The Ultimate Guide to Credit Cards
Tuesday, July 7, 2026

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards for Good Credit Review: Should You Apply?

I explored the card's rewards, perks, and qualification requirements to help you decide.

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards For Good Credit Card Review
Erica Sandberg

Writer: Erica Sandberg

Erica Sandberg

Erica Sandberg, Finance Expert

Erica Sandberg is a consumer finance expert and journalist whose articles and insights are featured in publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Reuters, MarketWatch, Forbes, and MSN Money. An experienced media host, she's led many financial programs, including her podcast, "Adventures With Money." She's appeared on Fox, CNN, "EconTalk" and "The Dr. Drew Podcast," and has been the resident money and credit authority for KRON-4 News in San Francisco for more than 10 years. She's also the author of "Expecting Money: The Essential Financial Plan for New and Growing Families" and recipient of the 2024 Financial Literacy and Education in Communities (FLEC) Award for National Excellence.

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Jon McDonald

Editor: Jon McDonald

Jon McDonald

Jon McDonald, Managing Editor

Jon leverages 15-plus years of journalism expertise to inform financial consumers about emerging trends and companies making an impact in the industry. He is most knowledgeable in the areas of budgeting, credit card rewards, and responsible credit use. Jon has a passion for writing and editing, and his articles have appeared in publications produced by The New York Times.

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Ashley Fricker

Reviewer: Ashley Fricker

Ashley Fricker

Ashley Fricker, Senior Editor

Ashley Fricker has more than a decade of experience as a finance contributor and editor, and has specialized in the credit card industry since 2015. Her credit card commentary is featured on national media outlets that include CNBC, MarketWatch, Investopedia, and Reader's Digest, among many others. She has worked closely with the world’s largest banks and financial institutions, up-and-coming fintech companies, and press and news outlets to curate comprehensive content and media. Ashley holds a bachelor's degree in multimedia journalism from Florida Atlantic University.

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I recently had lunch at a nothing-fancy San Francisco restaurant. My final cost for a French dip with fries plus an iced tea: $44.50. Yes, that included taxes, gratuity, and other city-specific add-ons to the bill, but still an outrageous amount. 

Why do I share this? Because if you were in the same position and paid with your Capital One Savor Cash Rewards for Good Credit card, that single transaction would have put $1.35 in your rewards bank.

That’s because this card gives 3% cash back on dining, and even higher rates in some other spending categories. It helps take a little bite out of all kinds of expenses, including that sandwich.  

You don’t need perfect credit to qualify for this card, either, since it’s designed for people with a good (but not great) credit history.

As with all cards, there are benefits as well as drawbacks, so read on to know if this particular product is right for you, and if it is, I’ll even show you how to apply. 

What to Expect With the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards for Good Credit

One of the things I like about this card is that it gives excellent rewards to people who don’t have an excellent credit rating. Instead, it’s designed for people with mid-range credit scores and who have kept their credit reports fairly clean. 

While the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards for Good Credit doesn’t offer luxury extras like concierge services, airport lounges, and shopping credits, the unlimited 3% cash back on some popular expenses does take this card to another level.

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards for Good Credit

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★★ 4.6/5.0
  • Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, plus 1% on all other purchases
  • Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
  • Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards
  • Cash back won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how much you can earn
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • No annual fee
  • You’re covered by $0 Fraud Liability for unauthorized charges
  • Top rated mobile app
Intro (Purchases) N/A
Intro (Transfers) N/A
Regular APR 28.99% (Variable)
Annual Fee $0
Credit Needed Good

That cash back opportunity accelerates when you use the card to pay for things through Capital One’s travel and entertainment portals, giving between 5% and 8% back. 

However, it’s very important to get the credit card that best suits your lifestyle. The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards for Good Credit is built for people who can maximize certain reward categories.

If you swipe this card more for things that give only 1% back, your earnings will be minimal. Additionally, if your credit scores are too low to qualify or so high that you may be eligible for a card with even more perks, this account may not make sense for you. 

A Look at the Cash Back and Other Perks

It’s easy to understand why cash back is the most popular credit card reward type. When you’re spending money, getting a portion of it returned to you is awfully appealing. Since this card offers an elevated rate across many spending categories, it has broad appeal. 

Just charge, and the behind-the-scenes operations do the work for you. The more you use your card, the faster the balance in the cash back bank will grow. 

This is not a flat-rate card, though, so you will earn different cash back percentages based on where you spend.

Here are all of the different percentages you can earn, from the highest to the lowest: 

  • 8% on purchases you make through the Capital One Entertainment portal. This is where you would purchase tickets to a wide variety of live events.
  • 5% on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars you book through Capital One Travel.
  • 3% on:
    • Dining. Restaurants, cafés, bars, lounges, fast food chains, and bakeries. 
    • Grocery store purchases. Supermarkets, neighborhood food stores, produce shops, and specialty grocers (such as for meat and dairy).  Discount and big box stores such as Walmart, Target, and warehouse clubs are not included. 
    • Qualified entertainment. Includes entertainment purchases you make outside the portal, such as movie theaters, sporting events, plays, musicals, concerts, amusement parks, tourist attractions, aquariums, zoos, and bowling alleys
    • Streaming services. Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. 
  • 1% all other purchases.

No Annual Fee or Foreign Transaction Fees

There is no annual fee for this credit card, so you won’t have to worry about that extra charge hitting your account every year. And good news if you’re an international traveler. 

You won’t be charged foreign transaction fees, which typically range between 1% and 3% of purchases you make outside the U.S. 

Extended Warranty Protection

When you buy something under warranty, the manufacturer or seller gives you a certain number of months or years of repair or replacement coverage. Typical items include televisions, cell phones, and large appliances such as refrigerators and washers or dryers.  

The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards for Good Credit will extend the warranty through Mastercard’s benefits program. Coverage is limited to the original purchase price, up to $10,000 per item. There is a lifetime total claim of $50,000 per cardholder, too. 

Typically Covered Purchases
Product CategoryCommon Eligible ItemsThe Fine Print
Electronics & GadgetsTVs, cell phones, smartphones, tablets, laptopsMust be purchased entirely new with a valid manufacturer’s warranty.
Small AppliancesCoffee makers, toasters, blenders, counter microwavesGenerally covered as long as they simply plug into a standard outlet.

For US warranties that are two years and under, it automatically doubles that time frame. For example, a two-year warranty will be extended to four years. A three-year warranty will be extended to six years. The extended coverage is capped at one additional year, though.

To file a claim, call the Benefit Administrator as soon as possible at 1-844-288-2140. If you don’t contact them within 60 days of the issue, your claim may be denied. 

Typically Ineligible Purchases
Product CategoryCommon Excluded ItemsWhy They Aren’t Covered
Motorized VehiclesCars, trucks, boats, motorcycles, motorized scootersThey require specialized, independent automotive insurance policies.
Real Estate & FixturesBuilt-in dishwashers, garage doors, ceiling fans, central ACOnce an appliance is hard-wired or hard-plumbed, it is considered part of the real estate.
Specialty & Used GoodsAntiques, collectibles, secondhand itemsPre-owned items do not carry original manufacturer warranties to extend.
Existing GuaranteesItems sold with a “100% satisfaction guaranteed” promiseConflicting or overlapping promotional guarantees void standard extension rules.
Intangibles & ServicesComputer software, professional labor, download codesExtended warranties protect physical hardware, not digital assets or labor.

The Benefit Administrator will ask for details about the issue, then send you a claim form with instructions. Fill out the form and return it within 90 days of the original problem.

And here’s where I encourage you to be organized! You will need to send your Capital One billing statement, itemized receipt, original warranty, repair estimate, or bill showing what went wrong, as well as the item’s description and serial number. 

Once done, you’ll find out whether your claim options include repair, replacement, or reimbursement. If you are reimbursed, you can expect to receive the money within five business days after your claim is approved.

Capital One Travel and Entertainment

If you’re not familiar with shopping portals, get ready. When you buy what you want through them, you can earn and use your rewards, and sometimes get special discounts and benefits. 

Capital One Travel

Instead of going to a separate company to plan your trip, hop over to this portal. As a cardholder, it’s free to use.

You can book everything from flights, stays (hotels and vacation rentals), premium stays (high-end properties that can come with perks like complimentary nights), vacation packages (combined flights and stays), and rental cars. 

You will also see “activities,” which is a newer addition. I’ve become a fan because it’s so easy to book everything from tours to museum admission. For example, maybe you’re planning a Roman adventure and want to go to the Colosseum.

Click the dates, and you’ll see an array of tours, along with TripAdvisor ratings that can help you make a decision on which to choose.

If you book hotels, vacation rentals, rental cars, and activities with the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards for Good Credit card, you’ll earn 5% back. Flights, though, will only earn you 1% back. 

Capital One Entertainment 

This is where you can find tickets to live events, such as the theater, concerts, sports, and comedy shows. Use the search function to find the artist, team, or venue you’re looking for and book away.

If F1 racing is your speed, you’ll find tickets to the Indy 500. More of a ballet aficionado? You may want to see Misty Copeland dance in Memphis. 

But wait, there’s more! If you’re looking for something unique, check out “cardholder exclusives.” Here you will see options for VIP packages involving sports, music, dining, getaways, and art and theater. It also gives you the opportunity to get in on pre-sales. 

Book entertainment through this portal and you’ll earn 8% cash back! 

Credit-Building and Upgrade Potential

Because you may be eligible for this card even with imperfect credit, you can also use it as an incredible stepping stone. Here’s how it can help you along the path to better credit, higher spending limits, and even more rewarding credit card opportunities in the future.

Tri-Bureau Reporting

As soon as you get the card and start using it, Capital One will report your activity to the three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.

Logos for Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion
Capital One reports your account activity to the three major credit bureaus each month.

It will show important details such as the date your card was issued, the credit limit on this account, your last reported balance, and your payment history. 

Make all of your payments on time and keep the revolving balance very low relative to the amount you can charge, and you will establish a terrific history with this card.

When that data is consistently added to credit scoring models, it should help boost your scores.

Credit Limit Increases

If your journey with this Capital One card starts with a low credit limit, you may work your way up to a higher limit by establishing a history of responsible use. There is no specific timeline for when they might increase the credit line.

You can make the request at any point, but the general consensus is that you should wait at least six months before making the request, and a year is even better. 

Pro Tip: Before you try for a credit limit increase, make sure you haven’t made a late payment in at least a year. Automatic bill pay is always a good idea, because you won’t accidentally forget to pay.

Instead of revolving a balance, try to pay off your debt entirely each month — or at the very least, keep the balance to well below the limit. This way, you will prove that you aren’t borrowing more money than you can afford to pay with your income. 

When you are ready to make the credit limit increase request, know that Capital One can ask about your current income, expenses, and credit score to determine eligibility. 

The Upgrade Path

In the event you want a premium card from Capital One, you may request a product change. With this process, you won’t close your account, but will upgrade it to one that offers better perks and benefits.

Your account number will stay the same, and since you won’t be opening a new account, the change won’t trigger a hard credit inquiry that could shave some points off your credit score. 

The easiest way to request a product change is to use the online form when you log in to your account, though you can also call the customer service number and request it over the phone. 

Something else to consider before upgrading your Capital One account this way: you will not be eligible for the big sign-up bonus that comes with their premium cards. 

Qualification Requirements and What “Good Credit” Means 

Like just about every other credit issuer, Capital One uses credit scores (and your personal finance data) to determine whether or not you qualify for the card. 

Credit scores range from 300 to 850. A good FICO Score is considered 670 to 739. If yours is in this range, the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards for Good Credit card may be an option. 

But also know that Capital One adds a bit more criteria. To have a good credit level, you can’t have declared bankruptcy or defaulted on a loan in the past five years. You should also have a credit card or a loan and not have been more than 30 days late on any payment in the last year. 

If you’re unsure about whether you meet those qualifications, check your credit reports. You can get those from all three bureaus for free at AnnualCreditReport.com.

How to Apply (A Step-by-Step Guide)

Before you jump into actually applying, I strongly recommend that you use Capital One’s online pre-approval tool. After sharing your basic personal and financial information, Capital One will conduct a soft credit check.

That means a hard credit inquiry will not be listed on your credit reports, so your credit scores will be protected from any minor hit. Soon you will know if this card is within reach (you’ll also find out if others are, too), and then you can continue on with the application process. 

Editor’s Note: No application was submitted during this process. This walkthrough is for informational purposes only, and application information could change.

But now, for the actual application! Here’s exactly what you can expect:

Step 1: First and Last Name

Screenshot of Capital One Savor Cash Rewards for Good Credit application Step 1

On this first screen, I am asked to add my legal first and last name, as well as my middle initial. Above the form, it reiterates its headline benefits, telling me this card gives me the ability to earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores, dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services without being charged an annual fee. 

Below the form, I see an explanation about the rates and fees that are involved with this card.

Step 2: Citizenship Status

Screenshot of Capital One Savor Cash Rewards for Good Credit application Step 2

I see a friendly greeting screen that welcomes me to the application process. 

Here I am to fill in a check box about my citizenship. It asks if I am a US citizen, and I can click either “Yes” or “No.” If my answer is yes, it asks if I have citizenship in another country, and if I answer no, it asks about my US residency status. Am I a resident or a non-resident? 

I affirm that I am a US citizen, and continue to the next screen. 

Step 3: Residential Address

Screenshot of Capital One Savor Cash Rewards for Good Credit application Step 3

Now I have come to a screen with fields to fill in with my residential address information. Easy! I complete it and hit the “Continue” button at the bottom. 

If I want more information about the offer terms, security, or an FAQ, I can also click those buttons at the top of the screen to get answers. 

Step 4: Email and Phone Number

Screenshot of Capital One Savor Cash Rewards for Good Credit application Step 4

Now, Capital One wants to know how to communicate with me. Excellent. I write my email address in one box.

In the other, I add my primary phone number and the type — mobile, home, or work. I select mobile, and move on by pressing the “Continue” button. 

Step 5: Employment Details

Screenshot of Capital One Savor Cash Rewards for Good Credit application Step 5

An encouraging statement at the top of this screen tells me that I am more than halfway through the application process! 

This is where I am supposed to specify my employment status. There are a series of selections indicating “employed,” “self-employed,” “retired,” “student,” “unemployed,” or “other.”

If I choose employed, self-employed, or other, I am asked to fill in another box with my occupation. I type my job title and click “Continue.”

Step 6: Income and Monthly Housing Cost

Screenshot of Capital One Savor Cash Rewards for Good Credit application Step 6

Now I see a screen that says, “Let’s get a quick snapshot of your financial situation.” In the following box, I write my total annual income.

Underneath it, I see that I can include alimony, child support, or separate income if I want that money to be considered as a basis for repayment. 

The box underneath it asks me to enter how much I pay for either monthly rent or mortgage. 

I complete these forms, then continue to the next screen. 

Step 7: Bank Account Info and Cash Advance Question

Screenshot of Capital One Savor Cash Rewards for Good Credit application Step 7

I’ve now come to a screen asking about my bank accounts, and I indicate whether I have checking and savings, checking only, savings only, or neither. 

The next part is optional. If I am approved for this card, it asks whether I plan to use it to take cash advances. There are only two options: “Yes” or “No.”

After providing my responses, I click the “Continue” button. 

Step 8: Option to Add an Authorized User

Screenshot of Capital One Savor Cash Rewards for Good Credit application Step 8

I see that this card gives me the option to add an authorized user to my account. On the screen, it asks whether I would like to do that, and if so, I’m to mark the square with “Yes.”

That will pull up another form, where I would give information about the authorized user, including their name, date of birth, primary phone number, and optional Social Security number. 

I decided against adding an authorized user, so move on to the next screen. 

Step 9: Birth Date and Social Security Number

Screenshot of Capital One Savor Cash Rewards for Good Credit application Step 9

Now I see a final encouraging message telling me that I am almost done. 

I am to list my date of birth and Social Security number or individual tax ID number. The explanation below the box explains that Capital One will use this information to identify me and process my application. 

Step 10: Review Information and Submit Application

Screenshot of Capital One Savor Cash Rewards for Good Credit application Step 10a

Now I am taken to a screen inviting me to finish up my application. I am to make sure the information I provided is correct (hitting the + sign that takes me to everything that I’ve written), then I will have to complete the last few steps before actually submitting. 

I see a box I can check to certify that I have read and agreed to the Electronic Communications Agreement. Then I must select whether I want to communicate in either English or Spanish. 

I also see a “Disclosures and Acknowledgments” section where I can read everything about the account. 

Screenshot of Capital One Savor Cash Rewards for Good Credit application Step 10b

After that is a big green button that says “Submit my Application.” If I click on it, I will learn if I qualify for this credit card.

But it also says that if I don’t qualify, Capital One may still consider me for other cards. Should I choose one of them instead, it won’t result in another hard credit inquiry. 

What Credit Limit to Expect

The initial credit limit you get with the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards for Good Credit card depends on your creditworthiness and the information you share on the application. 

As for how much of a credit line you might start out with, Capital One doesn’t publish that number. However, the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards for Good Credit card typically has an initial credit limit in the $1,000 to $5,000 range. 

Capital One will evaluate such factors as the data on your credit report, your credit scores, reported income, existing debt levels, and how responsibly you have managed any prior or current Capital One accounts.

It may also consider the age of your credit accounts, any recent new account openings, and the overall length of your credit history. 

The stronger your credit profile (which basically means higher scores, stable income, and low debt), the higher the initial credit limit will likely be.

If you do qualify for this card and are offered a limit that’s on the low side, don’t worry. Limits can increase over time with a steady pattern of on-time payments and low credit utilization.

You may be offered a higher line in the future, but you can also request an increase on your own. 

How to Redeem Cash Back

Spending cash back rewards couldn’t be easier with Capital One. You’ll see how much you have available by logging into your account or the Capital One app on any mobile device. 

Just don’t expect your cash back to stack up immediately. If you charged $1,000 for four amazing seats to the Lakers game through the Capital One Entertainment portal yesterday, the $80 that purchase earned can take a while to hit your rewards balance.

You can view your earned rewards online or in the Capital One app within about 10 days of making the purchase, but it can take up to two full statement cycles for cash back to fully post to your rewards balance.

When you are ready to spend your rewards, you have plenty of options. 

First, you can buy what you want through any of Capital One’s shopping portals. If you don’t have enough cash back for the entire purchase, you can tap into what you have and charge the remainder to your credit card (thus racking up more cash back).

There are many other ways to spend the money you earn, though, including using cash back as a statement credit to reduce your balance. I like this option because it can help keep your debt down without having to dig into your checking or savings account.

Or maybe you want to pick up some gift cards. You can use your cash back to purchase them through your account. Capital One has partnered with many companies, restaurants, gas stations, and retailers.

Many are less than face value, too, so a $100 gift card may only cost you $75 in cash back rewards. You will see which cards are available when you log in. Depending on the merchant, you can get them either electronically or sent to you in the mail.

Are you a big Amazon shopper? When you link your Capital One Savor Cash Rewards for Good Credit card to your Amazon.com account, you can apply your cash back rewards directly at checkout. If you don’t have enough for the entire order, you can use what you have and another payment method for the rest.

Your Redemption Options

Capital One offers plenty of ways to use your cash back, including:

  • Statement Credit
  • Paper Check
  • Cover a Recent Purchases
  • Gift Cards
  • Amazon.com Checkout
  • PayPal Wallet
  • Capital One Entertainment
  • Capital One Travel

For PayPal, you can connect your card to use rewards on eligible purchases at countless online stores.

If you just want the money, that’s an option too, as you can log in to your account and request that your rewards be sent to you as a check.

I like that you don’t have to hurry to use your Capital One cash back rewards. If you want to wait and build them up for something special, you certainly can. As long as you keep your card open and in good standing, your rewards won’t expire.

Capital One Mobile App and Customer Support

If you get this card, I would definitely suggest downloading the Capital One mobile app. It makes checking your transactions, balance, and cash back rewards extremely easy.

It’s all at your fingertips, at any time of the day, and no matter where you are. You will also have access to Eno, the company’s virtual assistant, which can be helpful just in case you have any basic questions about your account. 

Capital One mobile app screenshot
The Capital One mobile app puts accounts, rewards, and CreditWise tools at your fingertips any time.

There are other things you can do from the app, as well. One of the most important is that you can monitor your credit score with the free CreditWise program. After enrolling, you will be able to view your TransUnion credit report with the FICO Score 8 that’s tied to it at any time.

For additional security, CreditWise also scours the dark web to determine whether your information is on nefarious sites. If so, you’ll receive a notification and can take steps to prevent identity theft and fraud. The very cool simulator tool shows how certain financial decisions you make may affect your score, either positively or negatively.

Additionally, you can pay your bills, transfer funds between Capital One accounts, send and receive money with Zelle, purchase things with your cash back rewards, generate and use virtual card numbers for online shopping, and lock down your account if it’s in any way compromised. 

Another often-overlooked benefit you get with the app is Capital One Dining, which isn’t available on the shopping portals. With it, you can reserve tables at super popular restaurants with just a few taps. 

Of course, you can also reach out to customer service to speak with a real human by calling 1 (800) 227-4825. That’s what I usually do, and my interactions have always been positive.

Just recently, I had to call it because a refund wasn’t showing up on my account statement. The representative was thorough and professional. She understood my frustration and conducted an investigation while I was on the phone. In about 15 minutes, the problem was resolved. Five stars! 

Pros and Cons

With so many credit card choices, it can be tough to land on one. For that reason, you may automatically want to jump to their advantages and disadvantages. Here are what I consider the primary pros and cons of the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards for Good Credit. 

Pros

  • High cash back earning potential in popular spending categories.
  • No annual fee or foreign transaction fees
  • Comes with access to excellent shopping, travel, and entertainment portals.

Cons

  • The starting credit limit can be on the low side. 
  • Doesn’t come with luxury travel benefits or a welcome bonus.

Don’t forget that the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards for Good Credit card is for people who have decent, but not stellar, credit. It can definitely be appealing if you want to make some extra money with the cash back rewards, and you won’t lose anything because there is no annual fee. When you pay your bill in full and on time, you have nowhere to go but up!

Similar Cards Worth Considering

The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards for Good Credit is a solid option, but it’s good to look at other cards to make sure you’re making the right call before you apply. Here are a couple of similar cards that might fit your spending patterns — or they might confirm that the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards for Good Credit is best for you.

Citi Double Cash® Card

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★★ 4.8/5.0
  • Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
  • Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel.
  • Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 17.49% – 27.49%, based on your creditworthiness.
  • Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
  • If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
  • There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
Intro (Purchases) N/A
Intro (Transfers) 0% 18 months on Balance Transfers
Regular APR 17.49% – 27.49% (Variable)
Annual Fee $0
Credit Needed Excellent/Good

Additional Disclosure: Citi is a CardRates advertiser.

The Citi Double Cash® Card keeps things refreshingly simple. You’ll earn an unlimited 2% cash back on every eligible purchase — 1% when you buy and another 1% when you pay your bill — so there’s no need to keep track of bonus categories.

The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards for Good Credit, on the other hand, rewards people who spend heavily on dining, groceries, entertainment, and streaming services. Purchases outside those categories generally earn just 1% cash back.

If your spending is all over the map, I think the Citi Double Cash® Card is the better choice. But if restaurants, grocery stores, and entertainment make up a big part of your budget, the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards for Good Credit could earn you more. Since neither card charges an annual fee, the right one simply depends on how you spend.

Blue Cash Preferred® Card

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★★ 4.7/5.0
Blue Cash Preferred® Card Review

at the issuer’ssecure website

  • Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year on purchases (then 1%). Also earn 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
  • Earn 3% cash back on transit, including U.S. gas stations, taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses, and more. All other purchases earn 1% cash back.
  • Card Members have access to purchase tickets® through Amex Presale Tickets® and Amex Reserved Tickets® to select can’t-miss events and moments across sports, music, and more (while supplies last).
  • 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable APR applies
  • $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95
Intro (Purchases) 0% for 12 months
Intro (Transfers) N/A
Regular APR 19.49% to 28.49% Variable
Annual Fee $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95
Credit Needed Excellent Credit

Another comparable account is the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express. You’ll get 6% cash back at US supermarkets (maxing out at $6,000 each year before it goes to 1%) and on select US streaming services, then 3% on transit and U.S. gas stations. Other purchases will only earn you 1%.

But this card also charges a 2.7% foreign transaction fee. There is no annual fee in the first year, but it rises to $95 starting in year 2, and dining is not included in the high rewards rate. 

Would I Recommend the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards for Good Credit?

The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards for Good Credit card delivers real value, especially as prices for so many things seem to escalate by the day.

When you use it for normal expenses and pay the bill before interest is assessed, you come out ahead because the cash back rewards can rack up fast. If you charge $1,000 a month only in categories that give you 3% cash back, you’ll have $360 in your rewards bank by the end of the year.

Throw in a vacation where you earn 5% on hotels and car rentals, plus tickets to a concert earning you 8%, and substantially more could be added to your rewards balance. 

I suggest considering this card if your spending naturally clusters in its high-earning-potential sweet spots, such as restaurants, supermarkets, qualified entertainment, and Capital One’s travel and entertainment portals.

I appreciate that this card gives so much to people who don’t have top-notch credit.

There is no annual fee or foreign transaction fees, which is another big plus. It also includes useful protections like extended warranty coverage and an upgrade path to premium Capital One products. 

Although the starting credit limit may be modest, as long as you manage the account responsibly, Capital One could bump up your limit, giving you greater borrowing flexibility.

I appreciate that this card gives so much to people who don’t have top-notch credit. If that’s you, and you want a tiered cash back card that can offset real-life expenses (including overpriced sandwiches) and doesn’t include a big annual fee, the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards for Good Credit is worth serious consideration.

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