Do 2% flat cash back cards carry foreign transaction fees?
Yes, most popular no-annual-fee 2% cards charge a 3% fee on purchases made outside the United States or processed by non-domestic merchants. Cardholders traveling abroad should pair their flat cash card with a no-fee travel card that explicitly waives foreign transaction charges.
Are welcome bonus requirements becoming harder to meet?
Issuers have steadily increased spending thresholds for introductory bonuses. While standard cards historically required around $1,000 to $1,500 in spending over 90 days, leading 2026 cards frequently require $4,000 to $6,000 within three to six months to unlock primary welcome rewards.
Can I convert my cash back into transferable airline points later?
Some card ecosystems allow this flexibility. For example, cards within the Citi and Chase portfolios let you combine pure cash-back rewards with full points earned on their mid-tier and premium cards, unlocking airline and hotel transfer options at will.
