Credit Card Rewards You Could Be Missing Out On

Are you getting all you can out of your credit cards? If you’re collecting rewards points and not using them, you are missing out on one of the best perks of having a credit card. Read on to find out what credit card rewards you might not even know you’re passing up.

Gift cards – one of the most popular reward redemption choices, getting gift cards to your favorite retailers, is a great way to maximize your reward points. Instead of opting for cash back, often in the form of a statement credit, you can choose to get a gift card to one of the places you regularly shop. Whether you download lots of music and apps, dine out frequently, or love to shop for clothes, there’s a gift card option that’s bound to save you money and make you happy. You can also get gift cards for your family and friends, and have your holiday shopping done quickly and easily.

Free flights – everyone knows you can get frequent flyer miles from using the right rewards credit card, but what you may not realize is how to maximize those miles by transferring points to your preferred loyalty program. Many credit cards allow you to transfer your miles or points to the airline or hotel program of your choice. Depending where you use them, points can be of more valuable. Usually redeeming points for air travel gives you the most value per point. But always check the full program terms and conditions to make sure you know all your options, and be sure to use your points the way they will be most useful.

Merchandise – although redeeming your credit card rewards points for things like jewelry, electronics, or other merchandise does not generally offer the best value per point, some people like using their rewards to treat themselves to something that they would not normally buy for themselves. This can be a good way to use your rewards if you would not use them for something else. Many people let their credit card rewards sit unused, and sometimes they even lose them because they wait too long and the points expire. In this case, using the rewards for something is better than nothing. Merchandise is a fun way to use points if you don’t like to travel and don’t want to get a gift card.

If you don’t have a rewards credit card, you are definitely missing out on all of the rewards above, plus possible sign up bonuses and extra points-earning promotions. So be sure you research all the possibilities available to you. Whether you have excellent credit or only fair credit, there are rewards cards that offer perks you won’t want to miss. Even student credit cards come with points, cash back, and other benefits. There’s no reason not to carry two, three, or even four credit cards that offer rewards for different occasions. Check your wallet and make sure there aren’t rewards points collecting dust on any of your credit cards.