Most credit unions offer a rewards card where you can earn points to redeem for rewards and perks. If you're planning a trip, looking to save on a big purchase or earning cash back, credit card rewards can help you reach your goal. There are many ways you can accumulate extra points, miles, and cash back with your rewards card.
How to Choose a Rewards Credit Card
Look for a card that will fit your lifestyle and spending habits. Maybe you prefer to earn points via more day-to-day purchases such as groceries or gasoline. Or perhaps if you’re a frequent traveler, it may be more convenient to use a rewards card for booking hotel rooms or flights.
One way to determine which rewards card is to pour over your credit card statements. See where you tend to spend most of your money. You might be surprised to discover that a rewards card that fits your spending habits will pay off – in rewards points of course.
For more information about how to choose credit cards (not just rewards ones), check out this blog article.
How to Earn Extra Rewards Points
There are many ways you can accumulate points and rewards. The key is to earn them quickly without necessarily spending more money. Let’s look at simple ways that you can make rewards card work smarter.
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Regular expenses. Use your rewards card for your daily and monthly spending. Utility bills, groceries, online subscriptions and orders, and gasoline are a few examples of this. Be sure to pay off your credit card balance every month to avoid cancelling out your rewards with interest rates.
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Creative spending. Get creative with your spending. For example, you can pick up the tab at a dinner with friends and they can pay you back while you earn the rewards. Make charitable donations with your card to rack up points. You could also pay for rent, tuition and other large expenses with your card. Some cards charge fees for some expenses, such as tuition, so make sure the benefits outweigh the costs.
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Holiday spending. Let’s be honest, most of us tend to spend a little more during the holiday season. After all, it’s the season of giving. When there's so many good deals to be had on big-ticket items, you can rack up rewards points in a hurry. That said, remember to budget and spend within your means during the holidays. You don’t want lingering credit card debt into the new year.
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Gift cards. Buying gift cards for places where you shop can help you hit minimum spend requirements. Let’s say you buy a $40 gift card with your rewards points for $35. You can then use the gift cards you buy to purchase items that give cash back or rebates – and just like that you've used your rewards for more savings.
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Rewards card shopping portals. Check the shopping portal associated with your rewards card for items you want to buy. For example, this is what TwinStar’s rewards card portal looks like. If an item is listed, you’ll earn rewards and perhaps additional perks for your spending. Every rewards program and shopping portal is different so it’s important to do your research and see if the rewards are worth it.
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Add an authorized user. Adding a trusted authorized user to your card can result in more expenses charged to your card, resulting in more rewards points for your account.
Final Thoughts
Every rewards card program is different. Be sure to review terms and details for every card you are considering carefully. Some cards charge an annual fee, so do the math to see if it will be worth it. If you spend enough on the card, you'll earn enough rewards to offset the fee.
Also consider interest rates, as any rewards you've earned could be wiped out from interest so pay off the balance every month to maximize your earnings. You may prefer a card with points and rewards or a better interest rate — either way, your credit union’s credit card is usually your best bet.
Apply for a TwinStar Visa® Credit Card Today
Whether you need to build credit or have established credit, we have the right Visa credit card for you. Take advantage of special introductory rates, low APRs, 24/7 fraud protection, and more!
Explore TwinStar's Visa credit card offerings to see if they align with what you're looking for in a credit card. With a wide range of features and perks available, you can be confident in finding a solution that works for you.
To learn more about our Visa credit card options or apply for a credit card, visit TwinStarCU.com/Visa.