5 Proven Ways Gig Workers Can Maximize Their Credit Card Benefits

A credit card can become a money-making instrument in the hands of a gig worker -- but only if it's used correctly. Here, we discuss five proven strategies for making the most of your credit card, including how to squeeze the most from credit card benefits.

1. Choose the right card

There are at least nine different types of credit cards, and not all are designed for business owners like you. Before applying for a new credit card, list benefits that are most important to you.

For example, if you travel for your job, look for a card that rewards your time on the road and in the air. If your gig involves spending a boatload of cash each month on groceries, seek a credit card that offers cash back on grocery purchases. In other words, compare cards that meet your needs before you apply for a new one.

2. Get to know the benefits and perks

It's possible that you enjoy nothing more than reading the fine print of a credit card agreement. It's equally possible that you'd rather have a root canal. Either way, the only way to make full use of your card is to understand how it works.

For example, if you want to earn travel miles on a card, it pays to know the basics, like whether you need to make travel arrangements directly through the credit card company.

In today's competitive credit card industry, companies are pulling out all the stops, and it's easy to overlook (and miss out on) potential savings and perks.

Why a Business Credit Card Could Transform Your Small Business

These business credit cards that offer a convenient and efficient way to separate personal and business expenses, simplifying accounting and tax reporting.

Additionally, business cards can provide valuable perks such as rewards points, cashback, and expense tracking tools, enhancing financial management and the potential to help save money in the long run.

Offer	Our Rating	Welcome Offer	Rewards Program	APR
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card Apply Now for Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card On Chase's Secure Website.	Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars. 4.50/5 Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor	Earn $750 bonus cash back Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.	Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business	Intro: 0% Intro APR on Purchases Purchases: 0% Intro APR on Purchases, 12 months Balance Transfers: N/A Regular: 18.49% - 24.49% Variable
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card Apply Now for Ink Business Cash® Credit Card On Chase's Secure Website.	Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars. 4.50/5 Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor	Earn up to $750 bonus cash back Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening.	Earn 5% cash back in select business categories Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year. Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other card purchases with no limit to the amount you can earn.	Intro: 0% Intro APR on Purchases Purchases: 0% Intro APR on Purchases, 12 months Balance Transfers: N/A Regular: 18.49% - 24.49% Variable

3. Keep the lines clear

One of the things it's dangerously easy to do as a gig worker -- especially if you're new to gig work -- is to blur the line between personal and business expenses. If you haven't already, open a business checking account and a business credit card. Ensure that all your gig-related income goes into your business checking account and that all business-related expenses are charged to your business credit card.

That way, you don't have to worry about the confusion that ensues when business and personal expenses must be picked apart at tax time.

4. Redeem points wisely

Squeeze the most out of your credit card by redeeming points in a way that maximizes their value. Some rewards programs offer a more generous redemption value for travel, while others may provide more if you use the points to purchase a gift card or pay down your card balance. Explore your options for point redemptions before making any moves.

5. Avoid interest charges

The right credit card can make it easier to run your small business, but using a card only makes sense if you do everything within your control to avoid interest charges.

The best way to avoid being charged interest is to pay the card balance in full each month. Admittedly, that can sometimes be easier said than done. But devising a business budget that accounts for months when work is slow is a good way to ensure you'll have the funds you need to jettison your debt by the end of the billing cycle.

Few things are more edge-of-your-seat nerve-wracking than working for yourself. However, few things are more satisfying than making it on your own. Maximizing credit card benefits can save your small business money, which is one of the kindest things you can do for yourself and your growing enterprise.