4 Credit Card Hacks to Boost Your Rewards Fast

Motley Fool
22 Oct 2024

KEY POINTS

  • You can earn rewards faster by using rewards cards that align with your typical spending habits.
  • Choose cards with general sign-up bonuses to earn a bunch of rewards all at once.
  • Charge everyday expenses to your card -- but verify that you won't be charged extra for doing so.

Do you enjoy getting rewarded when you spend money? You can earn rewards when you swipe your credit cards at checkout. If it feels like your reward goals are far out of reach, don't fret. 

You can implement strategies to maximize your rewards and reach your goals sooner. Want to boost your credit card rewards in a short period? I'll share a few tips to help you earn more credit card rewards quickly. 

1. Use cards that match your spending

Be selective when choosing which credit cards to keep in your wallet. Picking rewards cards that match your spending can help you maximize your rewards, as can being strategic when you pay for purchases. 

For example, some cards offer bonus rewards in select purchase categories -- like dining and groceries. If these are high areas of spending for you, opt for cards that reward you for them. 

Getting a flat-rate rewards card is another good option if you have regular expenses that don't align with typical bonus rewards categories. Check out our list of the best cash back credit cards to learn more.

2. Don't ignore valuable welcome offers 

Many credit card issuers promote attractive welcome offers or sign-up bonuses that allow you to earn bonus rewards. If you qualify for and meet the conditions of an offer, you can boost your rewards quickly. If you're ready to apply for a new rewards credit card, consider applying for one of the credit cards on our list of the best credit card sign-up bonuses. 

Ratings Methodology

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Apply Now for Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

OnWells Fargo'sSecure Website.

Rates & Fees

Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5Circle with letter I in it.Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.5 stars equals Best.4 stars equals Excellent.3 stars equals Good.2 stars equals Fair.1 star equals Poor.We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5Circle with letter I in it.Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.5 stars equals Best.4 stars equals Excellent.3 stars equals Good.2 stars equals Fair.1 star equals Poor.We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Credit Score:Circle with letter I in it.Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Apply Now for Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

OnWells Fargo'sSecure Website.

Rates & Fees

Credit ScoreCircle with letter I in it.Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Good/Excellent (670-850)

Intro APRCircle with letter I in it.0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers

Purchases: 0% intro APR, 12 months from account opening

Balance Transfers: 0% intro APR, 12 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers

Regular APR

19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% Variable APR

RewardsCircle with letter I in it.Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.

2% cash rewards

Annual FeeCircle with letter I in it.N/A

$0

Welcome OfferCircle with letter I in it.Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.

$200 cash rewards

  • This card’s unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases is the highest we’ve seen for a flat-rate rewards card with no annual fee. It also has an incredibly easy-to-earn $200 welcome bonus and a decent intro APR offer. We simply haven’t come across this combination of top perks in one card before.

    • Unlimited 2% cash rewards
    • Long 0% intro APR offer
    • Generous cash rewards welcome bonus
    • No annual fee
    • Cellphone protections
    • No bonus categories
    • Foreign transaction fees
    • Balance transfer fee
    • Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
    • Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
    • Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
    • 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
    • $0 annual fee.
    • No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
    • Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
    • Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.

If you're a fan of cash back rewards, one credit card to explore is the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card, which earns 2% cash rewards on all purchases. Plus, if you spend $500 within 3 months of account opening, you'll earn $200 cash rewards. Click here to learn more and apply today

3. Charge everyday expenses to your card 

Most of us have routine living expenses, like groceries and gasoline. Instead of using cash or a debit card to pay for these expenses, why not use a credit card that earns rewards? Some cards can earn as much as 6% back on groceries. 

Just make sure you pay your entire statement balance off when your credit card bill arrives to avoid costly interest charges. If you do this, you can stay out of credit card debt. 

4. Pay your bills with credit cards

Another way to earn more rewards quickly is using your cards to pay your bills. Some companies allow their customers to pay bills using a credit card. This payment strategy could help you reach your rewards goals sooner. 

But before you switch your payment method for your electric, cellphone, or insurance bill, verify that you won't be charged a fee for using a credit card. These fees can be costly and the added expense could be more than the value of the rewards you earn with your card. Always check to see if additional fees are charged for credit card payments. 

Get more from your credit cards

One way to get more value from your credit cards is to maximize your rewards potential. Look for opportunities to earn more rewards to reach your goals sooner. Another way to get more value from your cards is to use the card benefits provided, like travel insurance and purchase protections. It's worth checking to see if there are any valuable perks you're not yet using. Credit card benefits can change over time.  

Disclaimer: Investing carries risk. This is not financial advice. The above content should not be regarded as an offer, recommendation, or solicitation on acquiring or disposing of any financial products, any associated discussions, comments, or posts by author or other users should not be considered as such either. It is solely for general information purpose only, which does not consider your own investment objectives, financial situations or needs. TTM assumes no responsibility or warranty for the accuracy and completeness of the information, investors should do their own research and may seek professional advice before investing.

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