With so many scams out there and businesses trying to pull the wool over consumer's eyes, it seems impossible to believe that a credit card would really offer to pay 5% cash back just for making purchases with the card. Nonetheless, it is true. Several of the best cash back credit cards are really giving their customers 5% cash back rewards - and you just might be able to take advantage of these special deals.
Beating the Competition
With so many credit cards out there, credit card companies are in a bind to find a way to draw more customers in. One of the answers they have come up with is to offer cash back credit cards. With these credit cards, you earn money back for every purchase you make. As cash back credit cards rise in popularity, credit card companies are once again at the drawing table looking for a way to bring customers their way. All of this fierce battling is perfect for the consumer, who can take advantage of the resulting deals.
One of these great deals is the increase in credit card companies willing to provide cardholders with 5% cash back. In addition, this cash back reward is earned from making everyday purchases, such as those made at drugstores, gas stations, and grocery stores. These cards also offer 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Finding a 5% Cash Back Credit Card
The best cash back credit cards provide the 5% cash back reward. Some credit cards offering this special deal are Citi Dividend Platinum Select MasterCard and the Blue Cash Card from American Express. Whether you are an individual or a small business, you can find a great cash back credit card. The Advanta Platinum with Rewards and American Express OPEN: The Small Business Network are two great cash back credit cards for business owners.
The Downside
There is one downside to the 5% cash back bonus offered by certain cash back credit cards. Certain major stores, such as Sam's Club and Wal-Mart, do not earn the 5% rebate. This is not because the credit card company has excluded them. Rather, it is because these stores have not coded their items as grocery, gas, or pharmacy. Therefore, the credit card company has no way to properly track the items. Therefore, you will need to go to major drug stores, grocery stores, and gas stations to take advantage of the special 5% incentive. Otherwise, you will only earn 1% cash back.
The Mindset of the Credit Card Company
Credit card companies are able to offer the great incentives of these cash back credit cards for many reasons. First of all, they are willing to pay out a little extra in order to grab a larger portion of the consumer market. Secondly, American spending habits have traditionally been to use a check or cash for everyday necessities, such as food, health, and home purchases. Therefore, they are counting on you setting the plastic aside when you visit drug stores, gas stations, and grocery stores.
The trend for credit card usage is, however, changing. More and more, consumers are using their credit cards for everyday purchases. Retailers are assisting in this trend by providing incentives for using credit cards, such as fast moving self-service aisles that accept only credit cards. So, if you are able to pay your credit card balance at the end of the month and if you make sure to use your cash back credit card for all of your purchases, particularly the everyday ones, you will be sure to start earning money back in no time!
Credit Cards 5 Cash Back
Let's look at one market that is changing due to the current economy: credit cards. Just how have credit cards been affected? For starters, companies are tightening up their standards and lines of credit. In some cases, this means sending out fewer applications, especially to those that earn less than $50,000 a year. It also has led companies to increase their interest rates and decrease the limits available to cardholders.
The good news is that this does not mean your credit card days are over. What it does mean, however, is that it is more important than ever before to manage your cards wisely. Following are some steps to take to make sure you're on track when it comes to the plastic in your wallet.
Pay off Debt
Several reports have shown that consumers are running up more credit card debt now than ever before. While it can be easy to reach for a credit card when you don't have cash on hand, be careful not to make this a habit. The balance can increase quickly, and then take years to pay off.
If you do have outstanding credit card debt, make it a priority to pay it off. Credit card debt can be some of the most expensive kind around. And as companies increase the interest rates on their cards, it is only going to get pricier.
Apply with Care
If you need another credit card, go ahead and look for one. Before applying, be sure to check all of the terms listed. Some companies may include additional fees and charges on the card. You'll also want to make sure you qualify for the card. If your credit rating does not match the one required on the application, you may not be approved.
Track Spending
Paying off bills with your card is not a bad thing. If you start using credit cards for everything, however, this should serve as a sign that something is wrong. Rather than running up credit card bills, look at your expenses. You'd probably be better off cutting back on some of the expenses in your life right now rather than racking up high debt.
Watch the Limit
If you're not sure what the limit on your credit card is, call the bank that issued your card and ask. You'll want to make sure that you stay well under the limit. This shows lenders that you know how to manage your accounts well. If a bank reduces your limit and you're not satisfied with the change, call the company and ask for an increase.
Think Long-Term
Credit crunches do not usually last for years and years. View the current economy as a dip in the market, and trust that it will recover eventually. Use this time to make sure that all of your finances are in good order. Then, when the market starts to turn around, you'll turn with it. Your credit score will grow as the economy does, and you'll enjoy better credit days.
Both Robert Alan & Stephanie Andrews are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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