Do Thrift and Consignment Stores Earn a Bonus?
How secondhand stores code
A thrift, consignment, or vintage store rings up under a used-merchandise or secondhand retail category code, outside the usual bonus buckets like dining and groceries, so most cards earn their base rate. Online resale marketplaces can code as that platform instead, a case similar to eBay and marketplace purchases.
Some shops are cash-only
Independent thrift shops, church sales, and small consignment stores sometimes accept only cash, which earns nothing on a card. Larger thrift chains and consignment stores usually take cards, where you earn the base rate. Check before assuming you can pay by card and earn.
The best card for thrifting
Since secondhand shopping has no bonus category, a strong flat-rate card earns the most. Run your spending through the rewards calculator to find the best base-return card, and compare the flat options in best cash back cards.
Frequently asked questions
Related reading
