Sallie Mae Evolve Credit Card Review: $200 Welcome Bonus, 2% Cash Back in Your Top Spending Categories, No Annual Fee

Sallie Mae Evolve Credit Card

Benefits

• 2% cash back in your top spending categories: Among the categories below, your top two spending categories can earn 2% cash back. Automotive, Dining, Entertainment, Gas, Grocery and Drug Stores, Healthcare, Home Improvement, Personal Services, Professional Services, Retail Outlets and Stores, Schools and Government, Utilities, Wholesale Clubs (official terms)
• 15 months of 0% APR on purchases after account opening: You only need to pay the minimum payment on purchases to avoid additional interest during the promo period. For practical usage, see: How to Use 0% APR Purchase and Balance Transfer Offers
• 0% APR on balance transfers: You need to complete the balance transfer within 60 days after opening the card. For practical usage, see: How to Use 0% APR Purchase and Balance Transfer Offers
• Cell phone protection: If you pay your monthly cell phone bill with this card, you automatically get cell phone protection for up to 3 phones (the primary cardholder plus the first two family members). Each claim covers up to $600 with a $50 deductible, and coverage is capped at $1,000 per 12 months. See also: Guide to Credit Card Cell Phone Protection Benefits

My Take

This card earns 1.5% cash back on all purchases, but your top categories can earn 2% cash back, so it can still be a solid card to use for everyday spending. If you can’t get the 2% cash back Citi Double Cash, this is still worth considering. The 15-month 0% APR can help if your cash flow is tight. And cell phone protection for up to 3 phones is also a nice highlight.

Application

• If you previously applied for Sallie Mae’s old grocery card (now long discontinued), it felt relatively easy to get approved for

Application Link