This is something I used to do ALL of the time, that I had kinda strayed away from. Well actually I guess I DIDN’T “stray away”, I just forgot about it because my memory is terrible *kanye shrug*
If you have a Discover card, like most cards, it allows you to earn “points” on purchases. Typically 1% cash back, and then quarterly they have different categories that allow you to earn 5% cash back. So depending one how you use your card, you can stack up points fairly quickly. I also try to pay most of my utilities with my credit card. The downside is that most utilities charge a fee for using your credit card, so you have to make sure it’s beneficial to you and not COSTING you money just to earn points. For example, my gas company charges $1.67 per credit card payment. So with the 1% cash back, my bill needs to be at least $167 for using my credit card to benefit me. Also if you don’t pay your balance off in FULL every month, the interest will also cancel out any cash back you earn paying utilities bills with a credit card.
So let’s get down to it. Let’s say you’re doing all of this and accumulating cash back. There are several ways to “redeem” your money:
A). Receive a CHECK for your earned cash
B). Get a “bill credit” to help pay off your outstanding balance
C). Have the money direct deposited into your bank account
D). Buy gift/e-certificates directly off the Discover site
We’re going to go with option “D”. Now if you buy gift/e-certificates with your earned cash back you’ll AUTOMATICALLY receive an extra $5. So if you buy an $20 gift/e-certificate from Starbucks, you’ll receive a $25 gift/e-certificate. That’s enough to get an extra pinch of sugar in your latte, with their expensive a$$! Anyways, the REAL “deal” is from Enterprise Rent-A-Car. If you buy a $20 gift/e-certificate they will DOUBLE it to $40! Whenever I would travel I’d use these or even when my truck was in the shop. Plus with each rental you’d ALSO earn points with Enterprise towards discounts or free rentals.
So basically for doing something you were going to do ANYWAYS (paying your bills), you can earn free money that will DOUBLE in value whenever you need to rent a vehicle. All while earning points towards FREE rentals with Enterprise for buying gift/e-certificates with the FREE money you received paying your bills. See how that works out? Your welcome… *wink*