Credit cards offer an array of benefits like cash rebates and the ability to buy everyday items without carrying cash, but have you ever considered how to use them to their full potential? If you adopt a tactful approach to using credit cards for everyday purchases, you’ll save money, earn rewards, and avoid debt or damage to your credit score.
Here are five useful tips to help you make the most of credit cards for everyday purchases.
1. Earn Rewards Points on Everyday Purchases
One of the most optimal ways to use your credit card for everyday purchases pertains to rewards points. Credit cards like the American Express Cobalt Card and RBC Avion Visa Infinite provide rewards points that may be redeemed for cash rebates, gift cards, or air miles. Most credit card issuers also offer bonus points to new cardholders that sign up.
All you’ve got to do is use your credit card to earn points on everyday purchases and cash in when you’ve accumulated enough points!
It’s worth noting that some credit card rewards points expire if they’re not used by a deadline, so make sure you redeem them in time. Moreover, check your credit card’s terms and conditions and updates to the promotions and special offers provided by the bank. This will help you earn maximum points and make the most of using your credit card for everyday purchases.
2. Consider Switching to a Cash Back Credit Card
Cash back credit cards provide a percentage cash rebate on everyday purchases. For instance, if you use the TD Cash Back Visa Infinite* credit card for everyday purchases, you’ll get 3% Cash Back Dollars on eligible grocery and gas purchases, regularly recurring bill payments and 1% Cash Back Dollars on all other purchases. This cash rebate to help pay down your account balance.
If you want to make the most of cash back credit cards for everyday purchases, make sure you’re aware of the annual fees owed on the card. It’s also worth checking whether there are any restrictions on how the rebates may be used (such as limits on what kind of merchants you can use them with). We recommend checking the terms and conditions of your cash back card carefully so you can avoid unexpected fees and use this popular type of credit card for everyday purchases as optimally as possible.
3. Take Advantage of Purchase Protection
Have you ever heard of purchase protection? It’s a service some credit card companies offer to cover lost, stolen or damaged items you’ve paid for. For example, suppose you buy groceries online using your credit card and receive a few bruised apples and crushed tomatoes. If the bank offers purchase protection on your card, you’ll have the option of filing a claim to be reimbursed for the cost of the damaged groceries.
Purchase protection is also immensely beneficial if you use your credit card for everyday purchases and your card is lost, counterfeited, or stolen. In this scenario, purchase protection will allow you to register a claim with your issuer and obtain reimbursement for unauthorized purchases on your card.
It’s worth noting that the terms and conditions regarding purchase protection vary depending on the bank you’re with and the type of credit card you use for everyday purchases. This is why we recommend checking the terms of your credit card agreement to familiarize yourself with the extent to which your everyday purchases are covered by purchase protection.
4. Stay Within Budget
Our last tip is perhaps the most important—stay within budget. This might seem too obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t do it!
One of the best ways to go about this is to only use your credit card for everyday purchases you can afford. This will help you avoid interest and late fees while helping you capitalize on benefits like cash rebates and rewards points.
It’s also important to create a budget for fixed everyday expenses and stick to it as closely as possible. A great way to do this is by shopping for items in the same price range and/or through the same merchants. This will help you stay within budget and avoid impulse purchases if you ever find yourself wandering through store aisles.
If you do exceed the budget for everyday expenses, pay the balance in full as soon as you can to avoid interest charges. Additionally, we recommend staying on top of your credit card statements by making a habit of reading them every time they’re issued. Match the transactions to your purchase history for everyday items, and if there are any discrepancies, tell the credit card provider immediately.
Lastly, we recommend using your credit card to withdraw cash for everyday purchases as a last resort as this option typically incurs high fees. In other words, avoid shopping at cash-only stores so you can use your card as often as possible to rack up those valuable reward points, get cash rebates, and keep your purchases protected!
Great Canadian Rebates Provides Rebates For the Best Credit Cards For Everyday Purchases
If you want to go the extra mile, follow the tips mentioned above and sign up to become a Great Canadian Rebates member.
Our business model is simple: we get commissions from merchants and pass most of it on to our members as a rebate. We also help clients compare some of Canada’s best rewards credit cards based on introductory offers, points, cash rebates, and more. Additionally, we regularly update our website with the latest weekly sales to help you save some money.
Visit Great Canadian Rebates today for more information.