Tag Archives: credit card rewards

Benefit From the Best Rewards Credit Cards Around

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Having credit cards can be both good and bad. If used properly, credit cards provide amazing convenience and rewards. But if used improperly, the user can find themselves drowning in a sea of massive debt. But with enough discipline, credit card users can obtain a bunch of great rewards on items they would regularly purchase.

Just what types of rewards are out there? There are many different credit card reward programs:

Points – By far the most popular type of reward, buying things with this type of credit cards lets users to accumulate points with each purchase. These points can be redeemed for any number of rewards, including gift cards, goods, and spa treatments. But be aware, different reward programs will give you access to different rewards, so take a close look to see if these rewards are really items you would find useful.

Air miles – For those who love traveling, collecting air miles on things they would usually purchase is a good way to fill up their airline loyalty program account. Everyone knows that air travel is really quite expensive, and being able to get free flights save taxes and fees is really a huge advantage. In fact, this can be a super way to double up on the miles you would earn with only a frequent flyer membership card.

Cash back – Although not quite as widespread as the other reward schemes, getting cash back is perhaps one of the top rewards you can receive due to its flexibility. With cash, you aren’t locked in to receiving only the products that are listed in the rewards catalog. In addition to this, cash has the added advantage of accumulating interest (however small) in your savings account. Think of it as getting a discount on virtually anything you buy.

With any credit card reward program, it’s vital to take into account any additional costs that will be charged with the credit card in question. Sometimes, credit cards require that the user pays an annual fee to be a member. In this example, you should think about whether or not the rewards you can get really make up for this additional expense. Often, this annual expense can be waived if you use the credit card a specific number of times or charge a set amount to it each month. Again, think about your own spending habits to decide whether or not the reward program is worth it to you. It of course makes no sense to pay more than what you reward program can provide you.

However, which are the best rewards credit cards? For the answer, go to Best Rewards Credit Cards (http://bestrewardscreditcards.biz). This authoritative blog analyzes a bunch of credit card reward programs and introduces you to the best ones based on a number of important criteria.

So stop paying your credit card company. Go to Best Rewards Credit Cards and make your credit card company pay you!

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Comparing Credit Cards in Singapore

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Despite a fairly small population for a country, the thriving city state of Singapore has a very competitive credit card industry with a number of Singapore, Asian and international institutions offering a range of cards such as the RBS Platinum card.  It’s hard to get around Singapore without exposure to credit card offers, there are posters and promotions everywhere and many of the major stores or restaurants have alliances with certain card issuers.

When looking for Singapore credit cards, here are some of the key things to understand;

Rates/APR: While the market is competitive it is very different from markets such as Europe and the USA where interest rates (APR) play a big factor in decision making. In Singapore the default purchase rate is offered at the same 24% APR on the vast majority of cards. This means there is often little to compare when it comes to purchase rates but you should check what the grace period is (if any) from when you purchase goods to when interest starts getting charged. At the rate of 24% APR you will pay a lot of interest each year if you use credit cards as a long term way to pay goods off – try and keep your sepnding in check so you can afford to pay the bill off each month.

Annual Fees: Singapore credit cards have a nominal annual fee but it is normal for this to be waived for a number of years to new card holders. Make sure you are aware of how long the fee waiver will last for and what the annual fee will jump to at the end of this time so you don’t get caught out. If you move cards every few years or speak to your card issuer you may be able to avoid paying fees on many cards.

Rewards: Rewards are key to credit card offers in Singapore and finding the best credit card is all about finding a card that offers the best rewards to suit your spending pattern and lifestyle. Some cards offer traditional rewards schemes such as points or frequent flyer points while others offer extra discounts and rebates with partner retailers and restaurants in Singapore. In Singapore the premium style cards such as Platinum cards are very popular due to the prestige they offer and you will find these cards often offer special privileges such as insurances or card holder services not available on standard cards.

Rewards and privileges are the main way that the different Singapore credit cards compete with each other so the schemes are a core part of the product, not just something added on as a bonus.

Funds Transfer: Finally, one more thing to check if you have outstanding debt on other credit cards is if they allow a credit card funds transfer where you move the balance of other cards to your new card at a lower APR. Not all cards offer this facility but it becoming more common.

Applying for a credit card can be done quickly and easily online with most banks although many will require some extra information before they will approve and send out your credit card. Temporary residents can still apply for most credit cards in Singapore but often a higher minimum income level is required.

This article is by R Greenwood from creditcardapr.com.sg which compares credit cards in Singapore including credit card rewards for Singapore consumers.

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Getting the Most from Rewards Credit Cards

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Do you still feel it worthwhile to pay for purchases with your rewards credit cards? It seems issuers of rewards credit cards are taking great pains to offer rewards programs — but the rewards now come with many strings attached. For instance, rewards items seem to be priced higher and your ability to earn points is lower.

But although you may have to jump over more hurdles, there are still ways to profit from rewards credit cards. Below are a few ways to boost your return.

  • Review your spending habits. To maximise the accumulation of rewards points, you need to calculate the amount you spend on your rewards credit cards each month. Your rewards cards and spending habits may not align. According to a major financial services research group, spending below $1000 a month on your card is not worth your while.  To get the most out of rewards credit cards, you should charge at least $12,000 a year on your plastic. If the sums don’t add up for you then it may be that the best credit card for you is actually another card type.
  • Choose rewards programs that suit your interests. When you do a credit card comparison, you realise that there are four types of rewards credit cards: frequent flyer rewards, general rewards, cash-back rewards, and instant rewards. If you are a regular traveler then your may benefit from frequent flyer credit cards but there would be little point if you don’t have a need or desire to fly often. If you’re concerned with maximising your budget, you might be better off having cash-back rewards credit cards or similar cards that reward you for purchasing goods you need to buy regularly.
  • Get rid of less advantageous rewards cards. If you think you can earn more points by having several rewards credit cards, then think again. You may be best to focus your reward earning efforts on a single card instead of spreading your spending across a range of cards. Or, you may be charging more spending onto rewards credit cards whose advantages are inferior to others. If your wallet is full of credit cards then you may need to compare credit cards and decide which ones should get the axe.  Cards with higher interest rates and expensive annual fees may have to go first.
  • Understand the program rules. If you have not read the fine print on the rewards credit cards agreements, then you may be thinking that there is no expiry in your rewards program. While that used to be the rule, it is now common practice in the industry to set an expiry date on accumulated rewards points. Make sure to read the fine print when you do your credit card comparison.
  • Never carry balances, if possible. If your not paying you statement in full the high interest charges will quickly exceed any benefits gained from the rewards. This is particularly true if you want to earn points towards a frequent flyer program. If, however, you cannot pay off the entire balance each month but would still want rewards credit cards to be part of you, you may have to settle for rewards programs offering cash-back or instant rewards.

Rewards credit cards are now on offer from all issuers. When looking for a credit card it used to be as simple as deciding to get a rewards credit card or not but now it’s a bit more complex. It really comes down to the card that will fit your spending and lifestyle best in terms of the rewards on offer but also the costs involved from the interest, fees or any special conditions or restrictions. For as long as you do your homework and credit card comparison, you can get the most from rewards credit cards.

Article by Richard Greenwood Manager of creditcardapr.com.sg

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Cash Rewards Credit Cards Are Wanted

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You might have noticed a recent increase in the number of cash rewards credit cards that are now being offered. Credit card issuers found the way to get the attention of consumers by offering what they believe is a good deal for them. All consumers are interested in anything that saves them money. Cash back on a credit card purchase would probably interest any consumer.

Although cash rewards are indeed, quite popular, there are several different types of rewards, too . If you want to know if the credit card company offering the cash back card is giving you a good deal, just compare it with others like it. Using the Internet to search the cash reward credit card websites is an efficient way to make the comparisons.

Most people would be surprised to find out how many cash reward credit cards there are. It is unfortunate that some of the rewards are not worth the trouble, as it is with the high interest rewards cards. Such things as rebates and cash rewards are offered on major purchases, but these cash reward credit cards usually carry high interest rates.

A number of other cards offer various rewards, however, these rewards may not be as good as you thought before. For example, a discount at your local drug store might not be what you are looking for. Even when you are offered a double cash rebate, it still may not enough to make it worth your while. The other problem with this type of card is that you often have to use the card frequently in order to gain the rewards. You may just end up spending a lot more than you normally would have. It is not unusual for consumers to spend more than they can pay off each month and thus, sink into deep debt. These ame consumers will also be paying large interest payments each month.

In this case, spending more than you normally would to keep your cash rewards credit cards is not a wise idea.

When it is time to pick out the right credit card for you, there are many things to watch out for. If you are getting a credit card, always do enough research to know what you are getting into and read the fine print.

While cash rewards credit cards might seem like the best thing to come along they are often full of tricky holes. You must ask what kind of a consumer you are and what your spending habits are, do you frequently use credit to make purchases and do you carry over a balance each month?

Once you find the answers to these questions, you’ll also find the right card for your lifestyle.

The decision of whether or not to use a cash back credit cards is entirely up to you, but make sure to research these types of credit cards thoroughly. As with anything else that is connected to your finances it never pays to rush into signing up for a credit card of any kind.

Visit JSNet.org for more information on credit cards including the article ‘Tips To Get The Most From Credit Cards‘, visit today to read more of these great credit card articles!

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