Because I know better now (after learning my lesson the hard way years ago and eventually becoming credit card debt-free), I accumulate rewards from my credit cards instead of debts. I said credit cards (with an “s”) because from having just one credit card, I now have two from the same credit card company — Citibank Cash Back (Visa) and Citibank Rewards (Mastercard). These two different cards come with cool rewards that make using them worth my while. And because I’m now more disciplined than ever, I get to make the most of my credit card rewards!
Here are the credit card rewards I get from using both cards:
Image Source: https://www.citibank.com.ph
Rebates from this card can be redeemed in the following forms: vouchers and cash (cash credits and annual fee payment), shopping points for travel (booking of flights, hotels, and car rentals), shopping points for merchandise at partner establishments, and other offers and privileges.
Image Source: https://www.citibank.com.ph
Rewards from this card, on the other hand, can be redeemed in the following forms: vouchers and cash (cash credits and annual fee waiver), shopping points for travel (booking of flights, hotels, and car rentals), shopping points for merchandise at partner establishments, and other offers and privileges.
These two cards even give out instant rewards periodically. One time it was instant prizes. I remember getting free iFlix subscription for three months then. (But I’m a Netflix user so it was sort of useless.) The other time, it was e-raffle tickets for every qualified purchase. (I didn’t win.) Currently, it’s PHP100 or food e-gift from partner establishments for every PHP3,000 purchase. So far, I got free donuts and coffee from Krispy Kreme and free milk tea from Cha Time. Not bad.
my e-gift notice for Cha Time
Anyway, between the two, I find the Citibank Cash Back card giving me the most credit card rewards in the form of cash credits. This is my personal preference, among the many available options, because it reduces my credit card bill. Let’s say I have accumulated 500 cash back points for this particular billing cycle, what I do is redeem my rebates via my Citibank online account. Then, I see it reflected in my credit card transactions as cash credits which are then subtracted from my balance on the next billing cycle. The processing normally takes 2-3 business days.
As much as possible, I try to reach the required PHP10,000 purchase in my Citibank Cash Back card so I could avail of the 6% rebates for groceries and 2% rebates for Meralco bills. 6% for groceries and 2% for Meralco bills are a great deal to me! Hindi napupulot sa kalsada ang reward na yan at walang magbibigay satin nyan ng basta-basta lang, diba?
Recently, accumulating PHP10,000 worth of transactions has been made easy for me by family members paying their monthly phone bills using my card. Charge pa more mga kapatid, hahaha.
our Cash Back card transactions with the latest cash credits I redeemed
I usually redeem cash credits when my rebates have reached 500. While I have yet to maximize the PHP1,000 monthly ceiling for rebates (as indicated by the potential PHP12,000 savings one could get in a year — see poster above), I’m happy that I get to earn rebates by spending on basic commodities. I don’t know with you but 6% for groceries and 2% for Meralco bills clearly translate to extra savings!
Once I have reached the required PHP10,000 purchase in my Citibank Cash Back card, I start making all the other non-supermarket swipes using my Citibank Rewards card. So far, this has been the most efficient set up for me. Aside from motivating me to be more responsible in using my credit cards, credit card rewards have also made me more mindful of my purchases. So yeah, I will continue to make the most of them!
Do you also take advantage of your credit card rewards? What is your credit card and what perks do you get from it? 🙂
May you choose happiness always,
Kailangan lang talaga smart sa paggamit ng card ano? Madami din sya benefits eh. My husband got the BDO card para extra discount pag sale sa SM. hahahaha!
Yes, sis! Dapat tayo ang mas makinabang sa credit card companies kesa sila sa atin, haha. 🙂
I maintain 2 cards po, from Citibank and Eastwest pero mas gusto ko ang Citibank. Citi Rewards Card din ang meron ako at maganda talaga ang mga perks nya. For more than 3 years na ginagamit ko sya, never pa ako nacharge ng annual fee kaya gustong-gusto ko ang card nato hehe. At yung mga naearn ko na points tinatransfer ko sa GetGo account ko para naman sa mga travel miles for Cebu Pacific. Thinking of cancelling na yung Eastwest ko kasi lagi po ako nachacharge ng annual fee kahit outstanding naman ang record ko sa kanila for over 5 years na ginagamit ko sya at inconvenient sa akin ang payment system nila, wala pa silang online payment from other banks 🙁
Apir tayo, Mai! 🙂 Naku, support ko yang pagcancel ng other card mo lalo na at inconvenient pala payment system nila at hindi sila nagwe-waive ng annual fee.