topic No AF no FTF cash back on categories? in Credit Cards

No AF no FTF cash back on categories?

MrDisco99 — Sat, 15 May 2021 13:49:20 GMT

I've been doing research on no FTF cash back cards after getting involved in hobbies that involve more international purchases, and making plans for travel again.

Probably the most accessible general purpose no FTF card is the PPMC which returns 2% on everything. Of course there are the 3% unicorns from AOD and USALLIANCE but considering how difficult they are to get let's leave those out of this discussion. Also I'm preferring cards with no AF since AF is usually pretty hard to justify on a cash back card...in my experience anyway.

What options are out there for >2% on categories?

Off the top of my head I can think of Cap1 SavorOne and USBank GO with 3% and 4% on dining respectively. Wells Fargo Propel might have been an option, though with limited acceptance because Amex and it doesn't look like you can apply for it anymore anyway.

EDIT: I just remembered Citi Costco is pretty awesome with 4% on gas and 3% on dining and travel... if you're a member.

What else is out there?

Re: No AF no FTF cash back on categories?

Anonymous — Sat, 15 May 2021 14:02:06 GMT

@MrDisco99 wrote:

Probably the most accessible general purpose no FTF card is the PPMC which returns 2% on everything. Of course there are the 3% unicorns from AOD and USALLIANCE but considering how difficult they are to get let's leave those out of this discussion.

FWIW, USAlliance does have a FTF.

Penfed Platinum rewards gives ~ 4.2% on gas and 2.5% on groceries both in the US and abroad.

Re: No AF no FTF cash back on categories?

coldfusion — Sat, 15 May 2021 14:07:45 GMT

A decent starting point would be this particular thread from several months ago that discusses 2% cashback cards. A universal 2% cashback card with no AF or FTF would be a nice card to have at least for unstructured spend.

https://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Credit-Cards/2-3-Cashback-CB-Credit-Card-CC-List/m-p/6197473

There is no shortage of no-AF no-FTF cards that offer at least 2% back either directly or as points easily convertible to cash in at least 1 category. As a simple example the Penfed Platinum Rewards card gives 5 points/$ on gas purchases which has a cashback value of approx. 4.3%.

Is your intent to create a master thread that lists every example of a no-AF no-FTF personal card that offers at least 2% back on at least 1 category?

Re: No AF no FTF cash back on categories?

show_hell — Sat, 15 May 2021 15:07:05 GMT

@MrDisco99 wrote:
I've been doing research on no FTF cash back cards after getting involved in hobbies that involve more international purchases, and making plans for travel again.

Probably the most accessible general purpose no FTF card is the PPMC which returns 2% on everything. Of course there are the 3% unicorns from AOD and USALLIANCE but considering how difficult they are to get let's leave those out of this discussion. Also I'm preferring cards with no AF since AF is usually pretty hard to justify on a cash back card...in my experience anyway.

What options are out there for >2% on categories?

Off the top of my head I can think of Cap1 SavorOne and USBank GO with 3% and 4% on dining respectively. Wells Fargo Propel might have been an option, though with limited acceptance because Amex and it doesn't look like you can apply for it anymore anyway.

EDIT: I just remembered Citi Costco is pretty awesome with 4% on gas and 3% on dining and travel... if you're a member.

What else is out there?

Barclays AARP Travel Rewards, 3% on flights, hotels, car rentals, 2% on restaurants

Huntington Voice (limited footprint), 3% on 1 chosen category, upto 2000$ per quarter

The categories for 3x return are:

Gas stations
Travel and entertainment
Restaurants
Discount and warehouse stores
Grocery stores
Utility and office supply stores
Electronics, computer and camera stores
Department, apparel and sporting goods stores
Auto parts and service stores
Home improvement stores

Hopefully, Wells Fargo Propel will come back with a refresh.

Re: No AF no FTF cash back on categories?

quikj9 — Sat, 15 May 2021 15:22:52 GMT

SECU MD Visa Signature

3x Travel, Dining, Amazon, iTunes

2x Gas, groceries

No AF, No FTF

This card is on my short list as soon as I get another Chase card or two. Just a solid all around daily driver that can also function as a travel card.

Re: No AF no FTF cash back on categories?

MrDisco99 — Sat, 15 May 2021 22:07:20 GMT

@coldfusion wrote:

Is your intent to create a master thread that lists every example of a no-AF no-FTF personal card that offers at least 2% back on at least 1 category?

As you say, 2% is pretty well covered. I'm looking for greater than 2%, which for the most part will be just on specific categories.