Credit cards are a fantastic resource to help you handle your finances better. Here are ten reasons why everyone should have a credit card.
Reason 1: Easy Way to Build Credit
Credit cards are a quick and easy way to establish or build credit. Credit scores affect your ability to get car loans, personal loans, and other credit products. Having a clear credit report is essential.
You can start with a secured credit card that will give you a low credit limit for young people.
After responsible credit card use, you can request a higher credit limit.
Reason 2: A Generous Sign Up Bonus
Many cards will give you cashback as you spend money. Spending $1000 within 90 days and getting $100 back is a standard account opening bonus.
I have a rule that if a credit card issuer does not give me an enticing sign-up bonus, I will not sign up for the card.
Reason 3: Pay Zero Interest For a Period of Time
One perk of using a credit card is that most cards offer 0% interest rates on purchases for extended periods.
You can use this window to make large purchases without worrying about paying any interest until months later. I have done this numerous times to spread out paying for purchases over time.
Pay more than the minimum payment to avoid a high-interest rate when the promotional period is over.
Reason 4: They Come With Purchase Protection
The fine print with credit cards can be to your advantage (sometimes). There are consumer protections on a credit card that you don’t get with a debit card or cash transactions.
When I visited Mexico, I bought several pairs of jeans. I had buyer’s remorse and wanted to return them the next day. The store did not accept returns.
My credit card company within the week refunded me the money. I had the money and the pants now, a win-win.
Reason 5: Fraud Protection
If your card is ever lost or stolen, you will not be held responsible for fraudulent charges.
With cybersecurity being such a concern, this is beneficial.
Report any theft or loss of your credit card as soon as possible. Fraudulent transactions are a drag.
With a stolen debit card, the thief can pay for many things before you can report the fraudulent purchases.
Reason 6: Cash Back Rewards
Only choose a card that will improve your credit rating, has no annual fee, and gives you the ability to earn rewards.
Use the credit card on everyday purchases and earn money while paying your expected expenses.
Reason 7: Air Mile Rewards
A different card issuer may offer frequent flyer miles as a rewards program. These credit cards will help you travel, pay for rental cars and other travel expenses.
When you’re in a foreign country, ensure that you use a travel credit card to avoid the foreign transaction fee.
Reason 8: Insurance Included
Nearly all credit card companies offer insurance when you rent a car. Ask them to see.
The insurance provided by the rental car company can be as much as $50 per day, that’s $350 per week.
Reason 9: They’re Universally Accepted
You don’t need to carry cash anymore as we have become nearly a cashless society.
Take that for what you will. Some don’t like being tracked—some like the convenience.
Credit cards are accepted nearly everywhere besides small mom-and-pop-type businesses.
Reason 10: Safer to Carry and Use
Many people like to carry and use credit cards for safety reasons. Debit cards have your bank account linked directly with the physical card. They can quickly drain any funds if it gets lost or stolen.
Credit cards only allow you access to what’s available in your line of credit, which leaves a lot less room for someone to take advantage of your personal finances than other forms of payment do.
Everyone Should Have A Credit Card: Having a Good Credit History Is Important
Credit cards are a great way to make purchases, whether you’re buying groceries at the local market or booking flights for your next vacation.
As long as you use the credit card responsibly and don’t rack up any credit card debt, credit cards are a good idea.
This article originally appeared on MaxMyMoney.org and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
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25 can’t-miss credit card perks
Signing up for a credit card that offers the best benefits makes a lot of sense. And it’s natural to focus on highly-publicized rewards and special offers. But you might be surprised to learn that there are a number of everyday perks that can come with your credit card.
Not every credit card offers the same perks, so you’ll need to read your card’s fine print so you can understand its benefits and get a feel for what’s available. We’re willing to bet that if you do, you’ll find some interesting stuff.
Here are some of the most useful and unexpected credit card perks we know of — including some suggested to us by members of our FBZ Elite – Travel and Points Facebook group.
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There are few things more frustrating than making a purchase, only to see the item drop in price a few days later. This is where price protection comes in. If you bought something with your credit card and the price drops within a certain period of time, some credit cards will reimburse you for the difference.
Double-check the fine print. There might be a limit on the dollar amount you can receive per item and per 12-month period. Also understand the documentation requirements, such as having a receipt.
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With purchase protection, you can be reimbursed if an item you bought on your credit card is stolen, damaged, or even lost. You often have to go through your homeowners insurance or other policy first. If the item isn’t covered, you might be able to get reimbursed within a certain time period after the item was purchased.
Steven H., a member of our FBZ Elite – Travel and Points Facebook group, reported that he received a refund on a broken hockey stick with this particular credit card perk.
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With return protection, you might be able to extend your ability to bring an item back to the store. For example, if you’re past a store’s 30-day return window and can’t return an item, you can request a refund from your card issuer in some cases.
Be aware that there are usually still time limits and documentation needs, so check your card benefits to make sure you’re meeting the requirements.
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Similar to other types of protection, online shopping protection can help you when things go awry. If your package is stolen or if an item arrives damaged and the seller won’t refund you, it might be possible to get your money back as part of a credit card perk.
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When the manufacturer’s warranty expires, you might be able to benefit from extended warranty protection. Tyler L., a member of our FBZ Elite – Travel and Points Facebook group, said his MacBook Pro died one month after the warranty ended. When Apple wouldn’t take care of it, his credit card issuer sent him enough money to cover the cost of a replacement.
In general, a credit card issuer will let you know whether it will double or triple the manufacturer’s warranty and what you need to do to qualify. You usually need to buy the item with the credit card in order for it to be covered.
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“I’d say cell phone insurance,” Steve M. said in our FBZ Elite – Travel and Points Facebook group. “If you have a bunch of phones on your plan, this simple benefit can save some money rather than [paying] the carrier’s insurance.”
And that’s exactly what cell phone protection does. If you buy your cell phone with a credit card that offers this perk, you can receive reimbursement for the phone if it’s broken or damaged. Rather than paying a monthly premium to your carrier, you might already have access to this insurance as a perk with your credit card.
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This is a common perk because there are certain steps that credit cards have to take by law to protect you from fraud. If a fraudulent charge is made to your credit card and you notify your card issuer within 60 days of the statement date, you shouldn’t be responsible for the charges. The law limits your liability of unauthorized credit card use to $50.
Some credit card issuers have even more robust protections. Check with your issuer to find out what type of protection you have to see if it includes $0 fraud liability.
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Increasingly, credit card issuers offer access to some version of your credit score. You might get access to a score from a specific credit-reporting agency or even access to your entire report.
Some credit card issuers also offer credit-monitoring services free of charge, so if something negative appears on your report, you can receive an alert and see if it needs to be dealt with.
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Depending on the card, you might be able to get a long introductory period of up to 24 months with 0% APR (annual percentage rate) or a great deal on a balance transfer. Some cards go even further.
It’s also possible for some military members to enjoy no interest for a much longer period. According to Chris P., a member of our FBZ Elite — Travel and Points Facebook group, his luxury card waived his cash advance fee and gave him a 0% APR until 2099. “I was able to essentially take out a $35,000 loan for life with no interest or fees,” Chris wrote.
If you have a special circumstance, check to see if your card comes with an extra-long period of no interest.
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Looking for help finding something or making arrangements? Many credit cards offer complimentary concierge services. You can get help making travel arrangements or finding a drugstore when you visit a foreign city.
Find out what your card’s concierge services entail and get their number. Then, when you need help with anything, all you need to do is call.
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When I paid my Global Entry fee with one of my travel credit cards, I received a $100 credit on my next statement, offsetting the cost. This is a great perk that many travel cards offer, allowing you to skip the lines at the airport.
Check your cardmember benefits to see whether this perk is available to you, and make sure you understand the fine print. In many cases, you can only get the credit every four or four and a half years, depending on whether you get Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
Also, consider that because these programs have different prices, the amount of your statement credit will depend on which program you sign up for.
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I have three different travel credit cards, and they all come with great perks for frequent travelers. Depending on the card you have and whether it’s tied to a specific airline, you might be able to enjoy perks like:
- Free cabin upgrades when available
- Priority boarding
- One or two free checked bags
- Lounge access
- Discounts on inflight purchases
With these kinds of perks, it’s possible to enjoy a better travel experience — and even save money.
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Do you have a small business credit card? You don’t have to feel left out on perks. Many small business credit cards come with extras like built-in expense management tools. You might also enjoy a monthly credit with Uber, WeWork membership, or access to ZipRecruiter. Additionally, some small business credit cards offer credits for telecommunications bills or help you buy computers.
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Some cards come with VIP event access. You might be able to go behind the scenes at Sundance or have access to hard-to-get PGA (Professional Golfers’ Association of America) Masters tickets. Backstage passes to concerts, special receptions, and meet-and-greets might all be available, depending on the card.
Cardholders may also have the opportunity to buy concert and event tickets before they go on sale to the general public. Additionally, you might get preferred seating access at certain venues. If you enjoy unique experiences, check your cardmember benefits to see what’s available.
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If you like a little bit of culture in your life, see if your card issuer offers museum access. One of the most popular programs is Bank of America’s Museums on Us. You might also see free or discounted access to other cultural experiences, including certain zoos.
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Depending on the partners your credit issuer has, you might get access to a number of discounts and upgrades. This could include discounts when you shop at certain stores or upgrades when you rent a car. Some credit card issuers offer access to high-end resort hotels. You might also receive automatic status in different hotel rewards programs.
One member of our FBZ Elite — Travel and Points Facebook group, Elery T., wrote that she uses hotel credit cards that grant Gold, Platinum, or Diamond status — and having status usually results in an upgrade. “I have lost count on how many times our standard rooms have been upgraded due to having status,” she said.
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Before you spend money in a regular store, check to see if your credit card issuer offers extra cash back through its online portal. Depending on the card, you could get between 10% and 25% extra cash back or points when you buy through the card’s online portal. This amounts to a discount on purchases you’d be making anyway.
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Some consumer and business credit cards offer Uber or Lyft credits each month. You can take free rides just for having a certain credit card. This can be a huge help when you’re getting around in a new city.
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Many credit cards offer insurance on your rental car. You might be able to have damages covered without paying the hefty price required by the rental car company.
However, it’s important to read the fine print on this benefit. Some cards offer only secondary rental car insurance coverage, which means it covers you only if your primary auto insurer doesn’t. Additionally, you might need to sign a waiver declining the coverage from the rental car company for your credit card to pick up the tab.
I found this coverage useful when someone did a hit-and-run on my parked rental car while I was on vacation. My credit card came with primary rental car insurance, which reimbursed me the money I paid for the damage.
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Ricky S., another member of our FBZ Elite — Travel and Points Facebook group, said he’s used the roadside assistance perk three times so far — on behalf of other people. The perk covered various situations, including being locked out of the car, running out of gas, and having a flat tire. “It didn’t cost me a dime but sure made my day better when helping others,” he wrote.
Find out if you can get roadside assistance from your credit card issuer and avoid paying for an auto-club membership or filing an insurance claim.
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When I travel abroad, I bring one of my cards that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. Many of the best travel cards won’t charge you this extra fee. It’s a great way to save money when you’re out of the country, and it saves the hassle of dealing too much with local currency.
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No one likes their luggage being lost or damaged. You can incur extra costs in these situations, and it’s not a fun way to start or end a trip. With a credit card perk that covers lost or damaged baggage, you can be reimbursed for the associated costs. As always, make sure you understand the limits and requirements.
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Was your trip canceled due to illness, death of a loved one, weather, or some other issue? You might be eligible to get your money back if your credit card has a trip cancellation perk. Before you buy an extra policy from your travel-booking website, look in your cardmember benefits to see if you’re already protected.
In addition to trip cancellation insurance, you might also be reimbursed if your trip is interrupted partway through or if you incur costs due to delays.
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Depending on the card and the situation, you might be eligible for reimbursement of medical costs related to injuries received while traveling. It might also provide money to your beneficiaries if you die while traveling. This can be a good supplement to other coverage you might have, especially if you need help meeting a medical deductible.
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Emergency travel assistance might help you get out of an area in an emergency situation. It’s important to check the policy to see what types of travel are covered. Some credit card perks don’t include adventure travel, so you if you have to be evacuated from a mountain top, you might not be covered. Others have limitations based on the country you visit.
No matter the credit card perk, always check the fine print in your cardmember benefits so you know what to expect. When you start paying attention, you might be surprised at how much money you can save by using the perks you’re already entitled to.
This article originally appeared on FinanceBuzz.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
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