5 Easy Ways to Earn Credit Card Rewards on Your Household Spending

In recent years, Filipinos have become more open to using credit cards as a way to pay for their daily expenses. In fact, according to data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), credit card receivables have reached up to PHP 744.7 billion as of March 2024, a 30% jump from the previous year. There are many reasons for this increased adoption of credit cards. For one, they allow holders the convenience of making purchases even without cash at hand. Another is that credit cards come with robust rewards programs, which can bring perks and extra savings.

However, to make the most out of these benefits, you also need to be smart about the way you use your card. If you’re a credit card owner who wants to earn more rewards as you’re going about your daily household expenses, here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Choose the Right Credit Card

Different credit cards have varying types and tiers of rewards. For instance, some card reward programs are structured so that you have to accumulate points first before you are able to redeem any reward from their catalog. Meanwhile, other credit cards instantly give you rewards after each purchase in the form of cashback. So, if you have multiple credit cards, make sure you’re choosing the right credit for the right purchase.

As an example, your groceries and other household necessities probably take a significant chunk out of your monthly budget. Therefore, the best cashback rewards card for you is something like Maya’s Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card. It lets you enjoy up to 5% cashback at Landers when you reach a minimum total credit card spend of PHP 50,000, 2% cashback on dining, and 1% cashback on other qualified spends. All of these cashback rewards can then get you significant savings when you head to Landers for your next grocery shopping trip.

2. Use Your Credit Card on All Household Purchases

Using your credit card frequently for any household purchase lets you rack up more points quickly, allowing you to obtain rewards faster. Even small purchases can add up over time, so make sure you utilize your credit card for every purchase.

One way to do this is to combine family spending into one card. If your spouse is planning to purchase a new gadget by cash, for instance, then ask them to charge it to your credit card instead and just pay the bill using the saved-up cash later. If the family is dining out, then put the bill on your card as well. By putting as many household expenses in one card as possible, you can increase the rate in which you earn reward points and cashback. Just make sure you’re able to pay your bills on time to avoid interest charges that can cancel out all the savings you would have made.

3. Leverage Sign-Up Bonuses

Most credit cards offer generous sign-up bonuses and rewards, such as additional points or rewards, so long as you meet the minimum spending requirements within the first few months. If you’re thinking of getting a new card solely for household expenses, then make sure you shop around first for a credit card that offers the best sign-up bonuses so you can earn more points and rewards quickly.

4. Pay Attention to Bonus Categories

Some credit cards have designated bonus categories, which are specific spending categories that let you earn more rewards compared to other purchases. For example, the above-mentioned Landers Cashback Everywhere credit card gives you more cashback if you use it to shop for groceries at Landers. Some cards may also offer more points if used specifically for online purchases. So, pay attention to your card’s bonus categories and maximize your spending on those to quickly build up your points.

Try to look for a credit card that has groceries, dining, utilities, or gas as their bonus categories, as these are common household expenses that you would expect to spend a lot on and therefore earn more rewards from.

5. Look Out for Limited-Time Offers

Your credit card provider may also offer seasonal or limited-time promos, so make sure to take note of them. For example, your credit card may have increased points during the holidays or higher cashback during the back-to-school season. By timing your purchases during these periods, you stand to gain more points for the same amount you typically spend. Don’t forget to follow your credit card provider’s official social media pages so you never miss any limited-time offers and plan your purchases accordingly.

With strategic spending and proper planning, you can earn more credit card rewards on your household expenses without hassle. Let the tips above guide you on how to use your credit card wisely to enjoy additional savings that can surely lighten your household budgeting burdens.