Maximize your credit card rewards with minimal effort
To catch up with your credit-savvy friends, you may be considering a credit card that earns cash-back or travel rewards
Credit card rewards can help you get some money back on every dollar you spend, but they can also be confusing. First, there’s deciding which card to apply for if you don’t yet carry a rewards card. Then, there’s how and where best to use it. And finally, the good stuff: cashing in your earned rewards.
Rewards program rules can get intense. Points may be worth a certain value when redeemed for travel but have another value if traded in for cash back. Sometimes you can transfer points to airline or hotel loyalty programs, or combine them with someone else’s points. Airline miles might be worth more for international travel bookings, but if you just want a cheaper ticket for a domestic flight, your points wouldn’t be reaching their full potential.
It’s enough to make anyone want to toss their wallet out a window. But with some gentle strategizing, maximizing rewards is possible. (And, yes, if what you want most is discounted domestic travel, go for it.)
MATCH YOUR LIFESTYLE AND DESIRED LEVEL OF EFFORT
