What are the Citibank categories for credit card rewards?

There are three different types of credit card rewards: points, miles and cash back. Rewards credit cards are also targeted to three main groups: students, small business owners and people with above-average credit.

Although there are differences between credit card rewards currencies and the ways in which credit card companies dole them out to different groups, the major types of credit card rewards all work pretty much the same way. You’ll earn rewards for every purchase you charge to the card – sometimes at a flat rate on all purchases, and other times with earning rates that vary by spending category. It’s also possible to earn rewards for doing things like spending a certain amount in the first few months, referring a friend or adding an authorized user.… read full answer

Co-branded cards are different from store cards, which are issued by banks but are not linked to any of the major card networks. This means store cards only let you make purchases and earn rewards with whichever retailer is associated with the card.

Types of Credit Card Rewards

Points

Credit cards with rewards points generally give at least 1 point per $1 spent. You can redeem points for hotel stays and other travel expenses, statement credits, gift cards or merchandise, depending on the card. Points cards are sometimes affiliated with hotel chains.

Miles

Credit cards with miles are travel oriented, often affiliated with a specific airline. Rewards typically start at 1 mile for every $1 you spend. Miles can be redeemed for airfare, other travel expenses, gift cards, cash or merchandise. Cards co-branded with a particular airline may reward you with seat or room upgrades, early boarding on flights, free checked bags and more.

Cash Back

Credit cards with cash back rewards return a portion of each purchase cardholders make, usually at least 1%. You can redeem cash rewards as a check, direct deposit to your bank account or statement credit, depending on the card. Some cash back rewards can also be redeemed for gift cards and merchandise through the issuer’s online rewards mall.

You’ll need good or excellent credit to qualify for the best rewards credit cards. Many also come with annual fees to offset the costs of their rewards programs. And some cards offer sign-up bonuses that require meeting a minimum initial spending requirement.

For more information, check out WalletHub’s Credit Card Rewards Guide.

The Chase Freedom Flex calendar for 5% categories for October, November and December 2022 are Walmart and PayPal. Chase Freedom Flex gives 5% cash back on the first $1,500 spent in a new set of bonus categories each quarter, and the calendar shows what those categories are. The calendar also has a link to “activate” the current quarter’s bonus categories, as you won’t be able to earn the 5% rate without doing so. … read full answer

2022 Chase Freedom Flex calendar for 5% categories:

• January - March: Grocery stores (excluding Target and Walmart) and eBay
• April - June: Amazon.com and select streaming services
• July - September: Gas stations, car rental agencies, movie theaters and select live entertainment
• October - December: Walmart and PayPal (qualifying purchases made using PayPal at Walmart will only earn a total of 5%)

The Chase Freedom Flex 5% calendar is pretty straightforward and easy to use. But there are a few other things you should know about its features and protocol.

Here’s how the Chase Freedom Flex calendar works:

• Each quarter’s bonus categories are typically announced about a month in advance.
• Click on the footnote next to each category to see what purchases qualify.
• You can activate each quarter’s bonus starting on the 15^th of the month before. The last day to activate is always the 14^th of the last month in the quarter.
• To activate Chase Freedom Flex bonus categories, click “Activate Now” on the calendar and enter your last name, the last 4 digits of your card number, and your zip code.
• The 5% bonus applies to your first $1,500 in bonus-category purchases each quarter (you’ll get 1% after that).

Unfortunately, you can’t see the whole year’s cash back categories in advance. But you do get about a month’s notice, and Chase is very transparent about the activation dates. Just be sure to activate the bonus categories each quarter. And read the fine print to see which purchases qualify for 5% cash back.