What the First Bank of Omaha Credit Card Offers
First Bank of Omaha issues several credit cards, each with different rewards structures and annual fees. The most common is their cash back card, which returns a percentage of purchases in cash rather than points. There is no annual fee on their standard cash back card, making it a low-cost option if you carry a balance or prefer simplicity over bonus categories.
The card's cash back rate varies by card type — some versions offer flat-rate cash back on all purchases, while others offer higher rates in specific categories like gas, groceries, or dining. You earn cash back on every purchase, and the rewards do not expire as long as your account remains open. Cash back can be redeemed as a statement credit, deposited to a First Bank of Omaha checking account, or taken as a check.
First Bank of Omaha also offers a rewards card that earns points instead of cash back. This card typically carries an annual fee and is designed for higher spenders who want accelerated earning in travel and dining categories. The points can be redeemed for travel, merchandise, or cash, though the cash redemption rate is usually lower than the travel value.
Key Takeaways
- First Bank of Omaha's cash back card has no annual fee and returns a flat percentage on all purchases, making it straightforward to understand and use.
- The rewards card carries an annual fee but offers higher earning rates in categories like travel and dining if you spend enough to offset the cost.
- Cash back does not expire as long as your account is open, and you can redeem it as a statement credit, a deposit to your checking account, or a check.
- First Bank of Omaha is a regional bank based in Nebraska, so approval and account management happen through their website or local branches.
- Your credit score, income, and credit history determine whether you are approved and what interest rate you receive on purchases and balances.
Cash Back Card vs. Rewards Card: Which Fits Your Spending
The cash back card makes sense if you want a single card with no annual fee and no category tracking. You earn the same rate on groceries, gas, restaurants, and everything else, so you do not have to remember which card to use or which categories earn more. This simplicity appeals to people who spend less than $10,000 per year on credit cards or who do not want to manage multiple cards.
The rewards card is worth considering only if you spend enough in bonus categories to earn more than the annual fee costs. For example, if the card charges $95 per year and earns 3 points per dollar in travel and dining, you would need to spend roughly $3,200 in those categories annually just to break even. If you spend $8,000 per year in travel and dining, the higher earning rate could net you $150 to $200 in extra value after the fee.
A third option is to hold both cards: use the cash back card for everyday purchases and the rewards card only for travel and dining if you spend heavily in those categories. This approach requires discipline to avoid overspending just to earn rewards, but it can maximize value if your spending patterns are consistent.
Interest Rates, Fees, and Balance Transfers
First Bank of Omaha credit cards carry variable interest rates on purchases and balances, meaning the rate changes when the Federal Reserve adjusts its benchmark rate. Your specific rate depends on your credit score and credit history — applicants with scores above 750 typically receive lower rates than those with scores between 650 and 700. The bank does not publish exact rates online, so you will see a range (such as 16.99% to 24.99%) until you explore.
Both the cash back and rewards cards charge a late fee if you miss a payment, typically $25 to $35 depending on how late the payment is. There is no annual fee on the cash back card. The rewards card carries an annual fee that varies by version, usually between $95 and $150.
First Bank of Omaha does not advertise a balance transfer offer on their standard cards, meaning you cannot transfer debt from another card at a promotional rate. If you carry a balance from another card, you would pay the card's regular interest rate on that balance, which is usually higher than the promotional rates offered by competitors. This makes the card less attractive if you plan to transfer existing debt.
How to Understand Your Credit Score Impact
explore for a First Bank of Omaha credit card triggers a hard inquiry into your credit report, which temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points. This inquiry stays on your report for about two years but stops affecting your score after 12 months. If you explore and are denied, the hard inquiry still appears on your report even though you did not open an account.
Once you open the card, the bank reports your payment history and credit utilization (the percentage of your credit limit you use) to the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Paying on time every month and keeping your balance below 30% of your credit limit helps your score over time. Carrying a high balance or missing payments damages your score and can trigger a higher interest rate.
If you already have several credit cards or recent applications, adding another card can lower your score more than if you applied with a clean history. Space out applications by at least three to six months if you plan to open multiple cards, and only explore for cards you actually intend to use.
Redeeming Cash Back and Managing Your Account
Cash back accumulates in your account as you make purchases and appears on your monthly statement. You can redeem it three ways: as a statement credit (which reduces your balance due), as a direct deposit to a First Bank of Omaha checking account, or as a check mailed to your address. There is no minimum redemption amount, so you can redeem $5 or $500 whenever you choose.
You manage your account through First Bank of Omaha's website or mobile app, where you can view your balance, make payments, set up automatic payments, and track your cash back earnings. The bank also offers text and email alerts for purchases, payment due dates, and account changes. If you have a First Bank of Omaha checking account, you can link your credit card to it for easier transfers and account management.
Cash back does not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing. If you close the card, any unredeemed cash back is typically forfeited, so redeem before closing. Some cards allow you to redeem cash back even after closing, but this varies by card type — check your cardholder agreement or contact the bank to confirm.
Comparing First Bank of Omaha to Other Regional and National Cards
First Bank of Omaha's cash back card competes with flat-rate cards from national issuers like Capital One, Discover, and Chase. The Capital One QuicksilverOne and Discover it Secured both offer 1.5% cash back with no annual fee, matching or exceeding First Bank of Omaha's rate on many versions. The main difference is that First Bank of Omaha is a regional bank, so you may have easier access to customer service through local branches if you live in Nebraska or nearby states.
The rewards card competes with travel-focused cards from Chase, American Express, and Citi, which often offer higher earning rates in travel and dining but also charge higher annual fees. If you travel frequently or spend heavily in bonus categories, a national card may offer better value. If you prefer simplicity and do not travel much, the cash back card from First Bank of Omaha or a competitor may be the better choice.
The key comparison is not the card itself but your spending pattern. A card that earns 2% cash back is only valuable if you actually use it regularly. A card with a $95 annual fee is only worth it if you earn at least $95 in rewards per year. Calculate your expected annual rewards based on your actual spending, subtract any annual fee, and compare that net value across cards before deciding.
When First Bank of Omaha Cards Make Sense for Your Wallet
The cash back card works well if you live in or near Nebraska and already bank with First Bank of Omaha, because you can manage your credit and checking accounts in one place. It also works if you spend less than $10,000 per year on credit cards and want a straightforward, no-fee option without tracking bonus categories. The flat cash back rate means you earn the same reward everywhere, which reduces the mental load of choosing which card to use.
The rewards card makes sense only if you spend at least $5,000 per year in bonus categories (travel, dining, or other categories depending on the card version) and value the ability to redeem points for travel at a higher rate than cash. If you spend less than that, the annual fee will cost more than the extra rewards you earn.
Neither card is ideal if you plan to carry a balance for more than a month or two, because the interest rate will quickly exceed any cash back or rewards value. If you carry a balance regularly, focus on finding a card with a 0% introductory APR period instead, which First Bank of Omaha does not typically offer. Similarly, if you transfer balances from other cards, look for a card with a balance transfer promotion, because First Bank of Omaha's standard cards do not include one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a First Bank of Omaha customer to open a credit card?
No, you can open a First Bank of Omaha credit card without having a checking or savings account with them. However, having an existing account may speed up the process process and make it easier to redeem cash back directly to your checking account. You can explore online, by phone, or at a branch if one is near you.
What credit score do I need to be approved?
First Bank of Omaha does not publish a minimum credit score, but most applicants approved for their cards have scores of 650 or higher. Applicants with scores below 650 may be denied or offered a secured card instead. The best way to know is to check your score before explore — you can view it free through your bank, credit card issuer, or a service like Credit Karma.
Can I use this card internationally?
Yes, First Bank of Omaha credit cards work internationally wherever Visa or Mastercard is accepted (depending on which network your card uses). However, the bank typically charges a foreign transaction fee of 1% to 3% on purchases made outside the United States. If you travel internationally frequently, a card with no foreign transaction fee may save you money.
What happens if I miss a payment?
A missed payment triggers a late fee (usually $25 to $35) and may increase your interest rate if your account is 60 days or more past due. The missed payment also appears on your credit report and damages your credit score. If you miss a payment, contact the bank when ready to bring your account current and ask whether they will waive the late fee as a one-time courtesy.
Can I increase my credit limit after opening the card?
Yes, First Bank of Omaha typically allows you to request a credit limit increase after six months of on-time payments. You can request an increase through your online account or by calling customer service. A higher limit can lower your credit utilization ratio and improve your credit score, but only if you do not increase your spending to match the new limit.