Video: Reap rewards for holiday decorations

From ghoulish ghosts to a wonderland of lights, if you plan to make your home shine bright this decorating season, make sure your rewards cards pitch in with the cost. Spending money on what brings you joy doesn’t have to mean that’s all you get out of the deal.

Tip 1: Take advantage of category bonuses.
Make the most of the spending category bonus each of your rewards cards is offering between October and December. With 5 percent cash back in spending categories, you can rack up some major rewards by activating the bonus and using the right card. For example, Chase Freedom cardholders can earn 5 percent cash back at Walmart and department stores through Dec. 31, 2017.

Tip 2: Sign up for a great rewards cards ahead of time.
Before you make your list and check it twice, check out which card is offering the best cash back rewards for your shopping spree. With a few cards, such as the Discover it Cashback Match, you can earn even more than 5 percent in the category bonus while holiday shopping at Amazon. Since Discover doubles the cash back you earn at the end of the first year, you can turn that 5 percent into a whopping 10 percent back in your bank.

Tip 3: Combine gift cards and shopping portals to rev up your rewards.

Double-dip. Stock up on gift cards at stores where there is a category bonus and then log onto your airline shopping portal to use them where you’ll earn extra points per dollar spent through the portal.

While the bills for this decorating season could spook you out more than the haunted house you’ve painstakingly created, the rewards you earn should at least bring a satisfying smile to your face.

See related: Video: 4 ways to save money shopping online for the holidays, Video: Use your credit card points to pay for a haunted getaway