Credit Card Reward Programs: Getting The Most Out Of Your Credit Cards

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

Do you want a free trip to Hawaii or cash at the end of the year? Credit card companies offer a variety of reward programs, so choose the one that you like the best.

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.

Cash rewards usually work out to 1% to 5% back on all your purchases. At the end of the year you could end up with a sizable check. Cash rewards dont apply to transfers or cash withdrawals.

Generic reward programs offer points for your purchases. Those points can then be redeemed either for products through the credit card company or gift cards for name brand stores like Starbucks, Home Depot, or Toys R Us.

To truly get the most out of your rewards program, you will need to use your credit card often. 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. Sometimes you can double your points by using your card with a certain merchant. You can also receive coupons for additional savings at these places.

Reward programs usually charge a higher interest rate than other credit cards. To make sure you dont get stung on finance charges, pay off your balance every month.

Instead of whipping out your credit card every time you want to make a purchase, start with a monthly budget. Plan on how much you can afford to spend and stick with it. If you do carry a balance, know how much it will cost you.

Not only can you earn rewards for your purchases, you can also improve your credit score by making regular, on-time payments. The more responsible you are with your credit, the more likely you can qualify for more. To view our list of most recommended credit card companies online, visit this page: Recommended Reward Credit Card Companies Online.

See Also:

Credit Card Dirty Tricks
There are many of us that have been badly stung by credit card companies that have charged exorbitant fees to use their credit cards. Several years ago an APR of 25% to 29% was common place which in simple terms means that if you borrow 1,000 your interest on that money would be 250 to 290 a year. ... more...

How To Get A Credit Card No Matter How Bad Your Credit Rating
Your credit is bad. Perhaps you have a string of unpaid bills haunting your past. Maybe you declared bankruptcy within the past 10 years, or defaulted on a student loan.All of the above can block your access to obtaining a major credit card, such as VISA or Mastercard.But bad credit is not the ... more...

Making Money with Credit Cards Instead of Spending Money
Is it possible to actually make money with credit cards instead of just using them to spend money? Well, of course for the large credit card companies and banks. But how about for the average person? Is it really possible for the average person to make money in the credit card industry?The ... more...

Credit Card Company Tricks
Dont let them fool you. All those solicitations you receive in the mail for credit card applications are meant to reel you in and hook you. Big time. In addition, new bankruptcy laws in the US and higher monthly minimum payment requirements are in place to help stem defaults on loans and to force ... more...