To maximize the benefits of your rewards cards, it’s essential to understand how they work and identify opportunities to earn the most points through your everyday spending. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your rewards cards.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Maximize Rewards by Paying Bills with Credit Cards
- Pay bills like rent, utilities, cell phone, health insurance, and medical bills with your credit card to earn more points (where no fees apply).
Leverage Bonus Categories
- Use different cards with specific bonus categories for optimal rewards, such as travel cards for dining and travel (3x points) and grocery cards for grocery purchases (6x points).
Use Shopping Portals and Dining Clubs
- Earn extra points or miles by shopping through airline or hotel shopping portals and joining dining clubs from programs like Southwest and Delta.
Watch Out for Fees and Pitfalls
- Be mindful of fees for using credit cards with certain merchants.
- Keep track of annual fees to ensure your rewards outweigh the cost.
- Avoid overspending and always pay off your credit card on time to prevent budgeting mishaps.
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