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Bank of the West Cash Back World Mastercard® review
Last updated:
Earn accelerated cash back on dining, groceries and gas purchases without an annual fee.
- Get this card if you want to earn higher cash back on dining, groceries and gas.
- Pick something else if you want an intro APR period on balance transfers.
- Apply with a good to excellent credit score of 670 or higher.
Up to 3%
Cash back
$0
Annual fee
0%
Intro purchase APR
for the first 12 months (then 15.99% to 22.99% variable)
0%
Intro balance transfer
for the first 12 months (then 15.99% to 22.99% variable)
Details
| Annual fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Welcome Offer | N/A |
| Rewards | 3% cash back on dining and groceries, 3% back on gas on up to $1,500 quarterly, then 1% after that and on all other purchases |
| Purchase APR | 0% intro for the first 12 months (then 15.99% to 22.99% variable) |
| Balance transfer APR | 0% intro for the first 12 months (then 15.99% to 22.99% variable) |
| Recommended minimum credit score | 670 |
| Issuer | Mastercard |
Review by
Kliment Dukovski
kliment.dukovski@findercrew.comKliment Dukovski is a credit cards writer. He's written over 600 articles to help readers find and compare the best credit cards. Kliment has also written on money transfers, home loans and more. Previously, he ghostwrote guides and articles on foreign exchange, stock market trading and cryptocurrencies.
Expert review
The Bank of the West Cash Back World Mastercard® can be a solid card for those whose expenses revolve around dining, groceries and gas. It also offers a short intro APR period on purchases, which can be handy if you’re looking to make a large purchase and carry your balance.
However, Bank of the West only offers its cards to residents in a handful of states, so make sure you’re within its region before applying.
How to apply for the Bank of the West Cash Back World Mastercard®
- Go to the Bank of the West website and select the Bank of the West Cash Back World Mastercard®.
- Click Apply online.
- Fill out the application form with your personal and financial information.
- Review your application and submit.
How long will it take to get my Bank of the West Cash Back World Mastercard®?
You should get an instant decision, though sometimes it may take up to 10 days if you need to send additional information. But not receiving an immediate reply doesn’t mean your application has been denied. To get a status update on your application, call 866-269-2327 and select option 6.
Once approved, expect your card to arrive within seven to 10 business days.
The perks
- Cash back.
Earn 3% cash back on dining and groceries, and 3% back on gas up to $1,500 in purchases each quarter. After you reach the quarterly limit and on everything else you buy, you earn 1% back.
- Intro APR period on purchases.
Enjoy a 0% APR intro period on purchases during the first 12 months of card membership. Once the intro period passes, your rate reverts to a variable 15.99% to 22.99%.
- No annual fee.
Get all the perks and benefits this card offers without paying an annual fee.
How much cashback rewards can I earn with the Bank of the West Cash Back World Mastercard®?
| Where you spend: | The amount you spend: | Cash back earned: |
|---|---|---|
| Dining | $2,500 | $75 |
| Gas | $2,000 | $60 |
| Groceries | $3,000 | $90 |
| Everything else | $7,000 | $70 |
| Total | $14,500 | $295 |
If your annual spending looks similar to our example, you would earn $295 cash back. This total assumes you don’t spend over $1,500 on gas purchases during any one quarter.
You’ll also like …
- No penalty APR.
If you’re late on a payment, you won’t pay a penalty APR — other cards can charge up to 31% that last indefinitely. However, you are responsible for a $38 fee for late payments.
- Security and protection benefits.
Get zero liability for unauthorized transactions, up to $250 price protection every year and identity theft resolution services.
- Mastercard concierge service.
Get help arranging entertainment or sports tickets, getting a reservation at an uptown restaurant or you need travel information with Mastercard concierge service.
What to watch out for
- Foreign transaction fee.
This may not be a solid card for traveling. It comes with a 3% fee of each transaction made abroad and at foreign websites.
Compare cashback credit cards
What should I know before I apply?
You must be at least 18 years old and a resident in one of the 19 states where the Bank of the West operates to apply.
You also need to provide personal information, including your:
- Name, residential address and contact information.
- Date of birth and Social Security number.
- Employment information and income.
List of states the Bank of the West operates in
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- New Mexico
- Nevada
- North Dakota
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- South Dakota
- Utah
- Washington
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
What credit score do I need?
To increase your chances of approval, apply with a good to excellent credit score of 670 or higher. With a higher credit score you can get a lower APR and a higher credit line.
Bank of the West Cash Back World Mastercard® reviews and complaints
Customers who love the card are happy with the cashback rate they get on accelerated categories. The only frequent complaint about the card is the lack of signup bonus.
As of October 2020, Bank of the West is rated A- by the Better Business Bureau, but isn’t accredited yet. Most of the negative reviews on the BBB website cite poor customer service and issues with fraudulent charges.
Stay on top of your transaction history and report any fraudulent charges immediately to help reduce the hassle.
I got the card. Now what?
- Download Bank of the West Mobile app. Use the app to activate your card, monitor your account, to send money in the US and to pay your bills. You can also find ATMs nearby.
- Avoid interest and fees. Your due date is at least 25 days after the close of each billing cycle. Pay your balance by then to avoid paying the potentially-high APR and late payment fee of up to $38.
- Customer service. For any help you may need, call 866-269-2327 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CT, Monday to Friday.
How do I redeem rewards from the Bank of the West Cash Back World Mastercard®?
Cashback redemption with this card is automatic. Every quarter, Bank of the West transfers your rewards to your account as a statement credit.
Quarterly payouts are made on:
- January 1st
- April 1st
- July 1st
- October 1st
Wait up to five business days for the statement credit to post to your account.
Bottom line
If you mostly spend on groceries and dining, and gas up to $500 per month, you’ll find the Bank of the West Cash Back World Mastercard® to be a great addition to your wallet. You’ll earn a high cashback rate on these categories and get a short intro APR period on purchases without paying an annual fee.
But if you’re not sure it’s the right card for you, check out other cashback credit cards and compare your options.
Frequently asked questions
- What purchases count toward dining?
Restaurants, bars, lounges and fast food restaurants count toward your 3% cash back.Nonqualifying purchases include certain restaurants and cafes inside department or grocery stores, or warehouse clubs.
- What purchases count toward groceries?
Grocery stores, supermarkets, freezers and meat provisioners, miscellaneous food stores, bakeries and candy, nut and confectionery stores typically count toward your 3% cash back.Nonqualifying purchases include purchases made at larger stores, such as warehouse clubs and drugstores.
- What purchases count toward gas?
Gas stations and automated fuel dispensers count toward 3% cashback purchases.Nonqualifying purchases include gas purchases made at superstores, supermarkets and truck stops.
Images: Bank of the West