Accumulating points is a double-edged sword: wait too long and if you forget about them, they could expire. Redeem too early and miss out on better payout rates with higher point balances. If you keep good track of expiration dates and rules for your points program, it usually … [Read more...] about Save up your points and rewards to get better payouts

It's not a guarantee but if you think your rate is too high, especially if you are being offered lower rates from other card companies, you might be able to get your credit card company to lower your rate. You can even propose a rate (though it's not a sure thing they will … [Read more...] about Want a lower rate? Just ask…

Prepaid gift cards and one-time use credit cards are becoming increasingly common as payouts for mail-in rebates and other promotional offers. They are often used in incentive programs for new cell phones (e.g., "$100 mail-in rebate via Visa Check Card"), other electronics … [Read more...] about Save every last penny on your prepaid gift cards

There are numerous places to sell your gift cards, including eBay.com, craigslist.com and specialized sites like plasticjungle.com, certificateswap.com and swapagift.com. If you find a match with a buyer you might be able to get close to the value on the card, though … [Read more...] about Cash in your gift cards, but at a discount

If you have extra miles or points in one airline or hotel program, and need to top-up somewhere else, you could benefit from a points conversion transaction. Calculate the "exchange rate" here and find a path to convert any two programs (using a "six degrees of Kevin Bacon" type … [Read more...] about Convert to get those extra points or miles you need – at a price