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Figuring out whether you will get approved for a credit card is seemingly simpler now with credit card approval odds calculators. These tools can offer guidance, highlighting credit cards with high approval odds in your favor. However, they are not always reliable.

It can be helpful to also understand the key factors that can help make you a more desirable borrower for credit card companies, thus increasing your future approval odds.

What Are Credit Card Approval Odds?

Credit card approval odds inform you of the likelihood that you’d get approved for a particular credit card. How these approval odds are determined, including which details are assessed, can vary between services and card issuers.

For example, a credit card approval odds calculator might suggest that, based on your credit score and income, you have an 80% chance of getting approved for a credit card. It might also offer you a few credit cards with high approval odds to explore.

Checking Your Credit Card Approval Odds

Using a credit card approval odds calculator offers a glimpse of your approval chances, but not a promise. That’s because a credit card company or credit card marketplace can’t provide a 100% assurance of your approval without going through a formal underwriting process.

Underwriting is the step where a lender or issuer evaluates your credit portfolio and application details (like existing debt and income) to calculate whether it would be a risk to extend credit to you. Since this process can only happen after an application is submitted, a tool that states you have high approval odds doesn’t mean your eventual approval is guaranteed.

Prequalifying for a Credit Card Approval

There are a couple of ways to obtain a pre-screened credit card to gauge your approval odds: Receiving a prequalification offer or requesting a prequalification from a credit card issuer.

Using a Prescreened Offer

Based on your general information from the credit bureaus, card issuers might send you an unsolicited prescreened offer stating that you might be qualified for its credit card.

At this step in the process, the card company has only looked at limited markers, like whether you’ve met its minimum credit score requirement. It hasn’t performed a hard credit check nor evaluated your existing debt or income to base an approval on. However, if you receive a prequalification offer, this can be a positive sign that your approval odds are better than if you hadn’t received it.

Checking the Card Issuer’s Website

You don’t always have to cross your fingers in hopes that a card issuer will give you a prescreened offer. Some credit card issuers offer a prescreening form that you can fill out to see if you’re prequalified for its card. If your preferred card doesn’t let you request a prequalification, you might find more insight on the issuer’s website about what’s required for approval.

While you’re on the card issuer’s site, it’s helpful to review its response timelines so you can track your pre-qualification or application progress. This includes the timeline for an application decision, as well as how long it takes to get a credit card if you’re approved.

What To Do if You Prequalify

If you prequalify for a credit card, you can choose to submit an application. Doing so will require a hard credit inquiry before a decision is made, which can temporarily have an effect on your credit score.

Additionally, you can continue shopping around for different cards to see if another product offers a lower interest rate or better incentives.

Recommended: How to Avoid Interest on a Credit Card

What To Do if You Don’t Prequalify

If you don’t prequalify for a credit card, you can proceed in a few ways:

•   Hold off on getting a new card. Too many hard credit inquiries might flag you as a high-risk borrower who’s reliant on credit. If you’ve recently had multiple inquiries on your credit, consider waiting a couple of months before re-applying for a new card.

•   Build your credit score. Card issuers typically look at your credit score to see if it meets its minimum requirement. A higher credit score is a positive indicator that you’re a responsible borrower.

•   Apply for a secured credit card. A secured credit card can be a credit-building card in which you deposit money or collateral in a certain amount. This amount acts as your credit limit.

•   Appeal the decision. If you applied for a credit card and were denied, the issuer must legally inform you of the reason for the denial. If you can provide more information that might sway the issuer in your favor, you can ask them to reexamine your application.

Recommended: Tips for Using a Credit Card Responsibly

Tips for Improving the Likelihood of Approval

Whether you’re getting a credit card for the first time or adding a new card to your rotation, there are a few steps you can take to improve your approval odds.

Reviewing Your Credit Report

Your credit report gives credit card issuers a comprehensive view of your borrowing habits to date. Since it’s a highly scrutinized factor when approving applications, review your credit report before submitting an application.

Check that all accounts, their statuses, and the amounts are accurate. If you spot an account that looks outdated or incorrect, reach out to the credit bureaus immediately to dispute it.

Taking a Look at Your Credit Score

In addition to ensuring your credit report is accurate, evaluate where your credit score stands today. Credit scores are the most common credit card requirements that influence your approval odds. For instance, if a card issuer explicitly states that its minimum credit score required is 720, but your score is 650, your credit card approval odds might be low.

Recommended: Does Applying for a Credit Card Hurt Your Credit Score?

Minimizing Your Debt

Keep your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio as low as possible. Credit issuers use this ratio as a way to determine whether you can afford to pay back potential purchases made on the card. The ratio is based on your aggregate monthly debt amounts divided by your gross monthly income.

Stating All of Your Income

As mentioned above, your income is one of multiple factors used to determine your credit card approval odds. A higher income can reduce your DTI ratio, making you a less risky customer to extend credit to.

You can include various types of income sources on your application. This might include your salary from your full-time job, earnings from a side gig, Social Security benefit payouts, and alimony.

Managing Payment History and Credit Utilization

Staying on top of your existing loan and credit card payments keeps your credit score healthy. This means paying at least the minimum amount due, and making those payments on time every month.

Additionally, be aware of how much of your total credit limit you’re using, compared to how much credit you have access to. This ratio is called your credit utilization ratio. The lower it is, the better. Many financial experts say that no more than 30% or, better still, less than 10% is a good number.

Recommended: When Are Credit Card Payments Due?

Comparing Cards Carefully

With so many credit card products on the market, choosing a credit card that suits your borrowing needs and qualifications can help you find the right card.

Ensure you’re comparing credit cards with the same credit card features between different cards to accurately determine their pros and cons. Some considerations to make when comparing credit cards include:

•   APRs. The annual percentage rate, or APR, is how much you’ll pay in interest if you carry a balance on the card. The lower the interest rate, the better.

•   Balance transfer costs. Some issuers offer a zero-interest balance transfer promotion for a limited period, while others don’t. Similarly, some credit cards charge an additional balance transfer fee.

•   Penalty APRs. If your account becomes delinquent, some card issuers impose a higher penalty APR on your existing balances and future transactions. Make sure you understand how a credit card works and which rules apply.

•   Fees. Certain cards charge an annual fee just for the privilege of carrying the card. This fee is in addition to interest charges you might pay for rolling over a balance, month over month.

•   Rewards program. If you’re after credit card rewards, compare the details of each card’s program. For example, look at whether rewards points or miles are tiered or offered for specific categories or if there’s a flat rewards rate for all purchases.

•   Incentives. You might encounter special promotions, like a welcome bonus or promotional 0% APR. These added perks can factor into your decision.

The Takeaway

Although a credit card approval odds tool can offer broad guidance about whether you’ll be approved for a credit card, it doesn’t replace a card issuer’s underwriting criteria. The credit card company relies on its own underwriting team and algorithms to ultimately decide whether your application is approved. This decision is based on the specific information on your application and your creditworthiness.

Whether you're looking to build credit, apply for a new credit card, or save money with the cards you have, it's important to understand the options that are best for you. Learn more about credit cards by exploring this credit card guide.

FAQ

Does getting rejected for a credit card hurt my credit?

It depends on the specifics of how you are rejected. A credit card preapproval rejection typically doesn’t hurt your credit since preapprovals usually involve a soft credit check. However, if you move forward with a credit card application that involves a hard credit inquiry, your credit score might temporarily drop, regardless of whether you were approved or denied.

Are credit card approval odds accurate?

Generally, credit card approval odds calculators don’t provide a 100% guarantee that you’ll be approved. There have been reported cases of tools claiming that a consumer has high approval odds for a card, only to get denied upon applying. The card issuer is the only entity that can accurately say whether you’re approved for a credit card.

How can I improve my credit card approval odds?

The best way to get good approval odds for credit cards is to minimize high-risk borrowing practices. One way to achieve this is by building your credit score. Keep your credit balances low, make timely monthly payments, maintain long-standing credit accounts, and avoid opening multiple new lines of credit in a short period.

How do you guarantee credit card approval?

There’s no way to absolutely guarantee credit card approval to any particular card. Card issuers base their decisions on a number of factors, like your credit history, credit score, income, credit utilization, debt-to-income ratio, and more.

Photo credit: iStock/akinbostanci

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice.

Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .

Third Party Trademarks: Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, CFP® (with plaque design), and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.

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If you’re new to credit or want to rebuild your credit, becoming an authorized user on another person’s credit card account can help. As an authorized user on a credit card, your credit score can be positively impacted when the account and its activity are managed well and reported to the credit bureaus. The card’s activity is still also reported under the primary account holder’s credit profile, in addition to yours.

Being an authorized user does have its share of responsibilities. You’ll want to make sure to maintain responsible credit card habits as an authorized user to help your credit, as well as to avoid adversely impacting the primary account holder’s credit.

What It Means to Be an Authorized User

When you’re an authorized user, you have a credit card that’s attached to another person’s account. This duplicate credit card, also known as a supplementary credit card, will have your name on it, and you’ll be able to use it to make purchases. Since you’re not the primary account holder, you won’t have the authority to make changes to the account.

As an authorized user, you’re not legally responsible for making a payment after each billing cycle. That responsibility remains solely with the original cardholder, which marks a major distinction between an authorized user relationship and a joint credit card account. Since you’re not liable for repaying the charges as an authorized user, you might not get a monthly statement.

In terms of getting started as an authorized user, be aware that some issuers impose an annual fee to add authorized users to a card account. Additionally, some credit cards have limits for the maximum number of authorized users permitted on an account.

Further, card issuers often have a minimum age requirement that you must meet as an authorized user. The age requirement depends on the issuer. For example, SoFi requires authorized users to be at least 15 years old, while the minimum authorized user age for an American Express Platinum Card is 13 years old.

Recommended: What Is the Average Credit Card Limit?

How Being an Authorized User Affects Your Credit Score

There are a couple of ways that being an authorized user on a credit card can affect your credit score.

If the Lender Reports Authorized Users to Credit Bureaus

If your main goal in becoming an authorized user is establishing credit or rebuilding your credit history, this can be a viable option to pursue. Card issuers don’t require a credit check to become an authorized user.

Your credit score can be positively affected if the issuer reports satisfactory payment activity and usage to the credit bureaus for all persons named on the account. Keep in mind that not all credit card companies send activity data to the bureaus for authorized users, though. So before going this route, ask the primary user to confirm whether the issuer does.

How You Use the Shared Account

If the bank reports the card’s positive activity to credit bureaus for all users, it will also report unsatisfactory activity. Being an authorized user can hurt your credit if a late or missed payment is reported and included on an authorized user’s credit profile, for example. On the flipside, on-time payments or a low credit utilization rate can help the credit of both the primary and authorized users.

Since the card data that’s included for an authorized user depends on the credit bureau, ask the credit issuer to specify which credit agency it reports to. That way, you’re aware of the factors that affect credit scores.

Risks Associated With Being an Authorized User

A major risk of becoming an authorized user on a credit card is that it can adversely affect your credit score. If the primary user fails to make at least the minimum monthly payment on time, for instance, that will also impact your score, assuming the bureau reports payment history for authorized users.

Additionally, the purchase behavior of all users on a card could put a strain on the account’s limit, pushing balances near or at the borrowing limit. This will affect the credit utilization on the account, which also can impact the credit score of all users on the account.

With so many factors that need to be in balance, each user associated with the card must have a clear understanding of purchase and repayment expectations. If an individual drops the ball, it can put a strain on the relationship in addition to the users’ credit scores.

Recommended: Does Applying For a Credit Card Hurt Your Credit Score?

Who Should You Ask to Add You as an Authorized User?

Asking another person to add you as an authorized user on their credit card is significant. It requires the utmost mutual trust, which is why this individual is typically someone who’s very close to you. This might include your:

•   Spouse or partner

•   Parent

•   Grandparent

•   Adult child

•   Adult sibling

•   Aunt or uncle

It’s helpful to clarify expectations around payment before being added as an authorized user. For example, do they want to cap your spending power on the card? When do they want payment for your charges? What’s the expectation if, for any unforeseen reason, you can’t cover your part of the bill?

Even though the primary cardholder is liable for the payments, it’s helpful to come to an agreement about how you two will settle your purchases, one-on-one.

Using Your Credit Card Responsibly

Receiving authorized user status on a credit card is a convenient way to build your credit profile. It also can help you practice responsible borrowing habits. A few sensible practices when using a credit card as an authorized user include to:

•   Avoid overspending. Examine your budget before using your card to verify that you can afford the purchase.

•   Ensure payments are made on time. Communicate with the primary cardholder to confirm that at least the minimum payment is made by the credit card due date. If you’re covering your portion of the charges, make sure to get the money to the primary cardholder by the date you agreed upon.

•   Be mindful of the card’s limit. Avoid keeping an ongoing high balance close to the credit card limit, which can negatively affect credit. Authorized users might not have access to the account history or statements, so regular communication with the primary user is essential.

Recommended: Tips for Using a Credit Card Responsibly

The Takeaway

As an authorized user, your credit score could be built from the positive borrowing activity on the card, assuming the the issuer reports the account activity to the credit bureaus. Additionally, the card must be managed responsibly — otherwise, your credit could be negatively impacted. Getting added to a card that doesn’t charge an authorized user fee can be a good way to get started.

Whether you're looking to build credit, apply for a new credit card, or save money with the cards you have, it's important to understand the options that are best for you. Learn more about credit cards by exploring this credit card guide.

FAQ

Can authorized users affect your credit?

If an authorized user racks up charges, it might adversely affect your credit utilization ratio, which in turn can lower your credit score.

Additionally, you’re legally liable for all charges the authorized user makes on the card. If they’re unable to pay and you also can’t keep up with the payments, missed or late payments can negatively impact your credit.

Does an authorized user get a hard inquiry?

Typically, authorized users who are added onto an existing account don’t undergo a hard inquiry. Since the primary cardholder is the person who opened the account and is still 100% liable for all charges made to the card, credit issuers usually don’t need to verify the authorized user’s credit background or ability to repay the debt — even if they make charges.

What is the minimum age to be an authorized user?

The minimum age for authorized users on a credit card will vary with the card’s issuer. In some cases, the user must be aged 13, 15, or 18. In other situations, there may be no age restriction at all. Check with the issuer to know for sure.

Photo credit: iStock/tolgart

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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Credit card companies don’t alway make it easy, but there are ways to pay your credit card bill with your debit card. To use your debit card to pay a credit card bill, you must do so via bank transfer payment. In other words, you have to use either a credit card provider’s payment portal or a third-party payment portal that includes not only your debit card information, but also your banking information.

Keep in mind, however, that credit card companies usually prefer to receive payment funds from the customer’s bank account over a physical debit card. Many credit card providers simply don’t accept monthly bill payments with physical debit cards, but they will allow debit card payments if you play by their rules. That may change the way you use a debit card to pay a credit card bill, but it doesn’t mean you can’t do it.

Can You Pay a Credit Card With a Debit Card?

You might be able to pay a credit card with a debit card. Whether you can do so really depends on the credit card provider’s policy on debit card payments — some credit card policies allow for them, and others don’t.

Consequently, you may have to go out of your way to get the job done. When you go to pay your credit card bill, there likely won’t be an option to enter a card number as a method of payment, whether that card is a credit card or a debit card. In most cases, however, you can pay your credit card bill with the bank account that the debit card is attached to by making an electronic transfer.

Recommended: Tips for Using a Credit Card Responsibly

How to Make a Credit Card Bill Payment (Indirectly) With a Debit Card

Even if you can’t use a debit card to directly pay a credit card bill, you can indirectly use a debit card — or rather the funds attached to that debit card — to pay your outstanding credit card debt. Here’s how:

1.    Review your checking account, and get the bank routing number and checking account number. Do so privately and securely, so as not to attract financial fraudsters.

2.    Go to your credit card account to set up automatic payment. A handy feature of how credit cards work, this will allow money to be withdrawn from your bank account ahead of the monthly payment due date. On that date, the credit card company will withdraw the specified cash amount from your bank account.

3.    Make sure you have enough cash in your bank account to cover the withdrawal. If you don’t, your credit card company will reject the payment. It’s up to you to reach out and make good on your monthly credit card payment that’s due. Any delay in doing so could result in a missed or late payment, which could have financial consequences.

Recommended: When Are Credit Card Payments Due?

Paying a Credit Card Bill With a Debit Card Online

If you’re using a debit card to pay a credit card bill online, you’ll probably need to make that payment through the credit card’s payment portal. The good news is that credit card companies may accommodate online debit card payments.

Once you’ve signed into your credit card account, you’ll be given several options to pay your bill. The most common methods include ACH bank payment, a third-party payment platform, over the phone, or with your debit card.

Simply click on the debit card payment option and fill in your card details (this should only be a one-time occurrence as your debit card information should be securely held by your credit card provider in its payment portal.)

Once your debit card information is accurately entered, review the payment and hit “send.” Your payment should be confirmed immediately by the card carrier, and the money will leave your debit card account within 24 hours or so.

Paying a Credit Card Bill With a Debit Card Offline

Credit card companies likely allow you to use your debit card to make a credit card payment by phone, in person, and sometimes through the sponsoring bank’s ATM.

Make sure you have your debit card on you before paying at any bank or over the phone. If even one digit is wrong, the payment won’t go through, and you’ll have to revert to another form of payment to cover your credit card debt.

Are There Any Downsides to Paying Your Credit Card Bill With a Debit Card?

The fact is, while credit card companies will accept debit card bill payments, it’s not their preferred form of payment. It’s easier for credit card carriers to process bank ACH payments or third-party payments through platforms like PayPal, which handle the process for the card company. As such, you’ll have to jump through hoops or go an indirect route, similar to if you were to try to pay a credit card statement with another credit card.

Further, debit card payments may be prone to various outcomes that credit card companies don’t like. This includes scenarios such as the cardholder not having enough money in their account to cover the credit card payment or the fact that debit cards are common targets of financial fraudsters. In fact, a key difference between a credit card and debit card is their levels of payment protection.

The Takeaway

Just because you can use a debit card, even in limited fashion, to pay your credit card bill doesn’t mean you should. To keep payments flowing smoothly and to protect your debit card (and your bank account), it’s likely a better move to pay your credit card bills via bank ACH transactions or through secure third-party payment processors. That way, your payment still originates from your bank checking account — only without the potential payment and security headaches that may come with using a debit card to pay a credit card bill.

Whether you're looking to build credit, apply for a new credit card, or save money with the cards you have, it's important to understand the options that are best for you. Learn more about credit cards by exploring this credit card guide.

FAQ

Can I pay a credit card online with a debit card?

Technically, yes, you can pay your credit card bill with your debit card. However, it may take some extra steps to do so.

Can I pay my credit card at an ATM with a debit card?

Yes, you can typically use a debit card at an ATM to pay a credit card bill — but only an ATM from the bank that offers the credit card.

Are there extra charges for paying a credit card with a debit card?

You generally won’t face any extra charges for paying a credit card with a debit card. You may simply have to jump through some extra hoops to do so.

Can I pay my credit card bill with someone else’s debit card?

While this is technically doable, it’s not advisable. Using another party’s debit card to pay a credit card bill can get complicated, especially if you’re not certain the other person’s bank account has sufficient funds to cover your balance.

Photo credit: iStock/insta_photos

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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What unlimited cash-back means is you can earn uncapped rewards using the card — in other words, your earning potential isn’t limited to a certain amount. While this might sound too good to pass up, there are both pros and cons to consider to determine whether unlimited cash back is worth it for you.

What Is Cash Back?

Cash back is a type of reward that a credit card issuer may offer through its rewards credit cards. Depending on the terms, cardholders can earn a certain percentage back on qualifying purchases (cash advances typically don’t qualify). For instance, you may be able to earn 2% cash back on purchases at gas stations, or 3% back at grocery stores.

Some cards may put caps on how much cash back you can earn. As an example, a card may limit cardholders to 2% cash back for up to $5,000 in purchases in a calendar year. While cardholders may still be able to earn cash back after they’ve hit their certain earnings threshold, they may earn rewards at a lower rate thereafter.

What Is Unlimited Cash Back?

Unlimited cash back means that your credit card offers cash-back rewards with no caps or limits on how much you can earn. In most cases, you can earn cash back on all of your purchases, though some cards may only offer unlimited cash back on certain spending categories.

For most credit cards, your cash-back rewards don’t expire as long as you keep your card open. This means that if you continue racking up rewards, you may be able to redeem your accumulated cash-back rewards for a sizable statement credit or other perk.

How Unlimited Cash Back Credit Cards Work

How credit cards work that offer unlimited cash back is that they allow cardholders to earn cash back on their purchases with no earning cap. In other words, there is no limit as to how much you can earn on qualifying purchases with these types of credit cards.

As you earn these rewards, you can redeem them in several ways. This includes as a statement credit or actual cash via a check or bank transfer.

In general, you’ll need good or excellent credit (meaning a score of 670 or above) to qualify for an unlimited cash back card. That being said, there are also cash back credit cards with less stringent credit card requirements, meaning you may be able to qualify even if you have a fair credit score or limited credit history. In general, however, the higher your score, the better the rewards tend to be.

Recommended: Does Applying For a Credit Card Hurt Your Credit Score?

Pros and Cons of Unlimited Cash Back

Before signing up for an unlimited cash back credit card, consider the advantages and disadvantages first.

Is Unlimited Cash Back Worth It?

Getting an unlimited cash back credit card might be worth it if you’re confident you can maximize its rewards. For instance, if you continually make purchases in higher rewards categories, you can save some serious cash due to the rewards earnings. Ideally, you’d be able to earn enough rewards to entirely offset the annual fee, if your card has one.

An unlimited cash back card may not be a great fit if you continually carry a balance on your credit card, given what a credit card is and how you’ll accrue interest. Your interest rate will likely be higher than the cash back rate you’ll earn, which means carrying a balance could cancel out rewards earnings.

Another reason to think twice about an unlimited cash back card is if you’re a frequent traveler. A travel rewards program may be a better choice since you can earn free flights, hotel rooms, and even cash back. Plus, you might earn more lucrative rewards on travel-related spending than a cash back card would offer.

Recommended: How to Avoid Interest On A Credit Card

Categories of Unlimited Cash Back Credit Cards You Can Choose From

There are several ways credit cards give you cash back, including flat rate and through different spending categories.

Flat Rate

Flat-rate rewards allow you to earn the same cash-back rate across all purchases made using a credit card. For instance, you might earn 3% cash back on all purchases made with the card. Some may issue you a certain percentage cash back when you make a purchase, and then another amount you pay off your credit card bill. Regardless, your specific spending category won’t matter for earning with a flat-rate rewards card.

Rotating Categories

Your credit card may offer several spending categories each quarter that you can select from to earn cash back. For instance, you might be able to choose to get 5% cash back on purchases at gas stations or office supply stores for the first quarter. After the quarter is over, you can choose a different spending category.

While rotating categories can allow you to maximize your rewards-earning potential, this setup does require some strategizing. You’ll need to stay on top of choosing a new category each quarter. Plus, you’ll then have to make sure you adequately take advantage of spending within that category.

Fixed Spending Categories

Instead of choosing different categories every quarter, some credit cards offer fixed cash-back earnings for various spending categories. For instance, a card may allow you to earn 3% cash back for purchases at grocery stores, and 1% cash back on all other purchases.

While fixed spending categories require much less planning ahead for, you will want to ensure the card you sign up for credit card rewards you in a category you regularly spend in. Otherwise, you could end up forgoing valuable rewards.

Maximizing Unlimited Cash Back Earnings

If you want to make the most of earning unlimited cash back, here are some general credit card rules to keep in mind:

Select the Right Card

It’s a good idea to do your research and find a card that matches your spending habits. For example, if you use your credit card a lot at gas stations, it might not be the best choice to sign up for a card that doesn’t offer cash back rewards for this category.

Time Your Spending

If you sign up for a credit card with a sign up bonus, consider timing your card opening with a major purchase you’d been planning. Doing so will help ensure that you meet the minimum spend requirements in order to earn the bonus.

Or, if your credit card is about to have extra earnings for a rotating category, you might think about waiting until that time to make a planned purchase.

Note Spending Categories

After signing up for a card, pay attention to how much cash back you’ll earn in different categories if it’s not a flat rate card. That way, you can be sure to use that card exclusively for certain spending categories, or make sure you sign up for rotating categories well within the deadline.

Review Credit Card Terms

Looking over your credit card terms can help to ensure that you know what does and doesn’t count toward earnings. You might also discover through your card’s terms that you can earn enhanced rewards by taking certain actions, such as holding a certain amount of money in an associated bank account.

The Takeaway

A cash-back credit card is a great way to earn rewards that doesn’t necessarily require a complicated redemption process. Even better is when the card doesn’t place limits on the amount of cash-back rewards you can earn, which is the meaning of unlimited cash back.

Still, you’ll need to make sure you avoid carrying a balance and take steps to maximize your rewards to ensure you don’t negate your cash-back rewards earnings.

Whether you're looking to build credit, apply for a new credit card, or save money with the cards you have, it's important to understand the options that are best for you. Learn more about credit cards by exploring this credit card guide.

FAQ

How does unlimited cash back work?

If you have a credit card with unlimited cash back, that means there are no limits on the amount of rewards you can earn through qualifying purchases.

Is unlimited cash back better than points?

Whether cash back or points is better really depends on your preferences. Cash back is straightforward to track and redeem. Meanwhile, points may translate to a greater range of redemption opportunities, including for travel-related purchases. However, the value of points can vary depending on the card and the way the points are redeemed.

Photo credit: iStock/AsiaVision

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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Limited-time credit card offers require you to take action within a certain time frame to maximize cash back, travel miles, and other perks in return for charging everyday purchases. Setting reminders and taking other steps can allow you to enjoy these credit card offers to the fullest. Learn more about how these programs work.

How Do Credit Card Bonus Offers Work?

To understand how credit card bonus offers work, it’s helpful to first understand the basics of reward credit cards. Whether it’s a cash back card, travel credit card, or some other type of rewards card, these credit cards allow cardholders to earn back a small percentage of the value of their purchases. Account holders may get their rewards in the form of cash back, credit card points, or airline miles.

With credit card bonus offers, credit card issuers layer limited-time offers atop the regular benefits. Some common types of credit card promotions follow.

Welcome Bonuses

Designed to help make a specific credit card more appealing, welcome bonuses can fuel purchases in the first weeks or months after signing up for a new card. How welcome bonuses work varies from card to card, but they generally provide increased reward earnings either up to a certain expenditure limit or for hitting a minimum spend.

The rewards may come in the form of flat-rate cash back or points, a better rewards rate, or another limited-time perk, depending on the type of credit card. For example, a card might provide a bonus for cardholders who charge at least $1,000 within the first three months of receiving their credit card. Another offer might double the rewards rate for a set time period, up to a maximum rewards dollar value. In some cases, cardholders might receive a welcome bonus simply for signing up.

Lower APR

The annual percentage rate, or APR, is the rate of interest that is applied to credit card balances and transactions like cash advances. Some credit card promotions offer a lower — or even 0% — APR for a limited time.

These promotional periods may last anywhere from six months to 21 months. After that point, your APR will return to your standard rate, which is determined based on factors like creditworthiness and the type of credit card.

Recommended: How to Avoid Interest On a Credit Card

Other Limited-Time Offers

While welcome bonuses are nice, credit card promotions don’t always dry up after the introductory period. Some credit cards may offer additional periodic promotions, such as increased credit card rewards earnings during a specific time period or offers for spending at a particular retailer or partner.

Look out for promotional emails or notifications on your statement or online account to stay aware of such offers.

What Offers are Available to Me?

If you’re not sure what new credit card bonus offers are currently available to you, it’s easy to check. Simply log onto your credit card account and click over to the rewards portal. That should give you a view of the credit card promotions currently on offer, though you’ll want to log on frequently to see the latest offerings.

You might also be able to opt in to communications from your credit card company about current promotional offers. Check your settings on your communication preferences to ensure you’re not missing out on these emails if you’d like to receive them.

Which Limited-Time Offer Should You Choose?

Any credit card promotion that keeps more money in the cardholder’s wallet is likely an attractive one. But some offers are better suited to certain financial situations.

If You Have a Big Purchase Coming Up

Whether it’s booking a big vacation, paying for a wedding or new appliances, or covering some other big-ticket outlay, timing a big purchase with a credit card promotion period can be beneficial.

It might be a stretch for some individuals to max out a welcome offer that requires $4,000 or more in spending within the first few months. But if a big planned expense is on the horizon, it could be a good time to take advantage of a welcome offer that requires a little more spending than usual. (Just make sure to pay off the balance to avoid interest charges and/or reward penalties.)

Recommended: What Is a Charge Card?

If You’re Carrying a Balance With a High APR

Although the best strategy to avoid paying interest on credit card charges is to pay off purchases in full by the statement date (a great way to use a credit card responsibly), that may not always be possible. For those who are trying to pay down a balance, taking advantage of a 0% APR offer (or switching to a balance transfer credit card) may reduce or eliminate interest costs and help with paying down credit card debt.

If You Want To Optimize Everyday Purchases

The best type of credit card promotion for getting the most back from everyday purchases really depends on both the spender and the card. For instance, a credit card that provides a welcome bonus of 30,000 airline miles might be a great deal — but only for individuals who travel.

As such, finding the best credit card promotion for regular, everyday spending means taking the time to look at your usual spending habits. Then, compare limited-time credit card offers to find the best personal fit, whether that’s credit card miles or cash-back rewards, or another form of credit card bonus.

Tips for Taking Advantage of Bonus Offers

If you’re hoping to cash in on credit cards bonus offers, here are some key tips to keep in mind.

Do Your Homework

There can be many credit card promotions to choose from, with more limited-time offers popping up all the time. Before choosing a new credit card, it’s always a good idea to do some comparison shopping, considering factors such as annual fees, the APR, and the specifics of any rewards programs.

For those who track their spending, these records can be helpful for gauging actual expenditures across categories in order to estimate the potential benefits of various cards.

Keep Track of Expiration Dates

The important thing to remember about limited-time offers? They expire.

You may want to set up reminders for when offers will end. That way, you’ll remember to meet any minimum spending requirements or get in last-minute purchases before bonus rates end.

Avoid Carrying a Balance

Most credit card purchases don’t incur interest — if the cardholder pays off the full balance by the statement due date. Carrying a balance means interest charges, which are usually applied going back to the date of purchase. This can quickly add up and potentially outweigh the benefits of any credit card promotions.

Furthermore, before only paying the minimum, it’s a good idea to check the terms and conditions, which will tell you specifics of how a credit card works. That way, you can ensure the promotion still applies for those who carry a balance.

Think Before Canceling a Card After an Offer Expires

With so many attractive credit card offers on the market, it might seem like a good idea to open and close accounts in order to keep claiming new promotions. However, this practice, known as credit card churning, may not be the best strategy for those concerned about their credit score.

For starters, each new credit card application results in a hard inquiry to check the applicant’s credit score. Each time a lender conducts such a check, it results in a slight reduction in credit score — which can last up to a year (and will remain on one’s credit report for up to two years). Applying for many cards to claim multiple offers can add up.

Furthermore, as much as 30% of your credit score is informed by your overall credit utilization rate, or how much you owe on all your revolving accounts, such as credit cards, compared with your total available credit. 

Canceling cards reduces the total amount of credit you have available — and if it’s a card with a big credit limit, cancellation can have a significant impact on your credit utilization ratio. If your credit utilization goes up when you close a credit card account, your credit score could go down.

Will I Get Approved Immediately?

Even if you find the perfect promotional credit card offer, remember that there’s no guarantee that you’re going to get approved for it. Particularly if reaping the bonus credit bonus offer requires applying for a new card, know that there’s never a guarantee of approval.

Rewards credit cards generally require at least a good credit score (meaning 670 or higher) to qualify for. If your score is too low or there are any credit report concerns, that could impact your approval odds.

Application-related issues could interfere with how fast you’re approved, too. For instance, if there’s an issue verifying your income or you’ve inadvertently turned in an incomplete application, it might take a bit longer for the credit card company to make a decision.

Recommended: Does Applying For a Credit Card Hurt Your Credit Score?

The Takeaway

Whether it’s a welcome bonus, a low APR introductory rate, or a periodic promotion, credit card bonus offers can amplify rewards for those who know how to take advantage of them. To choose the right credit card promotion for your financial situation, it’s important to know the options and how they work. For instance, you might opt for a welcome bonus if you know a big purchase is coming up, whereas a 0% APR promo might be better if you’re working to pay down a credit card balance.

Whether you're looking to build credit, apply for a new credit card, or save money with the cards you have, it's important to understand the options that are best for you. Learn more about credit cards by exploring this credit card guide.

FAQ

What time of year do the best credit card offers come out?

Typically, the best credit card offers come out at the end of the year, between October and December. This may be timed to the holiday shopping season, when people are often spending more with credit and looking for deals.

How do you take advantage of multiple credit cards?

If you have multiple credit cards, it’s wise to follow the guidelines of keeping balances low and ideally paying them off in full every month. In addition, you may want to stagger the times at which you apply for cards since each will trigger a hard credit inquiry, which in turn lowers your credit score temporarily by five or so points a pop.

How do I use my credit card to my advantage?

You can use a credit card to your advantage by finding offers with sign-up bonuses, rewards, or low interest rates that suit your needs. Once you have a new card, it’s wise to pay the balance in full every month to avoid interest charges, keep your credit utilization ratio low, and take other steps to use your credit responsibly.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .

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