In an earlier post I listed the top credit cards for every type of spending (The Best Cash Back Credit Cards). In the past it wasn't difficult to find a credit card that gave you 5% back (in either points or cash) on gas and/or groceries. But ever since the last card to provide these rewards stopped accepting new applications (the Chase Rewards Visa card),there hasn't been much else out there, if anything. That's where the little known Associated Bank Rewards Visa card come in.
Through a partnership with Citibank (who actually underwrites the card), Associated Bank is offering a no annual fee, 5% cash-back on all gas and grocery purchases credit card.
Compared to the PFCU Platinum Cash Rewards Visa card (mentioned in Cash Back on Gas Credit Cards and The Best Cash Back Credit Cards), the Associated Bank Visa card doesn't require you to sign up for and pay a $20 initiation fee to the National Military Family Association. And on top of that, you receive a full 5% back on all gas and grocery purchases, instead of just the 2% back on groceries that you get with the PFCU card. I think we have a new winner for both the best gasoline purchases credit card and the best card to use when grocery shopping.
The only drawback is that cash back rewards are capped at $300/year. So if you're a big spender (spending over $6000/year on gas and groceries), have a back up card to use once your limit is reached. I recommend the Chase Freedom Rewards Visa card. (The Chase Freedom card gives you up to 3.75% cash back visa points redeemable for checks. It is also capped at $300 in reward bonuses per year, giving you up to $12,000 in eligible gas and grocery purchases per year. Update 12/01/2008: Terms have changed, see application form for details.)
Signing Up
You can go to the Associated Bank homepage to check out more on this offer…but you won't find much there. They advertise the card but don't list any of the benefits of owning and using the card (maybe they aren't interested in new customers???). And you can't sign up online, you have to call (877) 577-9485 in order to apply for it. That is kind of a pain, but it is automated, and only asks for your annual household income. Not too much of a hassle.
Comments
Hi, since the Chase Freedom cashback changed, I am really looking for a new card. I want to know the offer from Associated Bank is still alive. Also I have no idea about the National Military Family Association, I am an international student am I okay to pay that money and get the PFCU Card? I am very interested in their card for the 1.25% cashback. Thanks.
Yes, it seems like the Associated visa card offer is still good. Like stated in the post, it doesn’t say anything on the web site about the rewards offered, so you have to call them up and ask at 800-236-8866. It’s a mortgage application line–call up and choose to speak to a representative and they can confirm the details and transfer you to the automated application.
And yes, it looks like the Penfed credit card deal is still going strong! It’s worth the $20 sign-up fee. Also, you actually get money back on foreign purchases (1.25% rewards minus 1% foreign exchange fee=+.25%!). And yes, you can do it even if you are not a U.S. citizen. Find more details here: http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?sduid=0&t=706198
Hi, Thanks for the reply. I also want to know if there is any good card for cellphone bills? I was turned down by the citi AT&T CC. And there is bad point for this card is you have to spend more on other stuffs to get full cashback. Which make the 10% cashback (Awesome!) of the first year becomes a 5% on everything (still good anyway) while I have to do the math everytime I use the card. Are there any other option? Thanks!
Hi again~
Yes, the best card for cellphone bills would be the AmEx SimplyCash Business card. You don’t need to be a business to apply for it (just use your name as the business name), and it gives you 5% cash back (credited to your account every month) on wireless bills and office supplies. 3% on gas. 1% on everything else. No annual fee.
https://www143.americanexpress.com/cards/home.do?pmccode=502
