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ABOC Platinum Rewards Mastercard® Review: A Versatile Rewards Card with No Annual Fee
What Is the ABOC Platinum Rewards Mastercard?
The ABOC Platinum Rewards Mastercard is a versatile rewards credit card issued by the Amalgamated Bank of Chicago (ABOC). This card offers a combination of rotating bonus categories and fixed rewards on everyday purchases, making it an attractive option for those looking to maximize their credit card rewards without paying an annual fee.
Key features of the ABOC Platinum Rewards Mastercard® include:
- No annual fee
- Rotating quarterly bonus categories offering 5x points
- 1x points on all other purchases
- Welcome bonus for new cardmembers
- No foreign transaction fees
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ABOC Platinum Rewards Mastercard Pros & Cons
Pros:
- No annual fee, allowing cardholders to earn rewards without additional costs
- Rotating 5x bonus categories each quarter, offering opportunities to maximize rewards
- No foreign transaction fees, making it suitable for international travel
- Flexible redemption options, including cash back, travel, and merchandise
Cons:
- Rotating categories may require more effort to track and maximize rewards
- Lower base earning rate (1x points) on non-bonus category purchases compared to some competitors
- Quarterly bonus category spending is capped at a combined $1,500 in purchases
- Requires good to excellent credit for approval
Who Is the ABOC Platinum Rewards Mastercard For?
The ABOC Platinum Rewards Mastercard is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious consumers who want to earn rewards without paying an annual fee
- Individuals who enjoy tracking and maximizing rotating bonus categories
- Travelers looking for a card with no foreign transaction fees
- Those with good to excellent credit scores (typically 670 or higher)
- People who appreciate flexibility in redeeming rewards for cash back, travel, or merchandise
This card may not be the best fit for:
- High-volume spenders who could benefit more from premium cards with higher rewards rates
- Those who prefer a simpler, flat-rate rewards structure
- Individuals with fair or poor credit scores
Comparing the ABOC Platinum Rewards Mastercard With Other Credit Cards
When considering the ABOC Platinum Rewards Mastercard, it's helpful to compare it with other popular options in the credit builder card category:
Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card:
- Annual fee: $0
- Security deposit: Flexible, based on the amount transferred to Credit Builder account
- Key features: No credit check to apply, reports to all three major credit bureaus
- Standout feature: No minimum security deposit required
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card (rate & fees):
- Annual fee: $0
- Security deposit: Minimum $200, which becomes your credit limit
- Key features: 1.5% cash back on all purchases, automatic credit line reviews
- Standout feature: Earn rewards while building credit
Current Build Visa® Credit Card:
- Annual fee: $0
- Security deposit: Flexible, based on the amount transferred to Build account
- Key features: No credit check required, reports to all three major credit bureaus
- Standout feature: Linked to Current banking app for easy fund transfers
Each card offers unique benefits tailored to different spending habits and preferences. Consider your personal financial goals when choosing the best card for you.
Key Takeaways:
- ABOC Platinum Rewards Mastercard® excels in offering a combination of rotating bonus categories and fixed rewards
- Chime Credit Builder offers flexibility with no minimum deposit
- Capital One Quicksilver Secured provides cash back rewards
- Current Build integrates with banking app for convenient use
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Consider Using Kudos
If you're looking to maximize your credit card rewards even further, consider using Kudos, a free AI-powered browser extension. Kudos can help you get the most out of your credit cards, including the ABOC Platinum Rewards Mastercard, whenever you shop online.
Kudos offers several benefits:
- Personalized credit card recommendations for each purchase
- Integration with over 15,000 stores
- Opportunity to multiply your rewards up to 5X during "Flash Boost" events
- Discover new cards that align with your spending habits
By using Kudos alongside your ABOC Platinum Rewards Mastercard, you can ensure you're always using the best card for each purchase and maximizing your rewards potential.
Our Expert Takeaway
The ABOC Platinum Rewards Mastercard is a solid choice for consumers who want to earn rewards without paying an annual fee. Its rotating bonus categories offer the potential for substantial earnings, especially for those who are diligent about maximizing their rewards.
The card's lack of foreign transaction fees makes it a good option for international travelers, while the introductory 0% APR offer on purchases and balance transfers can provide valuable savings for those looking to finance a large purchase or consolidate debt.
However, the card's lower base earning rate on non-bonus category purchases may make it less appealing for high-volume spenders or those who prefer a simpler rewards structure. Additionally, the quarterly bonus category spending cap may limit earnings for big spenders.
Overall, the ABOC Platinum Rewards Mastercard offers a competitive rewards program and valuable perks, making it worth considering for those who align with its target audience.
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ABOC Platinum Rewards Mastercard FAQ
What are the rotating bonus categories for the ABOC Platinum Rewards Mastercard?
The rotating bonus categories change quarterly and typically include popular spending areas such as groceries, dining, travel, and gas stations. Check the ABOC website for the current and upcoming bonus categories.
How do I activate the quarterly bonus categories?
Unlike some other rotating category cards, ABOC automatically activates the bonus categories for you each quarter. There's no need to manually opt-in.
What is the redemption value of ABOC Rewards points?
The value of ABOC Rewards points varies depending on how you redeem them. Generally, points are worth about 1 cent each when redeemed for cash back or travel, but values may vary for merchandise or gift cards.
Is there a minimum redemption amount for ABOC Rewards?
Yes, the minimum redemption amount is typically 2,500 points, which equates to $25 in value when redeemed for cash back or travel.
Does the ABOC Platinum Rewards Mastercard offer any travel protections?[
Yes, the card offers some travel benefits, including travel accident insurance and auto rental collision damage waiver. Always check the current card benefits, as they may change over time.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.