Rewards optimization

Cashback Rewards Calculator

Enter your typical monthly spending and cashback rate in each category to estimate how much cashback you'll earn this month and this year.

CategoryMonthly spendCashback rateMonthly cashback
—Estimated annual cashback
—Estimated monthly cashback
—Total monthly spend

Calculated on your device. Nothing is uploaded or stored on a server.

How to use the cashback rewards calculator

Edit the monthly spend and cashback rate for each category to match your own card and habits (the defaults are common starting points). Your monthly and annual cashback totals update instantly.

Getting the most from cashback cards

Many cashback cards offer different rates by category — often a higher rate on groceries, dining or gas, and a flat lower rate on everything else. This calculator lets you model your real spending against those rates to see your total expected rewards.

Watch for caps

Many bonus categories cap the amount of spending eligible for the higher rate each quarter or year — check your card's terms and adjust the spend figure if you'd hit a cap.

Stacking cards

Some people use multiple cards, each matched to its strongest category, to maximize the elevated rate on more of their spending.

Cashback rewards calculator FAQ

Common questions, answered.

How is cashback calculated?

For each category, monthly cashback = monthly spend × cashback rate. All categories are added together for your total monthly and annual estimate (monthly × 12).

Does this account for spending caps on bonus categories?

No. If your card caps how much spend qualifies for a bonus rate, reduce the monthly spend figure for that category to the capped amount for a more accurate estimate.

Can I add my own categories?

This calculator uses common preset categories, but you can repurpose the Other row (or reduce another category) to model any additional spending category.

Is cashback taxable?

In most jurisdictions, cashback earned on personal spending is treated as a rebate, not taxable income. Business-related cashback can have different rules — check with a tax professional.

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