Imprint Launches Credit Cards from H-E-B and Central Market  Imprint Launches Credit Cards from H-E-B and Central Market 
H-E-B and Central Market  credit cards

Imprint Launches Credit Cards from H-E-B and Central Market 

The FinTech Imprint is partnering with the popular Texas-based grocery chain H-E-B for a pair of new rewards credit cards. This week saw the launch of the H-E-B Visa Signature Credit Card as well as the Central Market Visa Signature Credit Card. With these two (nearly identical) options, customers will be able to earn rewards on groceries and beyond.

First, both versions of the card earn up to 5% back on select purchases at H-E-B, Central Market, Joe V’s Smart Shop, and Mi Tienda stores. Interestingly, in order to earn 5%, customers must purchase items that are part of the H-E-B family of brands. These include H-E-B, Central Market, Hill Country Fare, Field & Future, Kodi, Cocinaware, GTC, and more.

However, the card also earns 5% cashback on all Favor Delivery orders with no specifications about the items eligible. Meanwhile, all other purchases — including those made at H-E-B stores but for non-H-E-B brand products — will earn 1.5% cashback. Earned cashback can then be redeemed as a statement credit, a physical check, or a deposit to a linked bank account. 

Although neither card seems to be offering a welcome bonus, H-E-B is enticing customers with a different limited-time perk. According to their press release, the first 20,000 applicants approved for an H-E-B Visa Credit Card will be able to claim a special edition metal card. Similarly, the first 10,000 applicants approved for the Central Market card will be eligible for a different metal card design.

Of note, at this time, applications for the new card are not available in stores. Instead, prospective cardholders can submit an application online or via the Imprint app. Once approved, a virtual card will be immediately available for use while the physical card is shipped. Neither the H-E-B Visa Signature card nor the Central Market Visa Signature card carries an annual fee.

Overall, there are some interesting aspects of the H-E-B Visa Signature Card — although not all of them are interesting in a good way. Starting with the upside, having a 1.5% cashback base is nice considering that most credit cards have a 1% floor. Plus, seeing as the card is a Visa, there are plenty of places where customers will be able to use the card. The fact that the card earns real cashback rather than store-specific rewards is also a benefit.

As for the drawbacks, the 5% category not only being limited to H-E-B Grocery Company stores but also to specific items seems incredibly strange and restrictive. Moreover, it’s unclear how exactly transactions that contain a mix of items will work or how the credit card is able to discern that eligible items were purchased. Granted, given the variety of H-E-B brand products that are available, this might be fairly moot, but it’s still a major question worth considering.

Also, making the credit card even less viable is the fact that H-E-B recently introduced a rewards debit card as well. That offering features the same 5% back on H-E-B brand products, but does drop the 1.5% everywhere else perk. Still, for most people, using the debit card for H-E-B purchasing and using a 2% flat rate card elsewhere is likely a better strategy than adding either one of these new credit card picks to your wallet.

The "Email" field is empty, you must enter some text to proceed.The text you entered in the "Email" field appears to be invalid, please edit it and try again
Get the Latest News Delivered to Your Inbox

FedEx Announces Winners of 11th Annual 2023 Small Business Grant Contest

Nearly three months after the entry period ended, FedEx has announced the winners of its 11th annual Small Business Grant Content. This year's event saw more than $300,000 in funds going to a variety of small businesses across the nation. Last month, the company revealed 100 finalists, with that list now being narrowed down to just 10 winners. This year's grand prize winners included KindVR, The Cupcake Collection, Up In...
Summer app

Student Loan Benefit FinTech Summer Raises $6 Million

For years, student debt has been one of the most talked about financial topics. What's more, while the debt itself has become a major part of many Americans' lives, discussion of student loans has become political due to efforts to forgive certain loan repayments. However, while we wait for resolution on that front, a FinTech that brings student debt benefit solutions to employers and consumers has raised a new round...
H-E-B and Central Market  credit cards

Imprint Launches Credit Cards from H-E-B and Central Market 

The FinTech Imprint is partnering with the popular Texas-based grocery chain H-E-B for a pair of new rewards credit cards. This week saw the launch of the H-E-B Visa Signature Credit Card as well as the Central Market Visa Signature Credit Card. With these two (nearly identical) options, customers will be able to earn rewards on groceries and beyond. First, both versions of the card earn up to 5% back on select...
Melissa Urban holding a Ness card

Health and Wellness Rewards Card Ness Partners with Whole30

In recent years, several unique rewards cards have come to market. These include offerings from FinTech startups as well as brands looking to do something special for their loyal fans. On that note, a recently-announced rewards credit card offering is now working with a popular brand to introduce new benefits for customers. This week, the Ness Card (which is issued by The Bank of Missouri) unveiled a new partnership with...
Choice Privileges Select Card

Choice Hotels, Wells Fargo Debut Choice Privileges Select Card

With spring well underway and the summer travel season now just around the corner, Choice Hotels and Wells Fargo have unveiled their latest co-branded credit card offering. Today, the two companies announced the Choice Privileges Select Mastercard. Carrying an annual fee of $95, this card will serve as the premium option in the hotel brand's new lineup. Looking at the Choice Privileges Select, it offers a mix of rewards categories....