Money Tips
Best Credit Card Hacks to Save Money Without Going Into Debt India
A reward is only a saving when you would have made the purchase anyway. This guide is about comparing rewards; the separate credit-discipline guide covers repayments and borrowing habits.
1. Calculate the net benefit
Suppose planned eligible spending is ₹5,000 and a hypothetical card returns 2%. That is ₹100 before fees and limits. Subtract annual fees, redemption charges and any spending you added just to qualify. A welcome offer does not make an unsuitable card economical.
2. Read exclusions before purchasing
Check the issuer's current terms for merchant categories, monthly caps, minimum transaction amounts, points expiry and redemption value. Different payment routes can receive different treatment. Avoid choosing a card from an old comparison table alone.
3. Keep rewards separate from debt
Budget the full statement payment before shopping. If you cannot repay, interest and charges can overwhelm rewards. Do not prepay unnecessary purchases or take an EMI merely to earn points. Save the offer terms and check the actual statement credit.