If you are a current credit card holder – MasterCard or Visa -- you may be overlooking an important way to make your card work even better for you: by joining a rewards program. Why possess a plain old credit card when you get rewarded for using the same card? Let’s take a look at how you can receive benefits from your current card.

Some cards are offering rewards based on your purchases. Depending on the card selected, your rewards card can offer to you a variety of benefits such as:

1. Cash back. Receive 1% or 2% back on all purchases. Usually not redeemable for cash until your balance reaches a certain amount, such as $20. Some card plans allow for you to use the “cash back” as a credit toward future balances and/or purchases.

2. Airline miles. Some cards have tie ins to one particular airline while other cards allow for you to accrue miles that can be used for mostly any carrier. Similar plans include cards that allow you to accumulate free stays at select hotel chains.

3. Car purchase. One prominent automaker allows for card holders to receive

Rewards cards offers do vary between card issuers and your offer can be changed or amended at any time [usually in writing with prior notice given]. In addition, your points may expire after a certain period of time.

If you do not pay off your credit card balances monthly, you lose the advantage of accumulating points as your APR will be greater than the points accumulated.

So, why hold onto a “do nothing” credit card when you can make the one you have work for you? Call your credit card provider today and request that your current card be upgraded immediately.

Copyright 2005 -- Matthew Keegan is The Article Writer who writes on a variety of topics including: advocacy, automobiles, aviation, business, Christian themes, family, news, product reviews, travel, writing, and more. Samples from his portfolio are available right online.

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