Take advantage of limited time offers
Almost all of us has probably in the past purchased something we might not otherwise or shouldn’t have because it was a “limited time offer” or sale item. We may not have really needed the item or had the money, but we did it anyway because of the item’s temporarily reduced price or other incentive. In fact, just the other day I walked into a local chain electronics store and purchased an item that was on clearance. However, I was actually looking to buy this type of item and was quite excited to find what I was looking for at such a great price. Because I was prepared to make such a purchase, when the right opportunity came along I was able to get a great deal on the item I was searching for.
Several credit card issuers offer similar limited time offers. With a little bit of planning and good credit, you can take advantage of some of these credit card offers to receive more rewards on those large purchases you make. For example, let’s say you were going to make a large purchase for your home, like a memory foam mattress. Prior to your purchase, you could apply for a Citi CashReturns card which offers 5% cash back on all purchases for the first 3 months. That would equate to an additional 5% savings in addition to any sale price or incentive you would receive.
Another example of taking advantage of limited time offers would be if you planned on paying cash for a large purchase and also had a money market or other high-yield savings account. Instead of paying cash, you could compare credit cards with an introductory 0% APR for twelve months and make your large purchase with the card you choose. Making the minimum monthly payments on the card is still required, but your cash will earn interest while you new credit card balance is charged 0% interest for the full twelve months. After the introductory period is over, the balance can still be paid in full and you’ve earned some extra interest too.
These examples are just two ways you can use a limited time offer available through credit cards to your benefit. Deliberate planning and the use of a credit card offer will help you earn more rewards or save more money on large purchases. That way when that next sale or incentive comes along, you’ll be ready for it.
