Ca-ching! Venmo Cash Back and Other Rewards Cards Suggestions

Narration provided by Wondervox.

By Mark McNease

I love getting rewards for the money I spend, and I have to put a word in for the Venmo credit and debit cards. I’ve been using an Amazon Chase card for years, and while I like the money I get from it credited to my Amazon account, I really like the rush of a monthly cash deposit. Costco, too, is good to have, but they pay out once a year!

I’ve been using Venmo for a few years to pay our cat sitter and send money to people, as well as getting paid for workshops and books. It was only a few months ago that I got pitched the Venmo credit card with a promotion for $200 cash back if I spent $1000 in six months. It sounded too good to be true, but it wasn’t! I hit my required amount in just a few months, and one day there was $200 in the account, which I promptly transferred to my bank. (There’s something ‘rewarding’ about putting the money in the bank instead of using it to spend more money with the card. I also keep these amounts on a spreadsheet so I can track how much I’m getting each month.)

Now I find myself with an extra $20 to $100 a month, which is terrific. It’s one of the more generous cash back programs out there, and I recently added to it by getting the Venmo debit card. I just signed up for that a few weeks ago and already earned $19.75, sent off to my checking account within minutes.

There are a lot of options out there. If you’re like me and you never carry a balance (I haven’t paid interest in many years) these are a great way to get something for the money you spend.

Some ideas tailored to senior

As we look to make the most of our finances, choosing the right credit card can significantly enhance our purchasing power and provide valuable rewards. With a variety of options available, it’s crucial to select a card that aligns with our spending habits and lifestyle preferences. Here’s a roundup of some of the best rewards cards for seniors—but also good for anyone!

VENMO! See my own experience with this above.

Chase Freedom Unlimited

– Why It’s Great: This card offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, plus a bonus of 3% on dining and 5% on travel spent through Chase.

– Additional Perks: No annual fee and a 0% introductory APR for the first 15 months on purchases. This is ideal for seniors who want to manage their spending without interest accumulating.

Discover it Cash Back

– Why It’s Great: This card features a unique cashback rewards structure, offering 5% cash back on rotating categories (e.g., groceries, gas) up to the quarterly limit, and 1% on all other purchases.

– Additional Perks: Discover matches all the cash back earned in the first year, making it a great option for new users.

American Express Blue Cash Preferred Card

– Why It’s Great: This card is tailored for those who spend heavily in supermarkets, offering 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 spent annually.

– Additional Perks: It also provides 3% cash back on transit and 1% on all other purchases, perfect for seniors looking to maximize rewards on grocery shopping and travel.

Citi Double Cash Card

– Why It’s Great: This card allows cardholders to earn 1% cash back on all purchases and an additional 1% when those purchases are paid off. It’s straightforward and beneficial for those who want rewards without complicated categories.

– Additional Perks: No annual fee and broad acceptance make this a practical choice for everyday spending.

Wells Fargo Active Cash Card

– Why It’s Great: This card offers 2% cash rewards on purchases with no limits and 0% APR for 15 months on purchases and qualifying balance transfers.

– Additional Perks: With no annual fee and a simple rewards structure, it’s particularly appealing for seniors who value straightforward benefits.

Additional considerations for Seniors

When selecting a rewards card, seniors should keep the following in mind:

– Spending Habits: Identify common spending areas, such as groceries, dining, or travel, to maximize the benefits of particular rewards.

– Fees and Interest Rates: Look for cards with no annual fee and favorable interest rates to avoid unnecessary costs.

– Ease of Use: Select cards that are user-friendly, with clear documentation and customer service support.

Now go forth and earn those rewards!