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We often obsess over the high-multiplier cards for dining or travel, but the real “hero” of a points strategy is your baseline card. This is the card you pull out for the doctor’s office, the car mechanic, and all those “random” expenses that usually only earn 1 point per dollar.
By using a card that earns at a high rate on all purchases, you ensure you’re never “leaving money on the table.” Here are the best ways to maximize your daily catch-all spending.
You can also “over spend” to maximize your return by buying gift/gas cards that are sold at the grocery stores. For example, if you get coffee at Starbucks, you can get a gift card at Kroger that will earn you a 3% cash back.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A baseline card is the one you use for everyday purchases that don't fall into bonus categories like dining or travel. The goal is to earn more than the standard 1 point per dollar on those miscellaneous expenses like doctor visits or car repairs.
Using a low-earning card for non-bonus spending means you're missing out on points you could have earned. Choosing a card with a strong flat-rate return ensures every dollar you spend is working toward your next trip or redemption.
You can buy gift cards for brands like Starbucks at a grocery store such as Kroger, which lets you earn your grocery bonus rate on those purchases. For example, a card that earns 3% cash back at grocery stores would apply that rate to the gift card purchase rather than the standard coffee shop rate.
Expenses like medical bills, auto repair, and other miscellaneous purchases rarely qualify for bonus category rewards. These are exactly the types of charges where a strong flat-rate catch-all card makes the biggest difference.
Yes, purchasing gift cards at grocery stores for brands you already use is a straightforward way to redirect non-bonus spending into a higher-earning category. Just make sure your card actually earns bonus points on grocery store purchases, and check that the store sells the gift card brands relevant to your habits.
