Credit cards with rewards programs enable consumers to earn incentives
or points when making a purchase using the card. They are similar
to cash back cards as they allow for the accumulation of points
to earn rewards. Points are earned depending on the minimum amount
specified by the issuer and cardholders can then redeem the points
for rewards in the form of products or gift certificates.
There are
also cards that provide travel or hotel points when used regularly.
Some of them are co-branded with specific hotels or airlines.
Examples are Cathay Pacific Visa and Marriott Rewards Visa.
By using this card during hotel stays or air travel, users get
corresponding points. Other types offer broader rewards such
as free or discounted travel via air or sea, free or discounted
admission to theme parks, rental car use and free or discounted
stays at major hotel chains. Annual fees may apply as these
offers can be costly for credit card issuers.
Gas rewards
or rebate cards are ideal for frequent travelers. This type
can be general which provides equal treatment for all gas companies
or brand-specific which is exclusive only to one gas firm. The
rebate gas card normally lets a user earn one percent cash back
for general purchases and a higher percentage rebate for gas
purchases or auto maintenance services. Loyal users of a single
gas company should go for a brand-specific card.
Jetsetters
should avail of the credit card that gives them airline miles
or frequent flier rewards. This type allows point accumulation
which can be redeemed for plane tickets. Use of the card in
specific establishments lets a user earn mile credits.
Balance
transfer credit cards are used when you to consolidate
one credit card balance to another credit card. If you can
benefit from a period of zero interest on your transferred balance
for a set period of time, normally between 1 year and 18 months,
you will often save a lot of money.
So there,
its really up to you which card will be of great use in
your life. An important reminder is to always review the terms
and conditions. Before applying for a credit card online read
up on identity
theft.
VisaVue®
Travel helps U.S. Tourism Industry
The American credit card company Visa recently announced that
it is introducing a new service that will provide hotels, government
agencies, airlines and other organizations within the U.S. tourism
and travel industry, unique insights into spending by international
visitors to the U.S. Visa's VisaVue® Travel will enable
subscribers of this service to tailor their marketing and promotional
strategies and budgets based on up-to-date information about
international spending on Visa payment card transactions.
|