Cashback Credit Cards as Income Strategy

The Problem

You use a debit card or a basic credit card with no rewards. Every purchase earns nothing.

The Hack

Get a cashback credit card (Citi Double Cash: 2% on everything, or Chase Freedom Flex: 5% rotating categories). Use it for ALL purchases. Pay the full balance monthly.

Why It Works

Credit card rewards are funded by merchant fees. Using a rewards card costs you nothing extra — you're just collecting money that merchants already pay.

Pro Tips

• NEVER carry a balance — interest destroys all rewards
• 2% flat cashback on $25K/year spending = $500 free
• 5% category cards earn more if you optimize
• Pay full balance every month or this strategy backfires