If you need help comparing rewards credit cards, read our frequently asked questions below:
Why should I get a rewards credit card?
If you already use a credit card for most of your daily purchases and pay off the balance each month, using a rewards credit card instead can give you the opportunity to earn some tangible benefits for doing so. With a rewards credit card, every purchase you make helps you earn points that can later be redeemed for flights, hotel rooms, cash back or other rewards. If you are one of the 70% of Canadians who pays off their credit card balance every month and successfully avoids interest charges, a rewards credit card would be a great way to get more out of your daily purchases.
What type of rewards can I earn?
The most common types of rewards you can earn are: travel points, cash back, store points and free gas. Travel rewards credit cards offer travel points every time you make a purchase, which accumulate and can be redeemed towards purchasing plane tickets or hotel stays. Cash back credit cards offer cash rebates on your purchases, typically in the range of 0.75-4.00%; your rebate will either be applied to your statement or sent as a cheque in the mail. Store credit cards are offered by some specific retailers and help you earn points that can be redeemed for merchandise in their stores. Finally, gas credit cards simply offer you the ability to earn free money to be used at specific gas stations.
Many rewards credit cards also include insurance products, such as travel medical insurance, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, and rental car collision and damage insurance. These insurance products come at no extra cost and can provide meaningful value to you in the event of any accidents or unforeseen events.
Why do most rewards credit cards have an annual fee?
Rewards credit cardholders pay a fee for the privilege of using the card and gaining its benefits. While the annual fee can sometimes seem high, if you use your card often, the rewards you earn can easily outweigh the cost of holding the card. If you don’t use your credit card often or will not redeem your points, a no fee credit card that offers fewer rewards may be a better choice.
Other Types of Credit Cards