Tuesday, August 12, 2008

So Credit Card Rewards Are In Great Demand

Category: Finance, Credit.

Everyone loves a good bonus.



Thus we have credit cards that provide rewards. Credit card companies have been making use of this fact to get more customers. Cash back credit cards and cards that help you earn frequent flier points are among the more popular ones. So credit card rewards are in great demand. People are always eager to benefit from a bonus. However, some points should be noted. Another is that there is usually some fine print involved.


One is that rewards are given to only those cardholders who frequently use their credit cards. So before you rush off to get that new cash back offer, ensure that you go through the terms and conditions thoroughly. A reward may become insignificant if you overspend your budget just because you want that reward. Many people are enticed by the potential rewards to spend more than they would have otherwise. Thus, it makes sense to make a study of which bills you should be paying using your credit card. Check out your other expenses to see which you should put onto your credit card.


Ideally, utilities like gas and cable, which tend to be recurring, should be paid using the credit card. Certain bills charge you interest if you pay via card. Using up your credit card points is another thing that you must not forget about. So before making the payment, ensure that you shall not shell out more interest than the rewards are worth. It would be a shame if, after spending enough to collect those points, you did nothing to get the rewards. Most reward credit cards come with an expiry date. If you have collected any points, make sure you exploit them as fully as you can.


If you do not make use of your points by a certain date, all those points will vanish into thin air. Also, do not let your points disappear by your being a defaulter on the payments. You must avoid that at all costs. Not only do late payments cost you financially, it may also mean a farewell to the rewards you had been working towards. However, make sure they do not become a drain on your income. By all means, avail of the various credit cards that offer rewards.


Monitor your spending habits and use your card wisely to guarantee that you get the maximum value out of your card. Don' t let the rewards go to waste simply because you did not restrain the urge to spend unwisely.

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