1 Credit Card Rewards Trick That’s Saved Me Thousands for 12 Years

Motley Fool investors can save thousands over years by simply putting to work the credit card rewards they collect over the years.

Credit card, online shopping, retail

Image source: Getty Images

Have you ever used one of those tricks that you don’t even realize is a trick? That’s what happened to me a few years back when I told someone about this credit card rewards hack. Well, can you even call it a hack when it’s the purpose in the first place?

Regardless, the hack involves actually using the rewards that credit card holders collect over the years but for a specific purpose. This hack has saved me thousands in the 12 years I’ve been doing it.

First, collect credit card rewards

The key to the credit card rewards trick is to collect as many points as you possibly can. Most Motley Fool investors likely use their credit card to make larger purchases. This could include shopping, groceries, gas — those kinds of items.

Me? I use it for every single thing. I mean that quite literally. I never have cash in my wallet and hardly ever use my debit card. From gum to internet bills, my credit card comes out. Then every week, I have an alarm set on my phone to remind me to pay down my credit card.

In the process, I collect credit card rewards — a lot of credit card rewards. In my case, I use the Signature RBC Rewards Visa, where I get one point for every dollar I spend. Let’s say that each month, I spend $4,000 on various items. That’s 4,000 points per month and 48,000 points per year!

What do I use it for?

So, when do I come calling each year for these credit card rewards? The holidays! This is a financial burden that one cannot simply budget for, if you’re completely honest with yourself — especially this year. Inflation has risen again and again, and supply chain issues as well have made items even more costly. But if you have rewards to spend, that significant expense suddenly drops at a phenomenal rate.

But wait! Before you go shopping on the credit card rewards site, I have another tip from over a decade of experience. Compare. Don’t just make purchases on your Visa and pay it down with points. Yes, you can do this. But you won’t get the best bang for your buck.

Instead, go through gift cards section of your bank’s credit card rewards program. For RBC, I’ve found the best deal comes from the Cadillac Fairview gift card. And this gives me access to malls all across Canada. The only downside these days is that I have to use it in person. Not for you? There are countless of other options where you can find gift cards to make online purchases from credit card rewards — all before Black Friday!

Still not convinced?

I’ll give you an example. Now, I’d say 48,000 points from credit card rewards is more than fair for what I’d spend in a year. With those 48,000 points, should I use it on a Cadillac Fairview gift card, that would give me about $350 to spend! And let me tell you, my husband is very happy to be the recipient of these free gifts each year. Though this year, every penny will be in my kids’ stockings.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Amy Legate-Wolfe owns shares of ROYAL BANK OF CANADA. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Visa.

More on Personal Finance

woman retiree on computer
Investing

Retirees: Here’s How to Boost Your CPP Pension

Retirement planning is best done when considering not only your CPP pension, but also your investments in income-producing stocks like…

Read more »

Female hand holding piggy bank. Save money and financial investment
Personal Finance

Here’s Why a Big Emergency Fund Is a Terrible, Terrible Idea

Here's why saving more than six months' worth of expenses can be disadvantageous to your household.

Read more »

cup of cappuccino with a sad face
Personal Finance

5 Super-Simple Ways to Completely Ruin Your Credit Score

Building your credit score takes time, dedication, and smart decisions. Tearing your credit score apart — well, you could do…

Read more »

Young woman sat at laptop by a window
Personal Finance

5 High-Paying Side Hustles That Could Help You Save for Retirement in 2022

If you're struggling to save for retirement, here are five side gigs that could give your retirement fund a boost.

Read more »

Hour glass and calendar concept for time slipping away for important appointment date, schedule and deadline
Personal Finance

The Tax Deadline Is Almost Here! Here Are 5 Things You Need to Know if You Haven’t Filed Yet

The deadline to file your taxes is May 2. If you haven't started yet, here's what you should know.

Read more »

consider the options
Personal Finance

New to Investing? Be Sure You Avoid These 5 Newbie Mistakes

If you're new to investing, here are five big mistakes you should watch out for.

Read more »

Couple relaxing on a beach in front of a sunset
Personal Finance

Lazy Canadians: Here’s How You Can Make $200 Per Week in Passive Income

To earn $200 a week, invest money in high-quality stocks or ETFs.

Read more »

gas station, convenience store, gas pumps
Personal Finance

Costco vs. Canadian Tire: Which Rewards Card Will Save You More on Gas in 2022?

The CIBC Costco Mastercard earns 3% back at Costco Gas, and the Canadian Tire Mastercard earns 10 cents per litre.…

Read more »