The Bilt Mastercard lets you earn rewards on rent payments with no transaction fees. And soon, you'll be able to earn points on mortgage payments as well. For anyone looking to take advantage of these generally high monthly payments, this may be the ideal card for you. Upcoming changes to the Bilt Mastercard and transition to Bilt Card 2.0 While currently issued by Wells Fargo, the Bilt Mastercard will undergo some changes in February 2026. If you currently have the Bilt Mastercard and choose to accept t ...

Core Points - The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express offers significant long-term value for various consumer categories despite its annual fee [1][15] - The card provides a welcome offer of $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in the first 6 months [3] - It features a rewards structure that includes 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 annually), 6% on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% on eligible U.S. gas stations and transit, and 1% on all other purchases [5][10] Summary by Category Annual Fee and Introductory Offers - The card has a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, transitioning to a $95 fee thereafter [3][4] - It offers a 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 months [6] Rewards Structure - The card provides 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on eligible purchases up to $6,000 annually, then 1% thereafter [5] - It also offers 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions and 3% cash back on eligible U.S. gas stations and transit [5][9] - The average American household can earn over $500 in cash back annually after accounting for the annual fee [10] Redemption Options - Rewards can be redeemed as statement credits or for eligible purchases at Amazon.com, with no minimum redemption amount required [11] Additional Benefits - The card includes benefits such as a monthly statement credit for Disney Bundle subscriptions and options to split purchases over $100 into equal monthly installments [12][13] - Additional protections include car rental insurance, purchase protection, and extended warranty benefits [21] Target Audience - The Blue Cash Preferred Card is suitable for families, home chefs, and commuters due to its versatile cash-back categories [15] - However, it may not be ideal for frequent travelers due to foreign transaction fees and limited rewards categories applicable only in the U.S. [18]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of budgeting for home improvement projects and suggests that the right credit card can help manage costs while earning rewards [1][2]. Credit Card Recommendations - The Chase Freedom Unlimited offers a $200 bonus after spending $500 in the first 3 months, with a 0% introductory APR on purchases for 15 months, and a rewards rate of 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% on drugstore purchases and dining, and 1.5% on all other purchases [5][6][7]. - The Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express provides a $200 statement credit after spending $2,000 in the first 6 months, with a 0% introductory APR for 15 months, and a rewards rate of 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, online retail purchases, and gas stations, capped at $6,000 per year [9][10][11]. - The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card allows users to earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days, with a 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles and the potential to earn 3% cash back on home improvement purchases [14][16][18]. - The Wells Fargo Reflect Card offers the longest 0% intro APR period of 21 months on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, making it suitable for larger projects without accruing interest [22][23]. - The Citi Custom Cash Card automatically earns 5% cash back in the category spent most each month, with a 0% intro APR for 15 months, making it ideal for ongoing home improvement projects [27][28]. Choosing the Right Credit Card - When selecting a credit card for home improvement, it is crucial to consider rewards structures, such as flat rewards or specific home improvement categories, to maximize cash back [36][38]. - Introductory 0% APR offers are beneficial for funding large purchases, allowing time to pay off expenses without interest [39][40]. - Retail cards from home improvement stores may offer discounts or special financing options, but typically do not provide the same rewards as general cash-back cards [42][43]. Pros and Cons of Using Credit Cards - Benefits of using credit cards for home improvement include the potential for cash back rewards and the ability to finance projects interest-free during introductory periods [45]. - Drawbacks include the risk of accruing high-interest debt if balances are not paid off before the end of the introductory period and the limitations of rewards caps on certain cards [46].

Core Insights - The article discusses the best gas station credit cards for 2025, highlighting various options based on rewards, fees, and benefits [1] Group 1: Best Credit Cards for Gas Rewards - The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express offers a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in the first 6 months, with a 6% cash back on U.S. supermarkets and 3% on U.S. gas stations [3][5][10] - The Chase Freedom Flex® Card provides a $200 bonus after spending $500 in the first 3 months, with 5% cash back on rotating categories, including gas for one quarter each year [16][17] - The American Express® Business Gold Card rewards 4x points on gas purchases, making it ideal for business owners who frequently drive [21][23] Group 2: Additional Features and Benefits - The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express has no annual fee and offers 3% cash back on U.S. gas stations, with a potential annual gas reward of $82 [9][11] - The Citi Custom Cash® Card allows users to earn 5% cash back on their top eligible spending category each billing cycle, including gas, with a cap of $500 [35][37] - The Wells Fargo Autograph® Card has no spending cap on gas rewards, offering 3x points on eligible purchases, making it a flexible option for consumers [42][44] Group 3: Consumer Insights and Spending Data - Average consumer gasoline spending data indicates potential annual savings of $50 to $100 using cards that earn 3x/3% or more at gas stations [55][56] - The article emphasizes the importance of understanding the terms of gas rewards, including what counts as gas purchases and any spending caps [57][58] - It suggests that consumers with higher gas spending may benefit from cards with no annual cap on rewards, while those with average spending might prefer cards with higher rewards rates up to a certain limit [56][60]

Core Insights - Target has relaunched its rewards program with a revamped retail credit card that offers significant benefits for frequent shoppers [1][2] Group 1: Target Circle Card Overview - The Target Circle Card has no annual fee and offers a welcome bonus of $50 on a future qualifying purchase when spending $50 within the first 60 days after approval [4] - The card provides a 5% rewards rate on purchases made at Target stores and Target.com, including Starbucks at in-store locations and same-day delivery orders [4][5] - Additional rewards include 2% on dining and gas station purchases, and 1% on all other purchases [5] Group 2: Exclusions and Limitations - Certain purchases are excluded from the 5% rewards, such as prescriptions, Target Optical exams, taxes, and shipping fees [6] - The card primarily benefits frequent Target shoppers, as it limits rewards to Target purchases, making it less versatile compared to general cash-back credit cards [12][13] Group 3: Redemption and Additional Benefits - Rewards can be redeemed as an ongoing 5% discount on eligible purchases, with 1% and 2% rewards redeemable for Target gift cards once at least $10 is earned [8] - Cardholders enjoy extended return periods and free shipping on online purchases, enhancing the overall shopping experience [9][10] Group 4: Target Circle Card Suitability - The Target Circle Card is ideal for regular Target shoppers who can maximize the benefits of free shipping and extended returns [11] - However, for those who do not frequently shop at Target, other cash-back credit cards may offer better rewards flexibility [13][20]