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1-2-3 REWARDS® Visa® Card Review: Maximize Your Grocery and Fuel Savings
What Is the 1-2-3 REWARDS® Visa® Card?
The 1-2-3 REWARDS Visa Card is a co-branded credit card offered by Kroger in partnership with U.S. Bank National Association. This card is designed to reward shoppers who frequently visit Kroger stores and fuel centers. It offers tiered rewards on purchases made at Kroger and its family of stores, as well as on other everyday spending categories.
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1-2-3 REWARDS® Visa® Card Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Earn 3% cash back on Kroger Pay purchases
- 2% cash back on purchases at Kroger stores and fuel centers
- 1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases
- No annual fee
- Redeem fuel points for discounts at Kroger fuel centers
- Mobile wallet compatibility (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay)
- Access to online and mobile banking
Cons:
- Rewards are limited to Kroger and its family of stores
- Lower rewards rate compared to some competing grocery credit cards
- Fuel discounts are location-dependent
- Rewards expire after 36 months
Who Is the 1-2-3 REWARDS® Visa® Card For?
The 1-2-3 REWARDS Visa Card is ideal for frequent Kroger shoppers who want to maximize their savings on groceries and fuel. This card is particularly beneficial for:
- Kroger loyalists: If you do most of your grocery shopping at Kroger stores, this card can help you earn rewards on your regular purchases.
- Fuel-conscious consumers: The ability to redeem fuel points for discounts at Kroger fuel centers can lead to significant savings for those who drive frequently.
- Kroger Pay users: The 3% cash back on Kroger Pay purchases incentivizes the use of this mobile payment method.
- Budget-conscious shoppers: With no annual fee, this card allows you to earn rewards without an additional cost.
- Families: Large households that spend a significant amount on groceries can benefit from the rewards structure.
Comparing 1-2-3 REWARDS Visa Card with Other Credit Cards
When considering the 1-2-3 REWARDS Visa Card, it's helpful to compare it with other popular options in the cash back credit card category:
- Annual fee: $0
- Sign-up bonus: Cash bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 5% on travel purchased through Chase, 3% on dining and drugstores, 1.5% on all other purchases
- Standout feature: Flexible redemption options including cash back, travel, and gift cards
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card (rates & fees):
- Annual fee: $0
- Sign-up bonus: Cash bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 3% on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and grocery stores
- Standout feature: No foreign transaction fees
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express (rates & fees):
- Annual fee: $0
- Welcome offer: Cash bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 3% at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year), 2% at U.S. gas stations and select U.S. department stores. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout
- Standout feature: 0% Intro APR period of 15 months on purchases and balance transfers (18.74% - 29.74% variable APR after)
Each card offers unique benefits tailored to different spending habits and preferences. Consider your personal financial goals when choosing the best card for you.
Key Takeaways:
- 1-2-3 REWARDS Visa Card is best for frequent Kroger shoppers
- Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers diverse category bonuses
- Capital One SavorOne rewards dining and entertainment spending
- Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express provides strong rewards on everyday purchases
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Consider Using Kudos
While the 1-2-3 REWARDS Visa Card offers solid benefits for Kroger shoppers, it's worth considering a tool like Kudos to maximize your credit card rewards across all your spending. Kudos is a free AI-powered browser extension that helps you get the most out of your credit cards whenever you shop online.
With Kudos, you can:
- Receive personalized credit card recommendations for each purchase
- Shop at over 15,000 stores and earn rewards
- Multiply your rewards up to 5X during exclusive "Flash Boost" events
- Discover new cards that align with your spending habits
If you're looking to get more out of your credit cards, Kudos is the best free shopping app to use when you shop online. And, they're currently offering $20 back after your first eligible purchase — just sign-up for free with code "GET20" and make a purchase at a Boost merchant.
Our Expert takeaway
The 1-2-3 REWARDS Visa Card is a solid choice for dedicated Kroger shoppers who frequently use Kroger Pay and fill up at Kroger fuel centers. Its tiered rewards structure and fuel discounts can lead to significant savings for the right user. However, its rewards are limited to the Kroger family of stores, which may not be ideal for those who shop at various retailers.
For consumers looking to maximize their rewards across all spending categories, using a tool like Kudos in conjunction with this card could be a smart strategy. Kudos can help you navigate which card to use for each purchase, ensuring you always get the best rewards possible.
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1-2-3 REWARDS® Visa® Card FAQ
How do I redeem my rewards from the 1-2-3 REWARDS® Visa® Card?
Rewards are automatically redeemed as a statement credit in $5 increments when your balance reaches $25 or more.
Can I use my 1-2-3 REWARDS® Visa® Card with mobile wallets?
Yes, the card is compatible with Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and Garmin Pay.
Do my rewards expire?
Yes, rewards expire 36 months from the date they're earned.
Can I earn fuel points with this card?
Yes, you can earn fuel points on eligible purchases, which can be redeemed for discounts at Kroger fuel centers.
Is there a sign-up bonus for new cardmembers?
Sign-up bonuses may vary. Check the current offer when applying for the most up-to-date information.
Can I use this card at all Kroger family stores?
Yes, the card can be used at all stores in the Kroger family, including Fred Meyer, Ralphs, and others.
Is there a foreign transaction fee?
Yes, there is a foreign transaction fee. Check the card's terms and conditions for the current rate.
Remember, while the 1-2-3 REWARDS® Visa® Card offers specific benefits for Kroger shoppers, using a tool like Kudos can help you maximize rewards across all your credit cards and online shopping experiences.
Supercharge Your Credit Cards
Experience smarter spending with Kudos and unlock more from your credit cards. Earn $20.00 when you sign up for Kudos with "GET20" and make an eligible Kudos Boost purchase.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
