You probably heard about them: People who claim to make money using credit cards. And not only a few dollars – but a few hundred if not thousand dollars with hardly any effort! But can this really be true? Can you really save or even make that much money with credit cards?

Yes, you can! But you have to be very strategic and go for specific types of cards. The following article will give you the best tips and tricks and tells you what card works best for your needs.

Best Strategies To Save & Make Money Using Credit Cards

1. Reduce Interest Rates By Transferring Balances

If there is a balance on a high-interest rate credit card, hundreds of dollars can be saved by simply transferring the money to a card that has a much lower interest rate. For instance, you can take advantage of the really common 0% APR balance transfer deals offered by different providers. Such a card will at times allow you to not pay interest for up to 2 years, based on the chosen card.

To put things into perspective, if you have a balance of $3,000 on a credit card with an interest rate of 17%, it is possible to save close to $400 if the balance is moved to a 0% APR card for 1 year, all while paying $251 every single month.

2. Pay Everything With A Good Cash Back Credit Card

The use of cash back credit cards is highly advantageous since it allows you to accumulate rewards. In most situations, you get points that can then be redeemed for cash that is transferred back to your account, gift cards or discounts for different retailers.

When you first read the deal you are offered, you are tempted to dismiss it. However, if you do the math, you quickly figure out the benefits. Let’s say you spend $3,000 every single month on various expenses. If the cash back credit card gives you 1% in rewards, you get $360 back every single year.

3. Take Advantage Of The Sign-Up Bonus

You can so easily find a credit card that has a sign-up bonus but you need to choose one that is good for you, based on your spending habits. The bonuses offered range from completely free hotel stays to cash back bonuses. Some even give you points that can be used to buy airline tickets. In order to get your spending bonus, you have to spend a specific amount on the card. If the requirements are met, you get the bonus.

Always choose the credit card that has a sign-up bonus you can actually take advantage of. For instance, if the bonus is a free hotel stay but you never travel, it is most likely not a good opportunity.

4. Carefully Check Gift Card Deals

Cash is often preferred as a reward but you can maximize how much you get if you carefully choose gift card deals. In many situations, credit card companies have deals in place with some stores. If you find one where you would actually use the gift card, the amount you get is higher. For instance, if you get a cash reward of $20, the gift card might give you $25. Obviously, this only works in the event that you would actually use the gift card.

5. Pay Big Purchases With The 0% APR Credit Cards

Years ago, the only way to get a 0% APR credit card was to transfer your balance. Nowadays, this changed. Numerous credit cards give you access to the 0% APR deal as an introductory bonus. This means you can use these cards when you buy something. Whenever you have something more expensive to buy, like furniture, or an unexpected medical procedure, and you are allowed to break up everything into more payments, you take advantage of the lack of interest.

6. Check The Discount Mall Of The Credit Card Issuer

Most credit card issuers give you access to a discount mall, which is practically an online portal filled with deals. If you take some time to plan ahead, this allows you to save a lot of money on items like flowers, movie tickets and dining, among others. Check the different discounts and other deals offered by the discount mall and you can actually save hundreds every single month.

7. Shop During Discount Days Offered By Retail Cardholders

Most people will tell you to stay away from retail credit cards since they have limited use and high-interest rates. However, this does not mean that you cannot save money if you are smart about how you use them. Some of these cards give you access to wonderful reward programs, like discount days when cardholders get access to wonderful deals.

What you have to do is read through the rewards program. Alternatively, you can also contact the retail card issuer. See if there are discount days available and shop then.

8. Skip Your Car Rental Insurance Policy

If you use the car rental coverage offered by the car rental agency, you lose around $20 every single day you use the rented vehicle. Rent the car for two weeks to go on a trip and you lose $280. One thing that car rental agencies do not want you to know is that many credit card providers actually offer car rental insurance. The only condition is that you decline car rental company coverage. The rental needs to be paid with the credit card.

9. Use Price Adjustments

There is one unwanted scenario that most people know. You buy something and then, after just a few days, you see that it is available at a much lower price. Believe it or not, it is possible that the credit card issuer will refund the difference if you have price protection benefits. How easy you get that benefit varies from one credit card issuer to the next.

See if your credit card issuer offers price protection. If so, see what the conditions are so you can take advantage of them. If you cannot, you might actually move to a different issuer.

10. Buy Extended Warranty With Credit Cards

Whenever you want to buy expensive electronics and there is an extended warranty deal, you are tempted not to use this option due to the price. As you use some credit cards, the extended warranty can be automatically offered. This helps you to save money.

Before you shop for credit cards, see if there is one that gives you the extended warranty coverage. Just make sure you keep the purchase receipt for as long as the warranty is active. This is needed if a claim needs to be submitted.

11. Avoid Foreign Transaction Fees

You should know that most of the credit cards on the market will charge you a special foreign transaction fee. In most cases, this is 3% of how much is transferred if purchases were made in another currency. Those that travel a lot to other countries know how fast the fees will add up. This is why, if you do travel a lot, you need to look for a credit card that removes the foreign transaction fees.

12. Never Carry A Card Balance

If you have a card balance and have to pay charges, you do not have benefits that are going to be worth it. This is why it is absolutely mandatory that you pay the balance in full. Do this every single month so you do not have to pay late fees and interest fees.

Examples Of Money Making Credit Cards To Consider

Statistics show that the average US citizen has 4 credit cards. There are hundreds of options that are available so being careful with your choices is really important. This is why you should only consider the very best ones on the market. Below you can find some recommendations you will surely love.

The Credit Card With The Best Travel Rewards

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

• 10X miles reward on hotels.
• 2X miles reward on purchases.

You also get a 50,000 miles bonus when you sign up, with miles being redeemable for statement credit when used for travel purposes.

The Credit Card With The Best Cash Back For Flate-Rate Rewards

Chase Freedom Unlimited

• 3% cash back offered on all purchases during the first year – A maximum of $20,000 applies.
• 5% unlimited cash back after the $20,000.

This credit card is really good if you just want a single card that you are going to use on absolutely everything. You do not have to deal with an annual fee and you do get cash back for practically everything you buy.

The Credit Card With The Best Cash Back For Everyday Spending

Discover It Cash Back

• 5% cash back at various locations, like grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants and more.
• 1% cash back on the other purchases.

This credit card is wonderful for those that shop at many different locations. The 5% cash back is available on various rotating categories like wholesale clubs, restaurants and gas. Also, the cash back that is earned at the end of the first year will be matched by Discover. This is a very good deal that is unmatched.

The Credit Card With The Best Sign-Up Bonus

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

• 2X reward points on dining and travel at select establishments.
• 1x reward point for every single dollar spent on the other purchases.

This is a really good credit card for all people that are points savvy. You will receive a special sign-up bonus of 60,000 points. If you have other Chase cards, you can maximize the value you get through point transfers.

The Credit Card With The Best Rewards

Wells Fargo Propel American Express Card

• 3X reward points when you order in and eat out.
• 3X reward points for rideshares, gas stations and transit.
• 3X reward points for traveling, including homestays, car rentals, hotels and flights.
• 1X reward point on all other purchases.

The credit card is wonderful for all people that want very good rewards but do not want to pay an annual fee. You get an intro bonus of 30,000 points if you use it on purchases of up to $3,000 during the first three months.

The Credit Card With The Best 0% APR

Wells Fargo Platinum Visa Card

You do not get cash back for miles, points or other purchases but the card is really good if there are some big purchases that will come up soon. Wells Fargo offers a 0% APR deal for 18 months. It does apply to both the purchases you make and for balance transfers. Numerous other perks apply, like getting cell phone protection if stolen or damaged if the bill is paid with the credit card.

The Credit Card With The Best Zero Annual Fee Deal

Capital One Venture One Rewards Credit Card

• 10x miles reward on numerous hotels.
• 25X miles reward for other purchases you make.

This Capital One credit card is really good for those looking for a flexible credit card that does not have an annual fee. It is quite good for frequent travelers and you can easily fly on any chosen airline, stay at any desired hotel, all without blackout dates. To make matters even better, there are absolutely no transaction fees that apply for foreign currencies.

Important Tips To Remember When Using Credit Cards

In order to save as much money as possible while using credit cards and practically ending up with more money in your pockets, you need to be wise. Some tips that can easily help you do just that include:

• It is possible to get many credit cards. This can be a really good thing, as long as you properly use every single one.
• Do not buy items if you cannot afford them or that are not needed just because you have a credit card that can be used.
• Always read the full contract before you sign it. There will be some special terms and conditions that will apply. They are important since they tell you how you can take full advantage of what the credit card has to offer.
• If you cannot remember all the terms and conditions, make a list and look at it whenever you want to use a credit card to buy something.
• Remember that banks do often change conditions. In many situations, they do not let clients know or the message is sent through an email that is rarely read. This is why you need to always stay updated. Always read messages coming from your bank. Also, when it is time to renew the credit card, read the contract again as changes might exist.

Conclusion

As you can easily notice, there are many different ways to save money and make money with the use of a credit card. Some of them are a great way to generate passive income.

But do not think that all credit cards are the same. There are huge differences between them. This is why it is absolutely mandatory that you are cautious. While you can save hundreds of dollars every single year as you use the credit cards in an appropriate way, you can also end up faced with debt. Be informed and make smart decisions!