A rewards credit card is specifically targeted at people who want a bonus in exchange for using the card. So the more you purchase, the more rewards you earn! There really is no magic to selecting the right reward cards. In fact, it basically comes down to just a few basic steps. Here’s how to choose the best rewards credit card:
Identify your most important perk
For example, if you’re not interested in traveling, then consider a cash dividends or rebate card. On the other hand, if you’re looking for ways to offset some future travel to an exotic locale, you may be better served with a rewards card that offers hotel points or airline miles.
Look for cards with the biggest sign-up bonuses
If you play your cards right, many airline cards offer introductory bonuses that are big enough a free flight. And in many cases, you can use that bonus as soon as you sign up! Likewise, many hotel rewards cards will offer sign-up bonuses that are instantly good enough for at least one or two nights.
Figure out where you spend the most money
This will help you rack up rewards quicker. For example, if you drive a lot, look for cards that award extra points, miles, cash back, or dividends for fuel purchases.
Photo Credit: GotCredit
The spending requirement is the hardest thing for me to achieve. I like cards like Chase Freedom with the small $500 spend requirement for the $150 bonus. The airline cards usually come in around $3000 in three months or something like that. Need to give my cards to my parents to generate some more spending I suppose.
Yep … that will work as long as you know your parents are “good” for the charges they rack up on your card. (Some aren’t, you know!)