Credit Card Selection:
What to Look for
Reward Points
The most common type of reward offered by credit cards is points. These points can be redeemed for cash back, travel rewards (such as airline tickets or hotel stays), gift cards, or even merchandise discounts. Some cards also offer bonus points when you make certain types of purchases (for example, bonus points when you use your card at gas stations). To maximize your earning potential with a rewards program, look for one that offers a wide range of bonus categories and/or high-value bonus categories like online shopping or dining out.
Cashback Opportunities
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Another type of reward offered by some credit cards is cashback. Instead of earning points with each purchase, these cards allow you to earn a percentage of the purchase price back in the form of cash - usually 1% to 5%.
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Depending on how much you spend each month, this could potentially add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars over time.
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When evaluating different cashback programs, look for one that offers generous rates across multiple categories such as groceries, department stores, online shopping, etc.
Interest Rates
Finally, it’s important to consider interest rates when choosing a credit card. Interest rates vary widely among issuers and products – some may offer low introductory rates followed by higher ongoing rates while others may have lower fixed interest rates throughout the life of the account. It’s important to read all the fine print before signing up so that you understand what kind of rate you’ll be paying over time and how it compares to other offers on the market.
Picking a credit card can seem overwhelming given all the different options available today — but if you take into account factors such as reward programs (points versus cashback), interest rates, and bonus categories then it will be easier for you to narrow down your choices and find one that works best for your needs. Whether you’re looking for a card with great travel benefits or something more basic with no frills attached, there’s sure to be an option out there that fits your lifestyle! Happy shopping!