By Keph Senett on July 8, 2022
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Are you getting the most out of your credit card rewards?

By Keph Senett on July 8, 2022
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Credit card rewards should be exciting—if yours aren’t, then maybe it’s time for a new card. Here’s how to pick a rewards card that fits your goals and spending habits.

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Photo by Juan Mendez from Pexels

Credit card rewards points are awesome, if you can redeem them for things you actually want. We all have different goals and plans, and on top of that our spending habits and needs can change over time. That’s why having lots of options to choose from is key to a worthwhile rewards program. Let’s look at how to pick one that suits your lifestyle—for today and in the future.

How to choose a rewards program

When it comes to selecting the best credit card rewards program for you and your lifestyle, there are two major considerations to take into account:

Reward options

One of the first things to look for in a rewards credit card is whether it offers the experiences and items that you really want. You’re more likely to find them in a card with a rich rewards catalogue.

The MBNA Rewards Platinum Plus Mastercard* is a prime example. When you use this card for everyday purchases, you collect valuable points you can redeem toward anything on the MBNA Rewards website, including travel, brand-name merchandise, gift cards, cash back and even charitable donations. All these options mean you’re bound to find something you’ll value, no matter your lifestyle or goals.

For example, if you’ve got a big family, you might want to collect points for experiences, gift cards, or goods and appliances for your home and garden. If you’re a traveller, you have the flexibility to choose from airfare, hotels and car rentals—or redeem for new luggage and travel gear to bring on your trips. And if you’re “the person who has everything,” you could donate your rewards points to partnered charities.

With this many redemption options, holding the MBNA Rewards Platinum Plus Mastercard is pretty much like having a cash-back card, travel card and rewards card all in one.

Attractive earn rates in your most-used spending categories

The second consideration when choosing a rewards card: How strong are the earn rates in your most-used spending categories? The more points you can earn, the faster you’ll get to your rewards.

The MBNA Rewards Platinum Plus Mastercard gives you 2 points per $1 spent on groceries, restaurants, digital media, memberships and household utilities purchases, and 1 point per $1 on everything else. Before long, you’ll be redeeming for a new barbecue grill, iPhone 12 or those Ray-Ban aviators you’ve been eyeing.

What else should you look for in a new rewards card?

Here are four other card benefits that can make your life easier and help you make the most of your rewards.

No annual fee: If you choose a no-annual-fee card, you don’t have to worry about fees cutting into your rewards. With the MBNA Rewards Platinum Plus Mastercard, you get all the perks that come with an annual-fee rewards card without the annual fee. (More on the perks below.)
Online rewards redemption: Everything from shopping to banking takes place online, and there’s no reason your rewards redemption shouldn’t be just as easy. You can redeem your MBNA Rewards points simply by visiting the MBNA Rewards website and making your selections.
No expiry date on rewards points: Avoid the frustration of collecting points toward a big redemption only to have them expire. MBNA Rewards points never expire, so there’s no deadline rush to use them, and you can save them up for larger rewards.
Welcome offers: Welcome bonuses can be extremely valuable. Case in point: The MBNA Rewards Platinum Plus Mastercard offers a doubled earn rate for the first 90 days. That’s 4 points per $1 spent on eligible restaurant, grocery, digital media, membership and household utility purchases, and 2 points for every $1 spent on everything else, up to $10,000 in each earn rate category.

Enjoy valuable perks and extras

Some credit cards include little perks and extras that can really come in handy. The MBNA Rewards Platinum Plus Mastercard includes mobile device insurance up to $1,000, savings on car rentals at Avis and Budget, and purchase insurance and extended warranty benefits. Plus, you have access to the MBNA Payment Plan, which allows you to pay for eligible credit card purchases of $100 or more in monthly payments rather than a lump sum.

When you match your lifestyle and spending habits to the offers available with a rewards credit card, you’ll boost your benefits and reach your rewards faster.

MBNA Rewards Platinum Plus Mastercard*

Image of MBNA Rewards Mastercard - links to site

The MBNA Rewards Platinum Mastercard has no annual fee—an unusual feature for a card with a robust rewards program.

Annual fee: $0
Interest rates: 19.99% on purchases, 24.99% on cash advances, 22.99% on balance transfers
Earn rate: Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on eligible groceries and restaurants ($5,000 max annual spend per category) and 1 point per $1 on everything else
Welcome offer: You can earn 10,000 bonus points ($50 in cash back value). Plus, get 4 points per $1 spent on eligible restaurant, grocery, digital media, membership and household utility purchases during the first 90 days.. (Not available for residents of Quebec.)
Additional benefits: MBNA Payment Plan, mobile device insurance, purchase assurance, extended warranty benefits and savings at Avis and Budget

Get more details about the MBNA Rewards Platinum Plus Mastercard*
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