Get The Most Benefits From Rewards Credit Cards

The following is a guest post by Gary P. from LowestRates.ca

In Canada, there are dozens of credit cards that offer rewards in the form of cashback, travel points, or through the new service Plastiq – as reported by LowestRates.ca – the chance to pay taxes.  There are dozens of potential benefits available by using a rewards credit card, and the opportunity to delay paying money to the government is always a handsome reward.
However, not all credit cards include rewards benefits, and if you’re interested in getting something back for charging your purchases, you should consider acquiring a rewards credit card.  Canada’s major banks offer dozens of credit cards and many do carry rewards, but you shouldn’t necessarily stick with your typical bank for a new card.  Banks rely on customers who are afraid to take their business to an institution other than their longtime bank, and as a result, people don’t realize that they have other, more affordable options.
Thanks to technology, you can find the best credit card offers from some of Canada’s leading providers.  There are now online comparison sites like LowestRates.ca that help you compare various cards, credit limits, rewards, and interest rates all in one place.  This way, you save plenty of time finding the right credit card for your unique needs, and translate that saved time into lower payments and higher rewards.
The online comparison is a valuable service because it helps people select the best credit card without outside interference.  All too often, people are pressured by banks and creditors into accepting policies and interest rates that the institutions deem fair and affordable, which don’t necessarily reflect the personal needs of the credit card applicant.  Credit card comparison sites put the control back in the hands of the applicant, and helps people find the greatest rewards at the lowest cost.
The evolution of technology over time offers Canadians new rewards and benefits for their credit cards.  The ability to pay taxes through Plastiq and comparing all credit card offers in one convenient location are the latest in a line of improvements for hard working citizens to live comfortably by paying less money.

Finished Christmas shopping..

Yesterday I went out to Walmart to finish my Christmas shopping. I had to get my parent's presents, and I knew exactly what I wanted. I was really hoping I could find them at Walmart because otherwise I would have to drive to the mall on the other end of town, and I really didn't want to do that.

I ended up finding everything I wanted, so I was totally relieved that I didn't have to drive up to the mall. I ended up spending about $170.00 and that concluded my Christmas shopping. I used my new American Express Air Miles credit card, which I used for all my Christmas shopping this year. In total I spent about $265.00 on Christmas presents, for 5 people. This works out to be 13 air miles, since it's 1 air mile for every $20 spent. And the best part is, I already had this money set aside to spend, so no worrying about how I will pay that bill. YAY ME :)

Getting a new credit card..

So I've decided that with all the credit cards there is these days, its foolish to have one without any sort of rewards. So I applied for an American Express Air Miles card. I recently discovered that you can redeem air miles not only for travel purposes but also for merchandise! After I applied online they asked me to call them because they "needed more information", which was pretty much pointless because they just re-ask you all the questions that you already answered on the application, "for security reasons". So after I answered the questions they said I was approved and my card will be here in 7-10 days. Yay!

The Benefits of being a Visa cardholder!

So I'm planning a trip in a few months and I've decided I'm going to rent a car. It costs just as much to take a bus/train and at least this way I can go on my own schedule. And hopefully gas is not still super expensive.
What does this have to do with having a Visa? Well I'll tell you in a sec. I was wondering about rental car insurace..it costs to much to get it from the rental car company so I started to think about other options for where to get it. And I don't know how I thought of it, but I thought of my visa. A lot of credit cards come with various kinds of insurance so I checked mine out. Tadaa! I have automatic rental car insurance as long as I charge the entire amount to my visa!

It also includes stuff like:
-Budget rent-a-car preferred rates (checking that out for sure)
-common carrier travel accident insurace up to $200, 000

You can also get travel medical insurace and balance protection insurace etc etc.

So the next time you are cursing your credit card because it got you into debt, think about some of the benefits that come with owning one. And if you are planning to go on a trip or rent a car, definately check to see if these options are included!