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Choosing a credit card becomes more complex when your expenses do not fit into bonus categories. However, a large portion of everyday purchases are considered non-category. In this context, selecting the best credit card for non-category purchases can make a real difference.
Some cards offer attractive rates, great flexibility, or points usable on almost all purchases. Furthermore, solutions like Chexy now allow you to earn points on expenses that are usually not rewarded.
Here’s how to optimize your choices and get the most out of every dollar spent.
First, for large purchases, purchase protection becomes a key criterion. Several cards cover theft or damage for a limited period after purchase. This protection is useful for electronics, appliances, or furniture. Before paying, check the coverage duration and the maximum insured amount. Good insurance can compensate for a slightly lower reward rate.
Some cards offer an extended warranty that can extend the manufacturer’s warranty up to three years. For example, the National Bank World Elite Mastercard. To benefit from this, the purchase must be paid entirely with the card. Furthermore, the card must remain open, active, and in good standing at the time of a claim. It is therefore preferable to keep these cards, even after receiving a bonus.
Next, not all cards allow you to use your points on any purchase. Some offer great flexibility, while others limit options. For example, some cards allow you to erase a purchase directly from your statement. Others require redemptions with specific partners. If you want maximum flexibility, opt for a card offering easily redeemable points.
By paying for a mobile phone with the American Express Cobalt® Card, you benefit from protection against breakage or theft. Additionally, you can use your American Express Membership Rewards points to reduce the amount payable.
Furthermore, the type of points earned plays a central role. Some people prefer travel points, such as Aeroplan. Others prefer flexible points or cash back. For non-category purchases, a card that earns versatile points is often more advantageous. Thus, you adapt your rewards to your goals and your points accumulation strategy, without depending on a specific category.
To earn maximum points on Apple purchases, such as a new iPhone, buy Apple gift cards at grocery stores to get 5X the points. However, paying directly with the American Express Cobalt® Card allows you to be covered by mobile device insurance.
Finally, large purchases can be used to unlock a welcome bonus. Several cards require a minimum spending amount in the first few months. Planning an exceptional purchase allows you to reach this threshold more quickly. This strategy significantly increases the total value of points earned.
To unlock a bonus with a large purchase, consider a new credit card. For example, the American Express Platinum Card® or the Business Platinum Card® from American Express offer generous welcome bonuses after high spending. These cards are shipped quickly, allowing you to receive them in time for your non-category purchases.
Taxes, administrative fees, and professional services are often excluded from bonus categories. However, some cards allow you to use your points to cover these payments. This sometimes includes income taxes, municipal taxes, tuition fees, or legal services. Check your rewards program’s terms before paying.
With certain programs, such as American Express Membership Rewards, there is no difference based on the type of purchase. You can use your points as a statement credit at a rate of 1,000 points = $10, whether for travel or your daily purchases.
Furthermore, even for these expenses, the type of points earned remains important. Some cards offer a fixed rate on all purchases, regardless of category. For business or administrative expenses, this type of card is often simpler and more profitable, as you avoid frequent exclusions. Alternatively, take the opportunity to earn points that you can use to fund your next trips.
For example, use an Aeroplan credit card to pay for a visit to the dentist.
Finally, certain one-time expenses can also help reach a spending threshold required for a bonus. For example, annual tax payments can help maximize a welcome offer. This approach transforms a mandatory expense into a rewards opportunity.
Municipal and school taxes are significant recurring expenses. You can pay them via Chexy, PaySimply, or Plastiq with your credit card, even if fees apply. This can be profitable if the goal is to unlock a welcome bonus, such as the high bonuses from American Express credit cards.
Chexy allows you to pay certain expenses with a credit card, even when they are not normally eligible. This includes rent, certain bills, tuition fees, or taxes. Thus, non-category purchases become opportunities to earn points.
Unlike a direct payment by transfer or debit, Chexy processes the transaction as a card purchase. You can therefore earn reward points or cash back. This strategy is particularly interesting with a card offering a fixed rate on all purchases or having a high bonus to unlock.
However, Chexy charges fees. Therefore, you must compare the value of the points earned to the cost of the service. In many cases, especially with travel or flexible points, the operation is profitable. Used strategically, Chexy becomes an excellent complement to optimize the best credit card for non-category purchases.
Use code MILES15 to get $15 off your first recurring payment with Chexy, when creating your account. This code does not apply to one-time payments and is valid only on the first recurring payment.
First, compare your credit cards based on your actual spending. Then, prioritize a card offering a good base rate. Add a card with a high multiplier for certain categories, such as groceries. Plan your large purchases to unlock bonuses. Use Chexy only if the value of the points exceeds the fees. Finally, regularly monitor your statements to adjust your strategy. Effective optimization relies on analysis and consistency.
Non-category purchases represent a significant portion of annual expenses. Choosing the best credit card for non-category purchases therefore allows you to earn more points, without changing your habits. By combining a flexible card, well-planned bonuses, and tools like Chexy, you transform every expense into an opportunity. Take the time to evaluate your needs and adapt your strategy to maximize your rewards in the long term.
It depends on your goals. A card with a good fixed rate and flexible points is often ideal.
Yes. Several cards offer a base rate on all purchases. Otherwise, target those with an unlockable bonus.
Yes, if the value of the points earned exceeds the fees charged by Chexy.
Yes, through platforms like Chexy. This also works for tuition fees, income taxes, and school taxes.
Not necessarily. A versatile card is often sufficient, but combining it with a card offering a high bonus can be profitable.
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