Cashback on everything you buy — and zero annual fees to enjoy guilt-free.

If the goal is to earn daily rewards without paying an annual fee, a good cashback card might be exactly what you need.

Instead of complicated points systems or programs full of rules, you get cashback on every purchase — groceries, restaurants, gas, online shopping, and much more.

The proposal is simple: use the card normally and transform part of each expense into direct cashback, with a transparent system and no annual fee.

This guide explains how this type of card worksWhat are the main benefits and how can you organize their use to get the most out of the bonus categories and offers for new customers?

How does a cashback card with category bonuses work?

The basics are easy to understand:

• You receive a percentage of cashback on all purchases.
• In some categories, this percentage is higher, for a limited time or in cycles.
• There is no annual fee: you don't pay anything just to "have" the card.

In many cases, the model combines:

• Fixed cashback on everything you spend.
• High cashback rates in specific categories, such as supermarkets, restaurants, gasoline, or online shopping.
• An extra benefit for new customers, such as a welcome bonus or a program that increases the amount of cashback accumulated in the first year.

The result is a card that rewards what you already do: eating out, filling up your car, shopping online, and paying everyday bills.

Key benefits of a good cashback card with no annual fee.

Among the advantages that typically appear with this type of product, it is worth highlighting:

• Rewards on all purchases: you receive cashback on everything, not just in a specific category.
• Bonuses in popular sectors such as supermarkets, restaurants, gasoline, pharmacies, or travel tend to yield higher returns.
• Possible sign-up bonus: some cards offer extra value if you reach a minimum spending amount in the first few months.
• Reduced interest rate period or introductory 0% on purchases or transfers, in certain offers.
• Purchase protections: in many cases, there is protection against damage or theft for a period after the purchase.
• Extended warranty on eligible products.
• Contactless payment technology for fast and secure purchases.
• And, the key point, no annual fee: you don't pay an annual fee to enjoy these benefits.

Each issuer has specific rules, so it's important to check the details on the official page, but the general idea is this: to transform the card into a constant generator of value, without a fixed cost.

How to maximize daily rewards

For those who want to get the most out of this type of card, some habits help a lot:

1. Organize expenses into bonus categories.
   When categories with higher cashback are active, prioritize using your card for those expenses. If your focus is on groceries and restaurants, for example, concentrate those expenses there while the bonus period is in effect.
2. Use the card for general purchases as well.
   Even outside the categories with the highest percentage, you continue to earn cashback on all purchases. Therefore, you're not solely dependent on the quarterly or monthly bonus.
3. Plan your usage throughout the month.
   If there is a spending limit for boosted categories (for example, up to a certain amount per quarter), distribute your purchases consciously, avoiding concentrating everything in just a few days.
4. Make the most of your first year.
   For cards that offer some kind of extra benefit in the first year (such as an increase in the accumulated cashback amount or an initial spending bonus), it's worth planning your larger purchases within that period to maximize the return.
5. Combine with another card, if necessary.
   A common strategy is to use this card for bonus categories and a second, simpler card for all other purchases. This way, you maximize cashback without overcomplicating your routine.

Advantages and limitations to keep in mind.

Like any financial product, it has strengths and weaknesses that require attention.

Common advantages:

• High cashback on rotating or featured categories.
• Extra benefits for new customers, especially in the first year.
• No annual fee, which makes the return "cleaner".
• The possibility of redeeming cashback in a flexible way, often directly on the bill.
• In many cases, there are no fees on international purchases.

Possible limitations:

• The need to activate bonus categories during specific periods.
• Value limit for purchases eligible for the highest rate bonus.
• The categories vary throughout the year, requiring a minimum of planning.

For those willing to keep up with these changes with a bit of discipline, the outcome tends to be very positive.

For whom is this type of card ideal?

One cashback card With no annual fee and strong categories, it's usually a good choice for:

• For those who want to save money in their daily lives.
  Supermarket meals, restaurants, gasoline, pharmacy, and online shopping are expenses that practically everyone has. Receiving cashback in these areas reduces the burden on your budget throughout the year.
• Who doesn't want to pay an annual fee?
  If the idea of paying an annual fee bothers you, this type of card delivers value without that fixed cost.
• Those who like to optimize rewards
  People who organize their purchases based on bonus categories are able to multiply their returns, especially in the first year and during promotional periods.
• Who is building a relationship with the sender?
  Using the card frequently, always paying on time, and keeping your usage under control can open doors to higher credit limits and other interesting products in the future.

How to organize usage to avoid falling into traps.

To ensure your card truly works in your favor, and not the other way around, some precautions are essential:

• Always pay the full amount of the bill.
  Credit card interest rates are high. If you carry over your balance from one month to the next, the cost can quickly outweigh the cashback received.
• Monitor the use of the limit.
  Try to keep your usage below 30% of your available credit limit, especially on your billing cycle's closing date. This helps protect your credit score.
• Activate the categories when necessary.
  If the issuer requires activation of bonus categories every quarter or period, set reminders in your calendar or enable notifications in the app.
• Avoid applying too many applications in sequence.
  Before applying for this or any other card, it's a good idea to check your report and score, and use pre-qualification tools when available.

How to apply and what to do in the first 90 days.

The application process is usually simple:

1. Check your credit score and see if there are any problems with the report.
2. Access the issuer's official page and perform the preliminary analysis, if there is a pre-qualification option.
3. Fill in your personal, income, and residential information.
4. Please wait for a response, which often comes within a few minutes.

After approval:

• Configure the app, enable notifications, and, if possible, set up automatic debit for the total bill amount.
• Define the spending categories in which you will prioritize using the card.
• Track your monthly cashback earnings and your average credit limit usage.

The first 90 days are an important period to demonstrate good behavior to the issuer and, at the same time, begin to see real rewards on your bill.

Is it worth it for you?

If you:

• wants to get money back on virtually everything they spend,
• doesn't want to pay an annual fee,
• is willing to minimally organize their purchases around bonus categories,
• and intends to use the card as an ally in building their credit history,

A good cashback card with no annual fee can be an excellent choice.

It won't solve all your financial problems, but it's a powerful tool for putting some of the money you already spend back into your pocket, month after month.

Arthur November 13, 2025