What Are Some of the Oddball Credit Cards Out There?

Card Recommendation Request Forum
1

I recently got geotargeted for a Rocket Card that supposedly earns 5% towards closing costs if I end up getting a Rocket Mortgage when buying a new home (with a max of $8,000!). Sounds interesting, but I can’t shake the feeling that their interest rates might just be one point higher to make up for it…

This got me thinking… are there any other credit cards out there with bizarre reward structures or unique cashback niches? I’m curious about those oddball cards that offer something outside the norm.

For example, are there cards that reward you for spending in unusual categories, or ones that give bonus points for activities like dining at certain types of restaurants, buying pet supplies, or even for sustainable purchases?

2

I’m not sure why Santander wasn’t mentioned as a recommendation. They offer a sign-up bonus of 3% cash back and 0% interest for the first year.

3

Amex is also forward-thinking in that regard. Wish the approach would spread more widely across the field.

4

I can imagine a churner or points maxer writing a guide saying you need to sell your car and buy a GM vehicle if you really want to maximize your rewards.

5

Do you earn x7points for GM lease payments? I have 2 GM leases…

6

If you buy a lot of GM cars, the GM credit card is worth considering. You earn 4x points on all purchases and 7x points on GM purchases. You can use the points for a down payment or lease. It has no annual fee, and there’s even a sign-up bonus.

7

I have a Dillard’s MasterCard that gives me a choice between a $10 coupon or a “shopping pass” for 10% off. However, to earn either of those, I need to get 1,500 points at 1-2 cents per point. The return isn’t great, but I keep the card for free shipping, which usually costs at least $9.95 per order. Plus, they sometimes offer an extra 10% or 20% off in-store when I use the card.

Interestingly, in the 11 years I’ve had this card, it’s changed issuers twice. It started with Synchrony, then Wells Fargo took it over in 2020, and now Citi just took it over last week from Wells.