If you're a homeowner planning a home improvement project, you're likely looking for ways to make the most of your budget. One option to consider is using a credit card specifically designed for homeowners.
These cards often offer rewards and benefits that can help you save money on your home improvement spending. For example, some cards offer 0% introductory APRs that can give you a year or more to pay off your balance without incurring interest charges.
This can be a huge advantage for homeowners who need to finance a large project. By choosing a card with a 0% introductory APR, you can avoid paying interest on your purchases and focus on paying off your principal balance.
Intriguing read: 0 Apr Visa Credit Cards
Mesa Credit Card
The Mesa Credit Card is a game-changer for homeowners, offering a unique rewards structure that earns points on home-related charges, gas stations, groceries, EV charging, and utilities.
Here's a breakdown of the rewards structure:
- 3x points per $1 spent on home-related charges (e.g. HOA fees, contractors, homeowner's insurance, home decor, property taxes)
- 2x points per $1 spent at gas stations, groceries, EV charging, and utilities
- 1x point per $1 spent on a linked mortgage, up to 100,000 points per year
This means you can earn points on your mortgage payments, which is a huge perk. For example, if you have a $2,850 monthly mortgage payment, you'll earn 2,850 points per month.
The Mesa card also offers a range of benefits, including complimentary big box retailer memberships, home maintenance credits with Thumbtack, pet care credits with Wag!, and Visa Signature benefits.
One of the most interesting things about the Mesa card is its focus on homeownership costs. According to Tina Moore, Head of Commercial at Mesa, the card is designed to help homeowners earn rewards on their homeownership costs, which can add up quickly. In fact, the average hidden costs of home ownership now average $18,000 per year.
The card has no annual fee, making it a fantastic value for current or soon-to-be homeowners.
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Rewards and Incentives
Earning credit card rewards on home improvement purchases is possible, but it's essential to understand the fees and rewards structures involved. Plastiq, for example, charges a 2.5%-3% service fee to make credit card payments, which may not be worth it for most people.
Some credit cards offer rewards programs that can help you earn points or cash back on home improvement purchases. The Mesa Card, for instance, earns 3x points per dollar spent on home-related charges, 2x points on gas stations, groceries, and utilities, and 1x point on a linked mortgage. This can be a great way to earn rewards on bills you already pay.
A welcome bonus is another incentive offered by some credit cards, which can provide an opportunity to earn extra funding for home improvement projects or earn extra reward points. The MyLowe's Rewards Credit Card, for example, offers a 20% off welcome bonus on your first purchase.
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Mesa Rewards Structure
The Mesa Rewards Structure is designed to help homeowners earn points on their everyday expenses. You can earn 3x points per $1 spent on home-related charges like HOA fees, contractors, homeowner's insurance, home decor, property taxes, etc.
One of the unique features of the Mesa card is that you can earn points on a linked mortgage, up to 100,000 points per year. This can be a significant source of earnings, especially if you have a large mortgage.
Here's a breakdown of the rewards structure:
- 3x points per $1 spent on home-related charges
- 2x points per $1 spent at gas stations, groceries, EV charging, and utilities
- 1x points per $1 spent on a linked mortgage, up to 100,000 points per year
The points can be redeemed in several ways, including gift cards, the Mesa travel booking portal, transfer partners, and even closing costs on a new home.
Rewards Programs
Rewards programs are a great way to earn cash back or other types of rewards on home improvement purchases. Many credit cards come with a rewards program of some kind, but a few are particularly lucrative.
If you're looking for a credit card with a rewards program that offers points or cash back on home improvement or "all other" purchases, be sure to read the fine print and look for offers like a 0% introductory APR period and a welcome bonus. These can be a lucrative way to get extra funding for your home improvement projects or earn extra reward points.
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Some credit cards offer rewards for shopping at home improvement stores, such as co-branded cards from Lowe’s, IKEA, and Pottery Barn, which earn rewards in-store at a higher rate. These cards can be used to earn extra rewards on your tools, furniture, and supplies.
The Mesa Card is a unique rewards program that earns 3x per $1 spent on home-related charges, 2x per $1 spent at gas stations, groceries, EV charging, and utilities, and 1x per $1 spent on a linked mortgage.
Here's a breakdown of the Mesa Card's rewards structure:
- 3x per $1 spent on home-related charges (i.e., HOA fees, contractors, homeowner’s insurance, home decor, property taxes, etc.)
- 2x per $1 spent at gas stations, groceries, EV charging, and utilities
- 1x per $1 spent on a linked mortgage, up to 100,000 points per year
The points can be redeemed in several ways, including gift cards, the Mesa travel booking portal, transfer partners, and even closing costs on a new home.
Remodeling and Home Improvement
Financing your home renovation can be a smart way to keep costs down and earn rewards. Americans spend billions of dollars on home remodeling each year.
To finance your DIY projects with credit cards, you can take advantage of 0% APR offers for 12-15 months. This can be a great opportunity to save money on interest.
Home remodeling and expansion can get very expensive, but with the right credit card, you can make it more affordable.
Best Store Purchases
Making the most of your store purchases is crucial for a successful remodeling project.
A good starting point is to invest in a high-quality paintbrush, which can cost anywhere from $10 to $50, depending on the brand and quality.
A good paintbrush can make a huge difference in the finish and durability of your paint job.
For flooring, consider purchasing a durable and water-resistant laminate flooring, which can cost between $1 and $5 per square foot.
Laminate flooring is a cost-effective option that can mimic the look of real wood or stone.
A good set of measuring tools, including a tape measure and a level, can cost around $20 to $50 and is essential for accurate measurements.
Measuring tools are a must-have for any remodeling project, and a good set can save you time and money in the long run.
Best for Remodeling
Financing your home renovation with a 0% APR for 12-15 months is a smart way to go.
You can save money and earn rewards by financing your DIY projects with credit cards, but only if you properly mitigate the risk.
Home remodeling and expansion can get very expensive, but Americans spend billions of dollars on home remodeling each year because it's worth it.
To get the best home improvement credit cards, look for those with the best welcome bonuses, cash back rewards, and 0% introductory APR offers.
Improper credit card usage can have financial consequences for you and your family that extend beyond any home remodel, so be sure to use them responsibly.
Budgeting and Management
Having an emergency fund built into your budget can help counter any extra costs that come up during a home improvement project. This fund can be a lifesaver when unexpected expenses like emergency electrical fixes or appliance repairs arise.
To avoid high interest credit card debt, it's essential to stick to your budget and avoid impulse buying. If you've already budgeted for a specific item, don't be tempted to splurge on a more expensive version, even if you can afford it.
A credit card can be a great way to finance your home improvement projects, but only if you can pay off the balance in full every billing cycle. This way, you can take advantage of rewards programs, introductory APR periods, and welcome bonuses without accumulating debt.
Here's an interesting read: Credit Cards for High Debt
When Other Strategies May Make Sense
Sometimes, a budgeting and management approach that focuses on short-term gains can be beneficial, especially if you're dealing with high-interest debt or financial emergencies.
A 50/30/20 budget, which allocates 50% of your income towards necessities, 30% towards discretionary spending, and 20% towards savings and debt repayment, can be a good starting point for this approach.
Having a clear picture of your income and expenses is crucial for making informed financial decisions, as seen in the example of John, who tracked his expenses and was able to cut back on unnecessary spending.
A zero-based budget, where every dollar is accounted for and assigned a job, can help you prioritize your spending and stay on track with your financial goals.
In some cases, a budgeting and management approach that focuses on financial independence may be more suitable, such as for individuals who are nearing retirement or have a stable income.
A savings rate of 20% or more can help you build a safety net and achieve financial independence, as demonstrated by Jane, who saved aggressively and was able to retire early.
Consider reading: Can You Buy a House with an Able Account
Exceeding Your Budget
It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of a home improvement project and overspend, but it's essential to stick to your budget to avoid debt. One expensive and unplanned purchase can pitch your credit card balance into the red.
Impulse buying is a common pitfall, especially when you see something you really want. Avoid buying something just because you can afford it on your credit card's high credit limit.
A composite-wood desk for your home office might be all you need, but it's tempting to splurge on the expensive luxury hardwood model. Remember, sticking to your budget can help you avoid high interest credit card debt long after the remodel is finished.
Having an emergency fund built into your budget can help counter any extra costs that come up during a home improvement project. This fund can be a lifesaver when unexpected expenses arise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What credit card score do you need to buy a house?
To buy a house in California, you typically need a minimum credit score of 600 for a conventional mortgage, but government-backed loans may allow scores as low as 500. Check your credit score and explore loan options to see what you qualify for.
What is the Aven card?
The Aven card is a credit card that allows you to tap into your home equity and earn cash rewards on all purchases. It offers unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase you make.
Sources
- https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/cards-for-home-improvement/
- https://upgradedpoints.com/news/mesa-homeowners-card-launches/
- https://www.financialsamurai.com/best-credit-cards-for-home-remodeling/
- https://www.forbes.com/advisor/credit-cards/how-to-finance-home-improvement-projects-with-credit-cards/
- https://www.creditkarma.com/credit-cards/i/best-credit-cards-for-new-homeowners
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