As 2023 comes to a close, it's important to reflect on the ways we can take our credit card game to the next level. From improving credit scores and overall financial well-being to maximizing rewards, here are six resolutions you can make right now to ensure you’re making credit cards work for you in 2024. 

Resolution 1: pay down existing credit card debt

Setting a New Year's resolution to regain financial stability after holiday spending is both practical and essential. That’s where balance-transfer credit cards come in to help. They are tailored to reduce the impact of high-interest credit card debts. The best balance-transfer credit cards offer a 0% APR on balance transfers, typically lasting 18 to 21 months from the date of account opening. 

Here are two of our cards that will help you chip away at any debt you incurred in 2023: 

The Citi Simplicity Card is known for - you guessed it - simplicity. The card stands out for having no late fees, no penalty rate, and no annual fee, making it a strong choice for those who prioritize uncomplicated financial management. It offers one of the longest introductory APR periods on both balance transfers and purchases (currently 21 months on balance transfers and 12 months on purchases), appealing to those paying down debt or financing large purchases. Though the card has no rewards, it is an ideal choice for those seeking a hassle-free credit experience with added financial flexibility. 

The Wells Fargo Reflect Card is a no-frills card known for one of the longest 0% intro APR periods available: a whopping 21 months from account opening for qualifying purchases and balance transfers! This standout feature makes it particularly appealing for folks looking to finance large purchases or consolidate debt without accumulating additional interest. Furthermore, the card offers a potential extension of the introductory rate with on-time minimum payments, adding to its appeal. It also offers an indispensable benefit: up to $600 in coverage to repair or replace a damaged or stolen phone as long as you pay for your wireless bill with the card. With no annual fee, a focus on simplicity, and savings on interest, the Wells Fargo Reflect Card is the best choice for those seeking a straightforward, cost-effective credit card solution. 

Resolution 2: Pay more than the minimum on your cards

Making only the minimum payment on a substantial credit card balance can significantly prolong the time it takes to fully pay off the debt, which can potentially lead to additional costs amounting to hundreds or even thousands of dollars. To tackle credit card debt more effectively, plan for larger payments in your budget. If higher payments are not possible with your current income, consider taking up a part-time job or starting a side hustle to generate extra income until your credit card debt is fully paid off.

Resolution 3: Use your credit cards to improve your credit score

Credit cards can be an effective way to build and improve your credit score in 2024. Here are five steps you can start doing right now: 

• Choose and apply for the right credit card to help bolster your credit: If your goal is to build or rebuild your credit, focus on credit-building and secured cards.  Check out our Explore Tool to search thousands of cards in seconds. Not sure which one to get? Our feature, Dream Wallet, will match you with the perfect card for you. 

• Automate monthly payments: Sign up for automatic payments for your cards Automating your monthly payments lets you build credit on autopilot! You should still aim to pay your balance in full each month, if possible, to avoid interest charges (as mentioned in Resolution 2!)

• The Rule of Thirds: keep your credit utilization - how much you use of your maximum credit union - at less than 33% at all times. Do this by making sure you don’t use the card too often or make payments multiple times during each statement period. 

• ​​Pay off your balance in full as often as possible: Use a card to pay a consistent bill, like a monthly cell phone bill. Then set an automatic payment to pay it in full. Now you’re making timely payments, keeping a low credit utilization, and dodging interest charges. 

• Keep 👀 on your credit score: You can request three free credit reports per year from AnnualCreditReport.com. Also, most credit card issues will tell you your FICO Score for free - the most commonly used credit scoring model. 

Resolution 4: Always maximize your purchases

You should be earning the most you possibly can on every purchase. Here are five effective ways to make the most out of your credit cards today: 

• Join an Airline or Hotel Loyalty Program: Most hotels and airlines have loyalty programs. For example, when you sign up to be a Southwest Rapid Rewards Member for free, you’ll earn six points per dollar on Wanna Get Away? fares, 10 points per dollar on Anytime fares, and 12 points per dollar on Business Select Fares. All for free. If you combine this earning power with the right credit card, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred, you’ll also earn two times for each dollar spent from Chase on travel purchases (which is a very broad category for Chase, including everything from Lyft rides, flights, cruises, and hotels, to parking meters and garages). You can do the same thing with hotel loyalty programs. When you’re a World of Hyatt Member, you’ll earn five Base Points for every eligible dollar spent on qualifying stays, dining, spa experiences, and more at Hyatt hotels and resorts. If you use your Capital One Venture Rewards Card to pay for your visit, you also earn two times per dollar spent on top of that.

• Card-Linked Offers: Card-linked offers are like modern-day digital coupons that allow you to earn extra cashback or points on purchases you’re already making. The next time you log into your credit card account, check what offers are available to you. Major issuers - Chase, American Express, Citi, and Bank of America to name a handful - have personalized offers for cardholders. All you have to do is add an offer to your card and then use that card to make a purchase with the merchant before the offer expires. Offers come in a variety of flavors - from insurance bills, flowers, and nice restaurants, to streaming services and hotels. Once you make an eligible purchase, you’ll receive a statement credit or points back to your card. Depending on the offer, it can take 1-2 billing cycles to see it show up in your account. You can learn more about card-linked offers in our quick crash course.

• Kudos Browser Extension and Mobile App: OK, we’re a little biased, but hear us out. Use the free Kudos browser extension and/or mobile app when you shop online at over 2 million sites. We’ll automatically tell you the best card in your wallet to use at checkout and even match those rewards at over 15,000 sites. That means you will earn double the points, miles, or cash back from your credit card with Kudos Boost. When you have earned 1,000 Boost points or more, you can redeem them for a $10 gift card to Amazon. Let’s say you’re shopping at StubHub and have a card that earns bonus points on entertainment - like the Capital One SavorOne Rewards Card. If you use Kudos and activate Boost, you’ll not only earn points from your credit card for the StubHub purchase but also Kudos Boost. No brainer, right?

• Join Airline & Hotel Dining Programs: Even though cooking at home is often cheaper than eating out, who doesn’t love to dine at a restaurant, especially when there’s something fun to celebrate? By using the right credit cards when dining out, you can help offset the expenses by joining free hotel and airline dining rewards programs. Make sure you’re not leaving any money on the dining room table! 

• The Gift Card Strategy: consider buying gift cards for your regular expenses or favorite stores with a credit card that earns grocery or supermarket rewards. For example, you can purchase any type of gift card at a grocery store using a credit card that gives extra rewards for grocery purchases, like the Amex Blue Cash Preferred Card. In this example, you’re getting a 6% return on your purchase! 

Resolution 5: Don’t hoard your credit card rewards

In 2024, make sure to redeem your hard-earned points, miles, or cash back! Many people rack up credit card rewards but often leave them unused year after year. If you've been accumulating points or cash back without a specific plan, consider setting a goal to use at least part of them in the coming year. Rewards programs have been known to devalue their points and miles, so make sure you earn - and then burn - your rewards to get the most out of them (and enjoy something nice for yourself).

Resolution 6: Find the best credit cards for you

if you’re using just one credit card for everything, you’re probably missing out on some serious rewards. The trick is to have a few different cards, each one geared for different spending categories. But let’s be real, the world of credit cards can be confusing, and finding the right ones can be overwhelming. That’s where  Dream Wallet comes into play. It’s one of our core features that’s designed to match you with your ideal credit card. 

Just a few clicks, and voila, we'll discover your (card) soulmate. It’s like Tinder for credit cards - no swiping required.

• Customize your goals: Whether you're looking for free travel, want to earn more cash back, or improve your credit, set your own filters tailored to you.

• Detail your spending habits: Enter monthly expenses in categories like dining, travel, groceries, and more. This helps us understand where you spend the most and find cards that fill in the gaps.

• Personal preferences: Prefer a card without an annual fee? Or one that’s tied to a specific loyalty program like Delta? You're in good hands.

Unlike popular “credit card blogs” that only recommend cards that earn them an affiliate commission, Dream Wallet only shows you what you need and want.

Bottom Line

Even if you only stick to one of these credit card resolutions in 2024, you’ll be better off for it. Think of any credit card resolutions we’re missing? We’d love to hear from you!