Why You Should buy (Almost) Everything on Your Credit Card
By Author on Jul 3, 2010 in Credit
In general, credit cards have a bad reputation. Many think they are just a quick route to debt. That is only the case if you spend more than they can afford them, however. If you only have to change their spending to buy almost everything you need in your credit card, you can save and even make money.
The first and most obvious benefit of paying by credit card is that there is a period of weeks, maybe more, from the time of purchase to when you actually have to pay for it. The exact length of time depends on how long it is until their next monthly due date card.
During this time the money that otherwise would have gone still be in your bank account, where it should be generating interest. When the monthly due date comes around, simply pay the total balance outstanding, and pocket the interest. If you use your card for all routine expenses – food, clothing, gas, energy costs, and so on – simply by doing this can generate several hundred dollars a year in additional revenue for you. Just remember to pay the balance on your credit card each month to avoid interest charge.
But does not stop there. Many credit cards now offer reimbursement of costs (if not your current card, apply for one that does). With cashback credit cards for every dollar spent, the card company will refund some money, usually in a single payment made once a year.
The amount paid is calculated as a percentage of total spending. The percentages vary, but typically range between 0.5% and 2%. Some card issuers to pay higher rates for purchases in certain categories or posts in certain retailers. Discover Platinum Card, for example, offers up to 1% cashback normally, but 5% of purchases made from selected merchants in the program get more.
In making the most of your shopping through these two methods, you should be able to generate significant additional amount of money back and interest received. It is the equivalent of taking a PayRise! Just a word of warning. With certain items, if you pay by credit card an additional charge may be imposed. Airline tickets low cost are an example. In these cases, it is better to pay with a check or debit card (or even cash!).
And, if only necessary to say, NEVER use your credit card as a means of borrowing money. You will be charged interest from the day you make the transaction, and may be charged an administration fee as well.
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