The One Thing You Need To Know About Rotating Rewards Credit Cards

Tuesday, July 18th, 2017
Updated: July 18th, 2017
The content is accurate at the time of publication and is subject to change.

If you have a cash back credit card, chances are it’s one that offers you 5% back in certain spending categories that change each quarter. These types of cards are some of the most popular cash back cards, and for good reason. It’s an easy way to earn cash back in different categories, and gives you a variety of ways to earn credit card rewards.

But there’s one thing that you need to know if you have one of these cards, or are thinking of applying for one. This is a trick that many people aren’t aware of, and it can mean you’ll miss out on some of the savings you could have had if you’d known.

Every three months, when the spending category changes, you need to sign up in order to be eligible for the bonus 5% cash back. Even if you already have the card and have used it before to earn 5% cash back, you’ll still need to long into your account online or call customer service and ask to opt in for the new quarter. This is simply how it works, and if you fail to do this, you won’t earn your 5% bonus that quarter. The good news is that it’s very easy to do, and usually, your credit card issuer will send you a reminder email or even a flyer in the regular mail to make sure you don’t miss the signup window.

Cash back for every season

One cool thing about these rotating rewards cards is that they tend to give you extra cash back in categories that correspond with the seasons. So, in the winter you may get 5% back at department stores or online, when you’re doing your holiday shopping. Then in summer, it could be 5% back at hotels, or amusement parks, where you’re likely to be spending the warmer days during vacation. Or maybe you’ll get 5% back at gas stations, so you can fuel up for a road trip.

No matter where your card is offering cash back, you’ll want to sign up, just in case you happen to use your card at one of these merchants during the promotional period. So don’t forget to sign up the next time you get that reminder.

All rates and fees, and other terms and conditions of the products mentioned in this article/post are actual as of the last update date but are subject to change. See the current products' Terms & Conditions on the issuing banks' websites.

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