# What a cashback offer actually tells you.

Canonical page: https://finanzer.ai/learn/cashback

> A reward rate is the beginning of the comparison. Eligibility, caps, timing and costs determine how the programme works for your spending.

A reward rate is the beginning of the comparison. Eligibility, caps, timing and costs determine how the programme works for your spending.

## Start with purchases that qualify.

The rate applies under the programme’s rules, not necessarily to every payment.

### Eligible transactions

Review merchant categories, purchase types and exclusions before estimating rewards.

### Rate and limits

Check spending bands, caps and whether the offer changes after a campaign period.

### Payment and timing

Understand the reward currency, settlement conditions and redemption method.

## Pending is not the same as earned.

A reward can be visible while the underlying purchase is still being assessed or settled. Refunds, reversals and programme conditions can affect the amount that becomes available.

[Card spending and rewards](https://finanzer.ai/personal/cards)

## Compare both sides of the relationship.

A reward programme does not remove the cost of the card or its credit facility.

| Value or cost | What to include |

| --- | --- |

| Cashback | Rewards on spending that qualifies under the programme. |

| Card charges | Any applicable setup, subscription, annual or transaction fees. |

| Borrowing cost | Interest and fees on credit used, under the agreement. |

| Currency costs | Applicable conversion and cross-currency transaction charges. |

## Before you decide.

### Does cashback make a purchase free?

No. It rewards qualifying spending under the programme. The purchase cost and any borrowing obligations still apply.

### Can I use a personal rate to estimate company rewards?

No. Personal and Business programmes can have different terms. Use the schedule for the account making the purchase.

### Is cashback investment income?

No. It is a spending reward. Investment returns come from a separate activity and have their own risks and terms.

## Use the terms for the way you spend.

Compare the applicable Personal or Business programme before choosing a card.

[Explore Finanzer cashback](https://finanzer.ai/personal/rewards)

[Compare costs and terms](https://finanzer.ai/pricing)