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Credit card reward system is a boon to people who use credit card for their daily expenditure. One reward system that can be of particular benefit is the point reward system. In this reward system, you get certain points for every dollar you spend using your card. Many credit card companies have used this as a way to lure more customers into using their credit card. But if used wisely, these cards can be a great benefit for us too.
Understanding how this point system works is very important, to make the most of it. Every time you swipe your card and spend some money, you are going to be awarded with certain points on your card. The number of points for every dollar entirely depends on your credit card union. These points can be redeemed in attractive and useful ways.
Online shopping
Many of these credit card companies have certain shopping sites devoted completely to them. They have special offers and discounts only for the customers of that credit card company. Check if your card has an option like that. Almost all times, these sites have some very good and worthy deals and offer pretty good discounts too. If you have accumulated around 250 points for example, you can shop for products worth $250, and check out by giving your account ID. There are other online shopping deals too, with vendors affiliated to your bank. So just see when you can get a really profitable deal and make use of your reward points.
Cash redemption
You can also opt for cash back for the total worth of points you have accumulated. Usually, the credit card company will issue a check in your name and you can either use it to pay off your bills or deposit into your bank account. If there are no good deals online and you cannot see much profit in spending, you can opt for this option.
Food coupons
Many credit card companies have affiliation with eating outlets, where the customers can redeem their reward points for food coupons. Find out about such an offer from your credit card company before you sign up. This option works great for people who eat out every day, or even enjoy weekend outings to restaurants.
Though these redemption options seem very attractive, exercising caution is equally important. Mostly, all credit card companies take advantage in the added conditions section because most of us will not read all the tiny details of the clauses in there. You reward points will have an expiration date. If you cannot redeem it in one of the above ways, it is going to go for a waste. Most credit cards have an upper limit set for the amount of points you can accumulate within one billing cycle. If you use your card regularly, and reach that upper limit soon, all your purchases after that may not be rewarded. Also, certain credit cards require minimum amount of spending for the reward points to mature. Until then it cannot be redeemed. This particular condition can affect you if you don't use your credit card that often. So consider all these factors and weigh your options before making a choice and reaping rewards.
