Rewards | Credit Card Topics

Opinion: Has Quiet Luxury Migrated to Credit Cards?

By: Bobbi Rebell, 4/21/2025

Quiet luxury may be coming to credit cards. New data from the Philadelphia Fed shows that issuers are upping their credit lines for the top 10% of credit card consumers — allowing them the luxury of having a lot more buying power. With that higher credit line, of course, comes a better utilization rate, provided they don’t change their spending habits. That in turn boosts their credit score even more, potentially creating a virtuous cycle of improving credit and... read more »

Opinion: Legislation That Could Lower Swipe Fees Can Also Reduce Benefits

By: Erica Sandberg, 4/14/2025

If consumers aren't yet aware that some of the most positive aspects of having a credit card are under threat, now is the time to get the word out. Once they learn of legislation that has the power to sour the sweeter attributes of their accounts, they won’t be terribly happy. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Il) and Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS) have been trying to get support for the latest version of the Credit Card Competition Act (CCCA). If they follow through and Congress passes this piece... read more »

Consumers Oppose Governmental Meddling With Credit Card Rewards Programs, Per New ABA Survey

By: Andrew Allen, 4/11/2025

Credit card issuers offer rewards to entice shoppers to apply for their credit cards and use them as much as their credit limit will allow. That strategy aligns with cardholder preferences. A recent study reveals that 92% of consumers would use a brand more often if it offered rewards or benefits. Cardholders prefer that politicians leave credit card rewards programs alone. Morning Consult conducted a survey, sponsored by the American Bankers Association (ABA), that found that 63%... read more »

What is a Co-Branded Credit Card? A Guide to Loyalty-Based Rewards Cards

By: Eric Bank, 4/8/2025

Half the credit cards in my wallet are co-branded. They include cards for a hotel chain, a gas station, and a brokerage. While my regular credit cards are perfectly fine for most uses, these co-branders provide extra perks that make them worth the real estate they occupy in my pocket (and the annual fees). A co-branded credit card is the result of a partnership between a card issuer and a brand — like an airline, hotel, or retailer — that offers exclusive rewards and perks tied... read more »

JetBlue’s New Credit Card is the Latest in a Line of Rewards Cards That Elevate Cardholder Lifestyle

By: Andrew Allen, 2/5/2025

JetBlue’s Premier World Elite Mastercard is the latest credit card to offer premium rewards to cardholders. Premium credit cards offer the same payment functionality as less prestigious cards, but cardholders value their exclusive benefits. Premium cards can also come with eye-catching physical features — such as a metal design — that set them apart from plastic cards. JetBlue recently announced the launch of its first premium credit card, the JetBlue Premier... read more »

What are Credit Card Rewards? A Guide to Earning Points, Miles, and Cash Back

By: Eric Bank, 10/2/2024

I’ve always had a soft spot for iconic TV westerns like “Gunsmoke.” As a young child, I remember my fascination every time Marshall Dillon tacked up a wanted poster promising a $100 reward for the capture of a no-good scoundrel — dead or alive. Today's bounty hunters don't need a horse or six-shooter, just a rewards credit card. This kind of credit card dishes out cash, points, or miles whenever you use it. Credit card rewards are points, miles, or cash back you... read more »

What Are Credit Card Bonus Miles? How to Earn and Redeem Travel Rewards

By: Eric Bank, 9/16/2024

You can keep the raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens — bonus miles are one of my favorite things. I often earn bonus miles each time I swipe my card for select purchases, which can turn everyday spending into free flights, hotel stays, or other travel goodies. Credit card bonus miles are rewards you earn through signup offers or bonus spending categories that you can redeem for travel rewards such as free flights or hotel stays. Credit card bonus miles are additional... read more »

What Are Credit Card Points? Everything You Need to Know About Earning and Redeeming Rewards

By: Eric Bank, 11/19/2024

I can only imagine how farmers feel when they finally reap a bountiful crop and take it to market after months of hard work. While I don’t know for sure, I imagine it is similar to how I feel when I gather up my credit card points and redeem them for something sweet. Credit card points are rewards you earn when you use certain credit cards to make purchases. You can redeem points for items such as travel, cash back, or gift cards. The more you spend, the more points you rack... read more »

Pairing the Right Credit Cards with the Right Rewards Strategies Can Help You Live Your Travel Dreams

By: Mike Senecal, 7/26/2024

For Dave Grossman, flying around the world in first-class seats and staying in some of the world's finest hotels is its own reward. Lucky for us, he built MilesTalk to share his tips. MilesTalk is Grossman's comprehensive information hub for travel credit cards, airline miles, hotel and casino rewards, travel news, and deals. Automation to connect users with deals was missing, so he created a sister site, Your Best Credit Cards, with customizable bonus notifications. The... read more »

What Are Air Miles? A Guide to the Popular Credit Card Rewards Option

By: Eric Bank, 7/15/2024

If you spend a lot of time 40,000 feet above the ground, air miles should be a part of your lifestyle. Air miles are rewards you earn when you fly with an airline or use a credit card linked to an airline’s reward program. You can collect these miles for free flights, seat upgrades, hotel stays, or other travel-related benefits. The more you fly or spend with the associated credit card, the more air miles you can earn. Different airlines have different programs, so the rules and... read more »

Master Points, Miles, and Rewards From a Blogger With Opinions — and Spreadsheet Obsessions

By: Mike Senecal, 6/28/2024

We packed a lot into our conversation with Ariana Arghandewal as she refreshed her Pointchaser travel blog after a break. A veteran points and miles chaser with a decade of upgrades and extended stays under her belt, Arghandewal wants Pointchaser to do the hard work of keeping up with rewards so readers don't have to. She includes an essential beginner's guide, but she also occasionally questions travel conventions and embraces unorthodox opinions. Arghandewal claims... read more »

What Are Cash Back Rewards?

By: Eric Bank, 5/2/2024

Cash back rewards are a small refund when you buy something with a credit card. Card issuers that offer cash back rewards usually return a percentage of what you spend. This reward encourages you to use their cards for your purchases. Other reward cards may offer points or miles instead of cash back. Navigate This Article: How Cash Back Works Maximizing Your Rewards Cash Back vs. Points and Miles ... read more »

37 Compelling Credit Card Reward Redemption Statistics (2025)

By: Mike Senecal, 4/24/2024

It's one thing to earn credit card rewards and another to redeem them. Americans who let card rewards go unused would kick themselves twice for not cashing in if they considered where rewards come from. Card companies implement rewards programs to beat the competition. The money comes from the interest and fees consumers pay to use the cards. It's a fair deal when people use cards wisely and take what's coming to them. They shoot themselves in the foot when they don't. Here are... read more »

Cardholders Can Help Provide a Basic Income to the World’s Poorest Households Through GiveDirectly

By: Mike Senecal, 3/13/2024

The question for cardholders contemplating charitable support for an antipoverty initiative is who should be in charge when the money changes hands. The belief at GiveDirectly is that the most effective form of charity is direct cash payments with no strings attached. Rigorous research bolsters the view that the poorest global households make the most productive use of cash infusions when they are free to choose how to help themselves. Cardholders who support... read more »

Cardholder Support for The Giving Back Fund Strengthens Charities That Do Good Around the World

By: Mike Senecal, 3/19/2024

Many celebrities want to use their fame to support worthy causes, but transforming a desire to do good into an effective organization requires support. The Giving Back Fund works with professional athletes, celebrities, high-net-worth individuals, nonprofit organizations, corporations, and others to create charities in their name. Since its founding a quarter century ago, the fund has established more than 900 foundations that have granted more than $1 billion. Influence... read more »

Find Love & Travel Blog Combines Adventure and Photography to Inspire Rewards Cardholders

By: Mike Senecal, 3/6/2024

Samantha Oppenheimer was born to travel. Her Find Love & Travel blog chronicles her love of adventure and photography, celebrates diverse global destinations, and helps cardholders make the most of their journey. Samantha's blog is packed with stories about the places she's been to, guides to streamline travel planning, and resources to make booking and paying for travel easier. Credit card hacks include always traveling with the right rewards card for the job. Find... read more »

Cardholders Can Support Corridor Rescue in Its Work to Save, Heal, and Find Homes for Stray Dogs

By: Mike Senecal, 2/20/2024

The "Corridor of Cruelty" is a 14-square-mile area in Houston that has become a dumping ground for abandoned stray dogs and cats. The scenes of abuse there are as common as they are horrifying, and yet this region is a stone's throw from downtown. Corridor Rescue is a nonprofit devoted to dealing with the situation. Animal-loving cardholders can support Corridor Rescue as it rescues, treats, and finds homes for abused dogs. It also neuters stray cats and models animal... read more »

Giving Green Helps Cardholders Support Effective Evidence-Based Climate Change Initiatives

By: Mike Senecal, 3/27/2024

Few public issues are surrounded by more controversy than climate change. The best approach to deciding which climate change mitigation initiatives are the most effective is to follow the evidence. Inspired by the principles of effective altruism, Giving Green recommends highly effective climate initiatives donors can confidently support. Incubated at the global advisory, analytics, and research organization IDinsight, Giving Green welcomes direct support and makes... read more »

7 Best Student Rewards Credit Cards (April 2025)

By: Ray Prince, 4/7/2025

Whether you are a freshman in college or pursuing your master’s, the right student credit card can reward you handsomely for everyday purchases across some of your favorite spending categories. Other perks generally include no required credit score, 0% promotional APRs, entertainment benefits, and welcome bonuses. Continue reading to learn more about the best student rewards credit cards, including their benefits, disadvantages, and how to choose the right card for your needs. ... read more »

Savannah Taste Experience Offers Card Rewards Enthusiasts a Culinary View of Cultural History

By: Mike Senecal, 11/22/2023

At Savannah Taste Experience, food is more than fuel for getting through the day. It's a window into the cultural history of a place where the past intersects with the present in endlessly entertaining ways. For card rewards enthusiasts, that means guided and private food tour experiences that are as informative — even intellectual — as they are sensory. Visiting Savannah is a way to connect with a vital part of American history. Savannah Taste Experience transforms... read more »

12 Best Flight Miles Credit Cards (April 2025)

By: Eric Bank, 3/25/2025

With travel volume nearly at pre-pandemic levels, there’s never been a better time to own a flight miles credit card. These cards can reward you with free airplane trips or seat upgrades, and you may receive money-saving benefits such as lounge access and free baggage checks. Below, we review general-purpose, co-branded, and business flight-miles cards. These cards appeal to a broad range of consumers, from those looking to economize flight costs to those seeking luxurious travel... read more »

10 Best Apps for Managing Card Rewards in 2023

By: Mike Senecal, 11/6/2023

Credit card issuers want you to succeed because that's how they succeed. It's really that simple. In the right consumer's hands, card rewards can contribute substantial extra funds and perks to make life — wait for it — more rewarding. But it's hard to take advantage of what you have coming to you if you're managing several reward programs and constantly questioning which card is the best to use in a given situation. We compiled this merit-based list of the 10 best... read more »

5 Best Credit Cards With Air Miles & Cash Back (2024)

By: Eric Bank, 10/1/2024

You may be shocked to learn how few travel cards let you convert your air miles into cash. Once the airlines spoon out the miles, they are reluctant to allow you to use them for anything other than travel. We found the five best airline credit cards that let you cash out your miles and use your rewards as you see fit. Not surprisingly, all five deliver general-purpose miles — really, they’re points disguised as miles. If you want miles and cash back, these cards are for you. ... read more »

7 Best Cash Back Cards Redditors Love (March 2025)

By: Eric Bank, 3/5/2025

Many Reddit members are quite knowledgeable about their topics of interest. For example, the Credit Cards Subreddit features numerous conversations and opinions about cash back cards. We have combed through the lot to find the cash back cards that Reddit users hold in the highest esteem. Let’s take a closer look at these favored cards and sample what some Redditors have to say. Reddit Recommendations For the Best Cash Back Cards The following cash back cards get the... read more »

Seats.aero Helps Fliers Save Time and Make Better Decisions with Their Credit Card Rewards

By: Andrew Allen, 2/1/2024

Planning the details of an international trip can be a time-consuming endeavor. Seeking to fund a portion or all of the trip with credit card points can add another layer of complexity. Seats.aero streamlines the search for flights eligible to be booked with credit card points. It’s free to use for travelers seeking flights departing within two months from the date of their search. Pro-account users can access expanded search options and enjoy additional features,... read more »

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All articles tagged Rewards (134)