Credit Cards Points

I use my credit card reward points for hotel stays.  I don't spend any more, but I do use my credit card for everyday purchases, such as gas, groceries etc and then pay the card in full each month so I don't pay any interest.  It works out great for me because I get 3 to 4 weekends away each year without paying for hotels.  Works for me!

I use my credit card on a very limited basis to avoid the 9.9% interest fee.  When I shop I have a list ready and will only stray from it for one or two low cost items if there is an occasion to warrant it.  I also use cash or my debit card, which is tied into a points system, when I shop.  My focus, however, is not on "racking up points", but to get what my family needs and a once in a while treat.  We are getting ready to apply for a mortgage next year, so we want out debt to income ratio to be as low as possible and our credit scores to be as good as possible before we make the leap into the home owning lifestyle.  This is a good question to pose so hopefully more people will stop and think about how they use their money and their credit.  We all need to wise up more and take careful stock of our credit records and scores, our savings, (both rainy day and long term), and how we can improve our situations on all counts.  That is the best we can all do to help our economy and get back on stronger footing.

my use of my credit card containing points:  I know when purchasing items that points are being accrued, and I use the card to obtain the points,  I never purchase anything for the points alone.  I now use the card for groceries, gas, and always proffer it before I would write a check or use cash.  I like the reward of points as I shop, but would never go after just the points themselves

I used my credit card to purchase a lift chair for my 84-year-old Mom.  When the bill came, I used the cashback bonus I had been saving (for nothing in particular) and paid for the chair.  So in reality, my Mom got a free chair.  We don't carry a balance on any credit cards--we only buy what we can afford to pay for at the end of each month.

I buy the same amount.  I generally will pay some of my regular monthly bills such as Cable, phone or internet, to rack up points.  In turn the points are used to purchase things I would normally spend money to buy.  I also pay the full balance on my card every month so I don't pay a cent in interest.

I use my credit card for Southwest Airlines tickets. They are the best deal and I get to fly anywhere for next to nothing ($5). I can also give them away to friends and family if they need to fly on the spur of the moment. I put everything on my card (groceries, gas, monthly subscriptions, membership dues, etc.) but don't buy more stuff just because I'm getting miles. We always pay off our bill at the end of the month, so we don't have any interest or finance charges.

I pay for everything possible with my credit cards to build up cash back points. I use the points to pay down the balance on the account and pay the full balance off every month. I never pay finance charges.

Department Store Gift Cards