You may think that the only way that you can benefit from a credit card is by choosing one with the lowest interest rates. But there are lots of hidden extras that you should be aware of. Some credit card tricks are simple and quick to take advantage of. Capitalising on these can help you get more out of that tiny bit of plastic!
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Cash Back
A whole host of cards give you cash back as part of their rewards schemes. So why not use them? It’s important to pay off any charges to avoid interest, but as long as you do this, you’ll save yourself heaps in the long run. Plenty of service providers accept credit as a form of payment, so ask the questions before committing to paying in cash. Another credit card trick that will make you money is to waive the cash back offers in lieu of free travel – both accommodation and flights may be on offer. So why not treat your family to a little getaway every now and then? Sensible spending is all about making the most of what you’ve got, and what you can get.
Free Gas
You may have noticed that Publix offers a coupon for $10 off a $50 gas card when you spend $50 or more instore. Now, you may feel that this is just a retailer’s trick to get you to spend more in their store, but let’s face it – you’re going to have to buy gas, no matter what. So why not use this credit card trick each time you do a big shop to save on your fuel expenditure? And if you’re worried about spending too much instore, just plan out what you need first before you leave the house!
Don’t forget to look out for similar deals at other supermarkets, as well as in local newspapers and coupon books. You’ll be surprised how much some people are willing to give away!
An Interest-Free Loan
If you’re confident that you can keep a check on your finances but you’ve hit an unexpected problem, don’t be afraid to use your credit card to get you through the rough times. As long as you can pay off the card before the interest starts to build, you’ve effectively granted yourself an interest-free loan. Let me just say again, though – this should only be considered as a short-term option for when you need the cash but you’re waiting for the next pay check to hit your bank account.
Although this credit card trick won’t technically make you any money, it will give you the peace of mind that any unexpected financial hits can be dealt with without the need to rack up a ridiculous amount of interest.
Other Hidden Benefits
Of course, different credit card providers will offer different benefits, so make sure you shop around before making your decision. Some of the credit card tricks that can make you money include:
- Rental car insurance
- Extended warranty and charge backs
- Price protection
Let’s look at these a little more closely. Firstly, rental car insurance. This one’s simple common sense. Rental garages can charge an utter fortune for insurance – often more than the actual rental agreement! So opting for a credit card that offers rental car insurance is a no-brainer.
Any large purchase usually comes with a warranty, an all major retailers will have no issue in upholding their end of the deal, But some unscrupulous dealers may refuse you service if you ask for a refund or credit on a product you bring back. Instead of arguing until you’re blue in the face, speak to your credit card provider and see if they can take the case on. Sometimes, just the mention of an expensive charge back is enough for a retailer to offer you your money back there and then!
Price protection is something that some stores offer, but with this added bonus as part of your credit card’s arsenal it’s easier to shop with confidence, knowing that if you miss a bargain your credit card provider will be there to help you out!
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Not only will these credit card tricks help you to save or make money, they can also give you the peace of mind of knowing that your purchases are protected and that you’ll have less hassle should anything major go wrong with them. Make sure that you contact your credit card provider to see what they can offer you, and don’t be afraid to mention offers that other customers have got that you haven’t. Remember, sometimes new customers are given extra bonuses as an incentive to signing up.