Some Questions to Ask Before Getting Your Favorite Brand?s Credit Card

Posted by Daniel Brain on May 23rd, 2018

When Starbucks launched a rewards credit card this year, and when Uber did so last fall, it was a big step as far as each company was concerned. But they were only following the lead of hundreds of other brands.

Amazon, Costco, Target and many other brands have offered credit cards for years. These cards usually give customers higher rewards for in-store shopping than they would earn with a general-purpose credit card.

But these co-branded cards, as they’re called, also come with downsides, including higher-than-average interest rates and, in some cases, annual fees. In general, their redemption options are more limited than what you find on a general rewards card.

One key factor in getting a brand’s card, says credit expert John Ulzheimer, is how often you shop with that particular brand. “If you frequent the retailer enough, then you’re really getting a lot of value for the points,” he says.

Ask these questions before you apply for your favorite brand’s credit card.

What is the rewards rate?
“You should ask, ‘For every dollar I spend, what percent do I earn back in points?’” advises Barry Kirk, vice president of loyalty at Maritz Motivation Solutions, which creates loyalty programs for companies. A 1% rate is pretty weak, while 5% or higher is more likely to make it worth your time, Kirk says.

“If there is a store you shop frequently at — say, Target — and you could do all of your shopping in one place, and the card gives you a 5% discount plus other rewards, then it could make a lot of sense,” says Andrea Woroch, a writer and TV personality who specializes in consumer savings.

Is there an annual fee?
Do you plan to carry a balance?
Will the card tempt you to overspend?
How can the rewards be redeemed?
Does the card come with other perks?

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