There are a wide variety of shopping rewards programs out there. Many credit card companies and retailers offer similar programs and sometimes it’s hard to tell which ones are right for you.
Credit Card Companies:
The most common rewards programs offered by credit card companies are: airline rewards, merchandise rewards and cash back programs. Airline rewards usually accumulate as you travel. Once you’ve amassed enough airline points, you are eligible to redeem them for another flight, flight segment, or upgrade. Merchandise rewards usually accumulate as you shop. Once you’ve bought enough at a particular store, you can redeem the points for more merchandise. Cash back programs are offered by some credit card companies. Often these will reward you with 1% of all of the purchases you’ve made in a year. Usually these reward you once per year and some even give you this money as a gas rebate. Some examples of credit card rewards programs include:
- Chase Credit Card Rewards
- Bank of America Credit Cards with Rewards
- Wachovia Credit Cards
- Huntington Credit Cards
Retailers:
The most common rewards programs offered by retailers are: merchandise rewards, discounts and cash back programs. Merchandise rewards usually accumulate as you shop. Once you’ve bought enough at a particular store, you can redeem the points for more merchandise. Some retailers have expanded their merchandise rewards programs to include discounts and cash back opportunities. Some examples of online retail rewards programs include:
- Overstock Club O
- PC Universe TechPoints
- Shoppers Choice Rewards
Airlines:
Airlines most often offer airline rewards points that can be redeemed for future airline travel. Some popular airline rewards programs are:
- Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards
- American Airlines Advantage
- Delta Skymiles
- United Airlines 1k Rewards
- Continental Airlines Mastercard Rewards
