Imprint Credit Cards
Part of taking credit card rewards to the next level means embracing more obscure options. Sure, we can pick up large rewards with the obvious banks. But in a world of increasing application rules, avid points and travel hobbyists can find themselves stuck sooner rather than later. Fortunately, we have options with smaller banks and credit unions and wackier card issuers. Imprint credit cards have been on the scene for a good bit, and perhaps I’m overdue in covering the issuer’s more noteworthy selection here at MTM. That ends today.
A Closer Look at Imprint Credit Cards
Rakuten American Express
I’m starting with perhaps the strongest Imprint card, and the only type I hold. Actually, we hold – my wife and I each have accounts as primary cardholders. Indeed, it’s a solid product, albeit not as lucrative as the old Synchrony version. Launched in mid-2025, the Rakuten Amex currently offers a $100 signup bonus after a cardholder spends $1k in the first 90 days. Occasionally, this welcome offer has been boosted to $200. The SUB appears as a statement credit rather than in the form of Rakuten rewards. Check out DDG’s article for full details – here are the earning highlights:
- 4x in rewards on Rakuten purchases online and in-store, up to $7k spend annually; 1x beyond the cap
- 10x via Rakuten restaurant partners
- 2x at grocery stores and other dining
- 1x everywhere else
These rewards post to your Rakuten portal earnings and transfer to your preferred Rakuten rewards partner, including plain-old cash back. I’m sticking with Amex Membership Rewards, though, and primarily enjoy earning points via those top two bullets from a no-fee card. For what it’s worth, current cardholders can also refer others to the Rakuten Amex and pick up 5k/$50 in additional rewards.
Turkish Airlines Miles & Smiles Premier Visa Signature
Those looking for a more significant welcome offer may want to consider Imprint’s Turkish Airlines card. New cardholders are eligible for a 40k signup bonus – 25k miles after spending $2k within 90 days, and another 15k after spending an additional $6k within the first cardmember year. For those 15k more miles, though, cardholders will need to stick around well beyond year one. According to the card terms, the additional 15k miles will credit within 8-12 weeks of the cardmember’s one-year anniversary date. This $99 annual fee card earns as follows:
- 3x miles on Turkish Airlines purchases
- 2x on dining, groceries, entertainment, and lodging
- 1x everywhere else
But a few more benefits can make the Turkish card substantially more beneficial for certain travelers:
- Complimentary access to Turkish Airlines lounges worldwide
- Earn 125 Status Miles for every $500 spent within a statement cycle, up to 5k per calendar year
- Priority check-in and boarding
Booking.com Genius Rewards Visa Signature
Certain travelers will find the Booking.com Visa attractive, particularly those who already use the site and loyalty program. New cardholders earn $150 in travel credits after spending $1.5k within the first 90 days. The no-fee Booking.com card offers several bonus categories for earning:
- 6% in travel credits on Booking.com stays booked with the Booking.com app
- 5% on flights, stays, car rental, attractions, cruises and airport taxis on Booking.com
- 3% on dining, gas, and groceries
- 2% everywhere else
Cardholders obtain a $100 travel credit bonus after spending $15k in a cardmember year. But like the Turkish card, this won’t show up until 8-12 weeks after cardmember anniversary. Alos, cardholders unlock Genius Level 3 (offering additional discounts and benefits) by simply holding the Booking.com Visa.
Crate & Barrel Visa Signature
But enough about travel – Imprint has an interesting Crate & Barrel card, in addition to a separate CB2 card with the same characteristics. These products come with a small welcome offer of $50 in rewards for spending $1k within the first 90 days outside of Crate & Barrel brands. Right now, cardholders earn 20% back in rewards dollars on all merchandise purchases at Crate & Barrel, Crate & Kids, and CB2. (This expires 26 May, so stay tuned for an updated offer.) Beyond that, these no-fee cards earn as follows:
- 4% back on home retailer and grocery store purchases
- 4% back on apparel retailers through 30 June 2026
- 1% back everywhere else
Finally, cardholders obtain a Milestone Bonus of $100 in rewards after spending $10k within the cardmember year. But here comes that annoying Turkish card aspect again – this $100 reward doesn’t post until 8-12 weeks after card anniversary.
Conclusion
Imprint offers several other cards of varying value, but the above four are probably the attractive ones for most individuals. I do recommend that Shell, H-E-B, and Brooks Brothers shoppers check out those unique card products.
Overall, I’m heartened to see Imprint offers a wider array of credit cards beyond the heavyweights, particularly products unrelated to travel. At this point, the wife and I will keep hitting our Rakuten cards hard but don’t have any current plans to pick up others from this issuer. Obviously, an Imprint card just won’t be the right fit for some. But other hobbyists, particularly ones already ingrained with these businesses and loyalty programs, can do big things here.
Do you hold any Imprint credit cards? Which ones and why?
