Cash-back credit cards have changed in the past few years.
But a lot people aren't reaping the benefits because they're still using the same old credit card they've had for ages.
According to a 2016 survey, 20 million consumers have never changed their preferred credit card, and another 25 million have held onto their favorite card for at least a decade.
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Loyalty has some of its own rewards, but cash back may not be one of them.
About half of all credit cards that offer rewards now offer cash back as an option, up from around 25 percent in 2013.
"While you're typically looking at 1 or 2 percent back, some cards can go as high as 6 percent cash back on certain purchases. And the consumer usually gets to choose how they want to redeem their reward," Consumer Reports money editor Margot Gilman said.
If you're already using a cash back card, you might consider adding another card.
Since different cards offer higher rewards for purchases in certain categories, Consumer Reports found using two cards can earn you as much as 40 percent more cash back.
"So here's one strategy. You can use a Blue Cash Preferred Card to get 6 percent on groceries and 3 percent on gas. Everything else can be charged on a Citi Double Cash Card, and get 2 percent cash back on all other purchases," Gilman said.
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If you're wondering which cards work best for your wallet, Consumer Reports has a credit card comparison tool on its website to help you decide.
"First, you plug in how much you spend each year in a number of categories. The tool then compares 66 different cash-back cards to estimate, which will get you the most money back after one year and three years," Gilman said.
Consumers need to remember that cash-back programs only count if the balance is paid in full. Otherwise, the consumer will likely rack up more in interest charges than they'll earn in rewards.
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