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Note: The ABOC Platinum Rewards Card is not currently available from the issuer. If you are interested in earning cashback rewards, check out our picks for the best cashback credit cards.
The ABOC Platinum Rewards Credit Card is offered by Amalgamated Bank of Chicago, although you don't have to live in Chicago to become a cardholder.
ABOC's Platinum Rewards Credit Card doesn't offer some of the cool cardholder perks that premium cards do — such as airline lounge access or statement credits for particular purchases. But it's also an inexpensive card with a $0 annual fee and a 0% introductory APR (annual percentage rate) on new purchases for 12 months (then 12.90% to 22.90% (variable)).
The card's low costs coupled with its generous rewards offerings make it worthy of your attention. Not sure if it's right for you? This ABOC Platinum Rewards Card review will help you make up your mind.
Up to 5X Rewards & Price Protection
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ABOC Platinum Rewards Credit Card
Current Offer
Earn $150 statement credit after spending $1,200 in the first 90 days
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
5X points in rotating categories each quarter (on up to $1,500) and 1X points on all other purchases
Who should get the ABOC Platinum Rewards Card?
If you're looking for a rewards card that offers 5% back in certain rewards categories, the ABOC Platinum Rewards Card might fit the bill. You do need to keep track of rotating categories to earn bonus points, though, so this card isn't right for someone who wants the simplest-possible rewards program.
The ABOC Platinum Rewards Card might also be an ideal choice for you if you're planning a big purchase that you want to pay off over time. This credit card offers an introductory 0% APR for 12 months (then 12.90% to 22.90% (variable)) on purchases. Since the card charges a $0 annual fee and you won't pay interest for a full year, it could be a good way to secure long-term financing on things you need.
Frequent shoppers should also give the ABOC Platinum Rewards Card a close look. Not only does ABOC make it possible to earn bonus rewards by purchasing items from rewards partners, but cardholders also get extended warranty protection and price protection. This means you can shop without fear of quickly falling prices or worry about the item breaking shortly after your manufacturer's warranty expires.
Card basics
| Card type | 0% APR |
| Credit card issuer | ABOC |
| Credit card network | Mastercard |
| Annual fee | $0 |
| Intro bonus | Earn $150 statement credit after spending $1,200 in the first 90 days |
| Rewards rate | 5X points in rotating categories each quarter (on up to $1,500) and 1X points on all other purchases |
| Recommended credit score | Excellent |
| Intro APR | 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases (then 12.90% to 22.90% (variable)) |
| Foreign transaction fee | None |
ABOC Platinum Rewards Card benefits and perks
- Easy-to-earn welcome offer: New cardmembers can earn $150 statement credit after spending $1,200 in the first 90 days.
- Introductory APR: The ABOC Platinum Card comes with a 0% APR offer on purchases for 12 months from account opening. After that, the regular APR of 12.90% to 22.90% (variable) applies.
- Straightforward rewards: Cardmembers earn up to 5X rewards points on as much as $1,500 in spending within specific purchase categories. Rotating bonus categories include dining and groceries, home improvement, travel, entertainment purchases, and more in 2021.
- Flexible redemption: Points can be redeemed for statement credits, airline miles, or gift cards. You can choose your redemption method, opt for a combination of different reward types, and redeem points online or by calling 800-927-0100.
- Purchases and warranty protection: These cardholder benefits mean your manufacturer's warranty could be made longer on eligible purchases, and you could be reimbursed if items you buy go up in price within 60 days of your purchase.
Drawbacks of this card
- No intro APR on balance transfers: While this card has an introductory APR offer on purchases, it doesn't have a similar offer for balance transfers. If you're interested in this type of offer, review our picks for the best balance transfer cards.
- Credit score requirement: You'll likely need an excellent FICO credit score to get approved for this card.
Earning and redeeming
Best ways to earn
The best ways to earn points are to shop with ABOC Rewards partners and within specific bonus categories each quarter. You can earn 5X points in rotating categories each quarter (on up to $1,500) and 1X points on all other purchases.
You can find a list of ABOC Rewards partners at ABOCRewards.com. You can also find a list of the bonus categories that apply each year. For 2021, the bonus spending categories include:
- January through March: Grocery stores, pharmacies, drugstores, fitness clubs, health spas, and veterinary services.
- April through June: Home improvement and home furnishings retailers, eligible in-store warehouse and wholesale club purchases, and purchases at Costco.com, Walmart.com, and Target.com.
- July through September: Restaurants, movie theaters, theme parks, and travel purchases like airline tickets, cruises, car rentals, tolls, rideshare, hotels, and bookings through travel agencies.
- October through December: Restaurants, liquor stores, food delivery services, grocery stores, and Amazon.com purchases.
To be eligible to earn the bonus rewards, you must first register your account.
Maximizing your redemptions
You can choose how to redeem your points and can opt for a statement credit, merchandise, gift cards, airline miles, or a combination of different rewards. The value of your points varies based on what you redeem them for, so be sure to compare their worth carefully in the ABOC portal when choosing which gift cards to buy.
Also keep in mind how much flexibility you prefer in your rewards. Redeeming for a statement credit, for instance, offers you value no matter what you buy. On the other hand, travel redemptions might only be worthwhile if you’re planning an upcoming trip.
ABOC Platinum Rewards Credit Card FAQs
Am I eligible to open an ABOC credit card?
Eligibility for the ABOC Platinum Rewards Card depends on your creditworthiness and other factors. You don’t have to live in Chicago to apply for this card. And unlike the ABOC Union Advantage Card, you don’t need to be a union member or a union supporter to gain access to it.
Do reward points expire?
Rewards points earned with ABOC don’t expire as long as you keep your account open and in good standing. You can lose your rewards points if you close your account when you still have unredeemed points.
What fees does the ABOC Platinum Rewards Credit Card charge?
The ABOC Platinum Card has the following fees:
- Annual fee: $0
- Foreign transaction fee: None
- Balance transfer fee: $5 or 3%, whichever is greater
- Late payment fee: up to $35
- Cash advance fee: $10 or 5%, whichever is greater
Can you prequalify for the ABOC Platinum Rewards Credit Card?
You cannot prequalify for the ABOC card. You'll need to submit a complete application for it, which can be done online.
Other cards to consider
If the ABOC Platinum Rewards doesn't seem like the best credit card for you, there are a few other credit cards worth considering, including:
Chase Freedom Flex℠: Like the ABOC Platinum Rewards Card, the Chase Freedom Flex card has a $0 annual fee and offers 5% cashback rewards on rotating quarterly categories you activate (on up to $1,500 spent) and travel purchased through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal.
It also offers a 0% intro APR period on purchases for 15 months (then 20.49%-29.24% Variable). And with the Chase Freedom Flex, you can earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
Read our Chase Freedom Flex review.
Citi Double Cash® Card: The Citi Double Cash Card has a simpler rewards program, offering the chance to earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases; plus, for a limited time, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the citi travel℠ portal through 12/31/24. While you don't get the opportunity to earn as much as you do with the ABOC Platinum Card, some people may prefer this uncomplicated rewards structure.
Citi's card also charges a $0 annual fee and has a 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers (then 19.24% - 29.24% (Variable)). There's no introductory APR for purchases.
Read our Citi Double Cash Card review.
Up to 5X Rewards & Price Protection
ABOC Platinum Rewards Credit Card
Why We Like It
Earn $150 statement credit after spending $1,200 in the first 90 days
See how these cards compare:
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Chase Freedom Flex℠
- Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
- Up to 5% cash back on spending
- Perks from Lyft, DoorDash, and more
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Citi Double Cash® Card
- Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases; plus, for a limited time, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/24
- 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months, then 19.24% - 29.24% (Variable) APR
- No annual fee
- Rates and fees