Bread Cashback American Express Credit Card Review

I’ve two cash-back credit cards for on a regular basis purchases, two credit cards for travel purchases, a bank card for grocery retailer purchases, a credit card for Amazon purchases, and a handful of backup bank cards I don’t use frequently.

None of them are the Bread Cashback American Specific Credit score Card. Bread Cashback isn’t a horrible bank card, however there’s nothing exceptional about it. And with so many standout rewards bank cards to select from, “nothing exceptional” is just not the place you need your bank card to be. 

That stated, Bread Cashback is a good entry-level cash-back card for those who’re a first- or second-time bank card person who has already established a observe file of accountable credit score use and is able to dip a toe into the huge world of rewards bank cards. However it’s also possible to do this with different entry-level bank cards that is perhaps higher than Bread Cashback — just like the Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card and Citi Double Cash Card. However earlier than you determine, see how Bread Cashback’s options stack as much as theirs. 

What Is the Bread Cashback American Specific Credit score Card?

The Bread Cashback American Specific Credit score Card is a cash-back bank card with no annual payment. It’s excellent for individuals who need a primary bank card that earns limitless 2% money again on all eligible purchases. 

Bread Cashback presents a lineup of unique American Specific advantages, corresponding to low cost presents with main manufacturers (Amex Affords), beneficiant rewards with choose eating companions, and helpful journey and shopper protections. These advantages don’t price something however might require card purchases or out-of-pocket bills to make the most of.

Bread Cashback’s issuer is Bread Monetary, which presents an array of different monetary merchandise:

How the Bread Cashback American Specific Credit score Card Stacks Up

Bread Cashback isn’t the one flat-rate rewards bank card in the marketplace. Not by an extended shot. Earlier than you apply, see the way it compares to a different flat-rate card that provides limitless 2% money again on eligible purchases: the Citi Double Money Card. 

What Units the Bread Cashback American Specific Credit score Card Aside?

Bread Cashback isn’t a exceptional bank card, however it does have just a few notable options that deserve point out. As entry-level cash-back playing cards go, it’s a good selection for individuals who like getting offers on high of cash-back rewards.

• Entry to Unique Offers Via Amex Affords. Amex Affords are cardholder-exclusive reductions and offers you’ll be able to’t discover anyplace else. There’s often a minimal spend requirement, however the reductions are spectacular — typically 30% or extra.
• Reductions or Freebies With Taking part Eating places. Swipe your Bread Cashback card at collaborating eating places (dine-in or takeout) and declare your alternative of 20% off the invoice or a free appetizer. I’ve reviewed a great deal of bank cards and by no means seen this particular deal marketed earlier than.
• No Annual Payment or Overseas Transaction Payment. Bread Cashback doesn’t have an annual payment or overseas transaction payment. Most competing playing cards cost one or the opposite.

Key Options of the Bread Cashback American Specific Credit score Card

Bread Cashback isn’t an advanced bank card, however you need to perceive the way it works earlier than you apply. These are its most vital options and perks.

Incomes Money-Again Rewards

Bread Cashback has an easy cash-back rewards program. Use your card wherever they settle for American Specific to earn limitless 2% money again on purchases. (Cashlike transactions like stability transfers and money advances don’t earn money again.)

Bread Cashback’s expansive flat-rate rewards program makes it a superb credit card for everyday spending. 

Redeeming Money-Again Rewards

Redeem your rewards for money direct-deposited into your checking account or assertion credit to your Bread Cashback stability. You may redeem at any time and in any quantity, and your rewards don’t expire so long as your account stays in good standing.

In the event you use Bread Cashback as your major bank card, I’d advocate redeeming for assertion credit to scale back your web spending on the cardboard. Money redeemed into your checking account will most likely discover its approach again to Bread as a bank card cost anyway. Alternatively, laborious money is a better option if you’ll find one thing to spend it on earlier than your subsequent Bread Cashback cost. 

Amex Affords Program

As a Bread Cashback cardholder, you take pleasure in unique reductions and cash-back alternatives by means of Amex Affords, American Specific’s accomplice rewards program. Particular Amex Affords come and go, however these are some examples of actual offers I discovered:

• Spend $155 or extra with Ray-Ban and get $30 again (good for 2 separate transactions of $155 or extra every)
• Spend $500 at collaborating Viceroy resorts within the U.S., Mexico, and Caribbean, get $100 again
• Spend $100 or extra on present playing cards at HappyCards.com, get $15 again
• Get 30% again on qualifying TaxAct purchases, as much as $60 again

Amex Affords often require you to spend a hefty quantity to learn. In order that they’re greatest for decreasing the price of bigger purchases you had been planning to make, anyway. It helps for those who’re not loyal to a selected model or dedicated to a selected plan — so for those who’re available in the market for high quality sun shades however don’t care whether or not you get Ray-Bans or Oakleys, the Ray-Ban supply is ideal for you.

#AMEXFORFOODIES — Eating Advantages & Extra

Bread Cashback participates within the #AMEXFORFOODIES program. As a cardholder, the signature profit getting as much as 20% off or a free appetizer at collaborating eating places — largely impartial or small chain institutions. You need to use the supply for dine-in or takeout, and it’s sufficient incentive to work your dinner plans round. 

Word that as of now, there are fewer than 100 collaborating eating places in the US, so don’t be shocked for those who can’t discover any choices in your hometown (or you need to do some work to discover a collaborating institution). For instance, as of this writing, there are solely 4 in Atlanta, eight in Chicago, 12 in Boston, and 27 in all of New York Metropolis. 

However the record might develop over time. And in case your favourite institutions aren’t on the record, allow them to find out about it, and possibly you should use it later.

That stated, #AMEXFORFOODIES has another perks:

• Unique in-person culinary experiences with critically acclaimed cooks
• A video library that includes culinary instructionals from distinguished cooks and bartenders
• Detailed recipes to make your self at house

The recipes can be found proper on the #AMEXFORFOODIES web site, however you need to enter the final six digits of your card quantity to entry the video library or register for an in-person occasion. There aren’t any future occasions scheduled as of October 2022, so don’t clear your schedule simply but.

Vital Charges

Bread Cashback doesn’t cost an annual payment, so even for those who determine it’s not the very best card for you, there’s no penalty for preserving it as a backup card. It additionally doesn’t cost overseas transaction charges, which is nice information for those who frequently journey overseas or buy stuff from non-U.S. distributors.

Credit score Required

Bread Cashback requires good to excellent credit. When you have a spotty or restricted credit score historical past or your credit score rating is low, work on bettering it earlier than you apply.

Making use of for the Bread Cashback Card

Bread Cashback has a straightforward utility course of that takes only a few minutes. To begin, merely enter your cellphone quantity, zip code, the final 4 digits of your Social Safety quantity, and a few extra private info. You’ll possible obtain an approval choice inside minutes.

Activating Your Bread Cashback Card

After you obtain your Bread Cashback card within the mail, you go surfing to activate it. It solely takes a minute or two, and also you don’t want an account first. Enter your card quantity, expiration date, Social Safety quantity or different acceptable identification, and zip code.

On-line Account & EasyPay

Don’t skip establishing your on-line account. If nothing else, you’ll be able to allow autopay and make sure you don’t by accident neglect to pay your stability. Plus, your dashboard is the place you’ll be able to examine your card stability, discover Amex presents, and examine and redeem your rewards.

However even for those who don’t arrange a web based account, you’ll be able to nonetheless pay your invoice electronically utilizing the EasyPay feature. Simply full a fast id verification course of, and the system offers you simply sufficient entry to schedule a cost with out giving would-be thieves sufficient entry to do any hurt.

Responding to a Prescreened Provide

Bread Monetary is massive on prescreened presents. In the event you get one within the mail and wish to study extra, click on the “Acquired a pre-screen supply?” textual content on the Bread Cashback card’s homepage and enter the prescreen ID to get began.

Receiving a prescreened supply doesn’t essentially imply your utility will likely be accepted — although except one thing about your creditworthiness adjustments for the more serious between when it extends the supply and while you apply, the issuer will most likely honor the supply. It additionally means Bread already has a few of your info, so that you received’t should spend as a lot time filling out the appliance or ready for an approval choice. 

It is best to undoubtedly make the most of a prescreened supply for those who had been planning to use for the Bread Cashback card anyway. In the event you weren’t, consider carefully earlier than continuing, as making use of for any bank card leads to a tough credit score inquiry that would briefly decrease your credit score rating and have an effect on your means to qualify for different credit score merchandise.

Benefits of the Bread Cashback American Specific Credit score Card

Look into Bread Cashback for low carrying prices, strong cash-back rewards, and the potential to earn spectacular reductions you received’t discover elsewhere.

• Limitless 2% Money Again on Nearly All Purchases. Bread Cashback earns limitless 2% money again on just about all purchases, excluding solely cashlike transactions like money advances and stability transfers. That’s a strong charge of return on on a regular basis spending.
• No Annual Payment. In contrast to some related primary playing cards, Bread Cashback doesn’t cost an annual payment.
• Amex Affords Program Guarantees As much as 30% Off (Perhaps Extra). In the event you’re planning an enormous buy — new glasses, journey, a refreshed wardrobe, a particular night time out — take a look at the Amex Affords program. Anticipate to avoid wasting 15% to 30%, and maybe extra, on qualifying purchases.
• As much as 20% Off or Free Appetizer With Eating Companions. The #AMEXFORFOODIES promotion can web you as much as 20% off your invoice or a free appetizer at choose eateries. In the event you dine out or get takeout typically, get to know the collaborating eating places in your space — although with solely about 100 nationwide, don’t be shocked if there are fewer than you’d like.
• Tremendous-Straightforward Utility and On-line Account Registration. Making use of for a Bread Cashback card could be very simple, particularly you probably have a prescreened supply. Anticipate the method to take only a few minutes. 
• No Overseas Transaction Charges. There aren’t any surcharges for worldwide transactions with Bread Cashback. That’s excellent news for those who journey exterior the U.S. frequently or purchase from worldwide retailers.

Disadvantages of the Bread Cashback American Specific Credit score Card

Bread Cashback has some notable downsides. Think about these potential drawbacks earlier than making use of.

• No Signal-Up Bonus. Bread Cashback doesn’t have a sign-up bonus for brand new accountholders. Many if not most competing cash-back playing cards do, and people presents are sometimes price a whole lot of {dollars} through the first few months after account opening, in order that’s a big drawback.
• No 0%-APR Intro Promotion. Bread Cashback doesn’t have a 0% annual proportion charge introductory promotion for purchases or stability transfers. That’s one other frequent function of competing playing cards and trigger for pause you probably have your eye on every other choices.
• No Strategy to Earn Extra Than 2% Again on On a regular basis Purchases. Apart from Amex Affords and #AMEXFORFOODIES, which require some planning and luck, there’s no technique to earn money again at a charge greater than 2%. Many competing playing cards have 3%, 4%, even 5% cash-back tiers.

Options to Think about

Not bought on Bread Cashback? You have got loads of different selections. One in all these options might suit your wants higher.

Ultimate Phrase

The Bread Cashback American Specific Credit score Card is an effective bank card, however it’s not an excellent bank card. 

In the event you’re content material to earn limitless 2% money again on all purchases and don’t wish to take care of cash-back tiers or rotating classes, it’s a high-quality alternative as an on a regular basis bank card. However for those who’re on the lookout for a purpose-built bank card for extra particular sorts of purchases, corresponding to gasoline or groceries, then Bread Cashback isn’t your best choice.

It’s additionally not your best option for those who’re on the lookout for a beneficiant sign-up bonus or 0% APR supply, each of that are simple sufficient to seek out on no-annual-fee playing cards.

Backside line: I received’t advise towards making use of for Bread Cashback. There’s nothing deeply fallacious with it. However I might encourage you to contemplate the options earlier than continuing.