The five credit cards you need, to maximize cashback.

Who doesn't like to save money when shopping. One way to do so is to maximize cashback from credit cards at the time of purchase. Most credit cards offer some type of cashback, however they come in a wide variety of offers. Knowing when to use certain types of cards could save you thousands each year. These are the five credit cards you need, to just be a little richer. 

1) Everyday Purchases

This will be our base card. Think of this as the card you will use on everyday purchases when not buying in a certain category. This can be used at the pharmacy, or to buy tickets to the yankees game. The maximum everyday purchase cashback card and the first card on the list is our Citi Double Cash Card.


  • 2% back on all purchases
  • Can redeem points though a variety of rewards

Requirements

  • No Annual Fee
  • 720 Credit Score
        
 Since this card gets two percent back on all purchases, this is an excellent base card for our everyday use.

2) Gas

With gas prices on a rise, maximizing our cash back can save us hundreds each year. A good card for this is the Citi Custom Cash Card. 
        
  • Use only on gas purchases
  • 5% cashback on gas
    • Maximum spend: 500 a month, if over use our base card

Requirements

  • No Annual Fee
  • 720 Credit Score

3) Restaurants and Groceries

This is usually one the biggest spending categories for most people. Depending on your lifestyle, you may even spend thousands on Restaurants each year, so maximizing cashback in this category is essential. This is where our first premium card comes into play - Amex Gold
    

Now this is not a free card, it actually costs $250 a year, but it's well worth it. First you get 4% back on all restraunts and grocery stores.  Second, $120 in credits for Uber and Uber eats. Lastly, $120 in Grubhub/Shake Shack/etc. Even though it costs $250 upfront,  with $240 back in credits each easier and a 4% cashback, this card is easy to justify. Since its also a charge card, and not a normal credit card, it is much easier to get approval for, compared to a normal credit card.

Requirements

  • $250 Annual Fee
  • Charge Card - Need to pay off each month

4) Amazon

    Ah Amazon. The internet's need to get the most random things, in the quickest amount of time. Bezos is single handedly fighting off Musk, while shaving his head in a spacecraft going to the moon with the money I just spent getting Unicorn Whiskers off Amazon. It's the worlds comfort zone, and we need to make sure, we get as much money back as possible. This is done through the Amazon Visa Rewards Card. 


With a prime membership this card gives us 5% back on Amazon and Whole Foods and without a 3%. Either way it maximizes our cash back. 

Requirements

  • No Annual Fee
  • 700 Credit Score

5) Travel and Entertainment

I need to save money throughout the year to save on Travel. Flying across the world isn't cheap, but we can get help a little through our next card the Amex Platinum. 


Now this is the most expensive card on our list coming in at $695, but hear me out. I know its expensive, but the rewards you get back is well worth it.
    

    Rewards

  • $189 Credit for Clear a Year
  • $200 Credit every 5 years for TSA Pre-check/Global Entry
  • $200 Credit in Uber Cash a Year
  • $240 Credit in Entertainment (Hulu/Peacock/Audible) a Year
  • $200 in Credits a year on incidental Airline Purchases
  • $100 Credit at Saks Fifth Avenue a Year
  • $200 in Credits at Hotels booked through AmexTravel
  • $155 in Credits in Walmart Plus a Year
  • $300 Credit for Equinox/ Peloton a year
  • 5% Cashback on Travel
These reward clearly outweigh our initial cost, however there are other benefits as an Amex Platinum that makes it stand out

Benefits

  • 24/7 Amex Concierge
  • Access to exclusive events
  • Free Travel Insurance if booked with card
  • Rental Insurance
  • Purchase Insurance
  • Free 1 Year Extended Warranty on all purchases bought with card
  • Private Jet Access
  • Hilton Gold
  • Marriot Gold
  • Hertz Gold
  • National Emerald Membership
    Don't get me wrong, this card isn't for everyone, but if you can use all the Rewards and benefits, and travel a lot this card is well worth it. 

First Time Bonuses

This section has some referral links, which I get a commission either through cash or points. That being said, signing up for these credit cards will be equivalent or better offers than if you signed up directly through the website.