I used to think cashback credit cards were a scam.
You know the ads — "Earn money while you spend!" It always sounded too good to be true. I thought only big spenders, travel hackers, or finance nerds made it work.
But one year ago, I finally decided to test it out. I picked one simple cashback card, set some boundaries, and told myself I’d just “see what happens.”
Twelve months later? I didn’t travel the world or buy a luxury couch. But I did earn $742 in cashback just by using my card for groceries, gas, and bills I was already paying.
This post is about how it happened — and how you can do it too.
Why I Chose Cashback Over Points
I wasn’t looking for travel perks, luxury lounges, or points I’d never understand. I just wanted one thing:
👉 Money back in my account. That’s it.
Cashback felt real. Simple. Honest.
No blackout dates. No reward charts. Just dollars returned for every dollar spent — if you play it right.
The Credit Card I Picked (And Why)
After hours of research, I chose the Citi® Double Cash Card:
2% cashback on everything (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay)
No annual fee
Simple, flat structure — no rotating categories
I liked that it rewarded me for paying off my balance — not just spending. It aligned with my goal: use it like a debit card, pay in full, never pay interest.
My Strategy: Every Dollar Worked for Me
Here’s what I did:
1. Stopped using my debit card
For every regular expense — groceries, gas, Amazon, Netflix, phone bill — I used the cashback card.
2. Set up auto-pay in full
I never carried a balance. I never paid interest. My checking account funded every transaction.
3. Tracked rewards every month
Watching the balance grow from $5 to $100 to $300 gave me momentum.
4. Redeemed in cash
No gift cards. No “merchandise credits.” I took the money straight into my bank account every quarter.
How I Earned $742 (Without Changing My Lifestyle)
Let’s break it down:
$150/month groceries → $3 cashback
$200/month gas → $4 cashback
$80/month utilities → $1.60 cashback
$300/month other expenses (subscriptions, pharmacy, etc.) → $6 cashback
Total Monthly Cashback ≈ $15–20
Plus occasional bonus spending (holidays, travel) = Extra $200+
Total in 12 months: $742.18
I never “spent to earn.” I just earned while spending smartly.
The Emotional Impact
That cashback wasn’t life-changing… but it felt empowering.
It paid for two months of groceries.
It bought me books.
It funded a weekend getaway without dipping into savings.
Most importantly? It made me feel in control. I turned passive spending into intentional gain.
3 More Cashback Cards I Recommend (After Testing)
✅ Chase Freedom Unlimited®
1.5% cashback on everything + 3% on dining/drugstores
Intro bonus ($200 after $500 spend)
No annual fee
✅ Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
3% on groceries + gas
Great for families
✅ Discover it® Cashback Match
5% rotating categories (Amazon, gas, etc.)
First-year cashback match = double rewards
Final Advice: Cashback Only Works If You Respect It
Cashback is not free money. It’s a reward for responsibility.
If you carry debt, the interest will wipe out the benefit.
But if you use it like I did — smartly, mindfully, and without overspending — it’s one of the easiest financial wins you’ll ever score.
You don’t need to be rich. Just consistent.
Final Thoughts
The best credit cards for cashback don’t just give you a few dollars back. They give you confidence. Clarity. Control.
You can turn your daily spending into silent savings.
You can build wealth from habits, not just hustle.
And it starts with choosing the right card — and using it like the tool it was meant to be.