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NerdWallet’s Best Credit Card Tips for December 2016 – Metro US

NerdWallet’s Best Credit Card Tips for December 2016

Wait, what? It’s December already? The end of the year is approaching fast, and the Nerds’ top credit card tips this monthwill help you cross the 2016 finish line and sprint ahead in 2017. Here are four things to consider doingthis month.

Check expiring rewards points

You’ve chosen the best rewards credit cardso that you maximize your cash back, points or miles. But are you one of those cardholders who havelet rewards expire? In a 2011 report, loyalty rewards research firm Colloquy estimated that about$16 billion worth of rewards went unredeemed that year. Don’t let yours go to waste. Many cards now offer rewards that never expire, but othersstill give their points or milesa use-by date.

Log in to your credit card account tosee whether and whenyour points or miles expire. If the clock is ticking down, use them to purchasemerchandise through your issuer’sonline shopping mall, buy gift cards for popular retailers or book a winter getaway. And if you have expired miles or points, all may not be lost. Some programs let you restoreexpired miles — for a fee. Better to check the status of your rewards and use them now.

Donate points or miles to charity

If you have miles or points you aren’t going to use, consider donating them to charity. Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses, says it needs 2.8 billion miles each year to make travel dreams come true. You can donate miles from frequent flier programs with American, Delta, United, JetBlue and Southwest on the Make-A-Wish website. United Airlines has dozens of other charities listed on its website, including the American Cancer Society, the Muscular Dystrophy Association and Special Olympics, where you can donate a minimum 500 miles from your MileagePlus account. AtAmerican Airlines’ AAdvantage, you can earn miles when you make a cash donation to Miles to Stand Up and Miles for the Cure. You can also donate miles to Miles for Kids in Need, Miles for All Who Serve and Miles of Hope. Note: Donated points or miles are not tax-deductible.

Cure post-holiday blues with 0% APR

No matter which end-of-the-year holiday you celebrate, you’re buying gifts for family and friends and doing more entertaining. According to Discover’s annual holiday shopping survey, consumers plan to spend an average of $1,159 this season. With that kind of outlay looming, you might want to look into a card with an introductory 0% APR on purchases, balance transfers or both:

For a great new cardholderbonus

Discover it®- 18 Month Balance Transfer Offer: You could turn $200 into $400 with Cashback Match™. We’ll automatically match all the cash back you earn at the end of your first year. New cardmembers only. Introductory APR of 0% on Purchases for 6 months and 0% on Balance Transfers for 18 months, and then the ongoing APR of 11.24% – 23.24% Variable APR.

For a $0 balance transfer fee

Chase Slate®: Save with a $0 introductory balance transfer fee, 0% introductory APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, and $0 annual fee. Plus, receive your Monthly FICO® Score for free. Introductory APR of 0% on Purchases and Balance Transfers for 15 months, and then the ongoing APR of 13.24% – 23.24% Variable APR.

For a long 0% APR period

Citi Simplicity® Card – No Late Fees Ever: Introductory APR of 0% for 21 months on purchases and balance transfers, and then the ongoing APR of 13.24% – 23.24% Variable.

For rewards and 0% on transfers

Citi®Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer: Earn cash back twice on every purchase — 1% on every purchase, and another 1% when you pay for it. Introductory APR of 0% for 18 months on balance transfers, and then the ongoing APR of 13.24% – 23.24% Variable.

Opt in to 5% bonus rewards

As we get closer to 2017, remember to opt in to the 5% bonus cash-back categories for January-March if you carry aDiscover or Chase card withrotating categories. Discover has already announced its first-quarter 2017 bonus categories: gas stations, ground transportation and wholesale clubs. Chase says it will announce its categories for 2017 in mid-December.

The Nerds wish you a healthy, happy and financially savvy holiday season!

Ellen Cannon is a staff writer at NerdWallet, a personal finance website. Email: ecannon@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @ellencannon.

The article NerdWallet’s Best Credit Card Tips for December 2016 originally appeared on NerdWallet.