Credit cards provide a convenient, secure, and rewarding way to pay. When used responsibly and with careful financial management, credit cards can help you build a good credit history, enhance your purchasing power, and provide added value to your everyday spending. 

Here are some strategies to help you make the most of your credit card's rewards and benefits, turning your regular purchases into valuable opportunities for savings and perks. 

• Choose the right credit card 
  Select a credit card that aligns with your spending habits and provides rewards that you value. Chinabank offers nine credit card variants with various rewards and benefits to fit every lifestyle. If you’re a frequent traveler, consider a credit card that offers miles and perks on travel expenses like Chinabank Destinations Mastercard.  If you spend a lot on gas, find a card the offers a higher fuel rebate like Chinabank Platinum Mastercard. For mixed spending habits, a cash back card might be ideal like Chinabank Cash Rewards Mastercard.  

• Take advantage of welcome gifts  
  Many credit cards offer welcome gifts or bonuses for new cardholders when they spend a specific amount within the first few months. The qualifying period for this welcome bonus is an ideal time to make a planned large purchase.  For example, Chinabank Velvet Visa Signature offers a free Pandora classic bracelet and charm with a minimum single or accumulated spend of P6,000.00 within 60 days from card delivery date.  Meanwhile, Chinabank Destinations Mastercard gives a free 1-year Accor Plus Explorer membership with a single or accumulated spend of P5,000 also within 60 days from card delivery date. 

• Reap the added perks  
  In addition to earning rewards like points, miles or cash back, most credit cards provide added benefits that can save you money. Chinabank Destinations Mastercard, for instance, provides up to P20 million comprehensive travel and inconvenience insurance coverage when you purchase your travel tickets using the card, while Chinabank Velvet Visa Signature lets you enjoy P800 cash back if you spend at least P8,000, either single-receipt or accumulated, every 8th of the month. 

• Stay informed about deals and promos 
  Credit cards often offer exclusive promos and discounts, enabling you to save money on things you would buy anyway.  Check your credit card issuer’s website or ask retailers and restaurants which credit cards have promos with them. Chinabank Credit Cards, for instance, regularly have various promos with partner merchants, including 0% installment deals, discounts of up to 50%, and freebies.   

• Charge everything 
  Use your credit card for all purchases to maximize the rewards offered by your card, whether it's points, miles, or cashback on every peso or dollar spent. The more you charge, the more rewards you accumulate. This strategy, however, doesn't involve spending beyond your means; it simply means using a rewards credit card for your regular expenses. Paying off your balance immediately helps you avoid interest charges. If you don't clear the balance each month, the interest will negate any rewards you have earned.

• Monitor and redeem rewards points 
  Keep track of your rewards points and redeem them regularly. Check with your credit card issuer the rewards values and rewards balance requirement to make redemptions.  For example, with Chinabank Credit Cards’ flexible rewards program, you can convert your Rewards Points into air miles with major airline companies, e-vouchers at major retailers, cash credits, and annual fee waiver.    

Using credit cards doesn't necessarily result in debt. If you’re disciplined and don’t charge more than you can afford to pay back on time, and ideally, in full, you can use credit cards for your everyday spending and make the most of the rewards and benefits they offer.