Does your rewards credit card match your spending habits?

These 5 “yes or no” questions can help you figure out whether your current credit card fits your life as an educator – or if it’s time to look for a new card.

Are you earning the type of rewards (points, miles or cash back) that best suits your lifestyle?

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That's great!

You’ve done your homework, so you know that points and miles are usually better for people who travel frequently, and cash back is better for everyone else.


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If you’re paying an annual fee for a points or miles card but you don’t travel often, then consider switching to a cash-back credit card. Look for one that doesn’t charge an annual fee. Some even offer travel-related rewards.

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A different card might help you

If you travel infrequently but get rewarded with points or miles, consider switching to a cash-back rewards credit card that lets you change your categories so you can get rewarded when you do travel, especially during school breaks.


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Some points and miles rewards cards charge an annual fee. A cash-back credit card with travel-related rewards options and no annual fee may be a better choice for you.

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Are you earning rewards on your everyday credit-card purchases?

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Nice work!

You’re already earning rewards on school supplies, gas, groceries and other everyday purchases. Consider using your credit card for recurring payments such as utility bills to earn rewards on those too.


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Keep on top of what your points and miles rewards are worth and whether they expire. Their value can change based on your card’s terms. Cash-back cards typically offer rewards with stable value and no expiration.

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A different card might help you

With the right credit card, earning rewards on frequent purchases such as school supplies, gas and groceries can really add up. You can even use a rewards card for recurring payments such as your utility bills to earn rewards on those too.


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When researching rewards credit cards, think about your lifestyle. If you travel often, consider a card that earns points or miles. Otherwise, a cash-back rewards card may be better for you.

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Does your credit card let you choose what types of purchases you can earn rewards on?

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Great!

These days, consumers have more choices and can earn more than 1% cash back on purchases in popular categories such as Gas and Dining.


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You may be missing out if your choices are limited. With the NEA® Customized Cash Rewards Visa Signature® credit card, you can select from 6 categories in which to earn 3% cash back: Gas, Online Shopping, Dining, Travel, Drug Stores, and Home Improvement & Furnishings.1

1 You may choose your 3% category for future purchases once each calendar month. Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice: gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement and furnishings. Earn 2% and 3% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined grocery store / wholesale club / choice category purchases each quarter, then earn 1%.
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A different card might help you

You’re missing out on earning cash back faster, especially if you can’t customize your rewards based on your spending habits.


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If you don’t want to be locked into one rewards category, look for a credit card with more flexibility. For example, with the NEA® Customized Cash Rewards Visa Signature® credit card, you can select from 6 categories in which to earn 3% cash back: Gas, Online Shopping, Dining, Travel, Drug Stores, and Home Improvement & Furnishings.1

1 You may choose your 3% category for future purchases once each calendar month. Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice: gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement and furnishings. Earn 2% and 3% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined grocery store / wholesale club / choice category purchases each quarter, then earn 1%.
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Do you feel safe shopping online with your credit card?

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Nice work!

Smart online shoppers buy from trusted, secure websites using a credit card that offers zero-liability fraud protection and alerts cardholders at the first sign of suspicious activity.


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If you shop online regularly, you could earn rewards faster with a credit card that offers cash-back earnings for Online Shopping.

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A different card might help you

Don’t sacrifice safety for rewards. Use a rewards credit card that offers zero-liability fraud protection and alerts you at the first sign of suspicious activity.


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If you like to shop online, you could switch to a card that gives you peace of mind, and also earn rewards faster with a card that offers cash-back earnings for Online Shopping.

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Do you wait until the last minute to make big purchases, such as home-improvement expenses and back-to-school supplies?

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That’s OK!

Because you don’t plan big purchases in advance, you may not need a customizable rewards card that lets you adjust your top-earning category to maximize your rewards.


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It’s important to keep tabs on your credit card balance to manage your spending. See if you can get account alerts to help you stay on top of your balances and due dates.


You’re finished!

Time to see if your current rewards credit card is a good match for your spending habits.

Nice work!

If you know you’ll be updating your kitchen in June, buying school supplies in July or holiday shopping in November, planning ahead can help you budget for those expenses.


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A customizable cash-back rewards card is perfect for planners like you. With the NEA® Customized Cash Rewards Visa Signature® credit card, you could maximize your rewards by selecting Home Improvements & Furnishings before starting your fixer-upper project, or selecting Online Shopping before preparing for the new school year or the holidays.1

1 You may choose your 3% category for future purchases once each calendar month. Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice: gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement and furnishings. Earn 2% and 3% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined grocery store / wholesale club / choice category purchases each quarter, then earn 1%.

You’re finished!

Time to see if your current rewards credit card is a good match for your spending habits.


Your Results

Sounds like you’re all set!

It sounds like you picked a rewards card that’s a good fit for you. If you (or any of your school colleagues!) are ever in the market for a new credit card, your NEA membership gives you access to the NEA® Customized Cash Rewards Visa Signature® credit card. You can get a member-exclusive online bonus offer, plus you can earn 3% cash back in your choice of 6 different categories1, pay no annual fee, save with Museums on Us®, access to your FICO® Score for free and more.

Find out more
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Your Results

Sounds like it’s time to shop around!

The customizable NEA® Customized Cash Rewards Visa Signature® credit card is perfect for educators, whether you’re making your school-break plans or buying classroom supplies. You can get a member-exclusive online bonus offer, plus you can earn 3% cash back in your choice of 6 different categories1, pay no annual fee, save with Museums on Us®, access to your FICO® Score for free and more.

Apply Now
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