Home renovations can be a hefty expense, but they are also an investment in your property and overall quality of life. One smart way to finance your home improvements is by taking advantage of credit cards with rewards and benefits tailored specifically for renovation projects. In this article, we will explore some of the best credit cards for home renovations and give you tips on how to get the most out of them. Let's dive into how using the right credit card can make your home renovation dreams a reality.
Best Credit Cards For Home Renovations Table of Contents
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Credit Card for Home Renovations
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Credit Card for Home Renovations
Before we jump into the best credit cards, it’s important to understand what factors you should consider when looking for a card to use for your home improvement projects. Keep the following features in mind:
- Rewards: Look for cards that offer cash back, points, or other rewards on home improvement purchases. This can help you earn rewards for spending that you were already planning to do.
- Introductory Bonuses: Some cards offer a valuable sign-up bonus, which can help offset some of the costs of your renovation projects.
- Interest Rates: If you'll be carrying a balance, choose a card with a low-interest rate or a 0% introductory APR period.
- Annual Fees: Factor in any annual fees when evaluating the overall value of a credit card.
- Additional Perks: Look for extra benefits, such as purchase protection or extended warranty insurance, which can be helpful for home renovation purchases.
Best Credit Cards for Home Renovations
Now that you know what to look for, let's explore some of the best credit cards for home renovations:
Chase Freedom Unlimited
The Chase Freedom Unlimited card offers a flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases, with no annual fee. This card also has an attractive signup bonus: after you spend $500 in the first three months, you'll earn a $200 bonus. Plus, you can enjoy a 0% intro APR for the first 15 months on purchases.
Home Depot Consumer Credit Card
If you're planning on doing a lot of shopping at Home Depot, this card can be a smart choice. It offers six months of 0% financing on purchases over $299 and features exclusive cardholder discounts and offers. However, there's no rewards program, so this card is best suited if you plan on completing your renovation projects primarily through Home Depot.
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express
This card offers 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year) and select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and at U.S. gas stations, and 1% cash back on all other purchases. There's a $95 annual fee, but the rewards can add up quickly if you use the card for all your spending. Plus, you can earn a welcome bonus of $300 after you spend $3,000 in the first six months.
Best Credit Cards For Home Renovations Example:
Imagine that you're planning a home renovation project that will cost $10,000. You decide to apply for the Chase Freedom Unlimited card to help finance the project. After spending the $500 required to earn the $200 signup bonus, you'll only need to pay $9,500 for the project. Additionally, you'll earn 1.5% cash back on your $10,000 of spending, which equals $150 in cash back rewards. This means that by using the card for your renovation, you've effectively lowered the cost to $9,350. Plus, you can take advantage of the 0% intro APR for 15 months to spread out the costs without incurring interest.
There you have it: the best credit cards for home renovations that can help you finance your dream project and earn valuable rewards. Whether you're looking for a flat-rate cash back option or a card that offers special financing for home improvement purchases, there's a credit card out there that will suit your needs. Be sure to compare your options carefully and always use credit responsibly. If you found this guide helpful, feel free to share it with friends and explore the other personal finance guides available on Flik Eco!