![Apple Pay Rewards: Complete Guide to Earning Cash Back [2024]](http://savingsgrove.com/cdn/shop/articles/apple-pay-rewards.jpg?v=1731193053&width=1100)
Looking to maximize your rewards while using Apple Pay? Let's dive in!
Apple Pay Rewards: Complete Guide to Earning Cash Back [2024]
This comprehensive guide explores the best cards and opportunities to earn cash back, points, and bonuses when paying with Apple Pay. From increased reward rates to special promotions, you'll discover how to make the most of your digital wallet payments.
1. Apple Card
The Apple Card offers the most straightforward rewards for Apple Pay users. You'll earn:
- 3% cash back at Apple and select partners (Nike, Uber, Walgreens, T-Mobile)
- 2% cash back on all purchases made with Apple Pay
- 1% cash back when using the physical card
- Daily Cash rewards deposited to Apple Cash
- No annual fee
2. Chase Sapphire Preferred
While not specifically an Apple Pay bonus, this card offers excellent rewards when linked to Apple Pay:
- 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- 3x points on dining and select streaming services
- 2x points on other travel purchases
- Contactless payment capability
- $95 annual fee
3. American Express Blue Cash Preferred
When connected to Apple Pay, this card provides:
- 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year)
- 6% back on select U.S. streaming services
- 3% back on transit and U.S. gas stations
- $95 annual fee (waived first year)
4. Citi Custom Cash Card
A flexible rewards card that works well with Apple Pay:
- 5% cash back on your top spending category each billing cycle
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- Categories include restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, and more
- No annual fee
5. Capital One Venture
Perfect for travelers using Apple Pay:
- 2x miles on all purchases
- 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit
- $95 annual fee
6. Discover it Cash Back
Great for rotating categories with Apple Pay:
- 5% cash back in quarterly rotating categories (up to quarterly maximum)
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- Cash back match for the first year
- No annual fee
7. U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve
Premium rewards for mobile wallet users:
- 3x points on mobile wallet purchases (including Apple Pay)
- 3x points on travel purchases
- $325 annual travel credit
- $400 annual fee
Store Loyalty Programs That Work With Apple Pay
Maximize your rewards by combining Apple Pay with these popular store loyalty programs:
- Walgreens: myWalgreens - 1% to 5% rewards on purchases
- Panera Bread: MyPanera - Points for free food and drinks
- Whole Foods: Amazon Prime benefits - 5% back with Amazon Prime Rewards Visa
- Target: Target Circle - 1% rewards plus exclusive offers
- Best Buy: My Best Buy - Points on purchases plus exclusive sales
For more ways to save, check out our guides to best cashback credit cards, top cashback apps, and best loyalty rewards programs.
How to Maximize Apple Pay Rewards
- Stack rewards with store loyalty programs
- Look for Apple Pay-specific promotions
- Use Cash App boosts in combination with Apple Pay
- Check for quarterly rotating categories
- Link your highest-earning card for each merchant category
- Watch for limited-time bonus offers
Final Words
Apple Pay rewards can significantly boost your savings when used strategically. By choosing the right credit cards and staying aware of special promotions, you can earn substantial cash back on your everyday purchases. Remember to always pay your balance in full to avoid interest charges that could negate your rewards.
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Pay Rewards
Does Apple Pay give cash back?
Apple Pay itself doesn't give cash back, but the Apple Card offers 2% Daily Cash on all Apple Pay purchases. Other credit cards linked to Apple Pay will earn their standard rewards rates when used through Apple Pay.
What credit cards work best with Apple Pay?
The Apple Card works best with Apple Pay, offering instant 2% Daily Cash. The U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve offers 3x points on all mobile wallet purchases. Any rewards credit card that can be added to Apple Pay will earn its standard rewards rate.
How quickly do Apple Pay rewards post?
With the Apple Card, Daily Cash rewards post within 24 hours to your Apple Cash card. For other credit cards, reward posting times vary by issuer but typically appear within 1-5 business days after the transaction posts.
Can you stack rewards with Apple Pay?
Yes, you can stack rewards by combining credit card rewards, store loyalty programs, and cash back apps when using Apple Pay. For example, you could earn credit card points, store loyalty rewards, and cash back app rewards all on the same purchase.
