Good Credit Cards with Rewards
Our favorite good credit cards with rewards compiled so that you can compare interest and reward programs. Whether you would like cash back rewards, or travel miles these credit cards all give you more because of your good credit history. Browse the selected good credit cards with rewards and apply to your top choices using the secure online application today.
Credit cards can be a great tool or they can be a great problem, depending on how wisely you use them. One thing you can definitely do to use them more wisely is to choose one of the many credit cards with rewards that are available.
These cards fit into a strategy of responsible credit card usage by allowing you to collect cash back and other rewards that offset the cost of using the cards in the first place. And if you pay off your balances before any interest accrues on the card you have found a way to not only be more responsible with your credit, but also to add a little bit of extra money to your bottom line.
Ignore this advice to your peril, because when you allow interest charges to accumulate on your purchases you defeat the purpose of using credit cards with rewards responsibly.
Keep in mind that not every credit card is created equal and the same goes for rewards programs. To get the most out of these credit card reward programs you have to be discriminating and choose the ones that best match your own goals and purposes. Pay attention to what rewards are available and the value of the rewards and you will be one step ahead of the card companies and the vast majority of consumers.
What Type of Rewards are Available
These days you can find cards with rewards for almost anything imaginable. There are cards dedicated to hotels and air miles, which are well known by most people. You can also find cards that reward you for your gas purchases, for dining at select restaurants, for your grocery purchases, for business costs such as office supplies and supporting services and for purchases of books and gifts.
Only you know your own spending habits so choosing the card or cards that will give you the best rewards for your purchases is up to you.
There are also cards that offer very nice bonuses when you signup with them and these can be a good way to earn a little bit of extra cash, provided you follow the golden rules of using them only for things you would have otherwise bought (groceries, gas and utility bills work nicely) and of paying them off before any interest is charged to you.
Several companies offer you $200 or more to signup for their cards so this can be a way to make a few hundred dollars quickly provided you are responsible and don't abuse the new credit lines.
Get Rewards Without Getting a New Card
Many banks are now getting into the rewards game and their debit cards now carry rewards similar to the programs offered by credit cards with rewards. It is easy to get started, simply call or drop by your bank and find out if they have a rewards program for your Visa or Mastercard debit card.
In some cases you won't even have to call because you can signup online if you have online access to your account. Or the bank may email you with offers and rewards. In many cases these rewards are good for specific retailers or even local businesses if you are using a smaller local or regional bank.
Also keep an eye open when shopping as some retailers will offer you special rewards for using a Visa or Mastercard for purchases. And retail store credit cards often offer special percentage off coupons to new account holders or will send you coupons based on your spending.
Again, if you can be responsible with the cards you can save an additional percentage off most purchases by using branded store cards and your debit card, so long as you use them for necessary purchases.
Important Issues Concerning Rewards Programs
- Regardless of which credit cards with rewards you choose make sure you read the fine print to make sure there are no restrictions on how you can accumulate and use your points. Nothing can ruin your plans on using rewards to save money faster than these types of restrictions.
-Try to avoid cards that charge an annual fee unless you are organized enough to remember to close the account before the annual fee is charged. With some exceptions (travel and possibly groceries), you will not recoup these fees through acquiring rewards points or coupons.
- Pay off your balance each month to avoid interest charges that will likely be larger than the value of your rewards.
- Do not use the card frivolously. Spend only on things that you need to buy, not impulse purchases or purchases simply to get additional points.
You can save money when you use credit cards with rewards, but only if you do so mindfully and responsibly. Using these types of cards for your everyday purchases can be a good way for you to add a little bonus to your finances and in many cases can teach you to be a better consumer of debt.
* Be sure to read the credit issuer's rates and terms carefully on before filling out the application for the most up to date offer details.