Credit cards and credit card annual fees are not the enemy, interest is. Your goal should be to use your point earning credit cards for every transaction possible and pay everything completely off each and every month. We’ve been doing this for years, in addition to earning huge amounts of points it’s also possible to earn status levels with hotel or airline programs. The status can be extremely valuable. The higher status levels with hotels often include perks such as free breakfasts or club level access…few travel perks beat a free stay with the added bonus of free food!!
Using a credit card over cash can provide several benefits when it comes to earning points:
1. Rewards Programs: Many credit cards offer rewards programs that allow you to earn points, miles, or cash back for every dollar you spend. These points can be redeemed for various rewards, such as travel, gift cards, or merchandise.
2. Bonuses: Credit cards often offer sign-up bonuses when you first open the account or when you meet certain spending requirements within a specific time frame. These bonuses can be substantial and provide a significant boost to your point-earning potential.
3. Protection: Credit cards provide additional protections that cash does not. For example, many credit cards offer purchase protection, which can help you recover the cost of items that are lost, stolen, or damaged. Additionally, credit cards may offer extended warranties on purchases (see your terms of service for full details, this is an often overlooked benefit of using your credit cards!)
4. Convenience: Credit cards are much more convenient than cash. You don’t have to carry around large amounts of cash, and you can make purchases online and over the phone.
5. Building Credit: Using a credit card responsibly can help you build your credit score. Paying your bill on time and keeping your balance low can help demonstrate to lenders that you are a responsible borrower.
6. Travel Perks: Many travel related credit cards offer a wealth of hidden benefits like reimbursement for TSA/Global Entry Fees, Reimbursement of travel related airline frees (baggage, wifi, seat assignment costs, some even cover upgrade fees more on this hidden benefit later!)
Overall, if you are responsible with your credit card usage and pay off your balances in full each month, using a credit card can provide significant benefits in terms of earning points and other rewards.
……………………………………….
Best Rewards Programs
There are so many credit card rewards programs out there, and the best one for you will depend on your individual needs and spending habits. However, here are some of the top credit card rewards programs:
1. Chase Ultimate Rewards: This program is highly popular due to its flexibility and variety of redemption options. You can earn points on several different Chase credit cards and redeem them for travel, cash back, or merchandise.
2. American Express Membership Rewards: Another versatile program that offers points for everyday spending. Points can be redeemed for travel, merchandise, and gift cards.
3. Citi ThankYou Rewards: This program offers a range of credit cards with different bonus categories and benefits. Points can be redeemed for travel, cash back, or merchandise.
4. Capital One Venture Rewards: This program offers a simple and straightforward way to earn miles and redeem them for travel expenses, with no blackout dates or restrictions.
5. Discover Cashback: This program offers cash back rewards on everyday spending, with rotating bonus categories that change every quarter.
6. Marriott Bonvoy: This program is designed for frequent travelers who stay at Marriott hotels. Points can be redeemed for hotel stays, flights, and more.
7. United:
8. Hyatt
Ultimately, the best rewards program for you will depend on your personal preferences and spending habits. It’s important to compare different programs and credit cards to find one that fits your needs and offers the rewards that are most valuable to you.
Best Credit Card Bonus Offers
The best credit card bonus programs can offer substantial rewards for signing up for a new card or meeting certain spending requirements. Here are some of the top credit card bonus programs:
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred: This card offers a generous sign-up bonus of 100,000 points after spending $4,000 within the first 3 months of account opening. The points can be redeemed for travel or transferred to several airline and hotel loyalty programs.
2. American Express Platinum: This card offers a bonus of 100,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 within the first 6 months of account opening. The card also offers several travel benefits, including lounge access and hotel upgrades.
3. Citi Premier Card: This card offers a bonus of 80,000 ThankYou points after spending $4,000 within the first 3 months of account opening. Points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, or merchandise.
4. Capital One Venture Rewards: This card offers a bonus of 100,000 miles after spending $20,000 on purchases within the first 12 months of account opening. Miles can be redeemed for travel expenses or transferred to airline partners.
5. Chase Ink Business Preferred: This card offers a bonus of 100,000 points after spending $15,000 within the first 3 months of account opening. The points can be redeemed for travel or transferred to several airline and hotel loyalty programs.
Remember, these bonus offers often come with spending requirements and may have annual fees. Be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully before applying for a card to make sure it’s the right fit for you.