As the year comes to a close and we welcome the new year, many of us are making resolutions to improve ourselves in various aspects of our lives. And what better way to stay motivated and rewarded for our efforts than by utilizing the right credit card? With the right credit card, you can save money and earn valuable rewards as you work towards achieving your resolutions. Here are some ways credit cards can help you stick to your resolutions in 2024.
1. Exercise More: Whether you’re joining a new fitness studio or investing in home workout equipment and a fitness subscription, you can earn bonus rewards on your fitness purchases. Cards like the World of Hyatt Credit Card or the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card offer bonus rewards on gym membership purchases. If you’ve already found a gym you love, the Chase Freedom Flex card can earn you 5% cash back on the first $1,500 spent on fitness memberships in the first quarter of 2024. Additionally, the Platinum Card from American Express offers an Equinox membership credit, and the Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 10 points per dollar on Peloton equipment purchases.
2. Save More: Contrary to popular belief, credit cards can actually help you save money. Many credit cards offer merchant offers that function like coupons. By logging into your account and adding offers to your card, you can automatically receive statement credits or additional rewards on purchases made at participating merchants. Additionally, shopping portals allow you to earn rewards on top of credit card rewards and merchant offers when shopping online. Rakuten is a popular shopping portal that offers cash-back or American Express Membership Rewards points. Cash-back credit cards are also a great option for saving money, as you earn a percentage back on every purchase.
3. Read More: If you’re looking to read more books or use a reading subscription, credit cards can help you save money on these habits. Keep an eye out for reading-related merchant offers on your credit cards, such as discounts on Audible and Kindle Unlimited subscriptions. For audiobooks and ebooks, the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express earns 6% cash back on eligible U.S. streaming purchases, including reading subscriptions. If you prefer physical books or e-readers from Amazon, the Prime Visa card offers 5% back on these purchases.
4. Cook More: If your resolution is to eat healthier and cook more at home, having a credit card that earns bonus points on grocery purchases is essential. The American Express Gold Card earns 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on U.S. supermarket purchases, while the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card offers unlimited 3% back at grocery stores. Both cards also earn bonus rewards on dining purchases, making them versatile options for when your cooking plans don’t go as planned.
5. Travel More: If this is the year you’re finally ready to embark on your dream trip, credit cards can help you make it a reality. Earning the welcome bonus on a new credit card is one of the easiest ways to accumulate a significant number of points. Additionally, credit card rewards can be used to book flights, hotels, and other travel expenses, making your trip more affordable. The Points Guy website offers comprehensive guides on how to maximize credit card rewards for different travel destinations.
In conclusion, credit cards can be a valuable tool in helping you stick to your resolutions and achieve your goals in the new year. By choosing the right credit card, you can earn rewards and save money on purchases related to your resolutions, whether it’s exercising more, saving more, reading more, cooking more, or traveling more. Just remember to practice responsible credit card usage by paying off your balance on time and in full every month. Here’s to a happy and rewarding new year!