Rewards Cards – Check the Current Offer Before You Sign Up
Just because you’ve received an offer in the mail for a rewards card doesn’t mean the offer will still be open when you send in your application. So before you take the time to fill out the form, visit the company website and get the current details.
Because credit card companies have been hit hard with delinquencies and defaults, many are trying to recoup their losses by discontinuing or altering their rewards programs.
Some are shortening the expiration periods, charging higher fees for redeeming the rewards, and putting a cap on the rewards you can earn in a given time period. Others are requiring a higher number of “points” before you will earn a reward, such as airline miles.
If you are already using a rewards card, pay attention to all correspondence from your credit card company. Some of it may be informing you of changes that could effectively wipe out any rewards you have already earned. For instance, you could learn that you have only a month or so in which to redeem those rewards.
Among the changes that have already taken place, American Express has cut some double-miles opportunities on its Delta Sky Miles card and Citibank is eliminating one option for redeeming its Thank You Rewards. In addition, the Chase Freedom card now offers fewer ways for a customer to earn extra cash back.
A few card issuers still do offer rewards that can save you money, and you can learn about them here at enter site name. We’ve done some research for you and offer a few good choices – but do read each offer to see which one is best for you.
Each of us spends money in different ways, so choose the rewards card that offers savings on the items you buy most often.