Card issuers roll out limited-time offers for 2012 holidays
Seasonal discounts and deals can stretch gift-giving budgets
By Erin Peterson
Even the stingiest spenders will be
able stretch their holiday budgets by playing their credit cards
right.
In 2012, card issuers have again sweetened their year-end offers with limited-time special deals. See the "2012 Credit card holiday promotions" chart below for more details.
American Express
If you like to get an early jump on
your shopping, American Express has created a special Holiday Picks website
where you can redeem your points for popular merchandise. In addition, all merchandise from Bose, Michael
Kors Handbags, LG Televisions, Dyson and Wine Enthusiast can be purchased for 20
percent fewer points. Both promotions end Nov. 30.
For the third straight year, AmEx
will also be encouraging consumers to shop at small businesses on Nov. 24.
Visit its Small
Business Saturday site for details and participating retailers.
Bank of America
Through the end of the year, Bank of America Reward customers who have saved up points can get up to 40 percent
off on an assortment of gift cards through WorldPoints
Rewards site. They'll also receive bonus points for booking travel
through the site and additional discounts on hotels, car rentals, and resorts.
Capital One
Capital One cardholders can reap
extra rewards when they shop at the online portal Perk Central, including
bonuses of up to 15 miles per dollar spent. The promotion runs through the end
of the year. In addition, ongoing, personalized deals through the mobile
site will help on-the-go shoppers save money. After signing up for the deals
(which include retailers from The Body Shop to Starbucks), shoppers simply have
to make the purchase with their Capital One card, and the discount will be
automatically applied.
Chase
Two cash back holiday promotions
from Chase will give Freedom cardholders extra incentives to target their
spending:
Chase's fourth-quarter cash-back deals offers 5
percent cash back on up to $1,500 in purchases for hotels and airlines, as well
as purchases at Best Buy and Kohl's.
Cardholders who shop at Kohl's through the Ultimate
Rewards shopping portal can tack on an additional 10 percent cash back, which
can be used in conjunction with the 5 percent quarterly deal to ramp up
savings.
Citi
Citi Dividend Platinum Select
cardholders should plan their holiday spending around electronics stores, toy
stores and Macy's to receive 5 percent cash back. The deal is limited to the first
$300 in purchases and runs through the end of 2012.
While not a holiday offer, since it doesn't expire with the season, Citi also has launched its Price Rewind program that could help bargain-hunting holiday shoppers save money retroactively. If Citi cardholders make a purchase with a card registered with at CitiPriceRewind.com, Citi will watch the price on the item. If it drops by at least $25, cardholders are reimbursed for the difference up to $250.
Discover
An array of cash back deals,
increased bonuses, and unique experiences will help Discover cardholders make
it through the holiday season and beyond.
If you have cybershops or department stores on your
shopping list, use a card to reap 5 percent cash back on up to $1,500
in purchases through Dec. 31. Sign up for the promotion at Discover.com.
The ShopDiscover shopping
portal will be rolling out the red carpet to customers with more than 70
merchants who will increase, and often double, the cash-back bonuses they
offer. And if the holidays end and you find yourself without the present you
really want, don't fret -- this deal goes through Jan. 10 so you can take
advantage even after you've opened your presents.
Grab a perk-filled ticket package to the big game with
Discover. Starting at $225, fans can grab tickets for the Discover Orange Bowl
(Jan. 1) or the BCS football games (Jan. 7). Packages include on-field access,
tailgate parties and fan zone passes.
PenFed
Think you might go a bit over
budget on your holiday gadgets? Then put your iStuff purchases on your PenFed
card. All cardholders receive a six-month 0 percent promotional rate on purchases
made at qualifying electronics stores through Dec. 31.
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