I can’t express enough how important it is to choose your credit cards wisely. When I say that, I am not referring to the number of cards you amass, but more along the lines of what cards will truly benefit you and your personal needs.
American Express is not the card for those who are unable to pay off their monthly statements on time. I on the other hand, choose to pay everything off in full monthly. My financial strategy is to purchase things I know I can honestly afford to pay off each month within my budget, avoiding any interest or late fees which later accumulate debt.
I opted for the Gold Delta Skymiles American Express card because as a frequent flier of Delta Airlines, I knew it would be beneficial to me to obtain miles for money spent, always fly with one free piece of checked luggage, have the luxury to board much earlier than most and 20% off inflight savings (like meals or snacks/drinks.)
The first year there is no annual fee, then every year thereafter costs $95. Some people prefer cards with no annual fees, which I normally do. But this card accrues miles for money spent on all Delta flights, specialty items/stores AND offers you weekly deals on select purchases or donations that offers credits on your billing statements for just enrolling your card to shop.
TRAVEL BENEFITS
- Discounted Sky Club Access
- Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance
- Global Assistance Hotline
- (in addition to 1 free piece of checked luggage, early boarding, & 20% off inflight savings)
SHOPPING
- Purchase Protection
- Return Protection
- Extended Warranty
I’m featuring this particular credit card because every week I receive an amazing offer to shop as I normally do and receive a partial credit just for using this card. For example:
- Spend $25 on Amazon.com & receive a $20 credit just for using your Gold Delta Skymiles American Express Card.
or
- Spend a total of $5 or more on iTunes using your enrolled American Express Card by 4/30/14 and get a one-time $5 statement credit.
In theory, the above offers were no-brainers. The first allowed me to purchase a $25 gift card for $5 with the credit and I received a few free songs on iTunes with $5 free. It pays to read those special offers!
So why not make the most of all of your credit cards? Be smart and know what days to shop to get those extra savings. Don’t automatically delete those credit card email offers because who knows what freebies could be coming your way. Maximize those rewards and remember that points & miles are MONEY. Use them to your advantage and optimize your spending towards personal rewards and benefits. And remember, being thrifty is pretty nifty 🙂
The $uper $avvy $aver 