Best Credit Card Points for Real Estate Investments

One of the best perks of using credit cards is a rewards program. Both personal and business credit cards offer cash-back, travel rewards, and more as you spend. For real estate investors, credit card points can offer some outstanding benefits that can support your business ventures. Here, we break down the top cards for investors and the best credit card points for real estate investments.

The Best Credit Cards for Real Estate Investors

Credit cards allow real estate investors to better manage cash flow and cover unexpected costs that arise in the real estate process, not to mention the rewards they offer. These are the top options for investors.

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

A flexible business card that allows you to go beyond your preset spending limit, the Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express is an excellent resource for investors navigating the unexpected costs of real estate. You don't have to take any enrollment steps, and there are no over-limit fees. As long as you pay the minimum due each month, you can continue to spend over your limit, which can give you the flexibility to push through the fine points of a major deal before paying off the card.

You can earn points on all categories, with 2X points on the first $50,000 in purchases each year and 1X points thereafter.

Annual Fee: $0

Intro Offer: 0% APR for the first 12 months, 50,000 bonus points after $3,000 of eligible purchases within the first 3 months

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

Another $0 annual fee card, the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card offers employee cards at no extra cost, making them a great choice for small investment companies. You can earn 1.5% cash-back for every business purchase — and so can your employees — regardless of category. You can also turn credit card rewards into gift cards, Amazon purchases, or statement credits.

Annual Fee: $0

Intro Offer: 0% APR for the first 12 months, $900 in cash-back rewards after $6,000 of purchases within the first 3 months

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

One of the top-rated personal credit cards on the market, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is an excellent travel card for real estate investors looking to scout new markets. With this card, you earn 5X points on Chase Travel purchases, 3X on dining, and 2X on general travel purchases. You can redeem points for statement credits, travel, points transfer, and more.

Annual Fee: $95

Intro Offer: 60,000 bonus points after $4,000 of purchases within the first 3 months

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

The leveled-up business card from Ink Business Unlimited®, Ink Business Preferred® has a $95 annual fee but much more to offer real estate investors in the way of rewards. You'll earn 3X points on the first $150,000 spent in shopping, advertising, telecoms services, and travel. And you'll enjoy a 25% bonus value for points when you book with Chase Travel. Plus, you can redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel experiences, and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Annual Fee: $95

Intro Offer: 90,000 bonus points after $8,000 of purchases within the first 3 months

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card

An accessible card for real estate investors who may just be starting out, the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card is a no annual fee card. It offers up to 5% cash back on the first $2,000 in purchases on two categories you choose each quarter. So if you know you'll be advertising a new listing one quarter, you can opt to earn higher rewards in that category. If you'll be renovating a listing the next, you can opt for another category. The flexibility allows you to maximize your cash back as you go.

Annual Fee: $0

Intro Offer: 0% APR for the first 15 billing cycles, $200 rewards bonus after $1,000 of eligible purchases within the first 90 days

Citi Double Cash® Card

With this card, you'll earn 1% cash back when you buy something, and 1% in the form of ThankYou® Points when you pay it off (plus 5% cash back on select Citi Travel bookings). Citi allows you to redeem ThankYou® Points as direct deposits, statement credits, or a check by mail, putting literal cash in your pocket.

Annual Fee: $0

Intro Offer: 0% APR for the first 18 months on balance transfers only, $200 bonus cash back after $1,500 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months

Types of Rewards Programs

Different credit card providers offer different rewards programs. The most common you'll see are:

• Cash-back rewards: Cash value returned to the cardholder for card purchases.
• Travel rewards: Points given to the cardholder for use on travel bookings like flights, hotels, and rental cars.
• Points-based rewards: Points given to the cardholder that may be redeemed for statement credits, gift cards, physical items, and more.

Benefits of Credit Card Points for Real Estate Investors

Earning points offers real estate investors a few distinct benefits:

• Enhancing cash flow: Using cards and earning points allow you to avoid dipping into operational costs or discretionary funds.
• Financing property purchases: Points may often be redeemed for physical items that can support your business or properties.
• Covering closing costs: By redeeming points for statement credits or cash, you can get some additional flexibility to finance closing costs.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Credit Card

You always want to get the most out of your rewards card, but there's more to consider before signing up. It's vital to compare interest rates and fees, reward redemption options, and sign-up bonuses and promotions to ensure you're getting the best deal for you and your business. When comparing cards, use MoneyAtlas, a reliable source of card comparisons that can help you make the best choice.