The holiday season can be a time of joy, but it can also be a time of stress, especially when it comes to holiday shopping. But if you plan ahead, you can earn some valuable rewards while checking items off of your loved ones' wish lists.
Because many of us will be purchasing gifts for friends and family, it may make sense to utilize a rewards credit card for certain purchases. Many rewards credit cards offer bonuses in specific categories where you do your holiday shopping like department stores and warehouse chains, and this can help offset the potential increased spending this time of year.
Of course, rewards credit cards are best-suited to people who plan to pay those holiday balances off in full at the end of the month — otherwise, you'll just lose the bonus to your annual percentage rate (APR.) And, no matter what card you're considering this holiday shopping season, you'll want to read the fine print to be sure it's right for you. Finally, it's a good idea to check your credit before filling out that application. You typically need a good credit score to get a card with the best terms and conditions and you don't want to incur an inquiry — which can hurt your credit — just to be denied. (You can view two of your credit scores, updated every 30 days, for free on Credit.com.)
Note: It’s important to remember that interest rates, fees and terms for credit cards, loans and other financial products frequently change. As a result, rates, fees and terms for credit cards, loans and other financial products cited in these articles may have changed since the date of publication. Please be sure to verify current rates, fees and terms with credit card issuers, banks or other financial institutions directly.
Image: JackF
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