Four Hidden Credit Card Perks That You Might Not Know
Credit card perks are one of the common reasons that people made purchases with their cards. While you know how to get reward points, there could be many hidden benefits in your credit card that you do not know and you may be eligible for some of these hidden perks.
1. Car rental insurance
When renting a car, it is likely that the rental company tries to sell an insurance policy on the car. Many people allocate extra money to buy the insurance because they are concerned about having to pay for damages after an accident. However, if you have a credit card, you shouldn’t be worry about it. Many credit cards also offer car rental insurance each time you pay with your card. This might be an important source of savings if you often use car rental services.
2. Extended Warranty
Many card issuers also have extended warranty coverage on many different items you buy. If you do a lot of large purchases, for example electronics, this could be a great advantage, for example, when you buy a widescreen TV, many merchants try to offer an extended warranty. In most cases, this can be as high as several hundred dollars. However, if you buy the TV with your card, perhaps you already have an extended warranty included. Many credit cards offer an extended warranty that is larger in amount a normal warranty. This service is usually offered free of charge. Therefore, you can avoid spending extra money on extended warranty.
3. Purchase Protection
You can also enjoy protection on your purchases with your credit card. It means that if you buy something and you do not want it, you can return the item and cancel the transaction. This is true even if you’re dealing with a store that refuses to accept returned goods. You can simply call your bank and it won’t pay the merchant. It gives a lot of power when you go shopping, because you won’t be stuck with something that you don’t need.
4. Roadside Assistance
Another advantage that many people don’t realize they have with their current credit card is the roadside assistance. Many credit cards have free roadside assistance only for customers. If you drive on the highway and you have a flat tire or run out of gas, your credit card company may be able to ask someone to help you.
5 Easy Ways To Save On Credit Card Interests and Fees
1. Never miss even one payment.
Mark the deadline for payment on your calendar. Late payment can hit you with an interest charges and fee on top of what the card issuer has charged you. If you have more than one cards and keeping track of your payments is a chore; you may consider consolidating them. If you send payment by post, do it early in case there are unforeseen delays. Other than unnecessarily paying for fees, you can get a “black mark” on the credit report. This might negatively impact your credit score and can cause interest rates on your future loans to go up.
2. Don’t take a cash advance.
You’re charged with interest from the first day you get a cash advance. At first, you’re charged with a processing fee. And then, you start paying interest on the cash advance. The interest rate on your cash advance might be higher than the regular interest rate on any normal purchases. Finally, your repayments go to paying off the remaining balances first before it is being offset against the cash advance, which can result in higher interest charges if you fail to pay off the balance completely.
3. Pay off your balance in full, each month.
If you can really afford it, then pay off credit debt balance in full each month. If you cannot afford it, then stop using the card. Cut your expenses and focus only in paying the card. If you still make purchases and you can’t pay it off in full, then you will find yourself with a larger monthly payment and late fees.
4. Make use of interest-free balance transfer.
You may need more than one year to pay off your huge credit card balance. Interest-free balance transfer can be advantageous. You may save thousands of dollars because you’re not subjected to interest charges.
5. Choose the best card
Choosing the best credit card can set you on the right direction. If you can pay in full each month, then a card with cash back is more appropriate for you. Applying for a card with a low interest rate could save you plenty of money in the long-run. If you’re planning to eliminate your credit card debt, then go for a card that can give you an interest free period.