The Best Credit Card Deal: a House of Cards Can Indeed Stand
Contributed by Alix Mcmurray
The Best Credit Card Deal: a House of Cards Can Indeed Stand
In shopping for the "best" credit card deal, it is important to ask, "compared to what? " Sometimes it is when the deal is compared to other deals offered by the same credit card company. In the fierce competition to attract consumers, many credit institutions have begun to compete against themselves, thus making of themselves a "house of cards." And this can indeed be a boon to you, the consumer.
Rewards as a Rationale for Choosing the Best Credit Card Deal
A good exemple of self-competition can be found in Chase Bank. Many credit products are available from Chase, and one line of these products is the rewards program line. There are five high-profile rewards cards currently offered:
Rewards with Every Gas Purchase
Ultimate Rewards
Cash Rewards
Double Miles, Double Rewards
The Most Entertaining Rewards
Of these five,the last two are partnered with, respectively, Continental Airlines and Universal Studios.
It is probably self-evident that when considering a rewards program credit card, you should choose one which is consistent with your current spending and lifestyle habits. That is, it makes little sense to enroll in an air miles program if you are afraid to fly, or in a gas purchase program if you hate to drive. There is certainly room to consider proper use of a credit card as potentially therapeutic in some cases. But rewards are like vacation days -- you don't get any good out of them if you perpetually save them up.
Sizing up the Rewards of Your Best Credit Card Deal
Of the five Chase rewards cards mentioned, perhaps the easiest to rule in or out is "The Most Entertaining Rewards" card. This card is for the true movie lover, comprising as it does the earning of purchase points redeemable for DVDs, CDs and movie tickets. You even get a free movie ticket with your first purchase. If used wisely, this may be an inexpensive way to compile a media library, rivaling movie-of-the-month and 10-for-the-price-of-one membership programs.
