Credit card rewards have been increasing and morphing in hundreds of different directions ever since the advent of the Cash Back Credit Card from Discover. Whether it is air travel you are after or cash back on purchases, exotic vacations or cheap theater tickets, there is a reward credit card that can help you get what you want faster.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when shopping for the right rewards credit card for you:
* Do you pay the entire balance on your credit card every month? If you don't, then a reward card might not be right for you. If you maintain a balance on your credit card the interest that you pay each month may exceed the value of any rewards you might accrue. You should either get into the habit of paying the entire balance every month, or look instead for a low interest credit card to save money.
* Check the points. Know how much you need for a card reward before you commit on the card. For example the number of points needed for a round trip coach ticket varies across different credit cards. Make sure that you get the best deal that you can find.
* Check the expiration date on those points! Rewards points that never expire are getting more and more popular, but some cards still offer points that expire after a period of time. Depending upon how fast you earn points, it may take you some time to earn points for high-end rewards, so as you shop for a rewards card look at their policy on point expiration. Try to find a card that offers points that never expire.
* Know which purchases give you the biggest reward for the buck. Some purchases will net you more points than others, and some purchases might not net you any points at all. Many airline rewards cards offer point bonuses for purchases of air travel. Some American Express cards offer double points for purchases of gas and groceries. Make sure you understand the credit card agreement and pick one that will maximize your receipt of points given your spending habits.
* Pay household bills with your credit card. This one is huge for me. I pay for gasoline, groceries, electricity, heating oil, cable TV and water all with my credit card. If you get used to paying as many bills as possible with your credit card (and then transferring the money from your checking account to your credit card) bill payment gets easier, the credit card balance won't get away from you, and you'll earn points faster than ever.
* Make sure you get a good sign-up bonus. Most rewards credit cards offer bonus points just for signing up and getting accepted. Usually the points are available after you make any purchase with the new card. Make sure you choose a rewards card that offers the most up-front points - you can often get close you your first reward just in bonus points!
My family grocery bills approach $200 per week (I have a big family!), and it all gets put onto a rewards card. If you're smart and willing to work at it you can use the tips above to accelerate your rewards. Using the tips outlined above I've been able to get round trip airfare in as little as two months time. With free airfare I've been able to take trips I otherwise wouldn't have taken - and for me that's worth more than the money! Try it - it can work for you too.
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