PayPal announced it would relaunch its cash back credit card with a few changes, including 3% cash back on all PayPal purchases. Maybe it is time to reconsider this card, as I have just made a product change to the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Card.
Typically, the 5% cash back cards are the most lucrative ones that should be considered your main credit card.
Regardless, for folks who do not want to go through the hassle of keeping track of rotating categories (or even those who simply don’t wish to spend that much on a credit card), here are a few 3% cash back credit cards you can get right now.
Best 3% Cash Back Credit Cards With No Annual Fee
| Cash back category | Redemption | FTF | Annual fee | Intro bonus | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PayPal Cashback Mastercard |
Earn 3% cash back on PayPal purchases and 2% on all other purchases. |
Cash back is earned daily on completed purchases posted to your account. | 3% | $0 | $100 welcome bonus after the first $500 spend for new applicants. |
| BOA Customized Cash Rewards |
3% cash back in the category of your choice, 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs and 1% cash back on all other purchases. |
Redeem your cash rewards for any amount, anytime for statement credits, deposits made directly into a Bank of America checking or savings account, or for credit to an eligible account with Merrill. | 3% | $0 | $200 cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days. |
| Venmo Credit Card |
Earn 3% cash back on your eligible top spend category, 2% on the next, and 1% on the rest. |
Cash back is transferred to your Venmo account, can be converted into crypto. | 0% | $0 | No offer for now. They have targeted offer from time to time. |
| Capital One Savor Rewards |
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services & at grocery stores. |
Redeem cash back for any amount or redeem your rewards for gift cards. | 0% | $0 | $200 cash bonus once you spend $500. |
| AOD VISA Signature Credit Card | 3% cash back on all purchases (not easy to get approved) | Rewards automatically posted against your statement balance. | 0% | 0% | No sign up bonus |
If you are considering getting any of these cards, you can narrow it down to 3 main factors:
Cash Back
The caveat for the two cards offered by Synchrony Bank is that you need PayPal and Venmo (owned by PayPal) accounts. Suppose we’re judging by the cash back category. In that case, Venmo wins this round because you don’t need to do anything special when you’re shopping. The calculation for the highest category is automatically done.
On the other hand, PayPal Cashback Master Card requires you to use PayPal online or in-store. Few retailers offer PayPal as a payment option, but it is becoming more popular.
BoA Customize Cash Rewards could have won this category, but you have to manually select your category each month.
If you’re looking for a no-stress credit card with cash back incentives, Venmo is worth exploring.
Winner: Venmo Credit card
Redemption
When it comes to redeeming your 3% cash back, it’s a draw between BoA Customized Cash Rewards and Capital One SavorOne Rewards. You can redeem rewards for both cards as a form of statement credits. In addition, capital One sometimes offers discounted gift card redemption, but it is rare.
As for PayPal Cashback and Venmo credit cards, both can be deposited into their respective accounts. Venmo credit card also allows you to buy crypto with your cash back without any fee. However, the daily cash back feature of PayPal Cashback card might entice some people, like Apple Pay.
Winner: BoA Customize Cash Rewards and Capital One SavorOne Rewards
Intro Bonus
If you’re looking for a versatile and generous cashback card, SavorOne Rewards from Capital One is your best bet. It’s $200 sign-up bonus, paired with a $500 spending requirement, is easy to accomplish.
Customized Cash offers an optional 3% flexibility for highly skilled folks at credit card games. But the $1000 spend requirement can be a turn-off.
PayPal will provide a $100 welcome bonus, but I assume it will be limited.
Winner: Capital One SavorOne Rewards
Final Thoughts
Depending on whom you bank with or if you already have a PayPal or Venmo account, I think all these 3% cash back credit cards are great options.
PayPal and Venmo credit cards may be a good choice if you are new to using credit cards. You’re more likely to receive approval from a Synchrony Bank. If you rule out the intro bonus, Venmo is the way to go.
You will get more bang for your buck in the first two to three years of opening a Capital One Savor Cash card. So if you have an excellent credit score, don’t want to pay an annual fee, and don’t need assistance with foreign transactions, this card is perfect for you.
Though I included the AOD Visa Signature Credit card, I would not recommend it. You have to follow so many complicated steps to get this card and everything is manual. Despite being a Visa Signature card, it does not come with additional benefits such as extended warranties.
Additional Cards
Here are the details on two more cash back credit cards that are offering 3% cash back on certain purchases only for a limited time. You need to be a member of the credit unions to apply.
FIGFCU Crystal Visa Credit Card
- Welcome Offer—earn $100 bonus after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Up to 3% cash back for 12 months from account opening – no rotating categories to worry about After that, earn up to 2.5% cash back on most purchases for extra spending power.
- Cash rewards earned on maximum of $10,000 in qualifying purchases per rewards cycle as stated on your credit card statement.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- No annual fee for first year ($99 afterwards).
USALLIANCE FINANCIAL Visa Signature Credit Card
- Earn 3% cash back for every dollar on qualifying purchases, plus perks on travel and purchase discounts. 3 Points per dollar accrual rate is a promotional value and expires on 12/31/2022, at which time, points will accrue at 2 points per dollar.
- Price protection (rare feature).
- 1% foreign transaction fee.
- No annual fee.
My Strategy
Currently, I have the Bank of America Customized Cash and PayPal Cashback cards, and my wife has the Capital One SavorOne card. I used to prefer the Customized Cash Card, but now I will use the PayPal card more because of the 3% cash-back on all PayPal transactions.
I’m curious to hear your strategy for getting 3% cash back. Share it in the comments below.
