Credit Card Perks

Father Demon · February 10, 2009, 08:26:41 PM

1) I pay off my credit card in full every month, without exception.
2) I don't want an annual fee.

That said, I charge a lot every month, especially now with all the travel I do. Probably a minimum of $2K a month, and upwards of $3500 on a real busy month. I get my expense checks in pretty quick, and get paid within two weeks. I can also use personal credit cards to pay for all my business stuff. So, what I am wondering from those that also do this, which credit card is best? I currently use Southwest Visa, and have more trips that I know what to do with right now, and also travel with SWA fairly often. So they will keep coming.

Should I look at cash back cards that offer an average of about 1.5% back (2500 * 12 * .015 = $450 cash back a year), or a card that collects points for travel, thinking I can use them for something like a rental car and hotel for a family vacation (using the SWA tickets to get there)? I'm not sure how many points I need, or if it just makes sense to take the cash.

Thoughts/opinions?

Seabiscuit36 · February 10, 2009, 08:31:24 PM

always go cash. Look for higher end cards so that their programs arent as likely to change. I have a Charles Schwab Visa with World Points. if you spend 50k, you get a 500 dollar check. As far as gifts, they are always overpriced

Rome · February 10, 2009, 08:40:30 PM

You need to get laid.

Susquehanna Birder · February 10, 2009, 09:06:04 PM

I have an "NFL points" card, with lots of points for nothing that I really want.

I have an "iTunes points" card, and my iTunes balance continues to grow.

I'm also thinking that a cash-back type of card would be better. If nothing else, since I do occasionally gamble at Harrah's properties, a Total Rewards points card would ive me some comp for meals and drinks and such.

reese125 · February 10, 2009, 10:14:59 PM

Quote from: Seabiscuit36 on February 10, 2009, 08:31:24 PM
always go cash. Look for higher end cards so that their programs arent as likely to change. I have a Charles Schwab Visa with World Points. if you spend 50k, you get a 500 dollar check. As far as gifts, they are always overpriced

overpriced? you telling me that a weed wacker is not worth 30,000 points

Diomedes · February 10, 2009, 11:04:32 PM

I resent the game they've made of this. I have a life to live. I use debit only, credit cards are for emergencies only. And by emergency I mean, someone needs an abortion or I can't get to work if the car doesn't work.

My wife plays the game.

I win for not playing.

General_Failure · February 10, 2009, 11:07:05 PM

You don't keep a spare pack of wire hangers around?

stalker · February 10, 2009, 11:10:06 PM

Quote from: Diomedes on February 10, 2009, 11:04:32 PM
I resent the game they've made of this. I have a life to live. I use debit only, credit cards are for emergencies only. And by emergency I mean, someone needs an abortion or I can't get to work if the car doesn't work.

My wife plays the game.

I win for not playing.

Aside from housing, transportation and business expenses I refuse to finance anything.

Diomedes · February 10, 2009, 11:12:10 PM

Quote from: General_Failure on February 10, 2009, 11:07:05 PM
You don't keep a spare pack of wire hangers around?

I do cut my own hair, but I don't take things quite that far.

I never said I was hard core.

Geowhizzer · February 10, 2009, 11:17:45 PM

Quote from: Diomedes on February 10, 2009, 11:04:32 PM
I resent the game they've made of this. I have a life to live. I use debit only, credit cards are for emergencies only. And by emergency I mean, someone needs an abortion or I can't get to work if the car doesn't work.

My wife plays the game.

I win for not playing.

My wife and I are the same. Credit only for emergencies. Debit or old fashioned cash for everything else.

reese125 · February 10, 2009, 11:35:08 PM

f that..I use my American Express for everything just to get as many points and miles as possible for trips Ill never go on..then pay it off immediately.

Seabiscuit36 · February 11, 2009, 08:20:25 AM

Quote from: reese125 on February 10, 2009, 11:35:08 PM
f that..I use my American Express for everything just to get as many points and miles as possible for trips Ill never go on..then pay it off immediately.

I use my Schwab card for everything, pay it off, and take the cash. It's a good system so long as you dont go crazy spening and understand your limits.

PoopyfaceMcGee · February 11, 2009, 08:32:47 AM

There are cards that give 2% cash back on every purchase for no annual fee. Hit one of those up.

SD_Eagle5 · February 11, 2009, 08:39:45 AM

Quote from: Diomedes on February 10, 2009, 11:04:32 PM
I resent the game they've made of this. I have a life to live. I use debit only, credit cards are for emergencies only. And by emergency I mean, someone needs an abortion or I can't get to work if the car doesn't work.

My wife plays the game.

I win for not playing.

Exact same situation. 33 and I've never had a credit card.

General_Failure · February 11, 2009, 09:11:39 AM

Quote from: SD_Eagle on February 11, 2009, 08:39:45 AM
Quote from: Diomedes on February 10, 2009, 11:04:32 PM
I resent the game they've made of this. I have a life to live. I use debit only, credit cards are for emergencies only. And by emergency I mean, someone needs an abortion or I can't get to work if the car doesn't work.

My wife plays the game.

I win for not playing.

Exact same situation. 33 and I've never had a credit card.

Similar situation, except not. 28 and can no longer get a credit card.

Credit Card Perks

SD_Eagle5