Merchant category codes: How to earn more cash back
Merchant category codes can help consumers earn more with rewards credit cards.
Sifting through reward program, sign-up bonus or card feature terms can feel overwhelming for even credit card veterans. As a Bankrate writer, I’ve seen how translating fine print into actionable advice can help cardholders evaluate their most valuable options and build a stronger financial future.
— Garrett Yarbrough
Garrett Yarbrough writes credit card reviews, comparisons and guides for Bankrate. He specializes in all things credit cards, and he has comprehensively researched the current market and past product offers for more than three years. Garrett thoroughly analyzes credit card terms, rewards programs, introductory offers and other card features to provide readers with the most insightful steps toward personal financial growth. He has also written and researched for major Bankrate features, including the latest credit card points and miles valuations, the 2022 through 2024 Bankrate Awards, the Spender Type tool, the Credit Utilization Calculator and the CardMatch™ Approval Odds tool.
Prior to joining Bankrate, Garrett worked as a copywriter at an ad agency, and then as a freelance writer. He joined NextAdvisor.com in 2020, where his credit card, credit monitoring and identity theft analysis were regularly featured.
When he’s not reviewing credit cards or detailing the latest developments in Bankrate’s best cards, you can find Garrett traveling, reading and stopping at every niche museum he sees along the highway.
Send your questions about credit cards to gyarbrough@redventures.com.
As someone who began their personal finance journey not too long ago, I’ve seen firsthand the many credit-related misconceptions that family, friends and other credit builders hold. I noticed these stumbling blocks led several loved ones to avoid credit cards and base important life decisions on popular financial misinformation.
Using my background in analytical research and user-focused writing, I strive to make navigating credit cards and credit building smooth sailing for others who are new to credit.
Sifting through reward program, sign-up bonus or card feature terms can feel overwhelming for even credit card veterans. As a Bankrate writer, I’ve seen how translating fine print into actionable advice can help cardholders evaluate their most valuable options and build a stronger financial future.
— Garrett Yarbrough
Merchant category codes can help consumers earn more with rewards credit cards.
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Higher-than-ever sign-up bonus and perks that Southwest business travelers will love.
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card is replacing the Marriott Premier Plus Credit Card, and new cardholders have the chance to earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months after account activation (for a limited time).
For a $450 annual fee, American Airlines loyalists can fly in style with perks like Admirals Club membership, priority boarding on flights, credit for TSA Pre✓® or Global Entry and more.
The Jasper Cash Back Mastercard® is a great card for future professionals new to the United States.
For those who find tracking bonus categories too cumbersome and just want simple cash-back rewards, the Navy Federal Credit Union cashRewards card delivers.
Citi is a Bankrate advertising partner. Rewards credit cards get a lot of good press for the money-saving benefits: statement credits, points and cash back. What’s not to love about them? But fans of [...]
The card may not offer the most benefits, but it features solid flat rate cash back of 1.5 percent and no annual fes, making it a wise choice for students looking to build credit.
The Bank of America-issued Alaska Airlines Visa credit card has a hallmark feature that's hard for other airline cards to top: its Alaska's Famous Companion Fare offer.
It’s worth considering the Quicksilver Secured if you want a low-cost way to boost your credit score while earning cash back with no annual fee.
With credits totaling more than the annual fee, the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire card offers tremendous value for those who prefer staying with Hilton.
Bank of America and Wells Fargo both offer business loans to companies with good-to-excellent credit.
It’s a way that you can get a sense of how a lender treats borrowers like you.
Kiva offers no-cost microloans with limited eligibility requirements, while Fundible offers larger loans with competitive rates.
Look for origination fees, late fees and NSF fees when comparing bad credit loans.