Fortiva® Credit Card Cash Back Rewards Explained: Up to 3% Back on Everyday Spending

For consumers with less-than-perfect credit, finding a rewards credit card that actually offers valuable returns can be difficult. The Fortiva® Mastercard breaks that mold with a rare feature in this category—up to 3% cash back on some of the most common household expenses.

If you’re approved for this card, here’s what you need to know to get the most out of every purchase.


🏷️ Fortiva Cash Back Categories Breakdown

The Fortiva® Mastercard automatically earns rewards in two tiers:

🔹 3% Cash Back

Earn 3% back on:

  • Gas station purchases
  • Grocery store purchases
  • Utility bill payments

These categories align with everyday necessities, making it easier to passively earn rewards just by using the card for routine spending.

🔹 1% Cash Back

Earn 1% back on:

  • All other eligible purchases, including dining, retail, and entertainment

Transactions like balance transfers, interest charges, and fees are not eligible for cash back.

Wondering how to earn the most in these categories? Here’s how to use Fortiva for gas, groceries, and utilities effectively →


🧾 How Are Rewards Tracked and Redeemed?

Cash back is calculated automatically and applied to your account as long as:

  • The transaction posts (pending charges don’t count)
  • The purchase is not refunded or disputed

You don’t need to activate categories or enroll—everything happens in the background. Rewards remain active as long as your account is in good standing.


💡 Why Fortiva’s Cash Back Is Different

Most credit cards available to individuals with fair or bad credit don’t offer any rewards at all—or they cap them at low limits. Fortiva’s 3% category is uncapped, meaning there’s no maximum to how much you can earn each month.

Combined with the fact that it’s an unsecured card with no deposit required, this puts Fortiva in a class of its own.

Not sure if you’re eligible? Start with a soft pull—see how Fortiva’s prequalification works →


📌 Tip: How to Maximize Your Fortiva Rewards

  • Set up utility bills to auto-pay with your Fortiva card
  • Use it for grocery and gas purchases instead of debit
  • Pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges that cancel out your rewards
  • Track rewards via your online account to stay on top of what you’ve earned

Ready to apply? Read our full Fortiva Mastercard review to weigh the pros and cons →


🏁 Bottom Line: Fortiva Rewards Work for Real Life

The Fortiva® Mastercard isn’t just for rebuilding your credit—it’s designed to reward responsible spending. With up to 3% back on common expenses and no deposit needed, it’s one of the few cash back cards for fair credit that gives something meaningful in return.

See how Fortiva stacks up against secured cards and other options for bad credit →
Using your Fortiva for gas, groceries, and bills? Learn how to make the most of it →

Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

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