As we bid farewell to one year and welcome the next, many of us are setting resolutions to improve ourselves in the new year. And what better way to stay motivated and rewarded for keeping those resolutions than with the right credit card? In 2024, credit cards can help you save money and earn valuable rewards as you work towards achieving your goals. Whether it’s exercising more, saving money, reading more, cooking at home, or traveling more, here are our favorite ways credit cards can help you stick to your resolutions.
Exercise More:
If your resolution is to exercise more, credit cards can help you 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 offers 5% cash back on the first $1,500 spent in each quarter’s categories, including fitness memberships in the first quarter of 2024. For those opting for a home gym, The Platinum Card from American Express offers an Equinox membership credit, while the Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 10 points per dollar on Peloton equipment purchases of $150 or more (up to 50,000 points). The Bilt Mastercard also allows you to book eligible fitness classes with your points or earn bonus rewards when booking with your card.
Save More:
Contrary to popular belief, credit cards can actually help you save money. Take advantage of merchant offers and shopping portals to save money on your purchases. Most credit cards have merchant offers that function like coupons, offering statement credits or additional rewards on specific purchases. By logging into your account and adding these offers to your card, you can automatically receive these benefits when you make a qualifying purchase. Additionally, shopping through a shopping portal can earn you extra rewards on top of your credit card rewards and merchant offers. Popular portals like Rakuten allow you to earn cash back or American Express Membership Rewards points on your purchases. If saving money is your top priority, consider using a cash-back credit card that offers a percentage back on all your purchases, allowing you to redeem your rewards as a statement credit.
Read More:
Credit cards can also help you save money on your reading habits. Keep an eye out for reading-related merchant offers that provide discounts or bonuses on subscriptions like Audible and Kindle Unlimited. If you prefer audiobooks and ebooks, the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express offers 6% cash back on eligible U.S. streaming purchases, including reading subscriptions. For physical books or new e-readers from Amazon, the Prime Visa card earns 5% back on these purchases.
Cook More:
If your resolution is to eat healthier and cook more at home, credit cards can earn you bonus points on grocery purchases. The American Express Gold Card offers 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on U.S. supermarket purchases (including Walmart) up to $25,000 in spending each year. For cash-back rewards, the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card earns 3% back at grocery stores (excluding superstores) without an annual fee. Both cards also offer bonus rewards on dining purchases, making them great options when your cooking plans don’t go as planned.
Travel More:
If this is the year you’re finally ready to embark on your dream trip, credit cards can help you make it happen. The easiest way to earn a substantial amount of points is through the welcome bonus offered by a new credit card. Check out the best welcome offers available each month to find the right card for your travel goals. Whether you’re headed to the Maldives, Disney World, or a national park, points and miles can help make your trip a reality.
In conclusion, credit cards can be powerful tools to help you stick to your resolutions and make the most of your goals in 2024. By choosing the right credit card, you can save money, earn rewards, and stay motivated as you work towards becoming a better version of yourself. Just remember to practice responsible credit card usage by paying off your balance on time and in full every month. Here’s to a rewarding and successful new year!