Rico or XP: comparing the benefits and advantages of credit cards

If you've been researching credit options, it's natural that you've asked yourself "Rich or XP?”.

Investment credit cards have become popular in the Brazilian financial market, offering features beyond traditional banking services. 

Today, two of the main players in this segment are the Rico card, from the Rico brokerage firm, and the XP card, from XP Investimentos. 

Both offer attractive options for those looking to maximize their credit utilization while investing. This begs the question: Rich or XP, what is the best credit card for your profile?

In this article, we'll explore each card's features in detail, evaluating benefits, fees, and specific features. This way, we'll understand how each card positions itself in the market and which offers the best conditions for discerning users who want to combine credit and investments. 

Finally, with updated data and a complete analysis, we will see which is the most advantageous: Rich or XP. Follow below:

Cashback programs: direct returns for the investor

The main differentiator between the Rico and XP credit cards is their cashback programs, as the idea is to attract customers who want to see their everyday purchases converted into direct financial returns, invested automatically.

The XP card offers 1% cashback on all purchases, and the accumulated amount is automatically converted into an investment in the customer's XP account, with no additional fees.

Therefore, the advantage is that, unlike many traditional programs, cashback here is not limited to points for exchange. 

According to XP's own data, customers who accumulate cashback for a year can significantly increase their investment reserves with regular use of the card.

But, in comparison, the Rico card offers 0.5% cashback for cash purchases and 0.75% for installment purchases, which are also deposited into the investment account.

Thus, the lower rate reflects Rico's proposition, which is more focused on attracting new investors than on providing robust benefits to long-standing clients. 

However, the variety of investments available and the possibility of investing in fixed or variable income compensate for the percentage difference.

Cashback comparison table between Rico and XP:

Card	Cashback (in cash)	Cashback (in installments)	Automatic investment
XP	1%	1%	Yes
Rich	0,5%	0,75%	Yes

According to Guilherme Benchimol, founder of XP, "cashback is a smart way to connect consumers to their financial goals." 

Thus, both cards fulfill the proposal of combining consumption and investment.

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Fees and exemptions: which offers the most benefits to the customer?

When choosing between Rich or XP, it is essential to consider the fees and conditions of each card.

This is because both are exempt from annual fees, making them attractive for those looking to avoid additional expenses. 

However, some extra fees may apply depending on the customer's usage profile and characteristics.

For example, the XP card waives maintenance fees and offers benefits such as free access to the investment platform and waived fees on basic transactions. 

Therefore, the main advantage is its ease of use integrated with the XP account, facilitating investment management and simplifying bill payment. 

Furthermore, the card is accepted internationally and offers travel assistance services, a plus for those using the card outside of Brazil.

The Rico card is also free of annual fees, but charges an ATM withdrawal fee, which may be a disadvantage for some users. 

In contrast, Rico offers a more intuitive platform for beginners, and its card is aimed at those who prioritize simplicity and basic financial control.

The table below summarizes the main fees for the Rico and XP cards:

Card	Annuity	Withdrawal Fee	Travel Assistance	International Operation
XP	Free	Free	Yes	Accepted
Rich	Free	Yes	No	Accepted

Finally, choose between Rich or XP may depend on factors such as the use of international services and the need for specific exemptions. 

This is because both are good options for those who want a card with no annual fee, but with different features.

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Integration with investment platforms: maximizing cashback

Credit card integration with investment platforms is a central advantage of both cards. 

This is because both XP and Rico stand out for allowing cashback to be automatically directed to investments, increasing the invested balance without the user needing to make transfers.

In the case of the XP card, cashback is applied directly to investment products available on the platform, such as fixed and variable income funds, without the customer needing to make a choice. 

This automation makes the process easier for investors with limited time who want an optimized return in a practical way. 

According to XP, this integration system increases the number of new investors who use cashback as a complement to their monthly investments by up to 20%.

Rico, in turn, offers the option to choose the type of investment to which the cashback will be directed, which is a differentiator for customers who prefer to have control over the destination of their investments. 

Thus, the user can choose applications with lower risk or greater potential for return, depending on their profile.

Therefore, integration with investment platforms is a key feature that sets these credit cards apart from their competitors. 

After all, both seek to encourage the responsible use of credit, promoting a cycle of consumption and investment that is advantageous for users.

Benefits and differential programs: beyond cashback

In addition to cashback, cards Rich and XP offer complementary benefits programs, which can be decisive for some consumers. 

For example, XP offers discounts and access to exclusive content on its platform, such as courses and educational materials on investments. 

It's worth noting that this type of benefit is intended for users who want to expand their financial knowledge and develop more sophisticated investment strategies.

The Rico card, on the other hand, stands out for offering a simplified and easy-to-access experience, ideal for those just starting out in the world of investing.

Furthermore, the brokerage offers basic financial education content, focused on beginners, and this unique feature allows users to gain knowledge while using the card, becoming more informed investors.

Finally, although the benefit programs offered by the cards Rich and XP are distinct, both promote financial education as an essential component of credit use, and this approach is aligned with the brokers' proposal to encourage a more responsible relationship with personal finances.

Final thoughts: Which is best for you, Rico or XP?

Choose between Rich or XP involves analyzing the features that best suit each customer's usage profile. 

That's because, for users looking for an optimized cashback program and easy integration with a robust investment platform, the XP card may be the ideal choice. 

After all, the 1% cashback on all purchases and the absence of additional fees for basic transactions ensure a complete and efficient experience.

For those just starting out and preferring an intuitive platform with the ability to choose specific investments for cashback, the Rico card is an interesting option. 

While it offers a lower cashback percentage, its simplicity and beginner-friendly approach can be positive factors.

Ultimately, both cards deliver on their promise of combining credit with investment, promoting a new, conscious and financially advantageous way of using credit. 

So whatever your choice between Rich or XP, the important thing is to consider the benefits and particularities of each one, ensuring that the selected card is aligned with your financial goals and lifestyle.

This may interest you: Credit card with cashback: 5 options for you to compare – Valor Notícias.