Reward Credit Cards - Leading Website Guides Consumers on Best Use

April 28, 2006 (PRLEAP.COM) Business News
As credit card companies battle each other for customers, it is becoming more and more common to find reward credit cards offering special incentives to cardholders. This angle is just one popular method used by credit card companies to draw in new customers. Yet, with so many available options, consumers often have a difficult time deciding which one is best for them. One of the top online credit card comparison resources, CreditCardAssist.com, guides consumers on picking the best reward credit cards available, offering information on a wide variety of reward credit cards ( http://www.creditcardassist.com/rewards/creditcards.html ) and by providing consumers with a comprehensive database that allows them to complete side by side comparisons.

Many consumers are interested in reward credit cards because they make it possible to complete routine purchases while receiving special rewards. Common rewards provided by these cards include airline miles, gift certificates to restaurants and stores, cash, and unique gifts. Nonetheless, CreditCardAssist.com cautions that consumers need to be aware of the higher interest rates associated with these cards. In addition, some of these cards have annual fees. After paying these fees and being assessed finance charges, the site warns that the rewards may not be financially beneficial.

By utilizing the Web, consumers can gather the information they need to make a wise decision when applying for reward credit cards. The site strongly advocates considering a number of factors when selection a reward credit card, such as personal spending habits and lifestyle, as well as the card's APR and annual fees.

According to CreditCardAssist.com, most reward credit cards operate in a similar fashion. For the most part, they provide cardholders with points for every dollar spent with the card. Some of the best reward credit cards offer cash back incentives, which can be as high as 5% of purchases made. In addition, reward credit cards can have many of the same benefits found with other credit cards, such as lost and stolen card assistance, travel insurance, and purchase protection. Yet, the site maintains that cardholders must be aware of the high interest fees associated with reward credit cards because they can add up quickly if the outstanding balance is not paid in full at the end of each billing cycle.

Many reward credit cards also impose limits on the number of points a cardholder can receive. as well as expiration dates on how long the points are eligible for redemption. CreditCardAssist.com recommends taking all of these factors into consideration when deciding on a reward credit card.

To help make the process of finding a reward credit card easier, the site has created a thorough database containing the information of a large number of cards. Here, consumers can compare the types of reward programs as well as other benefits associated with the card. CreditCardAssist.com also recommends comparing annual fees (if there are any) and the APRs of each card, particularly since reward credit cards tend to have higher APRs than traditional credit cards.

CreditCardAssist.com is based in Los Angeles. The company provides consumers with an in-depth resource for obtaining important credit card information, including that for reward credit cards. For more information, visit the company's Web site at http://www.creditcardassist.com