The Hidden Cost of Credit Card "Rewards"
Photo: Marc Royce
Q: My brother is determined to wring as much value as possible from his credit cards. He goes so far as to write in permanent marker on each of his and his wife's cards exactly what they should be used for—gas, groceries, morning coffee—so they can rack up airline miles, points, or cash back. When issuers try to up his interest rate or charge him a monthly fee, he gets on the phone and threatens to cut up the card until they give in. He makes me feel as though I'm not vigilant enough about my credit. Is this worth my time? Can he really be saving all that much?
A: I admit the permanent marker sounds a bit intense, but there's a payoff for being credit card compulsive. Assuming he hasn't crossed the line from focused to fanatical—meaning he isn't driving his wife crazy—then I think it's great that he works to get the most from his plastic.
My main concern is whether he's read the fine print to determine how beneficial his rewards cards really are. Quite often they carry substantial annual fees that can decrease or wipe out the value of any perks. For example, an ad might promise 5 percent cash back, but in reality, you have to charge thousands of dollars before you can get it, or the rate might not apply to most of your everyday purchases. One of the hidden traps of many rewards cards is an extrahigh interest rate, so if he and his wife occasionally carry a balance, a rewards card isn't a smart bet.
When it comes to interest rates, being vigilant is worth your time. A recent survey found that more than 75 percent of people who called their credit card issuer to push for a lower rate were given a better deal. Let's say you had a $3,000 balance and reduced your interest rate from 15 percent to 10 percent. You could shave more than $1,000 off the total interest paid if you were to send in just the minimum amount due each month. With a strong credit rating (a FICO score of 700 or higher), you might be able to go even lower than that. In "Play Your Cards Right", I review the moves everyone should make.
A: I admit the permanent marker sounds a bit intense, but there's a payoff for being credit card compulsive. Assuming he hasn't crossed the line from focused to fanatical—meaning he isn't driving his wife crazy—then I think it's great that he works to get the most from his plastic.
My main concern is whether he's read the fine print to determine how beneficial his rewards cards really are. Quite often they carry substantial annual fees that can decrease or wipe out the value of any perks. For example, an ad might promise 5 percent cash back, but in reality, you have to charge thousands of dollars before you can get it, or the rate might not apply to most of your everyday purchases. One of the hidden traps of many rewards cards is an extrahigh interest rate, so if he and his wife occasionally carry a balance, a rewards card isn't a smart bet.
When it comes to interest rates, being vigilant is worth your time. A recent survey found that more than 75 percent of people who called their credit card issuer to push for a lower rate were given a better deal. Let's say you had a $3,000 balance and reduced your interest rate from 15 percent to 10 percent. You could shave more than $1,000 off the total interest paid if you were to send in just the minimum amount due each month. With a strong credit rating (a FICO score of 700 or higher), you might be able to go even lower than that. In "Play Your Cards Right", I review the moves everyone should make.
Please note: This is general information and is not intended to be legal advice. You should consult with your own financial advisor before making any major financial decisions, including investments or changes to your portfolio, and a qualified legal professional before executing any legal documents or taking any legal action. Harpo Productions, Inc., OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, Discovery Communications LLC and their affiliated companies and entities are not responsible for any losses, damages or claims that may result from your financial or legal decisions.