Total Credit Card is a rewards card issued by Capital One that focuses on cash back and travel benefits
Total Credit Card is a cash back rewards card from Capital One designed for people who want to earn rewards on everyday purchases. The card earns a flat rate of cash back on all purchases — the exact rate depends on which version of the card you hold. Unlike cards that offer bonus categories, Total Credit Card applies the same cash back percentage whether you're buying groceries, gas, or plane tickets.
The card does not require an annual fee, which means you can hold it without paying to keep the account open. Capital One reports your account activity to the three major credit bureaus, so responsible use can help build your credit history over time.
Key Takeaways
- Total Credit Card earns a fixed cash back rate on all purchases with no bonus categories or rotating categories to track.
- There is no annual fee, so the card costs nothing to keep open if you don't use it.
- The card reports to all three credit bureaus, which means your payment history can help build credit when managed responsibly.
- Capital One may offer a higher cash back rate to cardholders who demonstrate responsible credit behavior over time.
- Cash back rewards do not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing.
How the Cash Back Rewards Work
Total Credit Card earns cash back at a single rate on every purchase you make. You don't have to set up bonus categories or track which types of spending earn more — the same percentage applies to groceries, gas, dining, travel, and everything else. This simplicity means you earn rewards without thinking about where you're spending.
Cash back accumulates in your rewards account and can be redeemed as a statement credit, a deposit to your bank account, or a check. The rewards do not expire as long as your account stays open and in good standing, so you can let them build if you prefer. Capital One may increase your cash back rate after you've demonstrated a pattern of on-time payments and responsible credit use.
Annual Fee and Other Costs
Total Credit Card has no annual fee. You will not be charged straightforward for holding the card, even if you don't use it. This makes it possible to keep the card open for its credit history benefit without worrying about yearly costs.
Like most credit cards, Total Credit Card charges interest on balances you carry from month to month. The interest rate (APR) varies based on your creditworthiness and current market conditions. If you pay your full statement balance by the due date each month, you won't pay any interest.
Credit Reporting and Credit Building
Capital One reports your Total Credit Card account to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — the three major credit bureaus. This means your payment history, credit utilization, and account age all show up on your credit report. Making on-time payments and keeping your balance low relative to your credit limit can help build your credit score over time.
The card is sometimes used as a stepping stone by people working to establish or rebuild credit, since Capital One is known for considering applicants with limited or damaged credit histories. However, the rewards and features are the same regardless of your credit profile when you're approved.
How to Redeem Your Rewards
You can redeem Total Credit Card cash back in several ways through your Capital One online account or mobile app. A statement credit applies the cash back directly to your card balance, reducing what you owe. A bank transfer deposits the cash back into a checking or savings account you link to your Capital One account, usually within a few business days.
You can also request a check mailed to your address. There is typically no minimum redemption amount, so you can redeem rewards even if you've only earned a small balance. Once redeemed, the cash back is no longer part of your rewards account.
Comparing Total Credit Card to Other Rewards Cards
Total Credit Card's main advantage is simplicity — one cash back rate on everything, no annual fee, and no categories to track. Cards with bonus categories (like 3% on dining and 2% on gas) can earn more if your spending matches those categories, but they require you to remember which card to use for each purchase. Cards with annual fees often offer higher rewards rates or premium benefits that may not be worth the cost unless you spend heavily.
Total Credit Card works best if you prefer a straightforward rewards structure and don't want to manage multiple cards or bonus categories. It's also a reasonable choice if you're rebuilding credit and want a card that reports to all three bureaus without an annual fee. If you spend heavily in specific categories like travel or dining, a card designed around those categories might earn you more rewards overall.
What Happens If You Carry a Balance
If you don't pay your full statement balance by the due date, Capital One charges interest on the remaining balance at your card's APR. The interest accrues daily and is added to your balance each month, which means you pay interest on top of interest if you continue to carry a balance. This can quickly make purchases more expensive than their original price.
The cash back you earn does not offset the interest you pay on a carried balance. For example, if you earn 1.5% cash back but pay 18% APR on a balance, you're losing money overall. To benefit from the rewards, pay your full balance each month or use the card only for purchases you can pay off when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I increase my cash back rate after I'm approved?
Capital One may increase your cash back rate if you demonstrate responsible credit behavior over time, such as making on-time payments and keeping your balance low. There is no formal process to request a rate increase — Capital One reviews accounts periodically and notifies cardholders of increases when they occur.
Do I have to use the card to keep it open?
No, you can keep Total Credit Card open without using it. However, Capital One may close accounts that show no activity for an extended period. Using the card occasionally and paying the balance in full helps may support the account stays active.
What's the credit limit for Total Credit Card?
Credit limits vary based on your creditworthiness and income. Capital One will tell you your credit limit when you're approved. You can request a credit limit increase after you've held the card for a period of time and demonstrated responsible payment history.
Can I transfer a balance from another card to Total Credit Card?
Total Credit Card does not offer balance transfer options. If you want to move debt from another card, you would need to pay it off using a different method or explore for a different card that offers balance transfers.
How long does cash back stay in my account if I don't redeem it?
Cash back rewards do not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing. You can let rewards accumulate indefinitely and redeem them whenever you choose, or redeem them as you earn them.