5 Special Perks You Should Look for in Your Next Credit Card

Credit cards that come with sign-up bonuses can provide significant value, as they often offer hundreds of pesos' worth of rewards or points after meeting a minimum spending requirement within a specified period. This can be particularly beneficial if you have a large upcoming expense or if you can strategically time your application to coincide with regular high-spending periods, such as the holiday season or the start of the school year. Beyond the immediate financial gain, sign-up bonuses can also give you a head start on accumulating rewards, making the card even more attractive.

You should also look for a credit card that offers referral bonuses. With this, you can get extra rewards whenever someone you’ve referred to the provider successfully applies and is approved to receive a credit card as well. Together, sign-up and referral bonuses can significantly enhance the overall value of a credit card.

The best credit card is one that has a rewards program that aligns with your spending habits, allowing you to maximize its benefits. For instance, if you’re a Landers member and shop there frequently, the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card (LCECC) by Maya is the perfect card for you. This credit card offers exclusive rewards to Landers members, giving the best deals with every swipe. With the LCECC, you can earn up to 5% cashback on all Landers purchases, 2% cashback on all dining spends, and 1% cashback on all other transactions. This makes it an excellent credit card for essential and everyday expenses. If you’re interested in getting an LCECC, you can search “how to apply Maya credit card” online or visit the digital bank’s website.

The best credit cards offer multiple ways to redeem your rewards, whether it’s cashback, travel miles, or vouchers. This ensures that you can get the most value out of your rewards (which you spent your money on to acquire, anyway). Moreover, the redemption process should be hassle-free. Look for a credit card that allows you to redeem everything by yourself, such as through an app, without having to call the provider.

Ideally, your new credit card should also have enhanced redemption values when you use your points in certain ways. For instance, travel-focused cards may provide a higher point value when booking flights through their portal or with specific partners. This will enhance the overall value of the card.

An introductory zero annual percentage rate (APR) is another valuable perk to look for in a new credit card. Many credit cards offer a 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for a short period, typically ranging from 6 to 21 months after issuance or activation. This can be incredibly beneficial if you plan to make a large purchase soon or if you need to transfer a balance from a high-interest credit card. By taking advantage of the zero APR period, you can spread out your payments over time without incurring interest charges, making it easier to manage your finances.

The introductory zero APR can also provide you with a financial cushion in case of unexpected expenses. Knowing that you won’t accrue interest on your purchases during the specified period can give you peace of mind and flexibility in managing your budget. However, it's important to be mindful of the terms and conditions associated with the zero APR offer, such as the duration of the period and any fees for balance transfers. Carefully considering these factors ensures that you can make the most of this perk and use it to your financial advantage.

An annual fee waiver can help reduce the cost of your card ownership while still allowing you to enjoy a range of benefits and rewards. Typically, credit card issuers offer ongoing ways to waive the annual fee for life if you meet requirements like spending a certain amount each year, maintaining a specific account balance, or having multiple accounts with the issuing bank. Some credit cards, however, offer to waive the annual fee for the first year. This perk can be quite handy if you’re trying out a new card and want to assess its value.

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