4 Rewards Credit Cards That Can Maximize Your Memorial Day Weekend Plans

Kat Tretina

May 4, 2017  •  3 Minute Read

Credit Cards, Holidays

Memorial Day is just around the corner. This national holiday has become an occasion to enjoy summer cookouts, long weekends, and time with family and friends. Over 38 million Americans travel to celebrate the holiday.

If you’re planning an epic Memorial Day weekend, these 4 credit card offers can help you get valuable rewards to maximize your budget.

1. Get the Best Deal on Airfare

If you’re looking for a beach vacation or a trip to a theme park with the family, a travel rewards card can help you get discounted airfare. By signing up and spending a certain amount within a set period, you can get thousands of airline miles to book your flight.

If you’re planning on going anyway, you can hit the requirement just by reserving other details, like a hotel or rental car. That will help you get bonus miles without spending extra money.

The Barclaycard Arrival Plus® World Elite Mastercard® has a special offer right now. New customers can get a one-time bonus of 70,000 miles if they spend $5,000 in purchases within the first 90 days and by paying the annual fee. In addition, you get two miles for every dollar you spend, helping you build travel rewards in the future. Plus, book travel your way by having no airline, seat or hotel restrictions - and redeem your miles for travel statement credits.

2. Receive Cash Back For Fueling Up

Many people will drive to the beach, the lake, or the mountains for family barbecues. If you’ll be hitting the road, sign up for a card that will give you valuable cash rewards every time you stop for gas.

The USAA Cash Rewards® American Express® card offers up to 2.25% cashback on gas. Even better, there’s no limit to how much you can earn. It can help you save money at the pump and free up money in your budget for entertainment or a dinner out.

3. Earn Cash For Groceries

If you will be firing up the grill, look for a rewards card that will give you rewards for hotdogs, plates, charcoal, and everything else you need. Getting a general bonus card that gives you cash back can help you earn rewards for routine purchases you already make at the grocery store and beyond.

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card offers you a one-time $200 cash bonus if you spend $500 in the first 3 months of account opening. If you solely use your card for groceries, you could easily hit that requirement and get $200 back. That can help stretch your dollars further so you can afford an even bigger Memorial Day party.

Also, you can earn 1.5 percent cash back on every purchase, every day. There’s no limit to how much you can earn, and there are no alternating categories.

*Information for this card is not reviewed by or provided by Capital One

4. Get Rewards, Even If You Don’t Have Great Credit

Competition among credit card companies is stiff, and that benefits customers. Customers who do not have excellent credit can still qualify for a rewards credit card and get valuable cash back and other benefits.

One option is the Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit. The company approves cards for those with fair credit, rather than requiring above average or excellent scores. Yet the rewards are still generous. You can earn 1% cash back rewards on eligible gas, grocery purchases and mobile phone service, internet, cable and satellite TV services, terms apply, which can add up over time and give you extra spending money for vacation.

Also, the company reports your payments and balance to the major credit bureaus monthly, so this card can be an excellent tool if you’re trying to build your credit history. While most cards for those with just fair credit require a deposit, this one does not. That means you don’t have to set aside $500 or more and you have access to a revolving line of credit.

Choosing the Right Card for You

There are many credit cards with fantastic rewards and promotional offers out there. By identifying what activities you enjoy, you can find the card that offers the most valuable rewards for you. By signing up for a new card, you can maximize your plans this Memorial Day weekend.