Credit cards: Top 4 tips for retirees

4. Leverage credit card sign-up bonuses

Matt York/AP/File
In this 2008 file photo, a US Airways jet takes off as an American Airlines jet is prepped for takeoff at Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix. By signing up for credit cards that offer bonus airline miles, you can save thousands of dollars in travel expenses.

Signing up for a few airline miles credit cards throughout the year could save you thousands in travel expenses. In fact, some card offers are currently offering more than $500 in free travel for simply signing up and making a single purchase. And if you’re not into traveling anymore, don’t worry. There are always great cash-back deals to be found as well.

If you’re willing to follow some basic credit card rules, such as always paying your monthly balances on time and in full, taking advantage of lucrative sign-up bonuses can be the greatest monetary reward for those who continue to maintain excellent FICO scores in retirement.

– Joshua Heckathorn is president of Creditnet.com, an online resource for consumers to educate themselves about credit, compare the best credit card offers, and apply securely online.

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