Reward Credit Cards: Get the Best Rewards Card Incentive Program

A good credit reward card can contribute to your retirement account, offer gas rebates, score theme-park or vacation tickets or take thousands off the price of your next auto purchase. Rewards at hotels, airlines, and retailers bring more to the possibilities but, adds to the confusion. Here are some tips to find the best reward programs for you to increase your buying power.

Who should apply for reward cards?
It used to be that if you pay off your balance each month, reward cards are definitely worth considering. But now, many have come out with very competitive interest rates below 10 percent, so if your credit is good enough to qualify, you need not necessarily discount a rewards card, unless it hinders you from paying down your balance in any way.

Invest some time to maximize payoff
Anyone who wants to get the best deal must patiently compare offers, then manage them consistently afterwards. Scrutinize spending to give maximum rebate value for the dollar.

Calculate your spending to make the rewards worthwhile
If you charge $3,000 a year on a card that costs $45 annually, for example, it will take over 6 years to earn a free airline ticket with most cards. In that time, you will have paid $270 in fees -- enough to buy a discounted air ticket on your own.

Flyer miles
Frequent-flier miles were the first comers of the rebate credit cards. They typically value at 1% to 2% rebate or one mile per dollar spent, so choose the ones that offer the highest return.

Some airline cards have a "use it or lose it" policy, as do many travel or hotel rewards. If it will take you a long time to earn your reward, you will want to make sure it will be there for you. American Express, for example, has programs that never expire and provides miles that, can be used on a number of different airlines. If you travel different airlines but need a Visa or MasterCard (accepted by more merchants), you can choose a bank-issued "travel awards" card.

About auto rewards
Car rewards tend to be the most generous in terms of what percentage rebate you earn but has its limitations. For example, if you earn 5% toward the purchase of a vehicle, but only on select vehicles. You can always exchange to another card rebate program after you have reached the maximum reward to keep the discounts and continue to charge more.

Gas rewards
With ever increasing gas prices, you can augment earnings by also applying for gas reward cards. Cardholders can earn higher rates on all gasoline purchases.

Entertain yourself
Many theme-parks and attractions; such as, Disney and Universal, have credit cards that give you points toward tickets, movies and other great stuff.

Get cold hard cash
The easiest way to accumulate true savings is by taking advantage of no-fee cash-back cards. To get the most benefit, choose a card that gives you at least a full 1% back on all purchases. Also choose a card that comes with retail card benefits where rates increase 5% to 10% when spending at participating merchants and retailers.

For a complete comparison list of the tremendous amount incentive reward card offers to choose from, visit SpyFind's Credit Rewards Center to find the ones right for you.

James Banks serves as valuable team contributor to the SpyFind Information Network. Areas of expertise include both credit and financial advice. To view more related material, vist SpyFind's Credit Center,
http://www.spyfind.com/credit.html

In The News:


Better Links Directory


The Top 5 Secrets to Managing Your Credit Cards?So They Won?t Manage You

You've probably never heard of Frank X. McNamara, but he... Read More

Using Credit Cards Wisely

"I think money was stolen from my card" or "I... Read More

What You Didnt Know About Your Credit Card Numbers

Have you ever really looked at your credit card and... Read More

The Exact Action To Take When You Find Errors In Your Credit Report

There are times when you may be turned down for... Read More

Identity Theft : They Got Him

His hard earned money? Gone. Creditors on his back everyday.... Read More

What Are the Most Common Ways to Commit Identity Theft or Fraud?

It's the number one source of consumer complaints at the... Read More

Credit Card Balance Transfers Explained

What is a balance transfer ? A balance transfer can... Read More

Credit Repair Companies and Credit Counseling

Let's be crystal clear, right up front. Paying someone to... Read More

Why Americans Find Predatory Lending Offensive

"Menis - the author translates as "indignant rage" - It... Read More

Fair Credit Reporting Act: What You Should Know About It?

The Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is designated to... Read More

What Does Your Credit Say About You?

A credit report is more than just a snapshot of... Read More

Different Types of Credit Cards and Features - Part 1

Just as there are too many credit card companies to... Read More

How Creditors Measure Your Credit Rating

Creditors will measure your credit rating based on the following... Read More

Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Your Credit Report

Your credit report is a very powerful report that essential... Read More

Comprehending a Credit Report

Obtaining a credit report is an excellent way to begin... Read More

Triple AAA in 30 Days

Have you ever wonder about how to get good credit... Read More

Small Business Credit Cards

So what do you look for when applying for a... Read More

Simplifying Your Search For a New Credit Card

Today, selecting the proper credit card can be a bit... Read More

5 Killer Steps to avoid Credit Card SCAMS!

In August, 2004, the Federal Trade Commission issued their findings... Read More

7 Consumer Credit Laws You Should Know if You are Trying to Repair Your Credit

There are seven consumer credit laws you should be aware... Read More

UPS Delivers the Goods, Your Identity

Well now we add CitiGroup and UPS to the Identity... Read More

What You Need to Know About Credit Reports

You hear people talk about credit reports all the time... Read More

Dealing With A Collection Agency

Step I - Selecting A Collection AgencySelecting a credit collection... Read More

Avoiding ID Theft and Credit Fraud

Article excerpted from the new book, "How to Do Space... Read More

Recognizing the Signs that You Might Need Credit Counseling

Most families in America today have a credit card; some... Read More