No, this is not a get-rich-quick scheme, and you probably can’t do it more than a couple times a year. But, it does work and I have done it about four times to date.
Every few months or so I get offers from [tag]credit card[/tag] companies to open up a new card with them. Citi Cards often offers me a [tag]free[/tag] $100 [tag]gift card[/tag] for opening up a new card. If you are not receiving offers like this check out creditcards.com and click the “rewards cards” link.
There will most likely be a card or two offering at least a $50 gift card for opening an account. The only catch I have found is that normally you have to make at least one purchase on the card.
The other added benefit here is that you will get a [tag]0%[/tag] intro rate and probably 0% on [tag]balance transfers[/tag] as well. This is a perfect opportunity to make the most of your [tag]debt[/tag].
If you are not disciplined enough to pay your card balance off each month, PLEASE DON’T TRY THIS. There is a reason that the credit companies make these offers. Most people don’t pay off their balances on time and nullify any reward that they received by paying finance charges each month.
I also am not recommending that you take advantage of the credit card companies by opening 15 different cards (which they probably wouldn’t allow anyway).
When you need a new card, this is (in my opinion) the best option. If you are going to get a new one, why not get rewarded for it? However, I personally don’t feel good about opening accounts just to get free gift cards. That just seems a bit tacky.
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It’s always nice to another way how a smart credit card user can make the banks pay him/her. I think, I can use your piece of advice
Each time you apply for a new credit card, your FICO score is lowered. Caveat emptor.