In competition for your business, many cards now offer added benefits, like rebates or discounts. Other cards earn you frequent flyer airline miles for each dollar charged. With these cards, find out how many dollars equal a free ticket. 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.