Cash Back Calculator
From spend and the cash-back rate, compute the cash rebate you earn; compare flat vs tiered rates and annual cap.
Input Data
Results
At a glance:Cash back = spend x rate. Many HK cards are tiered/capped: a higher rate up to a monthly cap, then a lower base rate. Compare the effective rate on your real spend. Example: HK$10,000/m at 2% = HK$200/m = HK$2,400/y. A 5% rate with a HK$300 monthly cap is only better if your spend hits the cap. WARNING: Watch annual fees, minimum spend, eligible categories, and whether rewards are points (convert at a ratio) vs straight cash. The best card matches where you spend. Education, not advice.
Formula
Cash back = spend × rate ÷ 100.
Net cost = spend − cash back.
$$$CashBack = Spend\\times\\dfrac{Rate\\%}{100}$$$$$$NetCost = Spend - CashBack$$$$$$1{,}000\\times\\dfrac{2\\%}{100}=20$$$How to Use
- Enter your monthly spend.
- Enter the cash-back rate.
- View the monthly and yearly rebate.
FAQ
How is cash back calculated?
Cash back = monthly spend x rate. Example: HK$10,000 at 2% = HK$200/month, HK$2,400/year. For a tiered card, split the spend into the capped high-rate band and the base-rate band and sum them.
Why do caps matter?
A high headline rate (e.g. 5%) often applies only up to a monthly cap (e.g. HK$300), then drops to ~1%. If your spend exceeds the cap, the extra earns the base rate, so the effective rate falls. Compare the effective rate past your typical spend, not the headline.
Are rewards always cash?
No. Many cards give points/miles redeemable for cash, vouchers or travel at a conversion ratio. The real value depends on the redemption; a 'rich' points rate may be worth less than it looks. Prefer cards whose rewards you actually use at a good rate.
Should I chase the highest cash-back card?
Pick by where you spend. A card with 5% on dining beats 2% on everything only if you dine a lot. Also net out the annual fee and any minimum-spend requirement; a fee can eat the rebate. The right card matches your spending pattern, not the biggest number.
Any Hong Kong notes?
Hong Kong has many card reward schemes with categories, caps and welcome offers that change often. Read the terms (eligible merchants, cap, fee) and the IFEC's guidance on responsible card use. Cash back is a rebate, not a reason to overspend; pay in full monthly to avoid interest that wipes out the rebate. Education, not advice.
Related Tools
References
Content review: Calculatorism Finance Team. Results are for reference only; please refer to the relevant authorities for the official figures.