Credit Card Advice: Top 4 Tips For Christmas Credit Cards
- By David P Walker
- Published 12/27/2011
- Finances
- Unrated
When it comes to Christmas, most people find themselves spending a lot more than they thought they would. The result can be a rush to secure instant decision credit cards or instant loans as it dawns that the money available for the Christmas shopping just won’t stretch far enough.
While instant loans and instant decision credit cards can end up costing a huge amount in interest repayments and take a long time to pay off, there are ways to make credit cards work in harmony with your finances at Christmas, instead of the other way around. Read our top four tips for Christmas credit cards and make the most of what’s available to help you budget this festive season.
1. Use a cashback credit card
Believe it or not, credit cards really can earn you money – if you’re very careful. Cashback cards can offer you cashback on purchases made while you work your way through that Christmas list. If you apply for one now you will have the card ready in time to do your shopping. Just remember, you must pay off the card balance before the introductory period ends, or you could find your interest repayments rocket – this type of card is only suitable for the most organised user. You can compare cashback cards online – look for extras such as 0 percent on purchases beyond the initial cashback period, and look for card which offers the best return on any purchases you make.
2. Use a 0 percent on purchases card
While cashback cards are not for the faint-hearted, simple 0% on purchases cards can benefit the slightly less organised Christmas shopper by giving you a bit more time to make purchases with no interest to be paid. Look for offers where the introductory period lasts for over 12 months, added benefits can include 0 percent on balance transfers for a certain period, so you can switch from card to card without paying out each time.
3. Travel credit cards
There are a few cards currently on the market which give return flight vouchers as a bonus. So, if you’re thinking of doing some travelling over Christmas or at any point in the near future, look out for these kinds of cards, such as Flybe Spend and Fly Mastercard, which could genuinely earn you free flights, minus taxes and airport charges, usually within 12 months of applying. Free flights – much more fun than instant decision credit cards and instant loans.
4. Supermarket credit cards
Supermarket reward cards are a great way to earn money while buying the bulk of your Christmas food list in your favourite supermarket. These cards work by earning you points on certain purchases within the supermarket, which can help you to make savings on your shop. Check out features such as the balance transfer, interest on purchases and APR of the cards on offer before signing up, although it’s likely you’ll just want to take on the offer your local supermarket is providing. As with any card, the rewards will only be beneficial to you if you can pay off the outstanding balance each month.
While instant loans and instant decision credit cards can end up costing a huge amount in interest repayments and take a long time to pay off, there are ways to make credit cards work in harmony with your finances at Christmas, instead of the other way around. Read our top four tips for Christmas credit cards and make the most of what’s available to help you budget this festive season.
1. Use a cashback credit card
Believe it or not, credit cards really can earn you money – if you’re very careful. Cashback cards can offer you cashback on purchases made while you work your way through that Christmas list. If you apply for one now you will have the card ready in time to do your shopping. Just remember, you must pay off the card balance before the introductory period ends, or you could find your interest repayments rocket – this type of card is only suitable for the most organised user. You can compare cashback cards online – look for extras such as 0 percent on purchases beyond the initial cashback period, and look for card which offers the best return on any purchases you make.
2. Use a 0 percent on purchases card
While cashback cards are not for the faint-hearted, simple 0% on purchases cards can benefit the slightly less organised Christmas shopper by giving you a bit more time to make purchases with no interest to be paid. Look for offers where the introductory period lasts for over 12 months, added benefits can include 0 percent on balance transfers for a certain period, so you can switch from card to card without paying out each time.
3. Travel credit cards
There are a few cards currently on the market which give return flight vouchers as a bonus. So, if you’re thinking of doing some travelling over Christmas or at any point in the near future, look out for these kinds of cards, such as Flybe Spend and Fly Mastercard, which could genuinely earn you free flights, minus taxes and airport charges, usually within 12 months of applying. Free flights – much more fun than instant decision credit cards and instant loans.
4. Supermarket credit cards
Supermarket reward cards are a great way to earn money while buying the bulk of your Christmas food list in your favourite supermarket. These cards work by earning you points on certain purchases within the supermarket, which can help you to make savings on your shop. Check out features such as the balance transfer, interest on purchases and APR of the cards on offer before signing up, although it’s likely you’ll just want to take on the offer your local supermarket is providing. As with any card, the rewards will only be beneficial to you if you can pay off the outstanding balance each month.
David P Walker
At Credit Choices you can compare instant decision credit cards and instant loans online. So, if you still need a little extra for your Christmas shopping, we can help you find the best deal.
View all articles by David P Walker