Rewards credit cards are super popular right now! According to Experian’s survey on the matter, 45% of Americans choose Rewards credit cards. With so many people opting for Rewards credit cards you have to wonder what makes them so special.
What is a Rewards Credit Card?
Rewards credit cards are credit cards that offer incentives for using them. They offer incentive programs where credit card companies offer to pay back a percentage of what you spend. You literally get your cash back, or at least some of it! As you can imagine, this is the main appeal of credit card rewards.
Who is it Good For?
A rewards credit card might be a good choice for you if you have excellent credit scores, if you carry no balance or if it’s low, if you travel a lot for work or pleasure and if your regular expenses include restaurants, gas, groceries, etc. On the contrary, rewards credit cards might not be the choice for you if you regularly carry a balance or if you have low credit scores.
How do Rewards Credit Cards Work?
Rewards credit cards basically work with a point system. You earn points for every dollar you spend on your card. If you choose to get a rewards credit card, you really have to think about the kinds of things you normally do and buy, so you can get rewarded according to your lifestyle. You should know that rewards credit cards usually have a higher annual fee and/or purchase interest rate, which are both important things you need to consider before making your decision. The rewards you win can be redeemed in cash, gift cards, miles, or credit; it all depends on the issuer and on the type of reward you choose.
Types of Rewards Credit Cards
Rewards credit cards should be beneficial to both parties. After all, you want to benefit from the rewards, and your credit card company wants their card to be the one you choose every time you need to pay for something. Rewards credit cards come in different forms, let’s take a look:
Gas Credit Cards
First on our list is probably the most popular option. We spend on gas on a regular basis, so it makes sense to get reward points for every dollar you spend every time you get your car filled up. Some gas credit cards will also give you points for every dollar you spend at gas stations or drug stores. Gas credit cards usually give out cash back rebates, which can be either credited to your card or paid separately.
Cashback Credit Cards
Cashback credit cards give you points for every dollar you spend on purchases or bill payments. That means that the higher your balance and the more you make payments, the more rewards you will have. Cashback credit cards typically offer a rebate as a reward, which is credit that they add to your account at the end of the year. The common cash back amount is 1%, which is a penny for every dollar spent.
Travel Credit Cards
If you travel a lot for work or pleasure, a travel credit card might be a good choice. With travel credit cards, which are affiliated to airlines, you can get one or two flight miles for each dollar you spend. Some travel credit cards let you redeem your rewards only with the affiliated airline, while others allow you to fly with any carrier you choose.
Hotel Credit Cards
Hotel credit cards are also a great choice for frequent travelers because staying at a hotel is more expensive than buying plane tickets. With hotel credit cards you’ll earn points for your stay at the affiliated hotel. It works the same as a travel credit card and some issuers will allow you to choose how you redeem your rewards.
Credit Cards With Points
The system is the same with credit cards with points; meaning you get a point for every dollar, but you can only redeem your rewards by choosing items from a catalog that is specific to every card. Usually with these kinds of credit cards you accumulate points in real time, which means you won’t have to wait until the end of the year, and the points also have an expiration date.
Questions To Ask Before Getting a Rewards Credit Card
When it comes to rewards credit cards one can easily be swayed by the thought of earning money for spending, but that’s not the only thing these is to it. Before you make the decision, consider asking the following questions:
1. What Types of Rewards Does Your Credit Card Company Offer?
This is the most important question you have to answer. Before you go to the bank to ask for a rewards credit card, you have to know what kind of rewards you’re interested in getting. If you don’t travel much, a travel or hotel credit card is not the right choice for you. Consider your spending habits and then choose the option that’s most beneficial for you.
2. How Can You Maximize Your Rewards?
Now that you’ve chosen the type of reward that suits you the most, it’s time to think about your spending habits even further. Calculate how much you spend on everything in order to look for credit card companies that offer high percentages on the kind of purchases you usually make.
3. What Sign up Bonuses Can You Take Advantage Of?
Sign up bonuses are very common when it comes to rewards credit cards. Usually, in order to qualify for a sign up bonus, there’s a certain amount of money that they require you to spend. Many credit card companies also fulfill your bonus only if you’ve spent a certain amount of money during the first few months.
4. If and When do Rewards Expire?
It’s not uncommon for rewards to have an expiration date. Find out if the credit card company you’re considering has an expiration date for rewards, and if so, how much time will you have to redeem your rewards.
As you can see, rewards credit cards can be a good idea. But getting the full benefits of your reward credit card is not just about spending a lot, it is also about taking advantage of your rewards while still being intelligent and avoiding any potential drawback. Be careful not to spend more than what you have!
