Cashback vs Rewards Credit Cards. Which Is Worth More?

Picking a new credit card is a relatively simple task. More often than not, you will look for one that offers you the most value for what you spend on the most. 

Unfortunately, there are times where you will be stuck trying to decide between a number of similar cards that are difficult to tell apart. Such scenarios are especially common when choosing between a cashback or rewards points credit card.

Is it better to get cashback or rewards?

In many ways, these two types of cards are identical, but in others, they can be wildly different. The value they offer customers is based on their spending habits. 

Both cashback and rewards credit cards come with great benefits when they match your spending preferences and lifestyle. 

As such, let’s break down the benefits and drawbacks of each card to get a clearer picture.

Cashback credit card

As its name suggests, a cashback card straight up offers its users cash back upon using it for purchases. 

How does cashback credit card work?

Each cashback card will have a list of categories where the user can benefit from cashback. These can include groceries, petrol, travel, dining, online shopping, and more. When spending in the specified category, the card user can earn a cash rebate up to a particular some or percentage patented to each category.

Generally speaking, the cash rebate can range anywhere between 1% and 10%, though most do come with a monthly cap. Any cashback received after hitting this cap tends to be at a lower rate. This cash reward will typically be debited into the user’s account, according to each banks’ own cashback policy.

Advantages of cashback credit cards

Cash rebates

As mentioned above, cashback cards are rather straightforward. You buy something within a specified category, you get a small refund in cash with each purchase, debited directly into your bank account according to your banks’ refund policy. 

Fully automatic

Unlike reward points, which is a more manual process, cashback rebates are automatically reflected in your credit card statements. This means that you can forget about it, but still benefit as long as you are spending on your card’s listed categories. 

Few limitations

Cashback cards are not bound to any credit card company or catalogue. You can use it for whatever item you want to purchase.

Disadvantages of using cashback credit cards

Limited earnings

While cashback refunds you in cold hard cash, its limited earnings is what holds it back. Based on the monthly cap offered to your card, you can calculate approximately the maximum amount of cashback you can earn per year and you will likely not earn more than that amount.

Minimum spending

In order to qualify for cashback, many cards will require you to make a minimum spend. Some may require a minimum amount spent per bill, while others may require a minimum amount spent per month to benefit from the best rates. Some cashback cards in the market do not have a minimum spending requirement, but they often come with lower rebate rates as well.

Rewards credit card

Rewards points cards are similar to cashback cards, but it rewards its users with points instead of cash. Unlike cashback cards, you do not have to keep spending categories in mind when using a rewards card. 

How to benefit from using rewards credit card

Basically, you can earn bonus points on certain categories with certain rewards cards. For example, travel rewards cards tend to offer huge points bonuses for spending on travel accommodations, travel tickets, and overseas spending.

Other rewards credit cards may offer substantial points when you pay for insurance, education and even movie tickets purchases. Some also offer additional points rewards for online spending.

Advantages of rewards credit cards

Exclusive deals

Rewards card users can redeem their points from their bank’s rewards catalogue. This catalogue gets updated over time, but sometimes a really good deal makes its way into it. This can be anything from a new air purifier you really want to huge travel perks that can multiply your earnings.

Point conversions

If you don’t want to get anything from your rewards catalogue, you can try converting your points into travel miles. Travel miles are a lot more difficult and expensive to accumulate, so this conversion option can be a great boon.

No specific categories

Unlike cashback card categories, rewards points mechanisms will typically apply to all manner of spending. Spending restrictions tend to be minimal with reward point multiplications being considered a value-added advantage to encourage spending on certain categories. 

Disadvantages of using rewards credit cards

Expiration

Rewards points have a limited lifespan. This means that if you do not spend some of your points in time, they will expire and be wasted. Some cards offer evergreen points, but they are more of an exception than a rule.

Limited redemption

Cashback cards offer you cash rebates which you can use for anything. Rewards points on the other hand can only redeem items from a set catalogue that does not change very often. Rewards points may be converted to air miles, but largely remains limited compared to the value of cash rebates.

Inflated values

While some catalogue items are fantastic deals, others may not be balanced well ringgit for ringgit. Certain items may cost an absurd amount of points that some people may never be able to afford, unless they maximise their points earnings.

Should you choose a cashback or rewards credit card?

Ultimately, deciding between a cashback or rewards card will depend entirely on what you are looking for. If you are looking for a credit card that can offer benefits for all of your different spends, cashback cards are arguably the better option. They are also more straightforward, making it ideal for newer credit card owners.

On the other hand, rewards cards can be a huge boon for those who are looking for benefits on a particular type of spending such as travel or lifestyle. For example, a frequent traveller can score plenty of points with a travel rewards card and can redeem them for free perks such as hotel rooms or airplane tickets. 

For those who shop more than they travel, there are also shopping credit cards that offer extra points for online and local shopping spending. Some reward you for spending at certain department stores as well. 

The most important thing to understand before picking a card is your own spending habits. The right card for you is the one that offers maximum benefits for the type of spending you’d be doing with the credit card. 

Some credit cards also offer a mix of both rewards and cashback if you use them in the right places! If you need some help finding the right credit card for you, you can try using iMoney’s Smart Search tool.