Are you in search of a credit card that offers fantastic rewards, especially on mobile wallet purchases? Look no further! The Kroger Credit Card is about to get a lot more interesting, and in this article, we’ll delve into the details of this card’s exciting new features.
The Kroger Credit Card – A Hidden Gem
The Kroger Credit Card isn’t a card that usually grabs the spotlight. In fact, it rarely gets mentioned in discussions about credit cards, especially when compared to other rewards cards in the market. However, that’s all about to change. According to a recent report from Doctor of Credit, the Kroger Mastercard is set to undergo some significant changes in November 2021, making it far more enticing. The most exciting update is the introduction of 5% cash back on mobile wallet purchases, not just at Kroger but at any retailer that accepts mobile wallets. However, there are some limitations, so let’s dive into the specifics.
The New and Improved Kroger Credit Card
Starting in November 2021, the Kroger Mastercard will have the following features:
- No Annual Fee: This card won’t eat into your budget with annual fees.
- 5% Cash Back on Mobile Wallet Purchases: Enjoy this fantastic rate on mobile wallet purchases, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, Garmin Pay, and LG Pay (please note that Kroger Pay offers only 2% cashback). You also get 5% on any purchases made at Kroger using the card.
- 2% Cash Back at Kroger: For all your Kroger purchases, you’ll earn 2% cashback.
- 1% Cash Back Everywhere Else: For purchases outside of Kroger and non-mobile wallet transactions, you’ll still get 1% cashback.
Understand the Mobile Wallet Cap
While you can earn 5% on mobile wallet purchases anywhere, there’s a catch. The 5% rate only applies to the first $3,000 of mobile wallet purchases per calendar year. After you’ve spent $3,000, the cashback rate drops to 1%. However, there’s a clever way to maximize your rewards: if you can spend over $3,000 with mobile wallets in 2024, you can roll over your 5% cashback into 2024, doubling your benefits.
Redemption Options
The Kroger Mastercard offers several redemption options for your cashback rewards. However, it’s important to note that you can’t directly withdraw cash from your account. Instead, you can:
- Get a Statement Credit: You can use your rewards to lower your credit card bill, starting at just $10 of rewards.
- Real-Time Rewards: If you have at least $10 in rewards saved up, you can receive a text message alert when you make a purchase. This message will inform you of your available rewards, which you can then apply to that purchase, effectively reducing your bill.
- Kroger Gift Card: With a minimum of $25 in rewards, you can opt for a $25 Kroger gift card. While it’s essentially similar to a statement credit, it’s another way to offset your purchases.
Fuel Rewards Program
Kroger also offers a fuel rewards program that allows you to save on gas purchases. For every 100 points you accumulate, you’ll get 10 cents off per gallon of gas at Kroger. What’s exciting about the new Kroger Mastercard is that for the first year, cardholders get an extra 25 cents off per gallon when they accumulate 100 points, making it 35 cents per gallon in total. This benefit can be particularly appealing if you’re a frequent Kroger shopper or often need to fill up your gas tank.
After the first year, you can still get that extra 25 cents off per gallon if you’ve spent over $6,000 with the card in the previous calendar year. Otherwise, you’ll receive an additional 5 cents off per gallon when you redeem 100 points.
New Card cardholder bonuses
The information we have about the Kroger card changes primarily pertains to existing cardholders. While we’re uncertain about the offers for new cardholders, it’s worth mentioning that the Kroger Credit Card typically doesn’t offer a new cardholder bonus. However, you may receive special offers through the mail or in-store, so keep an eye out for those. Your decision on whether to go for the Kroger Mastercard should factor in the availability of a new cardholder bonus, which could make a significant difference in your overall benefits.
Final Thoughts
the Kroger Mastercard is undoubtedly seeing significant improvements, especially with its enticing 5% cashback offer on mobile wallet purchases. However, it’s essential to weigh this benefit against other credit cards in the market. If you’re looking for a bonus upfront, consider other options, as the Kroger Mastercard traditionally lacks this feature. Other cards, like the U.S. Bank Altitude Go, offer competitive rewards, including a potential bonus, which may make them a more attractive choice.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kroger Mastercard and other credit cards depends on your individual financial goals, spending habits, and the presence of any new cardholder bonuses. Keep an eye on the developments and offers, and make an informed decision that best suits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
What is the Kroger Credit Card?
The Kroger Credit Card is a rewards credit card offered by Kroger. It’s designed to provide cardholders with cashback rewards, and it’s about to become more enticing with the introduction of 5% cash back on mobile wallet purchases.
What are the key features of the Kroger Credit Card?
The Kroger Credit Card comes with the following key features:
- 5% Cash Back on Mobile Wallet Purchases: You’ll earn 5% cash back on purchases made using mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and more. This cashback rate also applies to Kroger purchases made with the card.
- 2% Cash Back at Kroger: For all your Kroger shopping, you’ll receive 2% cashback.
- 1% Cash Back Everywhere Else: Any other purchases made with the card will earn you 1% cashback.
- No Annual Fee: There is no annual fee for this card.
Is there a cap on the 5% cash back for mobile wallet purchases?
Yes, there is a cap on the 5% cash back for mobile wallet purchases. You can earn this rate on the first $3,000 of mobile wallet purchases per calendar year. After reaching this limit, the cashback rate drops to 1%.
How can I redeem the cashback rewards I earn?
The Kroger Credit Card offers several redemption options:
- Statement Credit: You can use your cashback rewards to lower your credit card bill. You can start redeeming rewards at as low as $10.
- Real-Time Rewards: If you have at least $10 in rewards saved up, you can receive a text message alert when you make a purchase. This message allows you to apply your available rewards to that purchase, effectively reducing your bill.
- Kroger Gift Card: With a minimum of $25 in rewards, you can opt for a $25 Kroger gift card. It functions similarly to a statement credit.
What is the Fuel Rewards Program, and how does it work with the Kroger Credit Card?
Kroger offers a Fuel Rewards Program that allows you to save on gas purchases. For every 100 points you accumulate, you’ll get 10 cents off per gallon of gas at Kroger. The new Kroger Mastercard provides an extra 25 cents off per gallon for the first year when you redeem 100 points, making it a total of 35 cents off per gallon. After the first year, you can still get that extra 25 cents off per gallon if you’ve spent over $6,000 with the card in the previous calendar year.
Is there a new cardholder bonus for the Kroger Credit Card?
The availability of a new cardholder bonus for the Kroger Credit Card is uncertain. As of now, the Kroger Credit Card typically doesn’t offer a new cardholder bonus online. However, you may receive special offers through the mail or in-store, so keep an eye out for those.
How can I decide whether the Kroger Credit Card is the right choice for me?
The decision to get the Kroger Credit Card or another credit card depends on your specific financial goals, spending habits, and the presence of any new cardholder bonuses. It’s essential to compare it with other cards in the market to determine which one aligns best with your needs.