1% Travel: 3% Dine: 3% Gas: 3% Grocery: 3% Shop: 3% Office: 3% Biz: 3% Other: 3% |
Earning rate: Each quarter, choose two 5% cash back categories (capped at $2K spend per quarter combined) and one 2% category (uncapped). 1% cash back everywhere else. 5% Categories: Home Utilities ✦ Ground Transportation ✦ Select Clothing Stores ✦ Cell Phone Providers ✦ Electronic Stores ✦ TV, Internet & Streaming Services ✦ Gyms/Fitness Centers ✦ Fast Food ✦ Sporting Goods Stores ✦ Department Stores ✦ Furniture Stores ✦ Movie Theaters. 2% Categories: Gas Stations ✦ Restaurants ✦ Grocery Stores Base: 1% Travel: 5% Dine: 2% Gas: 2% Grocery: 2% Shop: 5% Phone: 5% Other: 5% |
Earning rate: 2x on top two categories where you spend the most each month. Base: 1% Other: 2% |
Earning rate: 3% phone, internet and cable services ✦ 2% dining and gas stations Base: 1% Dine: 2% Gas: 2% Phone: 3% |
Earning rate: 5% back at at every store at every Simon Mall, Mills, or Premium Outlet in the U.S. Use your card 5 times each statement period to earn Rewards. ✦ 1% back on all other purchases. Base: 1% Shop: 5% Brand: 5% |
Earning rate: 4x gas ✦ 4x bars, restaurants, and select food delivery services ✦ 4x on Pelicans tickets ✦ 10% statement credit for concessions purchases at Smoothie King Center and at the in-venue and online Pelicans team store Base: 1% Dine: 4% Gas: 4% Brand: 4% Other: 4% |
Earning rate: 5x on Marlins tickets ✦ 5% back on retail & concessions at IoanDepot Park ✦ 3x on dining, food delivery, gas and drugstores ✦ 1x on everything else Base: 1% Dine: 3% Brand: 5% Other: 3% |
Earning rate: 5x points on Liverpool FC merchandise at the Official Liverpool FC Store and on Liverpool FC ticket purchases, select rideshare and streaming services ✦ 3x at bars, restaurants, and select delivery services ✦ 1x everywhere else Base: 1% Dine: 3% Brand: 5% Other: 5% |
Earning rate: 5x rideshare and streaming services ✦ 5x bars and restaurants on match days ✦ 1x everywhere else Base: 1% Dine: 5% Other: 5% |
Earning rate: 5x Cavs season tickets and streaming services ✦ 3x other Cavs tickets, dining, grocery, and delivery ✦ 1x everywhere else Base: 1% Dine: 3% Grocery: 3% Brand: 5% |
Earning rate: 5% back at all bookstores, including Amazon (note: this is capped at $1000 in purchases per month) ✦ 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, supermarkets, Netflix, Spotify, Uber and Lyft. Base: 1% Dine: 2% Gas: 2% Grocery: 2% Other: 5% |
Earning rate: ✦ 3% cash back for dining, select entertainment, and Marvel purchases (Select entertainment = Movie Theatres, Video Rental and Game Stores, Theatrical and Concert Promoters, Amusement Parks, Digital Entertainment, Games and Software, Music, Books and Newsstands, Toys and Hobby Stores) Base: 1% Brand: 3% Other: 3% |
Earning rate: 5x online purchases until 1/31/21 ✦ 3x grpcery on up to $1250 per quarter Base: 1% Grocery: 3% Shop: 5% |
Earning rate: 5x on up to $1500 in purchases per quarter in the category of your choice out of Travel, Restaurants, Utilities [water, cell, electric, etc.], In-Store Wholesale Purchases [Costco, Sam’s Club, etc.], Department Stores, Hardware & Home Improvement Stores, Charitable Organizations, Pharmacies & Drug Stores, Amazon.com ✦ 3x gas ✦ 2x groceries Base: 1% Gas: 3% Grocery: 2% Other: 5% |
Earning rate: 3x travel & dining ✦ 2x gas Base: 1% Travel: 2% Dine: 3% |
Earning rate: 4x entertainment ✦ 3x dining ✦ 2x travel Base: 1% Travel: 2% Dine: 3% Other: 4% |
Earning rate: 2X gas and grocery ✦ 3X NBA purchases ✦ 5X on all purchases during the NBA All-Star Weekend and two weeks of the NBA finals Base: 1% Gas: 2% Grocery: 2% Brand: 3% Other: 5% |
Earning rate: 5x in rotating categories, up to $1500 spend per quarter. Base: 1% Dine: 5% Grocery: 5% Shop: 5% Other: 5% |
Earning rate: 5X on rotating categories each quarter. 5% limited to $6K spend per year. Base: 1% Grocery: 5% Other: 5% |
Earning rate: ✦ 4% gas & EV charging (up to $7K spend / year) ✦ 3% restaurant & travel ✦ 2% Costco ✦ 1% everywhere else Base: 1% Travel: 3% Dine: 3% Gas: 4% Brand: 2% |
Earning rate: ✦ 4% gas and EV charging (up to $7K spend / year) ✦ 3% restaurant & travel; 2% Costco ✦ 1% everywhere else Base: 1% Travel: 3% Dine: 3% Gas: 4% |
Earning rate: 3% on your eligible top spend category ✦ 2% on your second top category ✦ 1% everywhere else ✦ Eligible cateories include Dining & Nightlift, Travel, Bills & Utilities, Health & Beauty, Grocery, Gas, Transportation, Entertainment Base: 1% |
Earning rate: 3% airfare, hotel stays, and car rentals ✦ 2% restaurants ✦ 1% everywhere else Base: 1% Travel: 3% Dine: 2% |
Earning rate: 3% drugstores and gas stations ✦ 2% medical expenses ✦ 1% everywhere else Base: 1% Gas: 3% Other: 3% |
Earning rate: 2X grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and most Disney locations ✦ 1X everywhere else Base: 1% Dine: 2% Gas: 2% Grocery: 2% Brand: 2% |
Earning rate: This card only earns 1% back in the form of "Disney Dream Dollars" on most purchases (and 2% in bonus categories) and the meet & greet is also available on the Disney debit card. However, the current signup bonus makes it worth a look. Base: 1% |
Earning rate: 4% cash back on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services ✦ 3% at grocery stores ✦ 1% everywhere else ✦ 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases ✦ 5% on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel Base: 1% Travel: 5% Dine: 4% Grocery: 3% Other: 4% |
Earning rate: 3% on dining, entertainment, select streaming services, and purchases at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®) ✦ 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases ✦ 5% on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel (terms apply) ✦ 1% everywhere else Base: 1% Travel: 5% Dine: 3% Grocery: 3% Other: 3% |
Earning rate: 4x Dining, takeout, & delivery ✦ 2x grocery stores, grocery delivery, gas station, and streaming services ✦ 1x everywhere else Base: 1% Dine: 4% Gas: 2% Grocery: 2% |
Earning rate: 2% on dining plus 3% on 1 choice from: gas stations (default), office supply stores, travel, TV/telecom & wireless, computer services or business consulting services (for the first $50,000 in combined choice/dining purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter) and 1% everywhere else. Base: 1% Travel: 3% Dine: 2% Gas: 3% Phone: 3% Office: 3% Biz: 3% |
Earning rate: 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs and 3% on one category of your choice between gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement/furnishings (can choose a new category monthly) up to the first $2,500 in combined 2% and 3% category purchases each quarter, then 1%. Base: 1% Travel: 3% Dine: 3% Gas: 3% Grocery: 2% Shop: 3% Other: 3% |
Earning rate: 3% back on your choice of the following: gas and EV chargng, online shopping, cable, streaming, internet & phone plans, dining, travel, drugstores, home improvement & furnishings (can choose a new category monthly). ✦ 2% back at grocery stores & wholesale clubs ✦ 1% back everywhere else. 2% and 3% rewards are capped at $2500 in combined purchases per quarter Base: 1% Travel: 3% Dine: 3% Gas: 3% Grocery: 2% Shop: 3% Phone: 3% Other: 3% |
Earning rate: Earn 5x on eligible Priceline.com purchases. Earn 2x on gas and restaurants. Base: 1% Dine: 2% Gas: 2% Brand: 5% |
Earning rate: ✦ 5% US office supply stores and US wireless phone services ✦ 3% your choice from list of categories (e.g. airfare, hotels, car rentals, gas stations, restaurants, select media buys, shipping,computer) ✦ 1% other purchases. 3% and 5% rebates are capped at $50,000 per rebate year and then earn 1% thereafter. Terms Apply. Base: 1% Travel: 3% Gas: 3% Phone: 5% Office: 5% Biz: 3% |
Earning rate: 3% in Amazon rewards on US purchases at Amazon.com and Amazon physical stores ✦ 3% back at Whole Foods ✦ 3% back on Chase Travel purchases ✦ 2% Back in Amazon rewards at US restaurants, local transit and commuting (including rideshare), US gas stations, and drugstores ✦ 1% back on all other purchases Base: 1% Dine: 2% Gas: 2% Grocery: 3% Shop: 3% Brand: 3% Other: 2% |
Earning rate: Prime Members: 5% in Amazon rewards on US purchases at Amazon.com and Amazon physical stores ✦ 5% back at Whole Foods ✦ 5% back on Chase Travel purchases ✦ 2% Back in Amazon rewards at US restaurants, local transit and commuting (including rideshare), US gas stations, and drugstores ✦ 1% back on all other purchases Base: 1% Dine: 2% Gas: 2% Grocery: 5% Shop: 5% Brand: 5% Other: 2% |
Earning rate: Prime Members: 5% in Amazon rewards on US purchases at Amazon Business, AWS, Amazon.com, Whole Foods on up to $120K in purchases per calendar year, then 1% ✦ 2% Back in Amazon rewards at US restaurants, US gas stations, and on US wireless telephone services ✦ 1% back on all other purchases Base: 1% Dine: 2% Gas: 2% Grocery: 5% Shop: 5% Phone: 2% Brand: 5% Other: 2% |
Earning rate: ✦ Up to 5% Cash Back as a statement credit at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations & select U.S. drugstores (Everyday Purchases) ✦ Up to 1% Cash Back as a statement credit on other purchases. ✦ For your first $6,500 in purchases in a reward year, you will earn 1% on Everyday Purchases (5% thereafter), and 0.5% on other purchases (then 1%) ✦ Terms Apply. Base: 1% Grocery: 5% Other: 5% |
Earning rate: ✦ 3% cash back as a statement credit at US supermarkets up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%) ✦ 3% cash back as a statement credit at US gas stations on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. ✦ 3% cash back as a statement credit on U.S. online retail purchases on up to $6,000 per year, then 1% ✦ 1% cash back as a statement credit on other purchases ✦ Terms apply. Base: 1% Gas: 3% Grocery: 3% Shop: 3% |
Earning rate: ✦ 6% cash back as a statement credit at US supermarkets up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%) ✦ 6% Cash Back as a statement credit on select U.S. streaming subscriptions. ✦ 3% Cash Back as a statement credit on transit (includes taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more). 3% cash back as a statement credit US gas stations ✦ 1% cash back as a statement credit on other purchases ✦ $7 monthly statement credit on Disney Bundle subcription of $12.99 or more. Enrollment required. ✦ Terms apply. Base: 1% Travel: 3% Gas: 3% Grocery: 6% Shop: 3% Other: 6% |
Earning rate: ✦ 6% cash back as a statement credit at US supermarkets up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%) ✦ 6% Cash Back as a statement credit on select U.S. streaming subscriptions. ✦ 3% Cash Back as a statement credit on transit (includes taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more). 3% cash back US gas stations ✦ 1% cash back on other purchases ✦ Terms apply. Base: 1% Travel: 3% Gas: 3% Grocery: 6% Shop: 3% Other: 6% |
Earning rate: 5X at FlyFrontier.com ✦ 3X restaurants |
Earning rate: 8X Wyndham & gas ✦ 5X marketing, advertising, and utilities (telecommunications, cable, satellite, electric, gas, heating oil and water) ✦ 1X everywhere else |
Earning rate: 6X Wyndham & gas ✦ 4X restaurants & grocery ✦ 1X everywhere else |
Earning rate: ✦ 5X Wyndham & gas ✦ 2X restaurants & grocery ✦ 1X everywhere else |
Earning rate: ✦ 3X Wyndham ✦ 2X gas, utility & grocery ✦ 1X everywhere else |
Earning rate: ✦ 5X Wyndham ✦ 2X gas, utility, & grocery ✦ 1X everywhere else |
Earning rate: ✦ 3X Marriott Bonvoy ✦ 2X travel ✦ 1X everywhere else |
Earning rate: ✦ 2X airline, car rental, & restaurants ✦ 5X Marriott. |
Earning rate: 2X airfare, car rental and dining ✦ 3X Sonesta |
Earning rate: 3X Hawaiian Airlines ✦ 2x gas, dining, and grocery stores ✦ 1x everywhere else |
Earning rate: 3X Hawaiian Airlines ✦ 2x gas, dining, and office supply stores ✦ 1x everywhere else |
Earning rate: 3X Expedia purchases |
Earning rate: 4X Expedia purchases ✦ 2x restaurants & entertainment |
Earning rate: 10X at Choice Hotels ✦ 5X at gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement stores, and phone plans ✦ 1X everywhere else |
Earning rate: 5X at Choice Hotels ✦ 3X at gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement stores, and phone plans ✦ 1X everywhere else |
Earning rate: ✦ 5X IHG ✦ 2X gas, grocery, and restaurants |
Earning rate: 2X on spending with LAN & TAM |
Earning rate: This card does not earn ongoing rewards beyond the welcome bonus. Base: 0% |
Best card from each bank
Based on the table above (again, see our Best Everywhere Else cards page for a full explanation of the methodology), here are the best options to consider from each bank:
-Amex: BBPRemember: do not use Amex.- Capital One: Venture or Spark Miles. At 2x “Miles” everywhere, these cards earn the equivalent of 1.5x airline miles per dollar spent with most of their transfer partners. Alternatively, redeem miles for a statement credit against travel purchases at a value of $0.01 per mile.
- Chase: Freedom Unlimited or Ink Business Unlimited. At 1.5x Ultimate Rewards points per dollar, the cost per point is very reasonable no matter which of Chase’s airline partners to which you transfer (Hyatt is also a great value). If you also have the Sapphire Reserve and redeem points for travel through Ultimate Rewards, getting 2.25c would also be attractive.
- Citi: Double Cash. At 2% back, this card will earn $20 per $1K spent. That’s an easy win. However, keep in mind that if you have a Citi Premier or Citi Prestige, you can also turn rewards into Thank You points and transfer to partners. At the costs per point shown above, a sweet spot like using Turkish miles to book United becomes really sweet.
- Bank of America: Cash Rewards (limited) or Premium Rewards with Platinum Honors. The Cash Rewards card offers a 3% bonus category that you can choose and online shopping is an option. I don’t know for sure that Simon’s bulk ordering will trigger this bonus, but Simon has long offered their $500 cards online and according to Doctor of Credit’s payments workshop those orders triggered the online shopping bonus. Note that the 3% bonus is limited in use as it is capped at $2500 in spend per quarter. For those with $100K on deposit with Bank of America (in cash & investments), the Premium Rewards card with Platinum Honors is your best bet. At 2.625% back everywhere, it earns $26.25 per $1K spent.
- Barclays: Unless you have the no-longer-available Arrival Plus or Arrival Premier or you really value a particular co-branded program’s points, give Barclays a miss. Some may consider using an Aviator card since it is the most practical option for earning AA miles, but it’s not very cheap to do so. Perhaps it could be worth it for the big spend bonus.
- US Bank: The Altitude Reserve maybe? To my knowledge, Simon won’t trigger any current US Bank category bonuses, nor does US Bank have a particularly good “everywhere else” card. I’d likely give them a miss as well unless you’re going after the aforementioned Radisson free night certificates, which are earned for each $10K spend up to $30K per cardmember year.
- Others: A Discover IT Miles card could be a terrific option given the fact that you’ll earn double the rewards at the end of the first year, making for an effective 3% back. Of course, if your account gets shut down before the year is done, you may not see those rewards. Still, it is a worthy contender. The BBVA Compass Select may offer a niche play according to one reader. Finally, any 2%-back card (like the Fidelity Visa) offers enough earnings to more than offset costs.
Bottom line
The bulk ordering program for Simon Visa Gift Cards isn’t for everyone. For starters, it isn’t the cheapest option online. By the same token, many readers won’t need the kind of volume that Simon offers. On the other hand, for those who can handle more volume and stomach the potential risk, they do offer a very interesting option to earn rewards that outweigh the costs. At the present moment, liquidation is a huge obstacle. As I noted yesterday, I will once again be clear here: I am not encouraging anyone to risk your health and the health of others to engage in MS. Please don’t order cards with a plan to make extra trips to the store for the purposes of liquidation right now. However, we will hopefully eventually get past the current pandemic — between now and then is a good time to make your plan of attack in terms of which card(s) make the most sense for you. Be sure to know your liquidation options before you get in for a large order and If you’re intending to order in bulk, it probably makes sense to spread the love around over several cards and issuers. There’s still some risk, but the rewards are worth it for some.
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