Intriguing Opportunities to Earn Points and Miles

Friends are amazed when we discuss how many expenses we charge on our Visa or MasterCard. As long as one pays the entire credit card statement each month, there can be some nice perks.

Everyone knows about groceries, gas and drugstore double / triple points. We charge our doctor and dentist visits, too.

Bills like electricity and real estate taxes do charge a service fee, but we feel this outweighs the benefit of the airline miles or hotel options toward free travel.

Many people are unaware you may charge your auto, home, and boat insurance on a Visa or MasterCard. Contact the agent directly or check the company's website. Not all insurance companies share this option with their customers.

We received a notice our health insurance company offers a credit card payment service, but we must physically take it to a CVS store the 1st of each month. My neighbors have automatic billing.

Recently I answered an American Airlines e-rewards survey and received 250 miles. We'll see how often I get these and if it's worth the effort.

The next time those bills arrive, ponder which credit card will help in planning a future trip!