5 Ways Using Credit Cards Could Make Life Easier For You
Sunday, December 28th, 2008 The primary purpose of a credit card is to enable the card holder to purchase things and pay for them over time, rather 
than having to come up with the cash all at once. The buy now pay later mentality has gotten many people into debt trouble, but when used carefully a credit card is actually extremely useful and can make life just a little easier. Imagine trying to book a hotel room or plane tickets without a credit card!
Chances are, most credit card users don’t even know the numerous ways that a credit card could help them! Here are five ways using credit cards could make life easier for you:
1) Purchase Protection.
How many times have you bought something from the store and saw it in the sales flier the following week for less than what you paid?! A handful of retailers will work with you and allow you to get the difference back if you come into the store with your receipt, but for stores that don’t you might want to check with your credit card company. A number of credit cards (particularly those offered through Citibank or Chase) will refund the difference in price if you provide the sales proof of the lower price within sixty days of purchase.
2) Rental Car Insurance Coverage.
When you rent a car on a credit card, chances are you can decline the extra insurance coverage through the car rental company because many credit cards offer car rental insurance automatically. Paying the car rental company for coverage is a waste of money if it’s included at no additional charge just for renting the car with your credit card.
3) Proof of Purchase.
With the struggling economy, retailers are getting more strict about requiring your receipt if you wish to return an item to the store. Those pesky little receipts are easily lost, and can make it difficult to make a return or exchange if you’ve misplaced it! Pull out your credit card statement or print it from your online account – it’s as good as having a second receipt. Take it with you to the store and you will be able to return or exchange your item just as if you brought in the little white receipt they gave you the day of your purchase.
4) Extended Warranty Coverage.
How many times have you been suckered into buying the extended warranty coverage on electronics or toys at the checkout line? Most extended warranties are a waste of money, especially if you happen to buy the item with a credit card that offers extended warranty protection for free! Many American Express cards and some others offer extended coverage for up to one year for no extra charge.
5) Theft and Damage Coverage.
A number of credit cards help you recover from items that are stolen or damaged within 90 days of purchase. Keep track of your purchases and document the date and description of what happened to the item if it is stolen or damaged and report it to your insurance company and credit card company. Some cards will give you coverage above and beyond what the insurance company will cover on theft and damage.
Credit cards have a “bad reputation” due to the large number of consumers who are in over their heads in debt. When used responsibly, however, credit cards actually serve to help individuals more than hurt them. Knowing the wide variety of benefits that are available through your credit card is the key to making the most out of the card and allowing it to make your life just a little bit easier.
