While completing a writing project the other day I discovered this information about credit cards and their reward incentive programs.

Over two-thirds of small businesses (freelance writers fall into this category) use credit cards. Also, the competition for your credit card business is heating up.

Credit card companies are now providing unique reward incentive programs for those who are not concerned with getting airline tickets, gift certificates, free gas, or other typical rewards. They are now beginning to offer rewards that go beyond the ordinary.

American Express is offering a free “sub-orbital space flight” through Space Adventures. The value of a ticket for this flight is currently over $100,000.

Other credit card companies are offering more reachable reward incentives, such as allowing one MasterCard holder to use accumulated points to pay for his daughter’s entire wedding. 

Visa is now beginning to offer reward incentives for meeting with rock stars and NFL draftees.

American express has other reward incentives, such as how to become a wine connoisseur or a better cook.

Of course credit card companies still allow the usual material rewards, such as diamonds, watches, and dinners at special restaurants.

However, only about 50% of all reward incentives are ever used by those who earned them.

So do not let your reward points go to waste!