Groceries, Dining, and More: Where to Use Your Credit Card for Maximum Rewards

A credit card is more than just a financial tool that allows you to make purchases even without cash on hand; it can also give you various rewards and perks for additional savings. These credit card rewards can usually be claimed or redeemed after you accumulate points per purchase. Some of the most common credit card rewards that can be claimed include cash vouchers, straight discounts, cashback credits, and waived membership fees.

However, because it takes quite some time to rack up those points, it’s a good idea to know where to use your current credit card so you can maximize points accumulation. Here are a few suggestions.

1. Groceries

For most Filipino families, groceries take up a huge chunk of the monthly budget. Fortunately, you can use your credit card to help out with your grocery expenses and earn more points at the same time. Many credit card providers partner up with supermarkets to offer discounts if you use your credit card to pay for your groceries and earn more points at the same time. This allows you to accumulate more rewards, which you can then redeem for discount vouchers to be used on your next grocery trip.

Using a credit card that offers cashback credits as part of its rewards program can also help you maximize your card’s value and save up more. The Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card by Maya, for instance, can give you up to 5% cashback when you shop at any Landers Superstore when you meet certain requirements. What’s more, every eligible purchase you make with your Landers credit card also earns cashback rewards, so even some of your non-grocery purchases can still help you save on your grocery expenses.

2. Online Shopping

One of the most common uses of credit cards nowadays is for online shopping because it provides a quick and secure way to complete purchases. Thanks to this trend, you can rack up more rewards as you shop online. This could either come in the form of additional cashback rewards or discount vouchers that you can redeem using your credit card points. You may also enjoy bigger discounts from your credit card’s partner merchants.

What’s more, some online shopping platforms offer payment options such as 0% interest installments for particular credit cards. This could be a huge relief on your budget if you happen to be making a high-value purchase online such as appliances or gadgets. Always check with the online store you’re purchasing from which credit cards qualify for this payment option so you can lighten the burden of your next big purchase.

3. Dining

If you happen to be the type who enjoys dining out with family and friends, you can use your credit card to pay the bill to earn more rewards points. The previously mentioned Landers Cashback Everywhere credit card by Maya, for example, gives you 2% cashback on any dining spend. Check with your credit card provider to get a list of their partner dining establishments, as these places will usually offer you more points and bigger discounts upfront if you pay using the corresponding credit card.

Do make sure to check the mechanics that come with the discount, however. In some cases, a partner restaurant may only offer it for certain dishes or after you spend a minimum amount. Some restaurant discounts may also be available for a limited time only, so make sure you’re dining within the validity period of the promo.

There are also credit cards that classify dining expenses as one of their bonus spending categories. Hence, points earned from dining can be doubled or even tripled, allowing you to save up more points that you can exchange for other rewards.

4. Health and Wellness

Various health and wellness centers are also affiliated with credit card providers, allowing you to enjoy bigger discounts and more points. So the next time you want to pamper yourself, you can simply use your card to pay for a relaxing me-time at your favorite spa or salon. As a bonus, you can also rack up rewards that you can redeem for future treatment sessions.

5. Travel

Last but not least, your credit card can also give you big savings and big rewards when you use it for your travel expenses. Before you start booking flights or accommodations, check first which airlines, booking websites, and hotels your credit card provider has a partnership with to see if you qualify for additional points, bigger cashback rewards, or straight discounts. Some of the perks you may also enjoy depending on your credit card include unlimited lounge access, exclusive access to seat sales, and free travel insurance.

If you want to fly for free, then you can do so through air miles. As with reward points, all you have to do is to keep using your credit card to steadily accumulate redeemable points. If you’re someone who travels frequently, then you can even score more savings by joining airline loyalty programs.

With the right knowledge on how and where to use your credit card rewards, you can enjoy your perks to the fullest and even reduce your expenses at the same time. Always be on the lookout for any changes in your credit card provider’s rewards catalog and don’t forget to check out the categories listed above to get the most out of your rewards points.