Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card Review

As a financial expert, I understand the importance of choosing the right credit card to maximize your financial benefits. The Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard® is a credit card designed for individuals who frequently shop at Kroger-owned stores and seek substantial rewards on their spending. This in-depth review will provide insights into the card’s features, benefits, pros and cons, and key takeaways to help you determine if this card aligns with your financial goals.

Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard® Key Takeaways

The Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard® offers a diversified range of cash back rewards tailored to different spending categories. Here are the key takeaways:
– 5% Cash Back on mobile wallet purchases for the first $3,000, then 1% thereafter.
– 2% Cash Back at Kroger-owned stores.
– 1% Cash Back on all other spending.
– 48.24% Save an additional 55¢ per gallon of fuel when redeeming at least 100 fuel points at Kroger Fuel Centers for the first year.
– $0 Annual Fee making it a cost-effective option.
– Variable APR ranging from 19.24% to 29.99%.
– No Intro APR period, meaning interest on purchases starts accruing based on your APR range immediately.
– No Foreign Transaction Fees, which is beneficial for international travelers.
– Good Credit Score Requirement: Applicants generally need a good credit score (670-739) to be approved.

Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard® Pros and Cons

Pros

No Annual Fee

One of the standout features of the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard® is the absence of an annual fee. This makes it an attractive option for those who want to earn cash back rewards without the burden of an annual fee eating into their rewards.

High Cash Back on Mobile Wallet Purchases

The 5% cash back on mobile wallet purchases for the first $3,000 is a significant incentive for users who frequently use mobile payment methods such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay. After reaching the $3,000 threshold, the cash back rate drops to 1%, which is still competitive.

Exclusive Fuel Savings

Cardholders can save an additional 55¢ per gallon of fuel when redeeming at least 100 fuel points at Kroger Fuel Centers for the first year. This is an excellent perk for individuals who regularly purchase fuel from Kroger Fuel Centers.

2% Cash Back at Kroger-Owned Stores

Earning 2% cash back on purchases made at Kroger-owned stores is beneficial for loyal Kroger shoppers. This reward rate can add up quickly, especially for those who do their grocery shopping at Kroger.

No Foreign Transaction Fees

For those who travel internationally, the absence of foreign transaction fees is a valuable benefit. This means you can use your card abroad without incurring additional charges on your purchases.

Cons

No Intro APR Period

Unlike some other credit cards that offer an introductory 0% APR period on purchases or balance transfers, the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard® does not have this feature. This means that interest on purchases will start accruing based on your variable APR, which ranges from 19.24% to 29.99%.

Higher APR for Cash Advances

The APR for cash advances is 29.99% variable, which is relatively high. Additionally, there are fees associated with cash advances, either 5% of the amount of each advance or $10 minimum, whichever is greater.

Limited High Cash Back Categories

While the card offers 5% cash back on mobile wallet purchases and 2% cash back at Kroger-owned stores, the 1% cash back on all other spending may not be as competitive compared to other cash back cards that offer higher rewards in more categories.

Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard® Benefits

Cash Back Rewards

The Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard® offers a tiered cash back rewards system designed to cater to various spending habits:
– 5% Cash Back on Mobile Wallet Purchases: This benefit is particularly advantageous for tech-savvy consumers who prefer using mobile payment methods. The 5% cash back rate is applicable for the first $3,000 in purchases, after which it drops to 1%.
– 2% Cash Back at Kroger-Owned Stores: Loyal Kroger shoppers will appreciate the 2% cash back on purchases made at Kroger-owned stores. This can significantly boost your cash back earnings if you frequently shop for groceries and other essentials at Kroger.
– 1% Cash Back on All Other Spending: While the 1% cash back rate on all other spending is not the highest in the market, it still provides a steady stream of rewards on everyday purchases.

Fuel Savings

One of the unique benefits of the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard® is the additional 55¢ per gallon savings on fuel when you redeem at least 100 fuel points at Kroger Fuel Centers for the first year. Given the fluctuating prices of fuel, this benefit can result in substantial savings for those who regularly fill up at Kroger Fuel Centers.

No Annual Fee

The absence of an annual fee makes the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard® a cost-effective option for earning rewards. You can maximize your cash back earnings without worrying about an annual fee cutting into your rewards.

No Foreign Transaction Fees

For cardholders who travel internationally, the lack of foreign transaction fees is a significant advantage. You can use your card abroad without incurring additional charges on your purchases, making it a convenient option for international travel.

Additional Benefits

As a World Elite Mastercard®, the card comes with several additional benefits, including:
– Mastercard Concierge Service: Access to 24/7 concierge service for assistance with travel bookings, restaurant reservations, and more.
– Mastercard ID Theft Protection: Monitoring and alerts for potential identity theft incidents.
– Priceless Cities: Exclusive access to unique experiences and offers in select cities worldwide.
– Protection Benefits: Purchase protection, extended warranty, and travel insurance benefits.

Conclusion

The Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard® is a valuable credit card for individuals who frequently shop at Kroger-owned stores and use mobile wallet payment methods. With its tiered cash back rewards system, substantial fuel savings, and absence of an annual fee, the card offers several benefits that can enhance your financial well-being.
However, the lack of an introductory APR period and the relatively high APR for cash advances may be drawbacks for some users. Additionally, the 1% cash back rate on all other spending may not be as competitive compared to other cash back credit cards in the market.
Overall, if you are a loyal Kroger shopper and use mobile wallet payment methods frequently, the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard® can be a rewarding addition to your wallet. By taking advantage of its cash back rewards and fuel savings, you can maximize your financial benefits and enjoy the convenience of a versatile credit card.
Remember to carefully review the terms and conditions, interest rates, and fees associated with the card to ensure it aligns with your financial goals and spending habits. With thoughtful consideration and strategic use, the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard® can be a valuable tool in your financial arsenal.