Paying cash for groceries is an embarrassing habit, and using a credit card can make this process a lot easier. Here are some tips to make the most of your grocery card and maximize its benefits. Also, read on for information on the limitations of co-branded cards. It’s important to know which rewards categories and co-branded cards work best for you. You’ll want to check out the rewards and fees carefully before you apply.
The American Express Blue Cash Preferred Card has a $95 annual fee, but it has some great benefits. Among them are the 2.7% foreign transaction fees. While this is not great for international travel, it can make domestic trips easier. Other perks include car rental loss and damage insurance and return protection. The return protection benefit allows you to return an eligible purchase up to 90 days after purchase to American Express for a full refund.
Paying Cash for Groceries Can Be Embarrassing
While paying cash for groceries can be an excellent way to stick to a grocery budget, it can also cause embarrassment. Once you realize you have a large bill and you are unsure of what to do, it can become embarrassing to remove your purchases from the conveyor belt. And this can lead to another trip to the store! Fortunately, credit cards have many advantages over cash. Using a credit card to pay for groceries can help you avoid a number of embarrassing situations and make you more attractive to lenders.
Using A Credit Card Can Help You Stay On Budget
One of the easiest ways to stick to a budget is to stop using credit cards to make common household purchases. A recent survey found that only 48% of cardholders pay their balance in full each month. In fact, carrying a balance is far more expensive than paying cash.
By switching to a grocery card and using it for common household purchases, you can save money. American express blue benefits are very vast and convenient, but it’s easy to use too much. Using cash for purchases helps you keep track of your spending more closely. Remember, this does not excuse you from frequent trips to the ATM, so set spending limits and keep receipts to prevent overspending. Another way to stay on budget is to set aside a portion of your monthly income for paying off credit card debt.
Getting The Most Out Of A Grocery Card
The first tip is to avoid buying more than you need. While it may be tempting to buy the biggest package of something, it’s better to buy a little extra so you can freeze it or make lunches with leftovers. A big bag of chips is cheaper than a single serving, but you can also parcel out chips for school lunches and save even more money. You can also use a grocery card to save more money on a particular item.
Another tip is to shop according to sales cycles. If you shop frequently, keep a price book with the prices of different items. It’s important to avoid overspending on necessities such as milk and bread. Another way to save is to try store brands instead of coupons. According to money expert Clark Howard, buying store brands can save you up to 30%. It’s easier than you might think to find coupons.