Getting the most from Credit Cards
Five smart ways to make the most of a Credit Card.
There’s a lot of benefits in having a Credit Card. It’s a handy way to make your purchases, big or small, at home or when travelling overseas. It can also be a helpful tool to manage your finances, while earning reward points that can be redeemed for gifts, flights, holidays and more.
So, getting your head around how to use a Credit Card, what it can be used for and how to earn points is important. Once you decide on the right card for you, after taking into account things like interest rates, annual fees, payment terms and credit limit, you can start think about how to take advantage of the benefits.
To get you started, we’ve put together five smart ways on how to go about it. Remember to stick to your budget, track your spending and pay your monthly bills in full.
Daily shopping: making it easy to manage groceries, petrol and more.
You might be surprised at how handy a Credit Card can be when it comes to daily shopping. Things like grabbing a coffee, buying groceries or filling up at the bowser. One tap of a Credit Card and you're done. You don’t have to carry cash, plus it may help you keep an eye on what you're spending. There’s no need to spend any more than you normally would, just use your Credit Card to pay.
Shopping online may also be easier with a Credit Card. Maybe it’s that pair of shoes you just have to have or the appliance you need for the home or a gift for a friend. But first, check the website is secure before you sharing any of your personal information.
Using a Credit Card for day-to-day purchases is also a smart way to earn rewards. Almost every dollar spent adds to the points balance which can be redeemed for travel, gifts and more.
Paying bills can help you keep track of your finances
Using a Credit Card to pay bills may help to simplify finances and manage cash flow. Setting up a direct debit or using BPAY can be a convenient way to make your utility payments like mobile phone, internet, gas water and electricity, your insurances like car, home and pet, or subscription services like online streaming.
Be mindful that when you do use a Credit Card to pay your bills that some companies may charge nominal fees of around 1 – 3%.
Paying bills with your Credit Card can also help build your reward points balance.
Holidays, hotels and flights: lock in a bargain with your Credit Card
Another benefit of a Credit Card is the ability to buy things now and pay for it later. So, if a great deal pops up for a holiday with cheap flights or even discounts on accommodation, you can lock it in on the spot with your Credit Card.
Some Credit Cards offer airport lounge access which can come in handy on your travels. Other Credit Cards offer complimentary travel insurances1, the cover varying on the type of card. Make sure you read the T&C’s first to decide if the cover is right for you.
Plus carrying a Credit Card when you’re overseas isn’t just handy, it can also be safer than having loads of cash on you.
Holidays, hotels and flights aren’t just among the many benefits you can redeem your reward points for either. Depending on the card you hold, paying for travel with your card could earn you points as well.
HOLIDAYS, HOTELS AND FLIGHTS AREN’T JUST AMONG THE MANY BENEFITS YOU CAN REDEEM YOUR REWARD POINTS FOR EITHER, PAYING FOR THEM WITH YOUR CREDIT CARD CAN EARN YOU POINTS TOWARDS THEM AS WELL.
Earn and spend rewards, helping you get more out of your Credit Card
Rewards are one of the biggest draw cards for Credit Cards. It’s a very competitive space and the benefits can include complimentary insurances1, purchase protection1, airport lounge access and more.
By making your purchases with your Credit Card, you can earn reward points which you may then redeem for things like flights, hotel stays, holidays, gifts and so much more. With the American Express Membership Rewards® Program you can even use your points to make transactions, or pay your annual fee on selected Cards. It’s made easy through the American Express App
Using your American Express® Credit Card earns you reward points, adds to your points balance and gets you closer to your reward. It makes sense to use it whenever you can and wherever you can. There are so many places around Australia that are more than happy to take your Card.
Gift Cards can be a handy way to use your points
A gift card can be a thoughtful gift for your friends or family. You can of course simply purchase a gift card with your Credit Card outright, but you might also like to consider redeeming your points for one.
American Express has great of partnerships across a variety of retailers and services, including department stores, homeware and furniture, fashion, music, leisure, entertainment, travel, appliances, fuel and more.
Even better, you can purchase gift cards online and then have them delivered in the mail. It’s the perfect gift for Christmas, birthdays or any special occasion.
Greater flexibility and convenience with your Card payments
To make your life a little simpler, you can choose from a few ways to make your Card payments. American Express Plan It® gives you a flexible option that allows you to pay off recent transactions or your balance in monthly instalments with 0% p.a. interest, however a monthly plan fee applies.2
Of course, you have a number of quick and easy online or in-person channels to pay your monthly Card bill, including American Express Online Services, Amex App, Direct Debit, American Express Card PayID, BPAY® or pay in person at any Australian Post Office.
All available methods of payment are detailed here.
Credit Cards really are a handy way to make your purchases and manage your finances on so many levels. Just be sure to spend within your budget, pay your monthly bill and you can make your Credit Card work harder for you.
MORE FINANCIAL WELLBEING ARTICLES
BUILD EMERGENCY FUND
Emergency fund: money-saving tips to get ahead with your finances
KEEP TRACK OF FINANCES
How to keep track of money spent so you can reach your financial goals
EXPLORE MORE POSSIBILITIES
CHECK OUT OUR TRAVEL CONTENT
From getting out of town for the day to getting away from it all for a well-earned break, see what great things you can do on your travels.
CHECK OUT OUR LIFESTYLE CONTENT
From the tastiest places to dine out to activities that keeping the kids active and happy over the holidays, discover what great things you can do day in, day out.
CHECK OUT OUR LIFE MOMENTS CONTENT
From helping you get prepared to bring a new puppy home to guiding you through buying your first home, find out what great things you can do for the moments that matter most.
Cards are offered, issued, and administered by American Express Australia Limited ABN 92 108 952 085, Australian Credit Licence No. 291313.
American Express income and credit approval criteria applies. Subject to Terms and Conditions. Interest rates, fees and charges apply. All interest rates are quoted as an Annual Percentage Rate. All information, including fees, charges and interest rates are correct as at 27 October 2021 and are subject to change. Applicants must be 18 years of age or over, and earn a qualifying income. They must be an Australian Citizen or permanent resident or hold a long term visa. Long term means 12 months or more and does not include a student visa.
- Insurance. American Express Credit and Charge Card insurances are subject to terms, conditions and exclusions (such as maximum age limits, pre-existing medical conditions and cover limits) – see the full terms and conditions available here. You must use your eligible American Express Card to pay for your return trip, commencing and ending in Australia, in order to be eligible for the travel insurance. For Smartphone Screen Insurance, you must use your eligible American Express Card to pay for your phone outright or your monthly phone bill. Not available on all American Express Cards. Maximum of 2 claims per 12 month period, per Account, maximum cover of $500 per claim and an excess of 10% of the claimed amount applies. Waiting periods may apply. Find out more here. The insurance is underwritten by Chubb Insurance Australia Limited (ABN 23 001 642 020, AFSL No. 239687) under a group policy held by American Express Australia Limited (ABN 92 108 952 085, AFSL No. 291313). Card members are not a party to the group policy, but may be able to claim under it as third party beneficiaries. This webpage does not take into account your objectives or financial situation. You should read the full terms and conditions to decide if this insurance meets your needs.
- Plan It™ Terms and Conditions-You can create an Instalment Plan as long as your Account is in good standing. We may limit the amount that can be transferred to an Instalment Plan. Each Instalment Plan will begin from the date it is successfully created, as communicated to you in your Online Account. Payment of your first Monthly Instalment will be due in your next payment cycle. You will be charged a Monthly Plan Fee for each Instalment Plan created. This fee will be charged each month your Instalment Plan is active and will be notified to you before you create the Instalment Plan. For full terms and conditions of Plan It Instalments, click here.