Advertiser Disclosure: The Rewards Mom has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. The Rewards Mom and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.
Every December, my house turns into a mix of joy and chaos: wrapping presents, kids’ wish lists changing at the last minute, and grocery carts overflowing. And while I love the season, I don’t love the feeling that comes when the credit card bill lands in January.
If you’re just getting started with rewards, my Beginner’s Guide is a great place to start, especially if you want your holiday spending to actually help your budget, and if you want to skip to the good stuff: HERE is my list of favorite cash back cards.
The good news?
The holidays are one of the easiest times of the year to earn cash back, the kind that lowers your bill, pays for groceries, or helps cover last-minute gifts. And honestly, that’s sometimes more helpful than saving for a future trip.
When the Holidays Stretch Your Budget Thin
Holiday expenses hit differently, and they hit all at once. There are extra events, extra groceries, and extra everything. Teacher gifts, stocking stuffers, Secret Santa exchanges… it all pops up fast. The most wonderful time of the year quickly turns into the most expensive time of the year.
And that’s exactly when people really love that they chose a cash-back credit card.
They don’t require strategy or learning a new system. They just help soften the blow of a very expensive time of year.
If you’ve ever struggled with choosing between cash back and flexible points, click here for help with that.
Two Types of Rewards
If you’re newer to rewards, here’s the simplest way to think about your choices:
There are two main types of rewards: cash back and travel points. Both are great, but they shine in different moments. (THIS article dives a bit deeper in to how to choose.)
Cash Back
This is exactly what it sounds like: money back on the spending you’re already doing. It always redeems at one cent per point and can help with real-life expenses, which is why it feels so helpful during the holidays.
Travel Points
Travel points can be worth more because you can move them to airline and hotel partners for bigger redemptions. They’re amazing when you’re planning ahead, but they’re not meant for groceries, dental bills, or the Target run you didn’t see coming.
And honestly? There’s nothing wrong with choosing cash back when you need it. Saving money is still saving money, and value looks different in every season of life.
What Are the Best Ways to Earn Cash Back?
Even if you’re brand-new to rewards, cash back is one of the easiest ways to get started because there’s no learning curve. Your everyday spending turns into something helpful, right now.
Why many people start here:
- Simple to use and easy to understand
- Predictable earnings on everyday spending
- Categories usually match real life (groceries, gas, online shopping)
- Low-pressure way to get started
The one you use for everyday spending so rewards quietly build in the background.
Why they’re worth a look:
- Often earn more than personal cards
- Great for even small side income
- Can significantly boost cash back
You might qualify if you:
- Sell on Facebook Marketplace
- Babysit or tutor
- Freelance or resell items
- Get paid for a hobby
And why does this matter?
Because the earning potential is usually much higher, which means more breathing room during expensive seasons, more cash back, and faster rewards.
The Secret Many Beginners Don’t Know Yet: Gateway Cards
Here’s where cash back gets even more powerful.
Some cards act like gateway cards. I need to stay general here because of affiliate rules, but here’s the list of the one I recommend.
These gateway cards can do a couple of things…
- You can earn cash back on your everyday card.
- But, if you also hold a more premium card from the same bank, your “cash back” can often be turned into travel points.
That means:
- You can use your cash back for relief now.
- If anything is left over, you can “upgrade” those rewards for travel down the road
It’s the best of both worlds: flexibility when you need it, and travel value when you’re ready.
If you want to explore that path, here’s my list of beginner-friendly cards that keep things simple:
Beginner Credit Cards for Travel Rewards
Why Your Life Gets Easier Once You Understand Welcome Offers
I always tell beginners this:
The moment you understand how welcome offers work is the moment your entire rewards journey changes.
Not just for travel…
Not just for “advanced” strategies…
Even for cash back.
Welcome offers help you earn hundreds of dollars in value up front, and when you combine that with a good cash-back card, your everyday spending stretches so much further.
If you’re new to this part, my Beginner’s Guide walks you through it step-by-step.
Cash Back Today, Travel Tomorrow
Cash back helps you right now.
Travel points help you later.
And neither is “better,” they’re just different tools for different seasons.
During the holidays, most families need practicality.
In the new year, you can start dreaming bigger.
And the smartest strategy?
Pick the card (or cards) that support your life today, while still giving you room to grow into travel rewards later.
My lists of favorite cash back cards HERE
Stay Connected
If you like learning this stuff in simple, family-friendly language, come hang out with us:
Let Your Holiday Spending Work For You
The holidays may always be expensive, but that doesn’t mean January has to feel painful. With the right cash-back card, your everyday spending can help pay for groceries, gifts, or even lower your bill when you need it most.
And once things calm down, you can explore travel rewards and start planning something fun for your family. If you want to learn the basics in the simplest way possible, grab my free beginner’s guide.
VIEW THE COMMENTS