Kroger Rewards World Mastercard from US Bank

[GatorCowboyLion]

November 1 they are beefing up this card.

5% Cashback on the first $3k spent annually on Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, Garmin Pay and LG Pay. Points are redeemable for statement credit, minimum 1000 points for $10. They expire if unused after 3 years. This looks like it could fill some gaps in people's spending. I really like that it allows the spend to be any time within the year. It could be a stopgap when the spend from another card is used up in a quarter or for spending that doesn't fit into other 5% categories. At 3k spend, the 5% cashback is at $150 per year. Also has 2% Kroger and 1% misc.

DOC writeup: https://www.doctorofcredit.com/changes-to-the-kroger-mastercard-5-cashback-on-mobile-wallet-on-up-to...

Apparently, (I may have this wrong) for the first year, if you put $100 spend on the card at Kroger, you get $2 cash back and 100 fuel points, redeemable for 25c off each gallon up to 35 gallons (up to $8.75 off) at participating gas stations, which is Shell in my area. The gas must be purchased on the card but doesn't earn the 1 point per dollar that general spend does. This looks worthwhile if you already shop at Kroger, especially if you have a two tanks to fill. Further fuel savings may be useful for people who will already be shopping at Kroger at close to 3k/year.

I am really interested in apping for this card. Curious whether US Bank's stringent underwriting and 1/12 limit will apply for this card. If anyone apps please post the DP!

[NRB525]

Interesting changes. I wonder if this will also change the Fred Meyer and QFC version of the USB Kroger cards?

And it is ironic that Fred Meyer does not accept mobile wallet such as Apple Pay.  

I had the USB Fred Meyer card in 2015 to 2016 or so. Very pathetic earning at that time so I closed it eventually.  

[xenon3030]

The US Bank card categories are getting beter and better. The 5% annual cap of 3000$ (equvalenet to 750$/quarter) is slightly small vs the other 5% cards in the market but since its coverage is for the entire of the year, it will be among the best cards in the market.

[CreditAggie]

I find this offer odd considering that the Smith's stores (owned by Kroger) in my area do not accept NFC/mobile wallet payments. Kroger has historically been one of the largest holdouts in adopting NFC technology. Maybe this is a sign that they will finally roll that out to their stores. 

[NRB525]

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@CreditAggie wrote:

I find this offer odd considering that the Smith's stores (owned by Kroger) in my area do not accept NFC/mobile wallet payments. Kroger has historically been one of the largest holdouts in adopting NFC technology. Maybe this is a sign that they will finally roll that out to their stores. 

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Same with Fred Meyer, no mobile wallet. I hope it changes too, and I'd use my USB Altitude Reserve at Fred Meyer. 

[unsungivy]

Wow. 

[BunnieSlippers]

👀

I have the Fred Meyer card. Hopefully these changes apply to the Kroger family of cards too.

[Anonymous]

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@NRB525 wrote:

Interesting changes. I wonder if this will also change the Fred Meyer and QFC version of the USB Kroger cards?

And it is ironic that Fred Meyer does not accept mobile wallet such as Apple Pay.  

I had the USB Fred Meyer card in 2015 to 2016 or so. Very pathetic earning at that time so I closed it eventually.  

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Exactly, while a nice improvement, where I live this new perk means nothing. I've had this card going on 6 years and it's been SD since 18 when I got the BCP. Requiring mobile wallet to activate the 5% category feels somewhat like jumping through hoops to get the prize.

[unsungivy]

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@Anonymous wrote:

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@NRB525 wrote:

Interesting changes. I wonder if this will also change the Fred Meyer and QFC version of the USB Kroger cards?

And it is ironic that Fred Meyer does not accept mobile wallet such as Apple Pay.  

I had the USB Fred Meyer card in 2015 to 2016 or so. Very pathetic earning at that time so I closed it eventually.  

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Exactly, while a nice improvement, where I live this new perk means nothing. I've had this card going on 6 years and it's been SD since 18 when I got the BCP. Requiring mobile wallet to activate the 5% category feels somewhat like jumping through hoops to get the prize.

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Huh? So use it online, or whatever. What's great about this card is using everywhere OTHER than Kroger! It's literally 5% cashback on anthing you can use a mobile wallet for, which includes Google Pay, which you can use online. That's amazing. Good thing for them they're smart enough to cap it at 3k spend!

Personally I feel like it's jumping through hoops to NOT allow me to use a mobile wallet for everything! There's no way I'm carrying around my entire card line-up

[CreditJourney007]

Also curious about approval criteria. I do my shopping at a Kroger affiliate and it's also backed by USB. Have been thinking about this card next year once I am out of the garden.