When should you redeem cashback rewards?

When you have a cashback card, it’s fun to watch your rewards pile up. But as you do, you might start wondering when you should cash out.

It’s best not to overthink it. But as a rule of thumb, err on the side of redeeming rewards early.

When is the best time to redeem cash rewards?

There’s no “best” time to redeem cash rewards, but it’s generally a good idea to redeem them regularly. This helps you avoid losing them to expiration and possible decline in value.

Here are a few factors to consider when deciding whether to redeem your rewards:

• Redemption minimum. Some providers require you to have a minimum before redeeming — often $25.
• Expiration date. If your rewards expire soon, it’s definitely worth cashing them in.
• Reward devaluations. Credit card providers often change reward values. Protect yourself by redeeming your cash back consistently — especially if your cash back are from earned points.
• Bonuses for certain redemptions. You might get a reward boost if you redeem your cash back for options other than cash or cash deposits. For example, if you redeem a $20 gift card through the Discover rewards center, you’ll get at least $5 added to the card.

Discover cash back categories 2018–2019

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Name	Product	Filter values	Rewards	Purchase APR	Annual fee
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express			3% at US supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year (then 1%), 2% at US gas stations and select US department stores and 1% on other purchases (redeem as statement credit)	0% intro for the first 15 months (then 13.99% to 23.99% variable)	$0	Apply now View details	Earn a $200 statement credit after spending $2,000 in the first 6 months. This is a higher-than-average welcome offer for a card with no annual fee. Terms apply, see rates & fees	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
BlockFi Bitcoin Rewards Credit Card			3.5% back in Bitcoin in the first 90 days, up to a total of $100 in Bitcoin, then 1.5% on all purchases	14.99% to 24.99% variable	$0	Apply now View details	Earn 3.5% back in Bitcoin in the first 90 days, up to a total of $100 in Bitcoin. After that you'll earn a solid 1.5% back on all purchases.	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card			1.5% cash back on all purchases	26.99% variable	$39	Apply now View details	Get unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase with no limit on how much you can earn, and no changing categories.	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

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Will my cash rewards expire?

Whether your cash rewards expire depends on your provider. With some issuers, your cash back won’t expire as long as your account is open and in good standing. With other issuers, your rewards will expire after a certain time.

A good way to check on your provider’s policy is to read your card’s terms and conditions.

For example, the Citi® Double Cash Card‘s terms explain how your cash back might expire.

Can my cash rewards be revoked?

Your provider can revoke your cash back under certain circumstances. Typically, it will do so if your account isn’t in good standing — for example, because it’s not current on payments or it’s been used for fraud.

Here’s an example: The Chase Freedom Unlimited® credit card’s terms explain that your rewards typically won’t expire, though there are certain instances in which they might.

Will my rewards lose value?

Your rewards can lose value if your provider changes its terms. Luckily, this typically doesn’t happen because most providers peg your rewards to a percentage of your spending.

As an example, check out how Bank of America distributes rewards for the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards:

Be more vigilant when your provider distributes cash back in the form of points. The value of your points depends on what you redeem them for, and your provider could change redemption costs at will.

What can I redeem cash back for?

Depending on your provider, you may have a few options to redeem your cash back. Here are a few possibilities:

• Statement credit.
• Electronic deposit into a checking or savings account.
• Check.
• Gift cards.
• Travel — hotel stays, flights, car rentals, etc.

Bottom line

Unless you get bonuses for redeeming a certain amount of cash back, it’s usually wise to redeem rewards as often as you can. This will help you avoid losing cash back to expiration and devaluations.

Check out our guide to find out more about cashback credit cards.

Frequently asked questions

• How do I find my card's terms and conditions?

  Your provider will send you a copy of its terms and conditions when it mails your card. Also, you can usually find a copy of the terms from the card page on your provider’s website.

• Where do I redeem my cash back?

  Your provider will offer a rewards portal where you can redeem your rewards. You can reach it by logging in to your online account at your provider’s website.

  You may also be able to redeem your cash back by calling the phone number on the back of your card.

• What's the best cashback credit card?

  This depends on your spending habits. If you spend a lot in certain categories, look for a cashback card that offers bonus rewards for them. If you spend evenly in many categories, you might like a flat-rate-cashback card like the HSBC Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card.