Does a Reward Credit Card Fleece You or Reward You?

This article analyzes whether or not reward credit cards actually reward you or take advantage of consumer behavior.

A reward credit card is one of the best ways in which you earn while you spend. To get the best out of reward credit cards you need to first find the right card for yourself. You need to understand your needs well before choosing the best reward credit cards. Such credit cards come in a variety of avatars. You need to find how the finer details - for example, how can you earn a point, as well as the variation of features of a reward credit card should be a major concern for you. Returns from a Reward Credit Card The rewards that are offered by these credit cards are somewhat restricted and are not universally applicable. Some reward credit cards will allow the card user to avail of travel discounts while others will give rewards on purchases made for gas, drugs, etc. The rewards also differ with respect to the kind of card being held by card holders. Sometimes, the rewards are also a bit unusual and do not always materialize in cash. Cardholders can receive gift certificates or discount coupons. Similarly the reward card can offer airline discounts also. So as a reward, the credit card holder may get free companion tickets whenever they wish to travel. Choosing the Best Reward Credit Cards One should choose a reward credit card according to one's lifestyle and personal needs. As a consumer, you need to get a fix on the best rewards available to you. If these reward cards provide gift certificates to a shopping mall or a restaurant, and you happen to be fond of dining out or are a compulsive shopper, well, then you have a good match here. It would be a total waste of rewards if the card holder gets a freebie which they will not use. So this must be taken into consideration before choosing a credit reward card. As a consumer, make sure that you are not paying anything for your reward. Confirm with the card company if you have to pay any money to them in terms of fees before you can get your reward. Go ahead with the card only if you know for a fact that rewards are given to you without payment. A good deal also would be a reward card with no or low annual fees. The Finer Details of a Reward Credit Card Card holders need to be able to redeem the points achieved during a year. One has to ensure they are receiving the greatest possible rewards. For example, if a cardholder has spent $10,000 in a year using their credit card, but they can avail of rewards only upto $5000, then the rest of the $5,000 is wasted. The solution may be to find a new reward credit card, and to stop your expenses on this particular credit card after you cross the limit period or the limit amount. To get more bang for the buck, essentially you need to first see if the rewards offered by a card meets your lifestyle and personal needs. Once you have verified that that there is a match, go ahead and see if your rewards will actually accrue some benefit for you. Watch out for a reward credit card that tries to make you pay for your reward or one that charges hefty annual fees, processing charges, or even a higher rate of interest than the competition. Check if there is a spending limit - most reward credit cards set a specific limit beyond which you cannot avail of rewards. In fact, the best reward credit cards are ones in which you get rewards that you can actually use and which do not fleece you in the guise of rewarding you for your patronage.