Taking Advantage of Credit Cards

Today's guest post comes from Amal Rhoe of CardOffers.com , which offers comparisons on different credit cards:

With the current economic debacle, many are cutting back on spending, particularly when it comes to using credit cards. But the credit card in your wallet can actually afford you simple luxuries.

There is no time like the present to fully understand credit card benefits and perks. Read the fine print and take advantage of your credit card. Luckily, CardOffers.com lists card perks that are available to you now, just for carrying your credit card. Best of all, no points are needed to claim these prizes.

Here are some examples:

• For travelers: American Express offers travel accident insurance, emergency check-in/assured reservations, premium baggage protection, and premium car rental protection. Our favorite: Spa and Dine at Green Valley Ranch in Las Vegas. Cardholders have access to a complimentary room upgrade as well as two 50-minute Swedish massages or 50-minute facials and a $75 dining credit.

• For shoppers: MasterCard offers extended warranties as well as coverage for satisfaction guarantees, price protection, and purchase assurance. Also, MasterCard guarantees that unauthorized purchases are not the responsibility of the cardholder. Our favorite: Personal Shopping Consultants at Henri Bendel in New York. Whether you live in the Big Apple or are just visiting, as a World MasterCard cardholder, you can take advantage of a private styling consultation at the luxurious Henri Bendel. An added bonus: a gift bag compliments of the iconic Fifth Avenue store.

• For restaurant lovers: Signature Visa cardholders receive complimentary access to Zagat Survey restaurant ratings and reviews, exclusive tastings, intimate cooking classes, private gourmet events, complimentary concierge service, and complimentary wine tastings at over 60 Sonoma County wineries. Our favorite: 40 percent off gift certificates at Restaurant.com. This perk will get you up to 40 percent off the price of gift certificates at restaurants across the U.S. Whether you go out once a week or once a month, you can save big.

These perks may seem like something only the wealthy can experience, but from luxe shopping experiences to simple discounts and free shipping on online purchases, most credit cards give you great benefits for every lifestyle and budget.

(To find out what your card offers, visit CardOffers.com; for more details on the benefits, check out the official American Express, MasterCard, and Visa websites.)