Are Credit Rewards Cards Really Legit?

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By Jack Rella

In this day and age, the use of credit cards has become a way of life for many Americans. Credit card companies specialize in convincing consumers that using their card is the right choice by offering several credit rewards programs. Such credit rewards cards offer the promise of cash back to free flights and discount vacations, and much more. These credit rewards almost sound too good to be true. The fact is; they are. In order to receive any credit rewards, a certain (and often large) amount must be spent.

There are several pitfalls to be aware of when choosing a credit card that offers a rewards program. Because these rewards credit cards have become so commonplace in the industry, it can be difficult to weed through the scams and find truly legitimate offers. According to research, 40 percent to 45 percent of all obtainable credit cards offer some type of rewards program. However, the current state of the economy has not only affected consumers, but credit card companies as well.

Because of this economic crisis, most credit card companies have had to cut back on the allowances they afford to their customers, as well as change their existing policies regarding how to earn rewards. Some of these changes include increasing the points required to redeem any awards and shortening the expiration period for redeeming any points that have been earned. Often, consumers do not realize these changes have taken effect, and often miss out on the rewards, but not the increased charges they have put on their credit card.

Because of these changes, the points system of rewards has become far less valuable, and therefore, less appealing. It has been shown that those who carry credit cards that offer rewards programs spend around twice as much on average, than those who carry cards without the promise of rewards for spending more.

In order to avoid increased debt, it is important to know what the rewards credit cards are actually offering, before spending solely for the purpose of redeeming those less valuable rewards points.

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