Tips on How to Use Credit Card Rewards Smartly

When it comes to credit cards, not everyone is worry-free. Even those who own reward credit cards often find themselves in a difficult situation. Instead of enjoying incentives and savings from their “reward credit cards”, some people are having problem keeping up with their bills and not getting any reward at all. Why?

One major reason is that reward credit cards come with very high interest rates. Some people spend more on their reward credit card just for the purpose of collecting points without paying attention to their monthly balances. As a result, they have to put off their monthly payment and get charged with a high interest.

It is easy to lose control of your spending if you don’t have a sense of obligation and self-discipline. One thing to remember about reward credit cards is that the rewards should come as a bonus, a perk, an incentive. It should not be the primary reason that drives you to spend more on your credit card than what you really can afford.

When using your reward credit card, you still need to be aware that you’ll need to pay back your purchases at the end of each month. Or else, you will be charged with an expensive interest rate which puts additional burden on your budget. Furthermore, if you often incur unpaid balance in your account, you can lose your chance of redeeming your rewards. Yes, credit card issuers have the right to change, stop or disqualify you from claiming rewards if you violate stipulations in the agreement. And some reward credit cards require their members to settle their monthly accounts to qualify for rewards. Thus, be sure that the expenses you make in your account are within your means, and that you’ll be able to pay it back on or before the due date of payment.

Another way to use your reward credit card smartly is by taking advantage of the 0% introductory offers. If your reward credit card offers a 0% APR on balance transfers, this is your chance to transfer over your high interest balances from other credit cards and pay them off while there’s no interest charged. This way, you can focus on paying the actual amount you owe without worrying about interest costs. Just make sure that you’ll be able to pay off all your balances before the 0% introductory period ends.

Of course, you still need to collect points to earn rewards. How can you earn more points without necessarily going beyond your budget? This is by choosing reward credit cards that matches your spending. For instance, cash back reward credit cards give points for all types of purchases. If you have a cash back reward card, use it to pay your monthly utilities such as telephone bills, cable, electricity, mortgage and other monthly that you have the obligation to pay one way or the other. If you put these bills together, you can earn more points in your account while making sure that you pay off all your duties accordingly.

Understand the terms of your reward credit card carefully. There might be some options about earning points that you might have missed or there might be some restrictions on collecting or redeeming rewards that you should be aware of. In any case, it would be to your advantage if you know and understand correctly all terms included in the credit card agreement you signed. Even if you’ve had your reward credit card for some time and you think you know everything, it’s still a good idea to review the terms and conditions of your card.

Maximizing Your Returns From Rewards Credit Card

Okay, so you’ve applied for a rewards credit card. Now what? How can you maximize your returns for your reward credit card? If you’ve chosen the right reward credit card, then you should have no problem in earning points more quickly. Consider what type of reward credit card you have and see if it matches your spending habits.

Okay, so you’ve applied for a rewards credit card. Now what? How can you maximize your returns for your reward credit card?

If you’ve chosen the right reward credit card, then you should have no problem in earning points more quickly. Consider what type of reward credit card you have and see if it matches your spending habits. If not, then it’s not yet too late to make a switch. If you’re still planning about getting a reward credit card, then take your time in choosing the one that is most appropriate for your needs and lifestyle.

Choose your rewards credit card well

How do you normally use your credit card? Do you usually use it to pay for your monthly expenses such as groceries and utility bills? Does a large amount of your budget go to your car maintenance and gas expenses? Or do you travel a lot and spend more on hotel accommodations, car rentals and plane tickets? Based on your lifestyle, you can choose whether a cash-back credit card, a gas rewards credit card, or a travel rewards credit card will be best for you.

Check your credit report

Reward credit cards with the best deals are only offered for those who have excellent credit rating. Check your credit report and see if there are some steps you can do to improve your credit.

Take Advantage of the 0% Introductory Offer

Whichever rewards credit card you choose, there is usually a 0% introductory offer that you can avail off. The best ones are those that give a 0% APR on both purchases and balance transfers for a whole period of 12 months. Most reward credit cards come with a high interest rate so if you choose the one with 0% APR on purchases and balance transfer for a whole year, that would be a great savings and convenience on your part. There are credit cards that give a reasonable interest rate even after the introductory period expires and that’s the reward credit card you want to have.

Ask for additional cards

Some reward credit cards give additional cards for other members of the family or even friends of the card holder. The points earned from additional cards still go to the main card holder so you get to earn more rewards at a shorter time.

Pay off your monthly balances on time

Even if you intend to earn as much points as you can, don’t use your credit card for purchases if you know that you can’t make your monthly payment on time. Unless you’re still within the 0% introductory period, then you can afford to incur a remaining balance and pay it off for the next month. Remember that reward credit cards have higher rates and if you often incur a monthly balance, the amount you pay for your interest may be worth way more than the value of the rewards you actually get.

Use your credit cards to pay your utilities

If your credit card gives you a point for general purchases, then take advantage of it and use your card to pay your telephone bills, electricity and cable. Since you really have to pay for these bills one way or another, why not use your card and collect points at the same time instead of paying in cash?

How to Save Money With a Credit Card Balance Transfer

Would you like to know how a credit card balance transfer can save you hundreds of dollars from your credit card bills? Do you currently have trouble keeping up with your credit card balances? If yes, then a balance transfer may just be what you need.

Would you like to know how a credit card balance transfer can save you hundreds of dollars from your credit card bills? Do you currently have trouble keeping up with your credit card balances? If yes, then a balance transfer may just be what you need.

Getting a Balance Transfer Credit Card

What is a Balance Transfer credit card and how is it different from standard credit cards in the market? If you try to shop around for credit cards, you’ll notice that some credit cards offer 0% APR as part of their introductory offer. The 0% interest rate will usually apply on purchases but if you take a look closely at your choices, you’ll find credit cards that offer 0% rate on balance transfers. If you’re lucky, you can even find a credit card that offers 0% APR for both purchases and balance transfers.

Why should you take advantage of 0% balance transfer credit cards? Carrying over your balances with each billing cycle increases your debt due to additional interest fees. With balance transfer credit card, you can focus on paying your original charges without the interest. Do the math, and you’ll realize how much you can save from the interest rates alone on your existing balances.

Finding the Right Balance Transfer Credit Card

Does this mean that all balance transfer credit cards are right for you? Take note that different credit card issuers also provide a variety of terms and conditions. Naturally, you’ll want to go with a company that will give you the best deals.

For instance, how long will the 0% introductory period last? Never forget that the zero interest offer is just a temporary option. Some companies offer as little as three months while others offer up to a year or more. Ideally, enjoying at least 12 months of 0% interest offer should give you enough time to repay your balances completely.

How much is the interest rate after the introductory period? Will the interest rate still be reasonable when the introductory offer ends or will it soar high? It’s best to choose a card that will still give you a reasonably low interest even after the 0% APR expires.

How much is the interest on purchases? If the 0% APR is limited to balance transfers alone, how much will the interest be on your charges? If the interest on purchases will be expensive, you may want to consider using this particular card for balance transfers only.

Another thing to keep in mind is how much are the annual fee? Some balance transfer credit cards may have very expensive annual fees. If you have to pay such a large amount each year, will it still enable you to save your money? There are balance transfer cards that have no annual fee so you’ll want to take your time looking for the right card to fit your needs.

Things To Avoid In A Rewards Credit Card

Tough competition in the market among different credit card issuers force these companies to come up with their own strategies in attracting more customers to sign up for them credit card. The emergence of rewards credit card in a variety of categories and features can be a bit confusing for potential card holders.

Tough competition in the market among different credit card issuers force these companies to come up with their own strategies in attracting more customers to sign up for them credit card. The emergence of rewards credit card in a variety of categories and features can be a bit confusing for potential card holders.

As a customer, bear in mind that not all credit card issuers are genuinely seeking the card holder’s benefit. Although, some rewards credit card can really work to your advantage, some credit card companies seek their own advantage and only use reward programs as a means to cover up unreasonable terms and mainly to entice their card holder to spend more on their credit card.

Let’s discuss some of the things that should be avoided when searching for the right rewards credit card:

High Annual Fee Rewards Credit Cards

Stay away from reward credit cards that have an expensive annual fee. Think about it. If you’re going to get 1% for every dollar spent on your purchases, then you’ll only get a $50 reward for a $5,000 purchase. If you need to pay an annual fee of $50 every year just to get your $50 reward, do you think it’s worth it?

Always calculate the exact possible amount of rewards you can earn and compare it with the payment you would need to pay each year to renew you credit card membership. There are rewards credit card that comes without an annual fee and offers the same point systems. Don’t easily get attracted to the key features that a particular reward credit card advertisers. Instead, read the full terms and conditions to get better view of the exact incentives you can get.

High Interest Rewards Credit Cards

Watch out for reward credit cards with a high APR and at the same has a variable rate of interest. Always remember, that you’ll be charge with interest each time you fail to pay off your monthly credit card balance on time. If this is the case, you might end up paying for very expensive credit card bills which does not even come close to the little amount of rewards you earn.

Furthermore, variable interest rates rely on the Prime Rate. Thus, when the Prime Rate increases, your APR can also dramatically change from a reasonable rate to a very expensive one. Take note that variable APR also comes with a minimum cap which means even if the Prime Rate falls, your APR will not go below the appointed minimum cap.

Rewards Credit Cards with Blackout Dates

Some reward credit cards impose a blackout date on collecting points as well as redeeming points. If this is the case, you can end up wasting all the points you’ve already earned just because you did not gather the minimum points that will qualify you for a reward. Also, be careful about the terms on redeeming the points you’ve earned. For instance, some credit card forfeit reward points if the card holder has an outstanding balance on his account. If you don’t understand the terms very clearly, you can lose your rewards without even realizing it.

Spot The Most Rewarding Credit Cards

This article presents some of the most rewarding credit cards available in the market today. Check out what each of these rewards credit cards has to offer and see which one best suits your needs and lifestyle.

Chase Travel Plus Platinum

With Chase TravelPlus Visa® card, your purchases will earn points that can be redeemed for a variety of travel rewards including airline tickets, hotel stays, cruises, and car rentals. Travel domestically or internationally with no blackout dates.

Chase Travel Plus Platinum Visa Card is especially designed for frequent travelers. Card members are given one mileage point for every dollar they spend on general purchases. These points can be redeemed for a free travel ticket from your choice of airline. There are over 250 airlines to choose from so it’s guaranteed that your favorite airline should be on the list. If you want, you can also exchange your points for to rent a car, take a free hotel accommodation, or a free cruise.

Hilton HHonors Platinum Card from American Express

Hilton HHonors is a hotel rewards credit card that also gives its card members the opportunity to earn mileage points for a free travel with not just one but 50 different airline affiliates. There are over 2, 800 participating Hilton hotels that you can stay with and earn your points wherever you are. This hotel credit card is great for frequent flyers and for often who often have to spend days in hotels and inns. With HHonors’ Double Dip® Earnings Style you can surely get the most out of your reward points and choose the reward you like. Members are also allowed to change the Double Dip Earnings Style they’ve chosen. There are three Double Dip Earnings Style that you can choose from.

Chase PerfectCard MasterCard

This is a great gas reward credit card for consumers who are often on the road. It gives a generous 6% rebate on ALL gas purchases at ANY gas station for the first 90 days and 3% rebates on ALL gas purchases at ANY gas station afterwards. It also gives 1% rebate on general purchases. You can also enjoy a 0% APR for up to 6 months.

Capital One Business Platinum with No Hassle Miles SM