Wednesday, March 5, 2008

How to Use Your Rewards Credit Card Points

How to Use Your Rewards Credit Card Points
Competition among credit card companies is a great
advantage for consumers. Credit card rewards are made
bigger and better by credit card issuers to make sure that
consumers would choose them over their competitors. How can
you use your credit card points effectively and get the
most out of your rewards credit cards?

The first thing to consider would be what type of rewards
credit card do you currently have? If you're still on the
process of selecting a rewards credit card, which one
should you choose?

Because rewards credit cards come in a variety of classes,
it is best to choose the one that best suits your
lifestyle. For instance, there are travel rewards credit
cards, gas rewards credit cards, or cash rewards credit
cards. You'll be able to get the most benefit if the type
of rewards credit card you have is that fits your needs.

Travel Rewards Credit Cards

Travel Rewards Credit Cards are especially designed for
people who frequently travel. Whenever you use your credit
card for purchasing, you automatically receive points that
are equivalent to travel mileage points. The minimum
mileage points you need to collect in order to qualify for
a free travel will depend on the credit card issuer.
Usually, credit card companies have partnership with an
airline that sponsors free travel tickets. Thus, you may
consider getting the Travel Rewards Credit Cards that is
affiliated with the airline you must often fly with.

Gas Rewards Credit Cards

If you're frequently on road trips, you can get the best
deals out of gas rewards credit cards. Gas Rewards Points
are also collected each time you make a purchase using your
credit card. These points allow you to get full tanks of
gas at no charge at affiliate gas stations. Imagine how
much money you'll save in a month if you often get full gas
tanks for free.

Cash Rewards Credit Cards

Most people prefer to get cash rewards credit cards.
Usually, you'll be given a point for every dollar you spend
on your credit card. However, some credit card issuers give
2 points or more for every dollar spent on the card. You
can use these points to make new purchases or these points
can be added on your credit. Some credit card companies
have their own exclusive online store where customers can
shop to redeem their points.

Choose Wisely

Make sure that you will be able to use the points you'll be
collecting. For example, even if you earn a free travel
rewards, what if it includes restrictions, or what if you
can only claim it for a limited time period? Be sure to
check out all the terms and conditions that apply when
claiming the reward. If you don't, the rewards you earned
may simply be thrown out the window. Also, make sure that
the credit card allows unlimited time for collecting
points. If not, then you'll always be trying to earn enough
points in time which is a very risky way of using your
credit card.

Lastly, see to it that you'll be paying off your balances
before the due date ends. Otherwise, you may end up paying
for very high interest rates which defeats your purpose of
purchasing to earn rewards. Also, some credit card issuers
disqualify a card holder who has an outstanding balance in
their account.


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Ann Wilson is the head writer of Credit Card Rewards -
Travel Reward Credit Card Site. This resource provides
consumers with valuable reviews and information on the best
rewards credit card programs. Visit the site at
http://www.rewardcreditcardsite.com/

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