There are several different types of credit cards to choose from including airline credit cards, low interest, balance transfer, instant approval, cash back, business, pre-paid and student credit cards. Student credit cards are particularly helpful in keeping track of you child's expenses. In determining the best credit card offer for you, consider the following. First, consider the different rates associated with each credit card offer including the APR(Annual Percentage Rate), the Annual Fee if there is one as well as other cardholder benefits.
The very first credit card was the Diners club card, which was created by Frank McNamara in 1950. From there many companies, stores, and banks began offering credit cards. These credit cards gave the cardholder the ability to purchase on credit and pay it back at a later date with interest payments added if the entire balance was not paid on time. Not only did this give the customer the freedom to have credit, but they also did not have to carry around large sums of money and could purchase larger items and pay for them later. In 1996, the rewards credit cards hit the market.
Today, you can find all kinds of rewards credit cards. Discover was the first to offer a rewards credit card, which gave the cardholder the chance to receive a percentage of their spending to be returned to them in the form of rebates. This is similar to the cash back rewards credit cards that you see everywhere. The cardholder can receive a percentage back on some of their purchases either monthly or yearly, however, you must purchase at the stores or type of stores the credit card company offers the with their cash back policy.
Next, in line was Continental Airlines that began to offer frequent flier miles. Now, every airline and many major credit card companies have jumped on these rewards credit cards, each with their own special incentives to use their credit cards. For every purchase, you make with the air miles rewards credit cards you accumulate points, these points can then be transferred into air miles. The air miles can be used for airline tickets, hotel accommodations, and car rentals. Some however, only allow certain airlines, hotel chains, and car rental agencies. Many times other fees such as membership fees and higher interest rates can be applied. Be sure you learn when the points you accumulate will expire or any applicable black out dates.
Many people prefer rewards credit cards that fit their lifestyle such as saving points for a trip to the Super Bowl, paying off your mortgage, visiting Disney Land, or taking a cruise. No matter what you would enjoy to do with your reward points, you are sure to find rewards credit cards with you in mind.
There are however, limitations on most rewards credit cards. Once you get the most points available that is it, you are no longer eligible for the benefits offered by the rewards credit card. Another thing to consider is that all points you receive are calculated on how much you spend. The more you spend the more points you will earn. Be sure that you are not just spending to earn a terrific prize, you maybe able to purchase that prize for quite a bit less if you saved for it instead of spending more and paying interest to earn it. You will more than likely be paying more annual fees and even transaction fees to redeem your points into rewards.
Reward Credit Cards Leveraging
Reward credit cards can provide you with great deals, especially if you are someone that pays off your balance at the end of each billing cycle. Through earning special items or services with your reward credit card, it makes it worthwhile to make large purchases with the card. Similarly, your daily expenses can be easily placed on your reward credit card and help you maximize the rewards you earn with your credit card. Here are a few additional tips for getting the most bang for your buck.
Obtain a Companion Card
If you are married and your spouse has a reward credit card, have your spouse request an additional card for you. Similarly, if you have a reward credit card, get an additional card for your spouse. With two of you out there spending on your card, you will increase the amount of purchases placed on the card and give yourself more rewards.
Use Your Card to Pay Bills
Every month, you have certain bills to pay, such as gas, electricity, and phone service. You might also have regular services such as Internet and cable or satellite. All of these services require you to complete monthly payments. Since you have to pay these bills anyway, why not pay them with your credit card? Usually, you can set these bills up to be automatically billed to your reward credit card so you don't even have to think about them. Then, you can pay the bills off at the end of each billing cycle. Not only will this help you to build up your rewards, it makes it easier to pay your bills since you can make just one convenient monthly payment.
Other bills that may not be regular, but that need to be paid nonetheless, include dentist and doctor bills. When these bills come in, place them on your rewards credit card and watch your earned points increase.
Before deciding to pay your bills with your credit card, however, you need to make sure there are no "convenience" fees levied against the card for paying your bills this way. The best reward credit cards won't have fees, but the company you are paying might. If there are fees, you probably should continue paying those bills by check. Chances are, the rewards you earn in return will not be enough to make the fees worthwhile.
Charge Your Groceries
Groceries are a regular expense. Yet, most people pay for their groceries with cash, a check, or a debit card. Instead, charge these expenses to your reward credit card. If you take a look at your monthly grocery bill, you will probably discover that you are spending quite a bit every month on groceries. Take advantage of this expenditure and place it on your credit card. Then, simply apply the cash you would normally spend on groceries to the credit card bill.
Charge Your Home
Many people are surprised to discover that they can often charge their mortgage payment or rent to their credit card. Many mortgage companies and apartment property management companies accept credit card payments. Obviously, this can be a large amount of money charged to your reward credit card. Just be sure to pay it off at the end of each billing cycle. Otherwise, the finance charges could be so high that you negate any rewards you might receive from the card.
Essentially, the best way to get the most from your rewards credit card is to charge as much as possible on the card. Examine all of your monthly expenditures and determine if there is a way for you to pay them with your credit card - then earn rewards and pay all of your bills with one simple payment.