Do you love to shop but hate to pay full price? If so, you need to get yourself a great credit card that
offers rewards benefits. Finding the best credit card for shopping with rewards benefits can help you save money and get more bang for your buck. With the right card, you can enjoy discounts, cash back, bonus points, and other perks that make the experience of shopping even more enjoyable. Whether you're looking for a card that offers a low interest rate, a generous rewards program, or something more specialized, there are plenty of options out there. Read on to learn more about the best credit cards for shopping with rewards benefits.
What are rewards credit cards?Rewards credit cards allow you to earn points or cash back for every dollar you spend. These points can then be redeemed for gift cards,
travel, merchandise, or cash. Rewards cards are special types of credit cards that offer extra benefits. In exchange for a higher interest rate, these cards provide things like
travel protection, travel credits, car rental coverage, and other perks. Some credit card companies even allow you to choose the type of rewards you want. This can be great if you have a specific item in mind that you want to buy. If you want to earn more rewards while shopping, a rewards credit card is a great option. Rewards cards are especially useful if you like to travel, eat out, shop at retailers with a wide selection, or participate in other activities that require an upfront investment of cash. If you use your credit card responsibly and pay it off completely each month, you can benefit from the added value offered by rewards programs.
Benefits of using rewards credit cards for shoppingThere are many benefits of
using rewards credit cards for shopping, including:
- More bang for your buck - You can often get better deals when you're shopping with a rewards credit card, since you have additional incentives to buy certain items. If you're trying to stretch your budget, this can be helpful.
- Saving money on interest - If you have a card with a low interest rate, you can avoid paying significant amounts in interest. This can be especially useful if you plan to carry a balance.
- Redeeming rewards easily - Many rewards programs are easy to use, and you can redeem your points for gift cards, travel, or cash.
- Maximizing your rewards with multiple cards - Some rewards programs allow you to combine points across multiple cards. This can be helpful if you like to shop at different retailers.
Types of rewards credit cardsThere are many types of rewards credit cards. It's important to find the one that works best for your spending habits and lifestyle.
- No annual fee - If you're just starting out with rewards credit cards, you may want to choose one that doesn't have an annual fee. This way, you can focus on building your credit and earning rewards without any extra expenses.
- High cash back - These cards offer a high percentage of cash back when you buy items. They're a good option if you want to earn rewards quickly.
- Excellent travel rewards - These cards offer extensive travel rewards, such as airline miles and hotel points. If you travel often, these cards may be a great option.
Factors to consider when choosing a rewards credit cardWhen choosing a rewards credit card, you should consider several factors, including:
- Annual fee - All credit cards have an annual fee, but you may be able to find a rewards card with no annual fee. It's important to consider what you'll get in return for paying this fee each year.
- Interest rate - Just like with any other credit card, you'll need to pay close attention to your interest rate. Look for a card with a low interest rate to avoid paying extra money on your balance.
- Rewards program - Find a rewards program that works for you. If you travel often, you may want to choose a card that offers travel rewards.
- Other benefits - Many rewards cards offer extra benefits, such as travel insurance and car rental coverage. Consider what you'll need most and whether the card you're considering offers it.
Best rewards credit cards for shoppingWhen shopping for a great rewards credit card, it's important to keep your spending habits in mind. Certain cards cater to specific types of shoppers. Once you've figured out what type of shopper you are, it will be easier to find the right card for you. Here are some of the best rewards credit cards for shopping:
- Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card - This card offers 3% cash back on dining and entertainment and 2% cash back at grocery stores. It has an annual fee of $95, but it has no foreign transaction fee.
- Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card - This card offers 2X points for every dollar you spend on travel, rental cars, hotels, and gas. It has an annual fee of $0, and new cardholders can earn 25,000 rewards points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred Card - This card offers 2X points on travel and dining and 1X point on all other purchases. It has an annual fee of $95, but it offers a $400 travel credit each year.
How to maximize the rewards benefits of your credit card- Pay your bill on time - This is the number one way to maximize the rewards benefits of your credit card. Your payment history is the single most important factor in determining your credit score.
- Make sure you have a positive credit balance - You don't want to go over your credit limit, but you also don't want a zero balance. Ideally, you want to have just a small positive balance, which will help your credit score.
- Keep the same card for a long time - If you're especially pleased with the rewards you're earning, you may want to consider keeping the same card for many years. This can help your credit history.
- Consider signing up for another rewards card - If you're trying to decide between two cards, it can help to think about the long term. If you're looking at one card with higher rewards now and another card with higher rewards down the road, go with the one that has better long-term potential.
Tips for using a rewards credit card responsiblyBefore using a rewards credit card, make sure you can pay off the balance in full each month. If you don't pay off the full amount each month, you'll end up paying extra money in the long run. Here are some ways to use a rewards credit card responsibly:
- Pay attention to the due date - Always remember when your payment is due. If you forget, you might end up paying extra money in late fees.
- Track your spending - Make sure you track your spending so you know how much you have left to spend on each category. This can also be helpful if you're trying to earn as many rewards as possible.
- Pay attention to your credit score - A high credit score may allow you to qualify for better loan terms and unlock better credit card rewards.
Credit card comparison resourcesWhen it comes to finding the best credit cards for shopping with rewards benefits, it can be a challenge to narrow down your options. To make it easier, you can use online tools and resources to compare different cards. These tools will help you find the right card for your needs, and they can make the process much more straightforward. Credit Card Finder is a useful tool that helps you find cards based on your spending habits, credit score, and other factors. It may also be helpful to talk to your friends or family members who have rewards credit cards. They may be able to recommend cards that meet your needs.
Credit card rewards programsMany credit card rewards programs offer similar rewards, but they're not all created equal. Here are some things to keep in mind when selecting a rewards program:
- Always be clear on the rewards program terms. Some programs have limitations on the amount of rewards you can earn, while others may have restrictions on the types of items you can redeem rewards for.
- Make sure the rewards program is worth it for you. You want to make sure you can actually take advantage of the program.
- Find a program that fits your spending habits. If you shop at specific retailers, you may want to consider a general rewards credit card.