Maximizing The Value Out Of Your Rewards Cards

Want to maximize the benefits that your rewards card can provide? Here are a couple of ways to make sure that you squeeze the most out of the points you’ve earned from swiping that plastic every opportunity you get.

1. Find a rewards network that allows you to pool your points

Simply put, spreading your credit card expenses across numerous accounts will also lessen your ability to get more valuable rewards.

If you use multiple credit cards and want to maximize the rewards potential for each, you might want to consider switching to accounts that, at the least, belong to a single rewards network. Instead of having two cards belonging to Citi’s ThankYou network and two with Discover, see if you can find equivalent accounts on just one network.

Many rewards networks allow you to pool your points across different credit cards. That way, you can still use your travel credit card to gain discounts on tickets and your gas card to earn maximum points for car maintenance expenses, while being able to add up points together when redeeming.

2. Accumulate points to qualify for more valuable rewards

Resisting the always impending urge to spend your reward points immediately is a great way to maximize the benefits you can get from rewards credit cards. Redemption options are usually based on a tier system, which means the best value in points to rewards ratio can be enjoyed only at the highest level - where a considerable number of points are required in order to cash in.