Suppose you're at a coffee shop, sipping on your favourite cup of coffee. As you enjoy your drink, you get to know that the coffee shop gives a little something back to its customers for every purchase—let’s call it the "loyalty points."
Reward credit cards work the same way. Just like earning loyalty points at coffee shops, reward credit cards give you points for every purchase you make. The more you spend, the more rewards you earn.
Surprisingly, data from a survey in the US states that as of 2024, over 55% of rewards credit card users who clear their bills in full each month let their earned benefits (reward points) go to waste.
But you, don’t be the one! Take full advantage of the reward points you earn with your reward credit card.
And where to utilise these points? You could use those points to enjoy anything from shopping to travel. That’s the magic of reward credit cards!
Table of Contents:
- What Are Rewards Credit Cards?
- Why Choose a Rewards Credit Card?
- What Makes a Credit Card the Best for Rewards?
- How to Maximise Reward Points on Your Credit Card?
- How To Redeem Credit Card Reward Points?
- How to Choose The Best Rewards Credit Card for Yourself?
- How to Earn Credit Card Reward Points
What Are Rewards Credit Cards?
A rewards credit card is a type of credit card that offers you:
- Points,
- Miles, or
- Cashback
as a reward for making purchases.
When you use credit cards with good rewards, you’re not just spending; you’re earning. Every time you buy something with a credit card with good rewards, you earn credit card reward points that can be redeemed for various benefits, such as shopping, travel, movie tickets, or gift vouchers.
Instead of using cash for everything, a rewards credit card allows you to accumulate points that can be used later (after credit card points redemption).
It's like getting something back on expenses you can’t avoid! Or simply, it’s like a secret piggy bank in your wallet!
And the best part? They’re flexible enough to fit your lifestyle. All you have to do is choose the one whose reward benefits match your spending habits.
Why Choose a Rewards Credit Card?
Here are some key reasons why using a rewards credit card can add something back to your wallet:
- Extra Value for Your Spending: Every time you buy something, you not just spend money but will earn points. Over time, these points can accumulate into something big that you can redeem as per your wish.
- Accelerated Rewards: You can earn reward points not just for meeting basic spending limits but also for spending in specific categories. These categories vary depending on the type of credit card. For co-branded credit cards, extra reward points are offered when you buy products or services from the card’s partner.
- Travel and Shopping Perks: Many credit cards with reward points offer exclusive perks like free flights, hotel discounts, or shopping offers or discounts on popular brands/stores. They can truly help you get more from your everyday expenses.
- Cashback as Rewards: Some cards give you cashback instead of points. That means you get money back for each purchase after the respective rewards redemption process. It’s like receiving a refund for using your card.
- Milestone Rewards: You can get rewarded with bonus points for reaching certain spending milestones. By hitting these targets, you can earn a large bundle of reward points, making your spending even more rewarding.
- Flexible Redemption Options: Whether you prefer using your points for rewards redemption like travel or gift cards or simply want to earn cashback, these cards can provide flexibility to utilise your reward points the way you like.
- Additional Perks: Depending on your rewards credit card, you can enjoy perks like roadside assistance, airport help, and concierge services. These kinds of perks can make your experience more convenient and enjoyable.
What Makes a Credit Card the Best for Rewards?
Not all credit cards with reward points are created equal. To find the best ones, you need to look for certain features:
- Higher Reward Rates: The best rewards credit cards offer more points per rupee spent, especially for categories like groceries, dining, or travel.
- Sign-Up Bonus: Many credit cards offer a big bonus if you spend a certain amount in the first few months. This could boost your points quickly.
- Reward Redemption Options: A top card will offer multiple ways to redeem rewards points, including travel, shopping, or even cash back.
- Loyalty Points: Many banks reward their loyal customers by offering loyalty points. You can earn extra rewards just for renewing your card.
How to Maximise Reward Points on Your Credit Card?
Maximising your credit card reward points means earning as many points as possible for your everyday spending. Here are some tips:
- Use the Right Card for the Right Purchases: Some cards offer higher points for specific categories like groceries and dining out. Make sure you use your card for these purchases to accumulate points faster.
- Look for Bonus Offers: Credit card issuers often give extra rewards for certain spending categories or during special promotions. For example, you could earn bonus points or cashback on groceries, dining, or fuel purchases within a specific period. Keep an eye on these kinds of limited-time offers.
- Pay Off in Full: By paying off your balance in full each month, you can avoid high interest charges and ensure that you don’t lose points.
- Keep Track of Points Expiry Date: Some cards have an expiration date on points. Stay aware of when your points will expire, and plan your rewards redemption accordingly. Not redeeming your rewards is like leaving a gift unwrapped.
How To Redeem Credit Card Reward Points?
The simplest way to redeem your reward points is through online banking. Once your card is linked to your account, you can easily check your credit card statement, pay bills, view your rewards summary, and redeem your points.
Depending on your rewards credit card, you can redeem your rewards points for:
- Travel: You can use your points to book flights, hotels, or car rentals by redeeming your credit card’s reward points. Some cards even offer special partnerships with airlines or hotels, letting you get more value from your points.
- Gift Cards: You can redeem points for gift cards to your favourite retailers or online stores. You can choose from multiple options for clothing, electronics, or food.
- Cashback: Many credit cards with good rewards allow you to convert your points into cashback. This money can be deposited directly into your account or used as a statement credit.
How to Choose The Best Rewards Credit Card for Yourself?
Choosing the best rewards credit card depends on your spending habits and what you want from the card. Here’s how to select the right one for you:
- Identify Your Spending Habits: Analyse the categories where you spend the most. Do you spend more on dining, travel, or shopping? Choose a card that offers the highest rewards in those categories. Look for a reward structure that matches your lifestyle.
- Check the Redemption Options: Make sure that the card offers rewards redemption options that fit your needs, whether it's travel, cashback, or dining.
- Review the Fees: Check cautiously that the card’s annual fee and interest rates are reasonable compared to the rewards it offers. Paying higher annual fees may offset your earned rewards unless you’re a big spender.
- Look for Sign-Up Bonuses: A good sign-up bonus can give your rewards a jumpstart. So keep an eye out for promotions when applying.
- Annual Fees: A great rewards card balances high rewards with low fees. While some cards may have a high annual fee, the rewards they offer should be more valuable than that.
- Interest Rates: Rewards cards typically have higher interest rates. If you don’t pay your balance in full each month, the interest charges can quickly outweigh the value of your earned rewards.
- Customer Service and Benefits: A card with good customer service, fraud protection, and added benefits like lounge access or insurance adds extra value.
- Consider Your Credit Score: Some of the best reward cards require the applicant to have a good credit score. Ensure you meet the card’s requirements to qualify and get a rewards credit card at your doorstep.
How to Earn Credit Card Reward Points?
Earning credit card reward points is simple. Here’s how:
- Use Your Credit Card for Regular Purchases: Every time you make a purchase, you’re earning points. Just make sure you’re using your rewards card for most of your purchases (obviously, within your spending limits).
- Maximise Bonus Categories: Many cards offer bonus points for specific categories (e.g., dining, travel, groceries). Focus your spending on these categories to earn more points.
- Pay Your Bill On Time: Rewards cards work best for those who pay off their balance in full each month. Otherwise, interest charges can quickly outweigh any rewards you earn.
- Take Advantage of Promotional Offers: Many cards provide special bonus points during promotional periods. Keep track of these offers to earn extra points.
Reward credit cards are a great way to make your purchases more rewarding. By choosing the right card, maximising your reward points, and understanding how to redeem them, you can enjoy exciting benefits. Whether you’re looking to shop, travel, or save money, credit cards with reward points offer a flexible and rewarding way to reach your goals.
Start using a rewards credit card today, and watch your reward points stack up!