4 benefits of a rewards checking account

You’re probably looking to stretch your dollars as far as possible. You work hard for your money, so it’s only natural to try to get the most out of your spending, whether that’s on your utility bill, your gym membership or the newest tech gadget that’s all the rage. While rewards credit cards have traditionally been the go-to for those looking to maximize their spending, there are also rewards checking accounts that allow you to earn cash back for your debit card purchases.

With a rewards checking account, you won’t have to pay (or accrue) interest on your debit card. Translation: Easier rewards and less risk.

“Rewards checking accounts can be a fantastic option for people who want to stay clear of credit cards,” says Neal Frankle, CFP^®, owner of a financial planning blog. “You get the points without running up debt.”

As you look for new ways to spend with the ease and convenience of debit, consider the following rewards checking account benefits:

1. You earn cash back easily

Earning cash back is the most immediate, and probably the most gratifying, of the many benefits of a rewards checking account. Discover® Cashback Debit allows you to earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month.¹ That means you can earn up to $360 a year in cashback bonus.

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Just think of all the ways you can put the money you get back to good use. You could save up and splurge on something special, like a date night. Or you could move your money straight to your online savings account to beef up your emergency fund. If you’re paying off student loans, or another type of debt, you could even use your cash back to help repay your loans more quickly and save money on interest. An advantage of a rewards checking account is that you can achieve other financial priorities through smart spending.

Even those who frequently charge to a rewards credit card may also see the benefits of a rewards checking account. Your debit card could be a good way to pay for everyday purchases (think lunch, transportation, latest tech accessories), and you can use it when a merchant has a minimum transaction amount required for credit cards. In either case, an advantage of a rewards checking account is that your debit card is earning you cash back as you keep up with your regular expenses.

2. You may be less likely to overspend

While cashback programs may be common for credit cards, it’s helpful to know that they are also available for checking accounts. This may be a better fit for you if you’re concerned about accruing credit card debt while earning rewards. Both products have multiple benefits, and you may want to use both in different situations. But it’s important to remember that with a credit card, you’ll need to pay off the balance each month to avoid paying the interest, or annual percentage rate, on that balance. Otherwise, this could offset the rewards you receive.

“The beauty of a rewards checking account is that you never have to worry about going into debt,” Frankle says. When you make a purchase with your debit card, in most cases, the money gets pulled from your account right away. Conversely, with a credit card, you are charged immediately, but don’t have to pay until later.

Karen Cordaway, a personal finance blogger, says another benefit of a rewards checking account is that it can help you make better purchasing decisions.

“The balance in a checking account can set a financial boundary and make you live within your means,” Cordaway says. “I believe it keeps you more accountable and aware of what you can afford.”

3. It could help you stick to a budget

You can get additional rewards checking account benefits if you think of your rewards checking account as a budgeting tool. Cordaway, for example, says that using a checking account and debit card could help you stick to your budget because you can easily review your account to track your spending and adjust your budget. You may also be able to find places to cut in order to save.

“If payday is a week away and you only have $100 left in your account, you’ll have to prioritize your spending and may choose to buy groceries instead of a new pair of shoes,” she says.

Although a benefit of a rewards checking account is that it can help you stick to your budget by closely monitoring your spending, don’t underestimate the need to think carefully before making a purchase.

“People with rewards checking accounts might still spend more than they should to rack up those rewards,” Frankle says.

4. You get the perks of online and mobile banking

Rewards checking account benefits may include an online portal and mobile app, which you can use to check your balance, initiate transfers or pay bills. If you use budgeting software, it can help you spot trends—like how much you’re really spending on after-work outings—that may not be as clear when you’re just scrolling through your checking account transactions.

Another example of a rewards checking account benefit is that the account may have fewer or lower fees. Discover Cashback Debit has no monthly fees or monthly balance requirements. Bonus: If your account is part of a large no-fee ATM network, you’ll gain even more access to your cash.

Compare rewards checking account benefits

While the advantages of a rewards checking account can be numerous, not all accounts have the same features.

Frankle recommends reviewing the account terms and features, as well as the associated fees and the bank’s customer support hours. This way you can base your decision on more than just one feature, such as a rewards program. Following Frankle’s suggestion when considering the benefits of a rewards checking account can help you find a rewards checking account that meets your financial goals.

¹ Earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month. See Deposit Account Agreement for details on transaction eligibility, limitations, and terms.

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The information provided herein is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as professional advice. Nothing contained in this article shall give rise to, or be construed to give rise to, any obligation or liability whatsoever on the part of Discover Bank or its affiliates.