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25/10/2011 -
In response to the nationwide credit crunch, credit card issuers have grown much more lax about distributing cards and are offering even more lucrative rewards. Of course, consumers need to be careful about how they embrace such offers.Nonetheless, the coming holiday shopping season offers a unique opportunity for consumers to pull out those rewards cards for some added retail benefits. Many companies are offering rewards cards with 5 percent back on all department store purchases made between October and December.
"Bonus point malls actually earn credit card companies a percentage of their sales," Tim Chen, CEO of the credit card ranking site Nerd Wallet, told The Street. "This is why during peak periods, such as Christmas or Valentine's days, issuers get competitive and offer some of their best deals."
Shoppers can also channel their rewards toward online purchases - a key perk given the growing role of ecommerce during the busy holiday season. Some cards even offer cash rewards at specific online retailers.
