Monday, August 30, 2010

Credit Card Rewards Review

By Jim Banks

Many credit card products available today are credit cards that reward the user for charging on them. While rewards programs are great for a large number of people, do your homework to make sure they fit your lifestyle and budget. In fact, one of the factors differentiating one card from another is the type of rewards programs and retail discounts that it offers. One of the many credit card products available today are credit cards that reward the user for charging on them. Credit card reward programs are very popular, but not always the best choice for the consumer. If you carry a balance on your credit card month to month then reward cards are probably your best choice.

Certain reward credit card offers will provide introductory APR's on purchases for up to a year as well as 0% on balance transfers for up to 15 months. Others offer a low rate of interest on transferred balances for the life of the balance transfer. These offers will appeal to people who want to earn travel incentives and clear debt at the same time. .

If you travel frequently, you can surely benefit from travel reward credit cards. Some travel reward credit cards are specific to airline travel, or even to one specific airline. If you travel frequently, you can surely benefit from travel reward credit cards. Travel reward credit cards can offer cash advances that can be very handy when you travel. Such offers are especially beneficial for those who are frequent fliers. But those who don't travel often can find that any benefit may be offset by the high APR annual fee and other charges that come with these credit cards. Travel reward credit cards can be specific to airline travel, or even to one specific airline.

If it's savings on gasoline you're looking for, there are a number of gas cards that offer discounts at the pump for using their card. Some of the best reward credit cards also feature very lowest interest rates. People are often enticed by attractive bonus offers and credit card offers are no different. If it's savings on gasoline you're looking for, there are a number of gas cards that offer discounts at the pump for using their card. These offers are for specific brands of gas.

Points

Generic reward programs offer points for your purchases. Reward points can usually be exchanged for other incentives that might appeal to credit card holders. When and how the rewards are paid can make a difference. These points must then be accumulated until you reach a specific number that's being asked of you in order to win a particular product of your choice. Rewards provided by your credit cards are usually based on how much money was spent over a specified period. Every time you make a purchase, your points are accumulated. Redemption methods and procedures: Find out things about when and how the points expire. Find out how the points are converted into miles. You may also want to know what you can use your points for. Some cards are more flexible with what your points can be used on.

Amazingly, even travel Web sites, like Orbitz and Travelocity, are getting into the mix, according to credit card experts. Such choices in the credit card travel arena really let you get the most miles out of your airline reward credit card.

Benefits

Special offers and promotions are also offered to the owners of these rewards credit cards. Backstage passes, free music downloads and guest benefits are only some of the ways owners of this type of rewards credit card will benefit.

Program

Cards like the Subaru® Platinum MasterCard® from Chase can used to save towards a new Subaru or Subaru parts & service, however, the annual reward limit of $500 is still high as that is over $16000 in annual credit card purchases. This rewards program is restrictive unless you plan to purchase a Subaru or if you actually go to the dealership for service. The annual reward limit of $500 on this card is still high as that is over $16000 in annual credit card purchases. In order to decide if a reward points program will really "reward" you, you'll need to spend the time doing the math based on your spending habits.

When comparing credit card benefits it's important to make sure of two things, first is to make sure you will actually use the benefits offered by the credit card issuer. Second, compare the same type of benefits offered by different credit card issuers, look at the fees, restrictions and the actual monetary benefit you will receive.

Jim Banks has been helping consumers for years with credit issues, how to improve their credit score as well as where to find the best credit card offers. For more information on credit card reviews and how to improve your credit score go to: http://www.creditcardmonitor.org

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