What the TD Cash Credit Card offers
The TD Cash Credit Card is a flat-rate cash back card issued by TD Bank. It returns 1.5% cash back on all purchases with no bonus categories, no rotating categories, and no caps on how much you can earn. There is an annual fee of $39, which means you need to spend at least $2,600 in a year for the cash back to cover the fee itself.
The card is designed for people who want simplicity over complexity — no need to track which categories earn more, no need to set up categories, no quarterly spending caps. You get the same rate whether you buy groceries, gas, or plane tickets. The cash back posts as a statement credit automatically each month.
Key Takeaways
- The card earns 1.5% cash back on all purchases with no category restrictions, and the cash back appears as a monthly statement credit automatically.
- The $39 annual fee means you need roughly $2,600 in annual spending for the cash back to break even.
- There is no sign-up bonus, no foreign transaction fees, and no rotating categories to track.
- The card works best for people who spend consistently across many categories and want a single straightforward rate rather than chasing bonus categories.
How the cash back and annual fee work together
At 1.5% cash back, you earn $15 for every $1,000 you spend. The $39 annual fee means you break even at $2,600 in annual spending ($2,600 × 0.015 = $39). Below that threshold, the fee costs you money. Above it, you come out ahead.
The cash back posts as a statement credit each month, so you do not have to wait until the end of the year to see the benefit. If you spend $200 in a month, you see a $3 credit on your next statement. This is different from cards that hold cash back until you redeem it or that require you to transfer it to a bank account.
There is no sign-up bonus, so you do not get an extra boost in the first few months. You earn cash back only on purchases you actually make.
When this card makes financial sense
The TD Cash works best if you spend more than $2,600 per year and your spending is spread across many categories. If you buy groceries, gas, restaurants, and travel at similar rates, a flat-rate card beats a bonus-category card because you do not miss out on high-earning categories.
It also works if you want to avoid tracking. Bonus-category cards require you to remember which categories earn 3% or 5% in a given quarter, or to set up categories before they work. The TD Cash removes that friction — every purchase earns the same rate.
The card is less useful if your spending is heavily concentrated in one or two categories. For example, if you spend $5,000 per year on groceries and $500 on everything else, a card that earns 3% on groceries and 1% elsewhere would earn you more. Similarly, if you spend less than $2,600 per year, the annual fee will cost you money.
How it compares to other flat-rate cards
The main competitor to the TD Cash is the Citi Double Cash, which also earns 1.5% cash back on all purchases but has no annual fee. The Citi card is mathematically superior — you get the same rate without paying $39 per year. The only reason to choose the TD Cash over the Citi Double Cash is if you have a strong relationship with TD Bank and value the convenience of having your credit card and checking account at the same institution.
The Capital One Quicksilver earns 1.5% cash back with no annual fee and includes a sign-up bonus of $200 after you spend $500 in the first three months. Again, this beats the TD Cash on both the fee and the bonus.
If you want to compare the TD Cash to bonus-category cards, the math depends on your spending pattern. A card like the Chase Freedom Unlimited earns 1.5% cash back with no annual fee and a sign-up bonus, making it superior to the TD Cash in almost every scenario. However, if you want a card from TD Bank specifically, the TD Cash is the flat-rate option available.
Annual fee, foreign transactions, and other costs
The $39 annual fee is charged once per year and does not waive after a period of inactivity. You pay it whether you use the card or not. There is no foreign transaction fee, so you can use the card internationally without paying extra on top of the 1.5% cash back.
There is no penalty APR structure published differently from standard cards — if you carry a balance, you pay the card's standard purchase APR, which varies by creditworthiness. The cash back does not explore to balance transfers or cash advances, only to regular purchases.
Who should consider this card and who should look elsewhere
Choose the TD Cash if you bank with TD, spend more than $2,600 per year, and want a single straightforward rate with no category tracking. It is also worth considering if you travel internationally and want to avoid foreign transaction fees while earning cash back.
Look elsewhere if you spend less than $2,600 per year (the fee will cost you money), if your spending is concentrated in bonus categories (a category card will earn more), or if you want a sign-up bonus (most competitors offer one and the TD Cash does not). If you do not bank with TD, the Citi Double Cash or Capital One Quicksilver are stronger choices because they offer the same or better rates with no annual fee.
How to use the card strategically
To maximize the value of this card, put all your regular spending on it — groceries, gas, utilities, restaurants, travel. Since there are no bonus categories, there is no reason to split spending across multiple cards. Every dollar you charge earns 1.5% back.
Keep the card open even in months when you do not use it, because closing it will hurt your credit score by reducing your available credit and shortening your credit history. The $39 annual fee is worth paying if you are spending above the break-even point, but if you drop below $2,600 per year, consider downgrading to a no-fee TD card instead of closing the account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the TD Cash have a sign-up bonus?
No. The card offers no introductory bonus, so you earn cash back only on purchases you make after opening the account. Other flat-rate cards like the Capital One Quicksilver and Citi Double Cash include sign-up bonuses, which is one reason they are often better choices.
Can I use this card outside the United States?
Yes. There is no foreign transaction fee, so you pay only the 1.5% cash back rate plus whatever currency conversion fee your bank charges (which is typically 1% to 2%). You can use the card at merchants and ATMs abroad without extra charges from TD.
What happens to my cash back if I close the card?
Any cash back you have earned will remain as a statement credit on your account. Closing the card does not forfeit the rewards you have already accumulated. However, you will stop earning cash back on new purchases once the account is closed.
Is the 1.5% rate may provide, or can it change?
The rate can change at any time at TD Bank's discretion, though issuers typically notify cardholders before lowering rewards rates. The current rate is 1.5%, but you should check TD's website or your cardholder agreement for the most current terms.
How does this card affect my credit score?
Opening the card will cause a small temporary dip from a hard inquiry. Over time, the card will help your credit score by adding to your available credit and payment history, as long as you pay on time and keep your balance low relative to your credit limit.