Thursday, 28 April 2011

Choosing The Right Credit Card Rewards Program

By Dana Cain


You can earn airline miles, cash, or rewards with credit cards. To get the most out of your credit card company, you have to choose the right program and use your card often.

Pick The Right Program

At the end of the year, you may want cash or a free trip to Hawaii. Choose the reward program you like best because credit companies offer a variety of them.

If you are planning to earn airline miles, pick a destination and make sure your rewards program covers that area. Some credit card companies partner with a specific airline while others offer generic travel miles.

With cash rewards, they usually work out 1-5% back on all your purchases. At the end of the year you could end up with a sizable check. But when it comes to transfers or cash withdrawals, cash rewards don't apply.

For your purchases, points are offered by generic reward programs. To redeem those points, you can have them for products through the credit card company or gift cards for stores like Home Depot, Toys 'R Us, or Starbucks.

Tips for Earning Your Rewards

You will need to use your credit card often in order to truly get the most out of your rewards program. By using your card to pay for all your purchases, including groceries, prescriptions, and household bills, you can earn an airline trip or over a thousand dollars in a year.

Also look for special offers that are included in your monthly statement. If you use your card with a certain merchant, you can sometimes double your points. For additional savings at these places, you can also receive coupons.

Don't Get Caught

Reward programs usually charge a higher interest rate than other credit cards. To make sure you don't get stung on finance charges, pay off your balance every month.

Every time you want to make a purchase, don't just whip out your credit card and instead, start with a monthly budget. Stick with the plan you created regarding how much you can afford to spend. If you're carrying a balance, then you need to determine how much it will cost you.

By making on-time and regular payments, you can earn rewards for your purchases and improve your credit score as well. Chances are you'll be qualified for more if you are more responsible with your credit.




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