Points, miles, cash back - the right credit card should be the gift that keeps on giving year-round. But the holidays are a time when some lenders really pull out the stops for the ultimate in cardholder perks. From luxurious lounges to cash prizes, it’s worth checking to see if you’re in for some extra special rewards this year.
We’ve rounded up the best holiday credit card perks of 2013. Does your plastic make you a VIP?
The malls may be decked out in their festive best - but holiday shopping isn’t always jolly. Crowds, high prices and scant supply are enough to frazzle even the most seasoned shopper, especially as we enter last minute territory.
That’s why walking through the doors of one of the #AvionVIP Holiday Boutiques is truly an “ahhhh” moment. The luxurious, soundproofed enclosure immediately quiets shopping centre din, and plush lounge chairs await the weariest of shoppers.
Open to all RBC Avion cardholders (and new signups at the door), the Boutiques also offer a latte bar, coat check, gift wrapping, and concierge services (not to mention live piano performances!). And boxing day strategists rejoice - they’ll remain open until December 31.
Linda Mantia, executive vice president of Cards and Payment Solutions at RBC, says the idea is to reward the loyal consumer base behind their flagship card. “We wanted to do something special for our clients,” she says. “There’s a lot of noise in the marketplace about cards - we wanted to thank our clients for their loyalty to us, and we thought, what better way over the holidays than to give them something to make holiday shopping a little more enjoyable, a little more festive? For a card they pull out more than any other card, it’s a thank you.”
The boutiques can be found at the following locations across Canada:
Wishing for a cash windfall to wipe out your holiday spending costs? Five lucky TD cardholders will score that, and then some, with a $10,000 prize. With every purchase made between November 5 and December 31, cardholders will be entered to win one of the cash prizes - not too shabby, considering the amount of card swiping that happens this season.
To enter, cardholders must register for the draw at TD’s Holiday Rewards site. Winners will be selected at random on January 31, 2014.
It’s time to come clean - is the credit card you’re carrying really the best fit for your spending habits? It’s typical of Canadian consumers to wind up carrying a card they were sent in the mail… and they’re missing out on serious savings as a result. To give you an idea, we found that daily drivers could save up to $100 a year by switching to a competitive gas rewards option!
Not seeing those savings with your plastic? Make switching in 2014 one of your financial resolutions.
And it’s never been a better time to see if the grass is greener - until January 31, 2014, RATESDOTCA is giving away free $100 gift cards for all those approved for the select featured cards. Both options offer no fees, and consumers can choose between competitive cash back, or low balance transfer features.