topic Re: Looking for a 1.5% cashback debit card or better in Personal Finance

Looking for a 1.5% cashback debit card or better

IcyCool7227 — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 09:07:08 GMT

Ever since the demise of the Nearside 2.2% cashback business debit card I have struggled to find a cashback debit card that high that is for general purposes. I was using it to help pay off my Synchrony bank credit cards as I got the extra 2.2% cashback from paying the credit card bill that already earned rewards.

The only thing that comes close for paying credit card bills is the Vergo debit card that's 1.5% on everything but I don't think I would qualify because it's for architects, home remodelers, construction and the like. Which I have no career interest in. Nobody's even mentioned that card on these forums yet either which is surprising.

I was using Enzo for 1% cashback then they discontinued it March 10th this year so I went and applied for the Upgrade Rewards checking account which I got now that has 2% for most everyday purposes like groceries and dining but that wouldn't include paying credit card bills with debit cards so that's still only 1%. SuperCash hybrid cc/dc has 2% but I received no cashback for paying my Sync cc with it.

I live in southeast Wisconsin so if there's any debit cards out there that I'm not aware of that I could apply for that are 1.5% and better I'd like to know. Thanks.

Re: Looking for a 1.5% cashback debit card or better

sznthescore — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 12:36:34 GMT

Re: Looking for a 1.5% cashback debit card or better

SouthJamaica — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 18:21:53 GMT

@IcyCool7227 wrote:
Ever since the demise of the Nearside 2.2% cashback business debit card I have struggled to find a cashback debit card that high that is for general purposes. I was using it to help pay off my Synchrony bank credit cards as I got the extra 2.2% cashback from paying the credit card bill that already earned rewards.

The only thing that comes close for paying credit card bills is the Vergo debit card that's 1.5% on everything but I don't think I would qualify because it's for architects, home remodelers, construction and the like. Which I have no career interest in. Nobody's even mentioned that card on these forums yet either which is surprising.

I was using Enzo for 1% cashback then they discontinued it March 10th this year so I went and applied for the Upgrade Rewards checking account which I got now that has 2% for most everyday purposes like groceries and dining but that wouldn't include paying credit card bills with debit cards so that's still only 1%. SuperCash hybrid cc/dc has 2% but I received no cashback for paying my Sync cc with it.

I live in southeast Wisconsin so if there's any debit cards out there that I'm not aware of that I could apply for that are 1.5% and better I'd like to know. Thanks.

Here's a 2% cash back debit card from Florence Bank. I don't know anything about it.

https://www.florencebank.com/

It's a community bank, so maybe it's geo-fenced. I don't know.

Re: Looking for a 1.5% cashback debit card or better

CH-7-Mission-Accomplished — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 20:20:07 GMT

@SouthJamaica wrote:
@IcyCool7227 wrote:
Ever since the demise of the Nearside 2.2% cashback business debit card I have struggled to find a cashback debit card that high that is for general purposes. I was using it to help pay off my Synchrony bank credit cards as I got the extra 2.2% cashback from paying the credit card bill that already earned rewards.

The only thing that comes close for paying credit card bills is the Vergo debit card that's 1.5% on everything but I don't think I would qualify because it's for architects, home remodelers, construction and the like. Which I have no career interest in. Nobody's even mentioned that card on these forums yet either which is surprising.

I was using Enzo for 1% cashback then they discontinued it March 10th this year so I went and applied for the Upgrade Rewards checking account which I got now that has 2% for most everyday purposes like groceries and dining but that wouldn't include paying credit card bills with debit cards so that's still only 1%. SuperCash hybrid cc/dc has 2% but I received no cashback for paying my Sync cc with it.

I live in southeast Wisconsin so if there's any debit cards out there that I'm not aware of that I could apply for that are 1.5% and better I'd like to know. Thanks.
Here's a 2% cash back debit card from Florence Bank. I don't know anything about it.
https://www.florencebank.com/
It's a community bank, so maybe it's geo-fenced. I don't know.

Sadly if you follow their "*" down to the fine print, the 2% is capped at $10/month. Marketing BS.

Re: Looking for a 1.5% cashback debit card or better

TryItAgain — Sun, 19 Mar 2023 04:22:50 GMT

Unusual but potentially more profitable option for you...

Fold card gives 1% by default or up to a btc if you choose to spin wheel after purchase instead. I'm averaging a little over 2% on it myself spinning the wheel while paying my business 2% card purchases off. So 4% business cashback total with outside chance of full bitcoin ($25k at time of this post).😃

https://foldapp.com/

This may not be for you if you have no crypto experience. However, with any exchange you could swap it for usd right away if you don't wanna hold btc long term for more.

The Fold spin+ option is needed for this, so you will need to be running enough through this that the $150 annual fee gets countered. There are no caps on earnings though. YMMV

Re: Looking for a 1.5% cashback debit card or better

kremonis — Sun, 19 Mar 2023 19:50:38 GMT

@IcyCool7227 wrote:
Ever since the demise of the Nearside 2.2% cashback business debit card I have struggled to find a cashback debit card that high that is for general purposes. I was using it to help pay off my Synchrony bank credit cards as I got the extra 2.2% cashback from paying the credit card bill that already earned rewards.

The only thing that comes close for paying credit card bills is the Vergo debit card that's 1.5% on everything but I don't think I would qualify because it's for architects, home remodelers, construction and the like. Which I have no career interest in. Nobody's even mentioned that card on these forums yet either which is surprising.

I was using Enzo for 1% cashback then they discontinued it March 10th this year so I went and applied for the Upgrade Rewards checking account which I got now that has 2% for most everyday purposes like groceries and dining but that wouldn't include paying credit card bills with debit cards so that's still only 1%. SuperCash hybrid cc/dc has 2% but I received no cashback for paying my Sync cc with it.

I live in southeast Wisconsin so if there's any debit cards out there that I'm not aware of that I could apply for that are 1.5% and better I'd like to know. Thanks.

@IcyCool7227

What bill pay system were you using with your Nearside cash back buisness debit card? Was it Paypal bill pay or something else? I two have been searching for a cash back debit card.

Anyways your post exemplifies my disdain for "fintech" companies and choose to avoid those who offer financial services. They may do something "out of pocket" as in your case evaporate, like Nearside and Enzo did. That being said it is mostly fintechs that dabble in cash back debit cards.

I do not vouch for any of the following BTW. Here are some I found:

Can you use Visa, Mastercard, or Amex gift cards on your bill system with out fee? If yes buy gift cards with cash back credit cards then use gift cards to pay bills.
M1 finance debit card Warning AF. Only gets 1% cash back.
Baselane.com. Looking into this one. Only gets 1% cash back.
Stessa.com Only gets 1.1% cash back.
Lending tree. Only gets 1% cash back.
Fold
Quontic bank 1% Scathing reviews.

Re: Looking for a 1.5% cashback debit card or better

yoda42 — Mon, 20 Mar 2023 17:14:24 GMT

I was considering Upgrade Rewards Checking for 2% back on some items and 1% on most, however went ahead with Affinity Federal Credit Union Cash Back Debit account for 1% back, as it works for paying Elan/USBank credit card accounts via Paypal Bill Pay for added 1% back on top of 5% for utilities and other categories. May eventually get the Upgrade Rewards Checking in a few months if it is still around for T-Mobile bill for the 2% cash back on debit card since TMO will be dropping auto-pay discount for credit cards.

If Enzo doesn't last with its good interest rate , would move some money over to Affinity FCU Smartstart Savings (currently 4.00% APY on up to $10k) , and other to Discover Savings (or an alternate like Amex Savings if better). Would have used the Discover Cashback Debit, but closed to new applicants for a long time now. Affinity FCU may be useful for other products as well if needed.

Re: Looking for a 1.5% cashback debit card or better

butterpecan — Mon, 12 Jun 2023 19:54:25 GMT

@yoda42 Do you know if the Discover cashback DEBIT is still closed to new applicants? I read conflicting information on Google. Are you satisfied with the Affinity cashback debit? We have an Auto loan refinanced through them but no deposit checking accounts. I am interested for my teenager as they offer a nice youth account with the 1% debit cashback.

Re: Looking for a 1.5% cashback debit card or better

yoda42 — Mon, 12 Jun 2023 19:48:29 GMT

I believe Discover cashback debit opened up, however it doesn't get 1% cash back for Paypal Bill Pay..

Don't use a joint account with Affinity Federal Credit union, as it is limited to $10 back on $1k spend even though it is two cards - first month I did get $20, but after that were $10 only. But you can do a referral from yourself to P2 if you have direct deposit for sign up bonus on each account. I opened additional accounts in my name only for additional $10 on $1k spend on each. If you want a referral, let me know (requires direct deposit). I did sign up for another service as well - message me directly for info on that.

Re: Looking for a 1.5% cashback debit card or better

butterpecan — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 02:36:20 GMT

@yoda42 wrote:
I believe Discover cashback debit opened up, however it doesn't get 1% cash back for Paypal Bill Pay..
Don't use a joint account with Affinity Federal Credit union, as it is limited to $10 back on $1k spend even though it is two cards - first month I did get $20, but after that were $10 only. But you can do a referral from yourself to P2 if you have direct deposit for sign up bonus on each account. I opened additional accounts in my name only for additional $10 on $1k spend on each. If you want a referral, let me know (requires direct deposit). I did sign up for another service as well - message me directly for info on that.

@yoda42 Thank you, I did notice you can't redeem any of the cashback with Discover using PayPal Bill Pay after I posted here. Affinity is our auto loan leinholder and I have no complaints in that aspect. I appreciate the cashback redemption breakdown that is good to know, thanks again! And thank you for the referral offer!

Re: Looking for a 1.5% cashback debit card or better

ptatohed — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 19:57:14 GMT

You can get a Kasasa CB Checking for 2.5% CB but it's capped at $7.50 back/mo, boo.

The upgrade Rewards Checking Plus is up to 2% (otherwise 1%) on certain cats with an 'active' account. 2% is on convenience stores, drug stores, gas stations, monthly subscriptions, restaurants, utilities, and phone. And 'active' account is defined here:

https://www.upgrade.com/deposits/active-account/

I have this upgrade debit card but, honestly, I only used it three times to get my $400 welcome bonus. I have no complaints but that's based on limited use.

Re: Looking for a 1.5% cashback debit card or better

butterpecan — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 04:43:46 GMT

@ptatohed wrote:
You can get a Kasasa CB Checking for 2.5% CB but it's capped at $7.50 back/mo, boo.

The upgrade Rewards Checking Plus is up to 2% (otherwise 1%) on certain cats with an 'active' account. 2% is on convenience stores, drug stores, gas stations, monthly subscriptions, restaurants, utilities, and phone. And 'active' account is defined here:
https://www.upgrade.com/deposits/active-account/

I have this upgrade debit card but, honestly, I only used it three times to get my $400 welcome bonus. I have no complaints but that's based on limited use.

@ptatohed

Your siggy shows you have sock drawered this Upgrade card, or is that the credit card? If in fact it is the debit card, what can you tell me about the pros/cons of the CB debit card if any at this point and why you chose to no longer use it.

Re: Looking for a 1.5% cashback debit card or better

ptatohed — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 05:48:39 GMT

@butterpecan wrote:
@ptatohed wrote:
You can get a Kasasa CB Checking for 2.5% CB but it's capped at $7.50 back/mo, boo.

The upgrade Rewards Checking Plus is up to 2% (otherwise 1%) on certain cats with an 'active' account. 2% is on convenience stores, drug stores, gas stations, monthly subscriptions, restaurants, utilities, and phone. And 'active' account is defined here:
https://www.upgrade.com/deposits/active-account/

I have this upgrade debit card but, honestly, I only used it three times to get my $400 welcome bonus. I have no complaints but that's based on limited use.

@ptatohed
Your siggy shows you have sock drawered this Upgrade card, or is that the credit card? If in fact it is the debit card, what can you tell me about the pros/cons of the CB debit card if any at this point and why you chose to no longer use it.

@butterpecan , in my sig is the upgrade Rewards Elite Visa CC, not sock drawered. I just got it. I got it a lot for the $400 intro bonus but also to have a card better than 2% for when/if AOD 3% everything ends. I don't use it a lot, just from time to time for now. I do have the upgrade rewards checking Visa debit card too (not in my sig) but that's only because I had to get it to get the $400 bonus. I used the debit card 3 times (required for the bonus) and that's it but, because I used it at fast food, I did get 2% cash back, deposited right into the checking account. I haven't used them a lot but I have no complaints about either the CC or the debit card. I don't use the cash rewards debit card (or even bothered to put it in my sig) because I have higher cash back credit cards. But if someone is looking for a cash back debit card, it is one to consider.

Re: Looking for a 1.5% cashback debit card or better

butterpecan — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 06:06:24 GMT

@ptatohed wrote:
@butterpecan wrote:
@ptatohed wrote:
You can get a Kasasa CB Checking for 2.5% CB but it's capped at $7.50 back/mo, boo.

The upgrade Rewards Checking Plus is up to 2% (otherwise 1%) on certain cats with an 'active' account. 2% is on convenience stores, drug stores, gas stations, monthly subscriptions, restaurants, utilities, and phone. And 'active' account is defined here:
https://www.upgrade.com/deposits/active-account/

I have this upgrade debit card but, honestly, I only used it three times to get my $400 welcome bonus. I have no complaints but that's based on limited use.

@ptatohed
Your siggy shows you have sock drawered this Upgrade card, or is that the credit card? If in fact it is the debit card, what can you tell me about the pros/cons of the CB debit card if any at this point and why you chose to no longer use it.
@butterpecan , in my sig is the upgrade Rewards Elite Visa CC, not sock drawered. I just got it. I got it a lot for the $400 intro bonus but also to have a card better than 2% for when/if AOD 3% everything ends. I don't use it a lot, just from time to time for now. I do have the upgrade rewards checking Visa debit card too (not in my sig) but that's only because I had to get it to get the $400 bonus. I used the debit card 3 times (required for the bonus) and that's it but, because I used it at fast food, I did get 2% cash back, deposited right into the checking account. I haven't used them a lot but I have no complaints about either the CC or the debit card. I don't use the cash rewards debit card (or even bothered to put it in my sig) because I have higher cash back credit cards. But if someone is looking for a cash back debit card, it is one to consider.

@ptatohed

Ah I see, thanks for the explanation. That's a large SUB for both the debit and the visa. Congrats!!

I think I know a place on this forum that'd be interested in the debit card! There's a thread related to no longer being able to use credit cards for autopay on Verizon and Tmobile to get a monthly discount (ime, it's $10 per line). They now will only let you use debit or ACH withdrawals because people are using CB credit cards and getting the discount for autopay off their bill and then getting for example 5% CB on their US Bank card. I think it's great but I guess Tmobile and Verizon don't. That said, this debit card would help continue double dipping. I also noted the Affinity debit card with 1% cashback on that thread. This one may already be posted I'll have to go back and look, either way thanks for the tip.

Re: Looking for a 1.5% cashback debit card or better

ptatohed — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 16:48:23 GMT

@butterpecan

Got ya. Well the upgrade Rewards Checking Plus may be the best you can do at 2% CB! Good luck!

https://www.upgrade.com/rewards-checking-plus/

Re: Looking for a 1.5% cashback debit card or better

poet2013 — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 03:39:21 GMT

Baselane initially got 1% cashback for paypal web bill payments but they switched terms as of 6/27/23. I will stop keep them around for the 5% home improvement cashback. I have feeling they will do same as Stessa,etc and offer tiered cashback/rate for fee or switch to bs point system.

Re: Looking for a 1.5% cashback debit card or better

SouthJamaica — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 17:59:43 GMT

@IcyCool7227 wrote:
Ever since the demise of the Nearside 2.2% cashback business debit card I have struggled to find a cashback debit card that high that is for general purposes. I was using it to help pay off my Synchrony bank credit cards as I got the extra 2.2% cashback from paying the credit card bill that already earned rewards.

The only thing that comes close for paying credit card bills is the Vergo debit card that's 1.5% on everything but I don't think I would qualify because it's for architects, home remodelers, construction and the like. Which I have no career interest in. Nobody's even mentioned that card on these forums yet either which is surprising.

I was using Enzo for 1% cashback then they discontinued it March 10th this year so I went and applied for the Upgrade Rewards checking account which I got now that has 2% for most everyday purposes like groceries and dining but that wouldn't include paying credit card bills with debit cards so that's still only 1%. SuperCash hybrid cc/dc has 2% but I received no cashback for paying my Sync cc with it.

I live in southeast Wisconsin so if there's any debit cards out there that I'm not aware of that I could apply for that are 1.5% and better I'd like to know. Thanks.

Chartway FCU has a 3% cash back card, but it's capped at $10 per month, or $333 per month in spending.

https://www.chartway.com/personal/spend-and-save/checking/cash-back-checking.html

Re: Looking for a 1.5% cashback debit card or better

yourficouser — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 22:58:27 GMT

Any 1% cash back debit cards that still work for PayPal Bill Pay? M1 spend which I used is now gone. I understand Coinbase no longer gets cash back for PPBP? I signed up for Baselane but can confirm no cash back on recent PPBP payment. Thanks!

Re: Looking for a 1.5% cashback debit card or better

butterpecan — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 00:00:50 GMT

@yourficouser wrote:
Any 1% cash back debit cards that still work for PayPal Bill Pay? M1 spend which I used is now gone. I understand Coinbase no longer gets cash back for PPBP? I signed up for Baselane but can confirm no cash back on recent PPBP payment. Thanks!

@yourficouser According to this post Affinity CB 1% still does. It is message 7 in this thread actually.

https://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Personal-Finance/Looking-for-a-1-5-cashback-debit-card-or-better/m-p/6658839#M256937

Re: Looking for a 1.5% cashback debit card or better

yourficouser — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 00:09:48 GMT

@butterpecan wrote:
@yourficouser wrote:
Any 1% cash back debit cards that still work for PayPal Bill Pay? M1 spend which I used is now gone. I understand Coinbase no longer gets cash back for PPBP? I signed up for Baselane but can confirm no cash back on recent PPBP payment. Thanks!
@yourficouser According to this post Affinity CB 1% still does. It is message 7 in this thread actually.
https://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Personal-Finance/Looking-for-a-1-5-cashback-debit-card-or-better/m-p/6658839#M256937

Thanks, hopefully it still works as it was March 2023. But willing to try.

Edited to add: Seems like limited to $10 cash back per month so may not be worthwhile https://cloud.connect.affinityfcu.com/cashback

I guess I should have mentioned I am looking for unlimited or high cap option