What are the First National Bank of Omaha categories for credit card rewards?

FNBO Absolute Rewards for Business points are worth 1 cent per point. For example, 1,000 FNBO Absolute Rewards for Business points have a value of $10. The value of FNBO Absolute Rewards for Business points is the same regardless of how they are redeemed.

FNBO Business Points Value by Redemption Method

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 difference between cash back and points is that the former is the most versatile type of credit card rewards, as it can be redeemed for anything, and there’s never any doubt about how much it’s worth. Points, on the other hand, have a value set by the credit card company and tend to be worth the most when redeemed for travel. Credit card companies won’t always clearly disclose points values, and those values can change over time. It’s possible that points could be worth 1 cent apiece one day and 0.8 cents each the next.... read full answer

You can spend points for many different things. Usually, you can trade them for travel, gift cards, unique experiences, charitable donations or even cash. There are no restrictions on what you can use cash for. You can typically redeem cash back for a statement credit, paper check, or direct deposit to a bank account. One thing credit card shoppers should watch out for are cards advertised as offering cash back that really provide points. For example, the Chase Freedom Flex℠ offers “5% cash back” in certain bonus categories. But what it actually gives is 5 Chase Ultimate Rewards points per $1, which cardholders can then trade for cash back at a rate of 1 cent each.

Cash Back vs Points:

• Good cards overall: Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer for cash back. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card for points.
• Initial bonus: Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card - $200 for spending $1,000 in the first 90 days. IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card for points - 175,000 points for spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.
• Earning rate: Usually at least 1% cash back or 1 point per $1 spent.
• Devaluation: Points can be devalued by the issuer, while cash back can’t.
• Redemption options: Statement credit, check or deposit for cash. Travel, merchandise, gift cards, cash and more for points.
• When it’s the best choice: Points for frequent travelers. Cash back for everyone else.

Let’s take a look at two high-profile cards in a battle of cash back vs. points.

Citi Double Cash Card tops the cash back offerings with 2% cash back on all purchases and an introductory APR of 0% for 18 months on balance transfers, with a balance transfer fee of 3% intro fee ($5 min) for each transfer in first 4 months, after that 5% ($5 min) for each transfer. It also chases a $0 annual fee and requires good credit to get.

But if you’re a frequent traveler, Chase Sapphire Preferred is a more attractive option. It gives 5 points per $1 spent on travel purchased through Chase, 2 points per $1 on all other travel purchases, 3 points per $1 on dining and online grocery purchases, 3 points per $1 on select streaming services, and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases. It has an initial bonus of 60,000 points for spending $4,000 in the first 3 months. This card’s points are worth 1 cent each toward cash back or gift cards or 1.25 cents each toward travel. There’s a $95 annual fee and the card requires good credit.

For both cash back and points cards, you can expect to lose your rewards if your account closes for any reason. Most cards don’t let your rewards expire over time. But Citi Double Cash Card’s cash back expires if you don’t use your card for 12 months. And on points cards alone, your points can be devalued if the issuer decides to charge more points for its rewards. So, frequent redemption is essential.

So, the bottom line is that frequent travelers should check out points cards. Otherwise, cash is king.