The content is accurate at the time of publication and is subject to change.

Research: How effective are credit card rewards? - Credit-Land.com

When you hunt for a credit card, there are high chances you will spot different companies offering innumerable benefits. Working with credit cards and reading the fine print when sealing a deal can help gain an understanding of what the credit card really offers. The terms and conditions you signed up for must be transparent so that you can make the most of credit card rewards.

In many instances, credit card providers are known to bully consumers into buying a credit card with them by offering rewards and other bonuses. Individuals must scan through the fine print in the deal so that you know you are eligible for the reward in question. A reputed credit card issuer will nevertheless follow a standard procedure so that users can avail full benefits. The provider marks the 5 percent cash back reward assurance as ‘subject to terms and conditions’.

Generally, a credit card issuer will refrain from making the applicable conditions public, and we, as buyers don’t bother to read the fine print. Applying for a credit card while hoping you are by default eligible for the credit card reward can be a blunder. Remember a card that offers 5 percent as cash back would require you to make high purchases against the credit card.

If you overlook your own spending, you’ll realize that hardly any of us employ our credit cards to a large extent. We do not end up benefiting from credit card rewards because generally we would be using our card only to gain an amount as low as 1 percent in cash back. Even in cases when the terms and conditions applied to a card are transparent, you must check the annual fee charged by the provider.

Though a standard card doesn’t typically charge a fee, if it offers rewards it might just need you to shell out an annual fee. If a credit card provider tempts you with numerous credit card rewards, you must read through their agreement carefully. They will generally require you to pay a high amount as an annual fee. If you search through carefully, you will find cards that deliver higher rewards without needing you to pay much.

The Internet can be a great tool when you are looking for credit card rewards. Many websites offer reviews of the particular credit card that can further help you decide whether or not you should pick up the credit card for the rewards and bonuses it may offer.

Disclaimer: This editorial content is not provided or commissioned by the credit card issuer(s). Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of the credit card issuer(s), and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuer(s). Reasonable efforts are made to present accurate information, however all information is presented without warranty. Consult a card's issuing bank for the terms & conditions.
All rates and fees, and other terms and conditions of the products mentioned in this article/post are actual as of the last update date but are subject to change. See the current products' Terms & Conditions on the issuing banks' websites.