In a couple weeks I’ll be taking my first international trip (my first trip outside Canada and the U.S. that is). I’m going to Iceland, London and Paris. I’m very much looking forward to this trip. I’ve been literally counting down the days. That being said, it hasn’t been all fun and games. There’s been a lot of planning involved.
Co-branded credit cards are quite popular these days. It seems hardly a month goes by without there being a new co-branded credit card released. Companies aren’t just releasing co-branded credit cards out of the goodness of their heart. No, they have some ulterior motives. They’re hoping to build brand loyalty and gain better consumer data, among other things.
If you’re like most Canadians these days, you’ll choose your credit card mainly based on the perks offered. It’s easy to fall in love with credit cards with big sign-up bonuses, reward points, and cash back multipliers. You may know all the benefits the card offers, but you probably don’t know everything about the credit card’s terms and conditions. While you might have skipped the information boxes when you applied, you’ll receive a cardholder agreement upon approval.
Many of us have recurring transactions on our credit cards. It’s convenient, simple and easy. Your credit card is automatically charged without having to go through the hassle of providing your credit card details each and every month. Most people live busy lives, so it can be a real time saver. Your gym membership, home insurance and satellite radio subscriptions are all automatically charged on your credit card like clockwork. But sometimes automatic updating can end up costing you money.
With 2017 all wrapped up, we thought it would be a great time to look at our crystal ball and predict credit card trends for 2018. 2017 sure was an eventful year for credit cards. We saw the shutdown of PC Financial, the merger of Shoppers Optimum and PC Mastercard, and Air Canada and Aeroplan parting ways to name a few. Let’s look at some interesting trends to watch for 2018 and how you as a cardholder can make the most of them.
Do you have a good credit score? Give yourself a well-deserved round of applause. Credit scores typically range from 300 to 900. If your credit score is 670 or above, it’s considered good. If it’s 750 or above, it’s considered excellent. You must be doing something right. (Paying your bills on time and keeping your credit card balances low certainly help.)
