Unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, 5% in quarterly bonus categories and a 15-month 0% intro APR, all with no annual fee. It’s the card we’d hand to almost anyone who wants rewards without the homework.
The bottom line
The Brightline Cash Plus Card pays a strong flat rate on everything and adds a rotating 5% category on top. If you want one no-fee card that’s good at everything, this is it. Frequent travelers should pair it with a card that has no foreign transaction fees.
Brightline Cash Plus Card
- Annual fee:$0
- Rewards rate:2%–5% cash back
- Intro offer:$200 bonus
- Intro APR:0% for 15 months
- Regular APR:19.49%–28.49% Variable
- Credit score:670–850 (Good–Excellent)
Rates & fees apply. Offer terms set by the issuer.
Pros and cons
- No annual fee
- Unlimited 2% cash back
- 0% intro APR for 15 months
- Cash back never expires
- 3% foreign transaction fee
- Rotating categories need activation
Detailed review
Most cash back cards make you choose: a simple flat rate, or higher rewards in categories you have to track. Brightline gives you both. Every purchase earns at least 2%, and each quarter a set of categories, like groceries, gas or online shopping, earns 5% on up to $1,500 once you activate it.
The $200 welcome bonus is easy to earn with $1,000 of spending in the first three months, and the 15-month 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers gives you breathing room for a big purchase.
Brightline Cash Plus: the basics
- Card type: Cash back
- Annual fee: $0
- Sign-up bonus: $200 after you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months
- Intro APR: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months
- Interest rate: 19.49%–28.49% Variable APR
- Foreign transaction fees: 3%
Ongoing rewards
- 5% cash back in quarterly bonus categories, on up to $1,500 (activation required)
- 2% cash back on all other purchases
- No caps on the 2% rate, and cash back never expires
How do you redeem cash back?
Redeem for a statement credit, a direct deposit into a bank account or a check, starting at $1. Every redemption is worth exactly 1 cent per cent earned, so there is nothing to optimize.
Ledgerly tip
Set a calendar reminder at the start of each quarter to activate the 5% categories. If you forget, those purchases still earn 2%, but you leave money on the table.
Benefits and perks
- No annual fee so every dollar of cash back is profit.
- Cell phone protection up to $600 when you pay your monthly bill with the card.
- Purchase protection covers new items against damage or theft for 120 days.
- Free credit score updated monthly in the Brightline app.
Drawbacks and considerations
Foreign transaction fees. You’ll pay 3% on purchases abroad, so leave this card at home when you travel.
Categories need activation. The 5% rate only applies after you opt in each quarter.
Compare to other cards
-
Keystone Everyday Cash Card
$150 cash bonus
- Annual fee:$0
- Rewards rate:1%–3% cash back
- Intro offer:$150 bonus
- Intro APR:0% for 12 months
- Regular APR:19.99%–28.99% Variable
- Credit score:670–850 (Good–Excellent)
Rates & fees apply. Offer terms set by the issuer.
-
Atlas Business Unlimited Card
$750 bonus cash
- Annual fee:$0
- Rewards rate:1.5% cash back
- Intro offer:$750 bonus
- Regular APR:18.49%–24.49% Variable
- Credit score:690–850 (Good–Excellent)
Rates & fees apply. Offer terms set by the issuer.
-
Harbor Bank Clear Balance Card
0% APR for 21 months
- Annual fee:$0
- Rewards rate:None
- Intro APR:0% for 21 months
- Transfer fee:5% (min $5)
- Regular APR:18.99%–29.24% Variable
- Credit score:670–850 (Good–Excellent)
Rates & fees apply. Offer terms set by the issuer.
Is it right for you?
If you want one card that earns solid rewards everywhere without an annual fee, the Brightline Cash Plus Card is hard to beat. Pair it with a travel card if you go abroad often.
Flat 2% back on everything, 5% in rotating categories and a long 0% intro APR on purchases, with no annual fee.
Rates & fees apply. Offer terms set by the issuer.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Brightline Cash Plus Card have an annual fee?
No. There is no annual fee.
How does the 5% category work?
Each quarter, a new set of categories earns 5% on up to $1,500 in purchases after you activate them in the app or online.
Can I transfer a balance to this card?
Yes. Balance transfers get the same 0% intro APR for 15 months, with a 3% transfer fee.