Bank cards, a growing alternative to using cash, have become indispensable in everyday life. Paying for purchases, enjoying dinner at a restaurant or paying for services has been greatly simplified thanks to the use of the dataphone.
But what if these cards not only offer convenience, but also give back some of the money spent with them? With the aim of encouraging their use, especially credit cards, more and more financial institutions are launching cashback cards on the market. These cards typically refund between 1% and 5% of the total spent monthly, although some offer refunds of up to 25% on purchases made at specific brands.
"When choosing a card, whether debit or credit, it is crucial not only to look for options without commissions, but also those that allow you to save through discounts or purchase returns. Currently, the offer is so varied that it is worth investigate to select the one that best suits the user's needs," say the experts at the financial comparator HelpMyCash.
With the increase in fuel prices, one of the most sought-after discounts are those related to gasoline. Aware of this need, banks have launched prominent promotions that offer reimbursements for a percentage of fuel spending.
The ING credit card, for example, returns 3% when refueling at Galp and Shell gas stations. Additionally, their Orange program offers up to 25% cash back on specific brands, making it a perfect option for those who make most of their purchases cashless.
Abanca's Visa Tú credit card goes one step further by reimbursing up to 4% per month for refueling at Galp, with a monthly reimbursement limit of 600 euros.
"Although the promotions can be very attractive and lead us to choose a card for a 'bargain', it is important to take into account the maximum refund amount and its duration. It may be more convenient to opt for a card that offers a lower cashback on gasoline, but that provides a wide variety of discounts in the establishments where the user usually buys," the experts point out.
In addition to saving on fuel, it is also possible to obtain benefits when shopping or traveling.
The Revolut card, one of the most popular for travel, offers 3% cashback on accommodations around the world in its standard plan, a percentage that increases to 10% in its Metal and Ultra plans. Their superior plans also include 1% cashback per month on all purchases made with the card, in addition to a catalog of well-known brands with cashback ranging from 1% to 5%.
For its part, the EVO Banco smart card also offers cashback on accommodations, specifically 4% on reservations made through the Booking platform. This option is ideal for frequent travelers who want to avoid premium plans, since the card is completely free and has no fees.
"It is crucial to take into account the conditions when taking advantage of the discounts or refunds offered by the cards. Some of these promotions only apply to purchases paid in installments. We must ensure that the interest for splitting the purchase does not exceed the savings obtained with the refund, Otherwise we could end up losing money," they warn from the comparator.
