Tips on Getting More From Your Credit Card Rewards Program
Copyright (c) 2008 Ann Wilson
Do you own a reward credit card or are you planning on applying for one? Many people own one or more reward credit cards on their account but not all of them are reaping the rewards they deserve. In this article, let’s discuss some tips on how you can get more from your credit card rewards program and how to make sure that you’ll be redeeming those well-deserved rewards:
Use your discount privileges. Most reward credit cards include discount privileges that are exclusive only to their card holders. Are you aware of the discount privileges your credit card provides? If not, then take the time to review the terms of your card or check online and make sure that you are maximizing the full potential of your credit card. For instance, some credit cards provide printable coupon codes online that you can use in purchasing from selected merchants. Usually, all you need to do is register online in order to access these printable discount coupons and get big savings.
Pay your balance in full each month. Reward credit cards usually come with higher interest rates than regular credit cards so you’ll want to make sure that you’re not carrying a balance over to the next billing cycle. Why would you pay for additional cost on the interest rates when you can avoid it by paying on time? If you need to pay for the interest rate each time, you may actually be paying more than what you earn from your reward credit card.
Stay true to your card’s terms and conditions. Did you know that not paying your bills on time, delaying on your payments or exceeding your credit limit can disqualify you from redeeming your rewards? Yes, most reward credit cards impose this rule on their card holders. If you’re not sure, take out your copy of your credit card’s terms and conditions and review the stipulations on this matter. To be sure that you’ll be eligible to claim your hard-earned points, always stay true to your credit card’s conditions.
Use your reward credit card wisely. To collect points and earn your rewards quickly, obviously you need to use your credit card. Nevertheless, this doesn’t mean you need to go out of your way to make unnecessary purchases which can result to credit card debt. Remember, it is crucial for you to pay off your monthly balance regularly to avoid the interest and penalty fees. Exercise caution when using your reward credit card and don’t charge purchases on it just to collect your rewards.
Pay your utilities using your reward credit card. One way to rack up those points without making unnecessary purchases is to use your reward credit card in paying your monthly utilities. These include your electricity, cable, telephone, gasoline, and other services you’re subscribed to. You can also work as a family in collecting points on your reward credit card. If your family members need to make purchases, tell them to charge on your card and pay you the cash instead. This way, you can accumulate more points on your account without breaking your budget.
Watch the video related to credit card rewards
A closer look at offers from credit card companies and banks – specifically one’s that make you spend money to make money. KXLY4′s Colleen O’Brien reports.
Help answer the question about credit card rewards
Which credit card has a better rewards program during a calendar year?I'm comparing two credit card reward programs. Card #1 offers 5% rewards on supermarket shopping for about 6 months, and 1.5% on all other purchases. For the other 6 months, the rates are 1% on supermarket and .5% on other purchases.
Card #2 offers 2% all year on supermarket purchases and 1% on everything else.
I realize it depends on what I charge on the card, but overall, which program is better?
October 24th, 2009 at 12:25 pm
Citi PremierPass(SM) reward program enable cardholders to earn a point for each dollar spent for general purchases and a point for each three miles flown by a cardholder on any airline. It may include others who buy the ticket using the card.The points earned can be used for travel, products; gift certificates and the like. The most number of points that can be earned annually is 100,000. There is expiration if the account has no activity in every three years.
You may find a great Citi Premier Pass Credit Card Review here:
http://www.rewardcreditcardsite.com/travel-rewards-credit-cards/citi-premeir-pass/
October 24th, 2009 at 12:35 pm
Hi,
You could find out and compare at this site under "Select By reward":
http://track.acclaimnetwork.com/apn_work/scripts/sclick.php?b2s=8790&SUBID=PARAM
October 24th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
Nope. Any discounts you get from credit cards are part of the contract between you and the credit card company. They're considered "incentives," not income.
October 24th, 2009 at 6:42 pm
cardnow.undonet.com – try this one. You can compare different credit cards and choose the best one for you.
October 25th, 2009 at 6:56 am
It sounds like Card #1 is the American Express Blue Cash card. I'm quite familiar with that card's reward structure.
Assuming your monthly spending is even across the 12-month period, then you should go with Card #1 (AmEx Blue Cash). Here's why: Your average rewards for supermarket spending with card #1 will be 3% (i.e. (5% + 1%) / 2), while your average rewards for supermarket spending with card #2 will only be 2%. Your average rewards percentage on all non-supermarket/gas/drug spending for both cards will be 1%.
Note, however, that to really know the optimal card for you for certain, you should take into account your entire categorical spending profile (including gasoline spending, drug store spending, and any other special rewards categories with either card).
You might find that this credit card rewards calculator is helpful to you:
http://www.creditcardtuneup.com/
October 26th, 2009 at 12:21 am
I have a credit card from American Express that pays me 5% cash back on all the purchases I make with no annual fee. I got it from this website http://www.123gocreditcards.com I really recommend checking that site out because it has other rewards cards you might be interested in as well. Good luck.
October 26th, 2009 at 9:55 pm
For those who have very good credit and have plans of taking advantage of the reward program, American Express designed a card for you, the Blue Sky Rewards.
What are the reasons why this card is simply for you? It has reasonable interest rate. You do not any annual fee to pay for. You can also take advantage of the 0% introductory rate for your purchases in six months time. It has to be made clear that the introductory rate for balance transfers only applies to those who initiate a transfer when applying online for the card.
The great thing about the Blue Sky from American Express, the credit card rewards program are amazing. There's no annual fee, low introductory rates, and free rewards program with no blackout dates or travel restrictions.
Other benefits offered by the Blue Sky from American Express include auto rental insurance, a Return Protection which credits cardholders with the maximum amount of $300 for purchases that are non-refundable in 90 days. This also includes a year end report.
You may find a great review here:
http://www.rewardcreditcardsite.com/travel-rewards-credit-cards/blue-sky-from-american-express/
October 27th, 2009 at 5:46 am
The reason why credit card companies offer rewards programs is to encourage spending. Through spending, the credit card companies and retail stores can generate more income. In return, you will be given points.
Therefore, the more you spend, the more points you can have. But don’t make this an excuse for overspending. The rule of thumb here is to use your rewards card whenever needed and possible.These rewards vary from free miles to discounted flights, trips, holidays, special gifts, bigger discounts, and cash or balance rebates. But before you can get these rewards, you have to accumulate certain points first. These numbers should work for your advantage.
October 27th, 2009 at 10:27 pm
No. It's not treated as taxable income.