PERSONAL FINANCE
Credit cards & rewards
Credit-card rewards are useful only when their value exceeds interest, fees, and extra spending. Treat the card as a payment method within your budget. For cards with a purchase grace period, pay the full statement balance by its due date to avoid purchase interest. Cash advances and other transactions can work differently.
Use a card for purchases already in your budget, and track the amount you will need to repay. Rewards should not be a reason to spend more.
The groundwork
Welcome bonuses
Some cards offer a welcome bonus after eligible spending within a set period. Check current eligibility, spending requirements, exclusions, annual fees, and redemption rules. Don’t spend extra just to earn a bonus.
Other Benefits
Some cards include purchase, phone, or rental-car protections. Coverage varies; read the benefit guide for exclusions, limits, payment requirements, and claim deadlines.
Promotional 0% APR
A promotional 0% APR may apply only to purchases, balance transfers, or both for a limited time. Check transfer fees, the end date, the regular APR, and payment requirements. Make at least the minimum payment on time and plan to clear the promotional balance before it ends. Deferred-interest offers are different: missing their payoff deadline may trigger interest dating back to the purchase.