Don’t Forget to Request Your Cash Back Credit Card Rewards

May 13, 2008

This is just a quick reminder to request your cash back from your reward card(s) of choice. While some cash back reward credit cards — such as the Citi CashReturns card and the American Express Blue Cash rewards card — automatically issue your rewards, others don’t.

Instead of letting card issuers sit on your rewards while you run the risk of forgetting about them entirely, get in the habit of cashing in your rewards. While simply using a card that offers automatic redemption seems attractive at first, there are at least two very good reasons to

First, the Amex card referenced above offers automatic redemption, but they only do it on an annual basis. Thus, your reward dollars are locked away for twelve months before they do you any good. Second, some card issuers that require manual redemption offer other perks that more than offset the minor inconvenience of having to request a check. For example, the Chase Freedom rewards card requires manual redemption, but if you save up to $200 in rewards, they add a $50 bonus on top, effectively boosting your rewards by 25%.

Posted in Credit Card Tips, Reward Cards