Are Rewards Credit Cards Worth It? Benefits and Drawbacks

Learn more about rewards credit cards!

A rewards credit card is a great way to earn perks on things you’re already buying, like groceries, travel, or entertainment, because it works like a regular credit card.

At the end of the month, you get a bill for everything you’ve spent. If you pay it off in full, you avoid any interest charges.

But if you only pay part of it, the rest, along with any new purchases, will start building up interest.

So, we could say that rewards cards are usually worth it, as long as you’re not carrying a balance and the annual fee is lower than the value of the rewards you earn each year.

Types of Credit Card Rewards

Rewards credit cards can be a fun way to get something extra from your everyday purchases!

The three main types of rewards you’ll find are miles, points, and cashback. Each card and program has its own way of letting you earn these rewards, so let’s break it down in a more friendly way:

Miles

If you’re a travel enthusiast, cards that earn miles might be right up your alley. Every time you swipe, you’re collecting miles that go straight into your airline loyalty program.

Later on, you can cash them in for flights or other travel goodies. Some general rewards cards also give you miles, which you can use for a variety of rewards—not just flights.

Points

Points are another great option, and they’re super flexible!

You earn points for every purchase, and then you can use them for all sorts of rewards, like travel, products, or even cashback.

Some cashback cards also work on a points system where each point usually equals about 1 cent.

Plus, if you have a hotel, store, or airline card, they often come with their own points programs that offer some neat perks.

Cashback

Cashback cards are probably the simplest to understand. You earn a percentage of what you spend back as cash!

This cashback can help lower your bill, get deposited into your bank account, or sometimes even come to you as a check.

It’s a straightforward way to save money on your everyday purchases—you’re literally getting cash back just for using your card!

Benefits of Rewards Cards

Rewards cards can really add some extra value to your everyday purchases, but you’ll get the most out of them when you use them wisely.

Let’s chat about some of the key benefits of having one of these cards:

Flexibility with Cashback Rewards

If you love dining out or just want to use your card for regular expenses, cashback rewards can be super appealing!

Some cashback cards give you a flat percentage back on everything you buy, while others offer better rewards in certain categories, like dining or groceries.

Travel Perks

If you’re someone who travels often, travel rewards cards can really enhance your trips.

You can redeem your points or miles for flights and hotel stays, and many of these cards come with cool perks like priority boarding, travel insurance, and credits to help cover travel costs.

Earning Rewards on Everyday Purchases

One of the best parts of rewards cards is the chance to earn rewards on your daily spending.

With travel rewards cards, you can rack up points or miles on every purchase, while cashback cards let you earn money back on your everyday expenses.

Disadvantages of Rewards Cards

Rewards cards can be great, but there are some potential downsides you might want to think about before jumping in:

High Interest Rates

First off, credit card interest rates are at an all-time high, and rewards cards usually follow suit. If you’re not paying off your balance in full each month, those interest charges can quickly add up and might even cancel out the value of the rewards you earn.

Missed Opportunities

Keep in mind that if you don’t redeem your rewards, you’re basically leaving money on the table. Some redemption options aren’t as valuable as others, so you might have to do a little digging to make the most of what you’ve earned.

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Written by

Everaldo Santiago