These days, most Canadians have at least one credit card in their wallets, and generally recognize the benefits they have to offer. But not everyone loves their credit card, and to be honest, some may describe their relationship with their plastic as "complicated." True, you shouldn’t use your credit card if it will lead you to spend beyond your means; but if you’re a disciplined card user and make your payments every month, it can be a really useful tool. In fact, there are scores of reasons to love credit cards – we’ve laid out our top 10 favourites below.
1. Budgeting and expense tracking
When you pay with your credit card, it’s easy to keep track of all your spending by either checking your transactions online or reviewing your statement each month. If you’re an RBC Online Banking client, you can also track your credit card purchases using myFinanceTracker, which automatically categorizes your expenses for you. You can see where your money is going, allowing you to keep your budget in check quickly and easily.
2. Protecting yourself and your purchases
Break your new sunglasses a week after you bought them? Dishwasher go on the fritz a month after the warranty ended? Not to worry, as purchases made with your Visa or MasterCard offer protection that you would never get when you pay with cash. That’s because personal property and gifts purchased using your card are protected from loss or damage for 90 days from the day you made the purchase. Your purchases are also protected by Extended Warranty Insurance which doubles the original manufacturer’s warranty for up to one additional year.
Plus, with Zero Cardholder Liability Protection, you’re never on the hook for fraudulent activity on your account, provided you take reasonable precautions to protect your PIN and your card.
3. Building a credit history
A credit card is the most efficient credit building tool around. And given the importance of a credit rating (for getting a mortgage, leasing a car, renting an apartment or even getting a mobile phone), a lot depends on a healthy score. So using your credit card and making payments by the due date each month is a great way to ensure you’re set up for future financial success.
4. Speeding through the checkout
Have you ever fumbled for change at the checkout, holding up the growing line behind you? With new contactless payment features like Visa payWave or MasterCard PayPass, you can check out quickly and easily with just a tap or wave of your card. It’s fast and convenient, and you won’t get any dirty looks from the people behind you.
5. Booking travel
Not only is it convenient to book flights with your credit card (whether you’re buying online or over the phone), if you have a card with built-in insurance protection, you may benefit from coverage should your flight be delayed or cancelled, or your bags lost along the way.
And once your flight is taken care of, have you tried booking a hotel without a credit card lately? If you have, you’ve probably run into a road block or two. Hotels, for the most part, need to take a credit card number at the time of booking to secure the reservation. While they often don’t charge your card at the time of booking, having the number protects them in case of cancellation – and ensures you have a room, even if you arrive at midnight.
6. Earning points, miles or other rewards
If you have a card that earns rewards, whether that’s points, miles, or cash back, you can build your balance simply by paying for your everyday purchases with your card. Depending on the kind of card you have and how often you use it, you can earn points to be redeemed for gift cards, merchandise, travel, and more!
7. Parking
From the meter at the side of the road to the underground parkade, paying for parking is easier than ever these days thanks to the credit card payment option available most places. The ability to use your credit card cuts out the need to dig for change in your cup holder, and can help you get in and out of the garage faster.
8. Shopping online
It’s true, shopping online without a credit card is getting a bit easier (some merchants are offering the option of paying with your debit card now) but if you generally prefer to avoid the shopping mall, or if you have a hankering for foreign goods, like to purchase concert tickets or bid for online merchandise, you pretty much need a credit card to fulfill these cyber transactions.
9. Renting a car
If you want to rent a car but don’t have a credit card, things can get a little tricky. The problem is, rental companies may be hesitant to rent a car to someone with no credit card, since not having a credit card may be a red flag that you could be a credit risk. In addition, many credit cards include Auto Rental Collision/Loss Damage Insurance which could save you a few dollars when renting that car.
10. Getting out of a bind
Flat tire? Lost on a road trip at night? Spilled coffee on your suit an hour before a big meeting? Whatever your emergency, your credit card can be your safety net whenever the need arises.
Topics: Credit cards | Credit card rewards