This is one of two cards that I keep in my cell phone's credit card holder, because I use it for all of my fast food purchases. I get 5% back from all fast food franchises. In addition, I also get 5% back on all of my streaming services (which right now is $1 per month for Hulu), and 5% back on my TV & Internet bills (which is currently $35 for internet at my house and $38 at my mom's house - neither of us pay for TV).
If the categories I chose above don't pique your interest, you can choose from these categories:
5% Cash back categories (choose two):
- TV, Internet & Streaming Services
- Fast Food
- Cell Phone Providers
- Department Stores
- Home Utilities
- Furniture Stores
- Electronic Stores
- Recreation
- Entertainment
2% Cash back categories (choose one):
- Gas/EV Charging Stations & Ground Transportation
- Restaurants & Food Delivery
- Grocery Stores & Grocery Delivery
Since I use my "Everything is 2% cash back" credit card for most purchases, I really don't pay attention to the 2% cash back category on this card, but you may want to! :)
For those who don't really know me, I retired from teaching just before COVID hit in order to take care of my mom who had strokes and became paralyzed on her right side. So for the past seven years, I've spent my mornings everyday hanging out with her! We have a fun time playing Yahtzee, rummy, and doing puzzles. We watch a few of our favorite shows on YouTube or the internet, and we enjoy eating breakfast and lunch together. Since I am so interconnected with my mom's life, I also have taken over many of her expenses (she pays me back), so I get to earn the bonuses and she doesn't mind!
TIP: See if anyone in your family would like to set up a monthly Zelle or Venmo payment or a recurring bank transfer from their account into your own, so you can add their bill to your credit card that gets cash back. (Of course, as soon as you tell them how much money you get back, they'll want to do it themselves, but at least you'd be helping them make a little change!)
I am also NOT a big fast food guy, but my mom is! Most of the fast food purchases on this card are for her. :)
The following charges were on my most recent bill:
TV & Internet:
- $38 - Astound - my mom's internet
- $35 - Xfinity - my internet
Streaming:
Fast Food (multiple charges each):
- McDonalds
- Popeyes
- Taco Bell
- Little Caesars
- Burger King
According to my budget records, I spend about $300 on this credit card per month, meaning I earn about $15 cash back on my purchases each month. Over the course of the year, that is $180!
Here is what an AI had to say about this topic (with my notes added in):
Maximizing Category Bonuses:
Many rewards cards—especially the ones with rotating or category-specific cash back—require you to “activate” or select your preferred categories each quarter. Double-check if your card needs activation to ensure you’re getting 5% back on the categories that fit your spending! It’s a quick step that can make a huge difference. (The card described above does not require you to choose categories each month, but it does need you to activate the categories once at the beginning.)
Track Your Savings:
I keep a complicated spreadsheet on my computer to keep track of my expenses and cash back. Looking at the totals for the year is always a fun reminder of how “little things” add up! If you’re not into spreadsheets, most credit card apps now show you your rewards balance and even break it down by category—worth a peek every now and then.
Combine With Other Discounts:
Smart shoppers know that you can stack savings. Using your “Max Cash” card for 5% cash back is great, but you can also often save more by combining it with store apps, coupon codes, or loyalty programs. For example, ordering from McDonald’s on their app and paying with your rewards card gives you both the app discounts and extra cash back—double win!
Set Up Alerts for Bonus Offers:
Every so often, credit cards run limited-time extra bonuses—like 10% back at a specific brand, or extra rewards for referring friends. Make sure your email and app notifications are turned on so you never miss these chances. In addition, be sure to visit their website occasionally to see what offers are available. If you end up using one or more of those offers, bookmark the website so you can find it every month or so!
Tip for New Card Users:
If you’re thinking about applying, check for a sign-up bonus! Most cards offer an extra $100–$200 if you reach a minimum spend in the first few months. Plan bigger purchases around this window if you can—groceries, utility bills, or even annual subscriptions. Almost all of the credit cards I own started with a $100 to $500 sign-up bonus! Most require a minimum number of charges to earn the bonus (the bigger the bonus, often the bigger the spend requirement).
Card Organization Strategy:
Once you have several credit cards, consider using color-coded card holders, sticky notes, virtual wallet apps (like Google Pay or Apple Wallet), or labeling your cards for easy grab-and-go use. I keep my "Online purchases" card saved on my laptop, but it requires knowing the security code in order to use it (safety feature). I also keep my “5% cash back on Everything” card and my “fast food” card in my phone wallet for convenience—less chance of missing a bonus!
Family Finances and Rewards:
Pooling expenses with a family member (like I do with your mom) is a powerful tactic. If you’re helping anyone with bills, let them know how much cash back you get—it’s a friendly reminder to rotate who pays next time so everyone gets a turn at earning bonuses. Sharing is caring, especially when everyone saves! Or be like me and just thank them for letting you cash in the rewards!
A Year of Free Fast Food:
Think about your $180 yearly cash back: that’s two fine dining meals OR six months of internet OR a round trip flight on a budget airline! Some people like to “earmark” their savings for something fun. I, on the other hand, try not to do that (I'm on a budget!!!). :)
Final Thought:
Credit card rewards are a simple way to get paid for the purchases you already make—no gimmicks, no games. The more thoughtful you are in choosing and using your cards, the more you’ll save. If you have a favorite cash-back strategy, or if your family has found a clever way to earn even more rewards, share your experience in the comments. We can all learn from each other and turn everyday spending into extra savings!
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