I remember when I got my first credit card. It was sometime in 1997, when I first went out on my own and started making my money. I think it was an American Express Blue card – one that was specifically for students. Since then, I’ve carefully navigated the credit card system to reap rewards beyond the convenience of “plastic money.”
Let me start off my saying, that while credit cards can be convenient in a pinch, they work for you the most when you pay off your balance in full and do not pay any interest. I do my very best to pay my card off every month and not carry over any interest-bearing balance, which sometimes means being very careful with what purchases I put on my card. With that in mind, you can also get extra rewards through programs like the American Express Membership Rewards program.
The American Express Membership Rewards program is simple – use your American Express card as you normally would. As you purchase things with your AmEx card, you earn points that you can redeem for rewards, such as gift certificates, electronics, or even airplane tickets. American Express has just made using your points even easier with their new Mobile Gift Cards option. You can use your smartphone to redeem gift certificates for stores like Old Navy, Gap, and Willam-Sonoma, then use them instantly for your in-store, online, or over the phone purchases.
With the added convenience, the American Express Membership Rewards Mobile Gift Cards can help you do your holiday shopping this season. Just redeem your rewards points while you’re at the store and shop for gifts! I love it when I’m able to buy something using my rewards points only because it’s like I’m getting it totally free. Almost like a free gift with purchase (or free gift with all the purchases I made to earn the points to get the gift.) 🙂
If you have an American Express Card, check to see if your card is eligible for Membership Rewards and start earning. If you don’t have an American Express card, you can see if it’s the right card for you and apply. Please be responsible when applying for and using a credit card.
About American Express Membership Rewards
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post for SheSpeaks/American Express. All opinions are my own.
Darlene Ysaguirre says
December 2, 2012 at 11:52 amIm glad i seen this only being a credit card holder for like 6 years or so i never new that paying off your balance with out paying interest is what helps your credit score..nor do i use cards that give rewards why? i don’t know lol