Also, make sure the airline flies to places you'd go. Special interest cards give you discounts or points toward purchases on particular items, such as golf or ski equipment. Many cards offer extended warranties on purchases. Discounts vs. Rebates Discounts and rebates are both appealing, but discounts may be better in the end. Rebate cards refund you a percentage of your purchases, either by check or credit to your account.
Discount cards reduce the price of certain purchases.
The bonus with a discount card is that you keep your money now, rather than get it back later. Also, rebates sometimes kick in only after you've charged a certain amount during the year. If you plan to pay your credit card bill in full each month, you should look for a card with no annual fee and a generous grace period. If you think you'll carry a balance, then the important thing is a card with a low interest rate. If that means paying an annual fee, make sure the rate is low enough to make up for the annual fee.