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Do More With Your Credit Cards: No Annual Fee Retail Edition

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Do More With Your Credit Cards: No Annual Fee Retail Edition

08/21/24 09:13 pm

Welcome to our series where we explain how to do more with your credit cards, and more importantly, how your credit cards can do more for you. From maximizing cashback to exploring options like no annual fee cards and travel rewards, let’s unlock the full potential of your wallet. Next up, let's get ready for shopping with no annual fee to worry about.

 

With the three weeks behind us and the back-to-school season on the horizon, the last days of summer are quickly slipping away. Next on the agenda is the annual scramble to update fall and winter wardrobes before sizes sell out or our schedules become overwhelmed with school supplies and holiday preparations.

 

Even though we have a bit of extra time this year, it's crucial to plan ahead to avoid missing out. To help with your shopping endeavors, here are the best no-annual-fee credit cards to maximize rewards on your clothing purchases.

 

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

For online shoppers, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express stands out with its 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases up to $6,000 annually, then 1%. This card not only offers exceptional cash back rates but also includes a complimentary ShopRunner membership, providing free 2-day shipping and returns at over 100 retailers.

 

Additionally, Amex cards are renowned for their consumer protection, and the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express card is no exception. It features Purchase Protection, covering accidental damage and theft for up to 90 days from the purchase date.*

 

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

For those who prefer shopping in person, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a top pick. It offers a solid 1.5% cash back on every purchase, and the current welcome offer boosts this rate to an additional 1.5% cash back on the first $20,000 spent in the first year, effectively earning 3% cash back on your purchases. If you hold a premier Chase card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, your cash back can be worth 25%-50% more, enhancing the value even further.

 

Be sure to review the information below to determine whether this card or Capital One’s bonus offer is more valuable based on your planned spending. The Chase Freedom Unlimited® also provides purchase protection, covering damage or theft of items for up to $500 per claim for 120 days from the purchase date, adding an extra layer of security.

 

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card is another excellent choice, offering a straightforward 1.5% cash back on all purchases. New cardholders can earn a $200 bonus by spending $500 in the first 3 months, which can be particularly advantageous if you plan to spend around that amount. You might find more value in the Chase offer if you spend above certain thresholds, especially if you’re a Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or a Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardholder.

 

Be sure to review the information below to determine whether this card or Chase’s bonus offer is more valuable based on your planned spending. Notably, the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card does not charge foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for international shopping without incurring extra costs.

 

Which Card Offers the Higher Welcome Bonus?

Spending Amount Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card Chase Freedom Unlimited®
$13,500+ Less valuable More valuable
$10,750+ More valuable
Unless you also have the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card 		Less valuable
Unless you also have the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
$9,000+ More valuable
Unless you also have the Chase Sapphire Reserve® 		Less valuable
Unless you also have the Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Notes:

 

Conclusion

As you gear up for your fall and winter shopping, choosing the right no-annual-fee credit card can significantly boost your savings and rewards. If your shopping is primarily online, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, is your best bet, offering excellent cash back rates and additional perks like free 2-day shipping and purchase protection.

 

If you're shopping in person, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® and the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card are your top choices. Both cards offer the same cash back rate of 1.5% on all purchases, but the welcome bonuses differ. Be sure to review the comparison chart to see whether the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card or the Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers the greater bonus value for your first year. This will help you make the most informed choice and maximize your rewards.

 

Note: If you also hold a premier Chase card, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, your cash back redemption rate with the Chase Freedom Unlimited® can be increased by 25% or 50%, respectively. This makes the Chase Freedom Unlimited® potentially more valuable for you compared to the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card.

 

Choose the card that best fits your shopping habits and enjoy a more rewarding season ahead!

 

*Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
Disclaimer: Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. 
Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.



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