11.16.09 | Holiday Savings with Citi Cards
The holiday season is now officially upon us. Before long you’ll be shuffling off to family events and eating far more than your belly can handle. Of course getting presents for loved ones and friends is also part of that holiday tradition, and it can cost you a pretty penny at that. However, there is a clever way to score some of those gifts, cash in your reward points. You can totally hook up your family and friends with some swag just by using your card. Let’s map out your master plan to making this years holiday season the most cost effective one yet.
- Take advantage of those 6 month 0% APR offers that credit card companies like Citi are offering
- Earn points toward merchandise by purchasing gifts with your card
- Maximize the ways you earn points
That’s it. It’s as simple as 1-2-3. You can spoil your friends and family without any heavy lifting. All you need to do is put the gifts you were already planning on buying on your credit card, pay the bill at the end of the month (0% interest remember), any then sit back and reap the reward benefits. The best card by far for scooping up mad points is Citi’s Forward card for students.
The Citi Forward card offers its new members a 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for six months, if you qualify, and gives you ample opportunities to score some sweet points.
You earn one point for every dollar spent and five points for every dollar you spend on books, movies, music, and restaurants. In addition the Citi Forward card rewards you 5,000 points when you sign up for paperless statements within three months of opening your account and hands you another 6,000 points after $250 in purchases are made within the first three months. You also earn 100 points at the end of every billing cycle for simply making your minimum payment on time and staying under your credit line. So basically, you are handed 11,000 points right out of the gate. How sweet is that?
Below is a sampling of reward gifts you may qualify for along with their current point value.
| Reward | Total Points |
| $25 Gap Gift Card | 3,500 |
| Prodyne Automatic Chrome Peppermill with Light | 3,800 |
| Madden NFL for XBox | 5,000 |
| $50 Best Buy Gift Card | 6,000 |
| Solvit PupSTEP Plus Pet Stairs | 6,600 |
| Apple iPod shuffle 2 GB | 9,700 |
| GPX Karaoke Party Machine | 10,600 |
| Swiss Army Maverick II Chrono Watch | 27,200 |
| Blue Topaz Earrings & Pendant Set | 34,500 |
| Golf Buddy Pro GPS Range Finder | 56,500 |
So save yourself money this holiday season with Citi’s Forward card. Reward your family. Reward your friends. Reward yourself.
Best Rewards Card for College Students: Citi Forward card
ScholarshipPoints code: GIFTSRULE
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Save money and earn points is great!
December 8th, 2009 | #
Like the idea of the point values but hate the idea of credit card
December 7th, 2009 | #
interesting but what does the interest rate go up to after 6 months?
December 4th, 2009 | #
I always thought credit cards were bad.
December 3rd, 2009 | #
they sound cool
December 3rd, 2009 | #
this was very informative… changed my opinion of credit cards in generally (for the better)
December 3rd, 2009 | #
this information is very useful now that the holidays are near.
December 3rd, 2009 | #
true
December 3rd, 2009 | #
informative
December 3rd, 2009 | #
Hmm Good stuff
December 3rd, 2009 | #
This was very interesting since the holiday season is comming soon and I love toshop specially this time of the year.
December 3rd, 2009 | #
Thanks for informationb. It was very helpful.
December 3rd, 2009 | #
save money and earn points, Great Idea
December 3rd, 2009 | #
nice!
December 3rd, 2009 | #
Thanks for the Information very helpful
December 2nd, 2009 | #
Very Helpful(:
December 2nd, 2009 | #
The article is very informing for those who go into credit card situation and have little or no knowledge of how they work.
December 2nd, 2009 | #
I have a large family to buy presents for so this information is extremely helpful
December 2nd, 2009 | #
This is pretty snazzy:]
December 2nd, 2009 | #
My mom will be happy you guys put this online!
December 2nd, 2009 | #
VERY VERY Informative!
December 2nd, 2009 | #
Good advice
December 2nd, 2009 | #
This helped me out a lot!
December 2nd, 2009 | #
This information was very helpful to me.
December 2nd, 2009 | #
I honestly had no idea, this helped me put everything into perspective better.
December 1st, 2009 | #
Just remember to be careful, credit can get out of hand fast if you aren’t totally on the ball.
December 1st, 2009 | #
Well it sounds cool but what is the APR after the six month period? Also it doesn’t really work well for those without a job or erratic work schedules. But it was a great idea!
December 1st, 2009 | #
wow this is very good info
December 1st, 2009 | #
Well, that’s cool. I guess this doesn’t apply to me though, since I don’t have a need for a credit card yet.
December 1st, 2009 | #
I think I might get a citi card now lolz
December 1st, 2009 | #
some people can use the help of a credit card but some don’t know how to control themselves, and can end up buying things that they can’t afford.
December 1st, 2009 | #
I really like this artcle it was much help thanks
December 1st, 2009 | #
I got turn for a credit that was a good idea I don’t need a credit card Ireally pay cash
November 30th, 2009 | #
This is incentive to spend and save more
November 30th, 2009 | #
lots on good information
November 30th, 2009 | #
i’ve always been so skeptical about any credit card
November 30th, 2009 | #
good and important information
November 30th, 2009 | #
i really need this
November 30th, 2009 | #
another credit card does not seem like a good idea at this time.
November 30th, 2009 | #
this is very interesante
November 29th, 2009 | #
That was informative.
November 29th, 2009 | #
I liked this information, it was very helpful!
November 28th, 2009 | #
I love the information that was given!
November 28th, 2009 | #
Credit cards are scary…Easy to get..hard to pay off!
November 28th, 2009 | #
Thanks!
November 28th, 2009 | #
nice advice.
November 28th, 2009 | #
Excellent advice, but I doubt I’ll switch.
November 27th, 2009 | #
That sure made a lot of sense.
November 27th, 2009 | #
Credit cards can ruin a person’s life. It’s so not worth it
November 27th, 2009 | #
This is an amazing offer. I know my points can help me right now this Christmas season.
November 27th, 2009 | #
I would much rather use debit or cash, it is much safer.
November 26th, 2009 | #
Good to know to keep in mind for when I get a credit card.
November 26th, 2009 | #
I’ll love to ,but I prefer to use cash!!
November 25th, 2009 | #
very nice, very nice
November 25th, 2009 | #
I think I would rather look into other credit card companies and their plans before I commit to a credit card.
November 25th, 2009 | #
Having credit cards has proven to be harder on relationships and marriages, not only the individual racking up the debt.
November 25th, 2009 | #
I’m just going to buy cheap presents and use cash. It’s the thought that counts right?
November 25th, 2009 | #
I only keep one and that is plenty. Thanks for the advice.
November 24th, 2009 | #
Love the idea of citi credit’ but taking another credit card out will be just another big problem for many.
November 24th, 2009 | #
I feel credit cards are risky, this was very informative
November 24th, 2009 | #
I don’t want a credit card, well I do but only for emergency.
November 24th, 2009 | #
I liked this article. It has great tips
November 24th, 2009 | #
I have a card already.
November 24th, 2009 | #
the citi credit is three great offer to give
November 24th, 2009 | #
It was great advise. It gave me something to think about.
November 23rd, 2009 | #
gifts are awesome, and free gifts are the best, never pass those up
November 23rd, 2009 | #
I feel like having to many credit cards can get you into trouble.
November 23rd, 2009 | #
credit cards are cool when it comes to online purchasing of items that you cant find on store (sometimes what is online is not in the physical store -.-)
November 23rd, 2009 | #
Nice! That would build anyone’s credit score so fast!
November 23rd, 2009 | #
gifts rule
November 23rd, 2009 | #
Don’t be vulnerable to all credit card companies! They will all sell themselves to you and make there deal sound great. I have one credit card, and I have NEVER used it unless there was an emergency, and no alternative method of payment.
November 22nd, 2009 | #
its always good to be informed
November 22nd, 2009 | #
wow. thats some good info
but the thing that will get you
is tha intrest rate..
annd if you take forever to
pay it back you’ll pay more than what you
intended on…
November 22nd, 2009 | #
I don’t ever want to use credit cards.
November 22nd, 2009 | #
sweeettt. good to know =]
November 22nd, 2009 | #
informative
November 21st, 2009 | #
This will be a good option, but we need to think about if we’ll have the money later to repay.
November 21st, 2009 | #
that seems all good but if you don’t have that money to pay it back and you just spending you mess your self up!! thats what a lot of people seem to forget and end up messing up their credit
November 21st, 2009 | #
That was a good article!!
November 20th, 2009 | #
I want to ever have a credit card or any debt
November 20th, 2009 | #
I think that i would rather just use cash. That way i know exactly how much i’m spenidng and i won’t have to worry about any iterest.
November 20th, 2009 | #
Love the logic and all, but student loan debts already scars me.
November 20th, 2009 | #
not ready for a cridet card yet
November 19th, 2009 | #
I don’t want credit cards ever..
November 19th, 2009 | #
very informative =)
November 19th, 2009 | #
I have a cashback reward system and this seems to work better for me. The points and how they can be redeemed just confuses me.
November 19th, 2009 | #
nice to know!
November 19th, 2009 | #
i already have one
November 19th, 2009 | #
It’s cool how this is just a 3 step program.
November 19th, 2009 | #
I try to get a credit card they turn me down Iwas glad don’t think I want a credit card now Ipay with cash.Credit card get you in too much debt.
November 19th, 2009 | #
i dont want credit cards yet
November 18th, 2009 | #
awesome! this will be very useful
November 18th, 2009 | #
I’m not understanding the points thing, the more you spend on resturants, books, movies, and music, the more points you get. So you can use the points towards the family gifts and not pay anthing? I dont understand where the points come in.
November 18th, 2009 | #
Same. Not looking for a credit card of any type, but this is definitely where I would look.
November 18th, 2009 | #
I don’t need a credit card but the options sound good.
November 18th, 2009 | #
i would like one but i doubt if my parents will let me have one. lol
November 17th, 2009 | #
Not looking for a credit card at the moment, but Citi is probably where I would look.
November 17th, 2009 | #
thank you for good advise!!
November 17th, 2009 | #
cool! Thanks
November 17th, 2009 | #
I’d rather use cash or debit since I don’t have to worry about interest. Then again I have to think about my credit score.
November 16th, 2009 | #
cool! don’t think i can switch though :\
November 16th, 2009 | #
That was very informative!!
November 16th, 2009 | #