Instant use credit cards online are available to people who do not want to wait for their cards to arrive in the mail. The online payment method is fast and convenient and you can even receive cash back rewards for using your card. However, there are some important things to consider before you choose an online payment method.
Travel rewards
If you want to find travel rewards credit cards that are flexible, look for cards that allow you to redeem your points for flights, hotel nights, or other travel related expenses. Also, take into account the issuer’s shopping portal. Often, you can purchase at popular retailers with your card.
Some cards allow you to earn bonus miles if you spend a certain amount each month. This can be valuable if you are a frequent flier. However, the value of this reward depends on the card.
While some cards offer an annual fee, there are several cash back cards that let you redeem your rewards for travel. These types of cards are more flexible than traditional travel rewards cards. For instance, you can use your Citi Double Cash credit card for anything and earn 2% cash back on purchases. It also includes 1% when you pay off the balance.
Cash back rewards
Instant use credit cards are a great way to get a discount on your purchases. This is especially helpful when you are shopping online. Some card issuers even offer rewards on seasonal purchases.
There are a few things you need to keep in mind when choosing a cash back credit card. First, you should evaluate your spending habits. It is also important to find a card that offers a reward rate that matches your spending. If you make most of your purchases in one category, it may be better for you to choose a flat-rate card.
Next, look at the bonus categories. Many cards offer rotating bonus categories, which change every quarter. You can typically earn a higher cash back rate on certain categories. For example, the Citi Rewards Visa card will give you a 5% bonus on every transfer you make to other cards.
Activating your card
If you have an instant use credit card, you need to activate it before you can use it. This ensures that your card will be in the hands of the right person and prevents credit card fraud.
Activating your card can be done over the phone or online. The process is easy. You should get a confirmation email or phone call.
Activating your card is also a good way to check that you have the correct information on your account. You may need to provide personal information such as your date of birth or social security number. Some issuers will ask for this information on a separate page.
In addition to activating your card, you should log on to your online or mobile account. This will prove that you own the card.
Foreign transaction fees
If you plan to buy anything online from a merchant in another country, you may have to pay foreign transaction fees. This fee appears on your credit card bill after the purchase is made. It can be tricky to avoid, but there are some steps you can take to help.
First, you should check to see if your credit card offers zero transaction fees In fact, Capital One has removed these fees from their cards.
Next, you should check the currency symbols on the website of the retailer you are interested in buying from. The currency prices will indicate whether the merchant is located in the United States or abroad.
You should also look for credit cards that do not have foreign transaction fees. These are becoming increasingly common.
