How to Use Reward Card Programs to Your Advantage

Choose a Reward Program Type

The first step in using reward programs is to decide what type of credit card reward you are most interested in. Choose rewards that fit your needs. If you work at home and do not travel a great deal, a gas card is probably not the best choice. Sometimes people choose a credit card merely because they were sent a pre-approved offer in the mail. Some department stores offer branded major credit cards that earn points toward store merchandise, such as Sears and Target. If you are not a regular shopper you will probably find little use for this type of credit card. If you have no use for a particular type of rewards credit card it is wise not apply for it. A good overall credit card for people that are unsure on what type of reward credit card to choose would be a general reward card. With a general rewards card you are given many options and choices on how to redeem points once you have earned them. Another benefit reward cards offer is that they often have options to redeem for smaller rewards. A five dollar gift card to Starbucks or Blockbusters is an example of a smaller reward.

Try Doubling Point Opportunities

There are two ways to double points. First many reward points allow you to earn extra points by participating in partnership deals that the credit cards have organized with other merchants. Points can be doubled simply by making purchases on participating websites. Financial institutions often times give generous bonus points when opening new accounts. There have been offers where an individual could earn 25,000 or more by getting a mortgage with a lender partnered with the credit card site. Airline cards have been known to do this. 25,000 point will earn a domestic round trip ticket on most airlines. Great deal, get something you need a mortgage, then earn a free airline ticket to use anyway you like.

The second way to take advantage of reward programs is in a way most people do not  know about. Sometimes you can be part of two reward programs at the same time. Here is an example of how this can be done. Visa provides a reward program for business owners called Visa Business Extras. Visa Extras has a number of participating business cards that an individual can earn rewards with. An individual can apply or sign up a participating credit card they already have to the program. The great thing is that you can choose a participating credit card that earns rewards. If you have a business airline credit card and you are a member of Visa Extras you will earn points both for airline travel and points for general rewards. The general reward points at Visa extras can be used for merchandise like IPods, store gift cards, and free hotel stays.

Last Tip in Choosing a Reward Credit Card