We’ve all been there: standing at checkout, about to swipe, when a friendly clerk asks, “Would you like to open a card today and earn a $200 bonus?” Or maybe you see a shiny ad promising free flights, cash back, and VIP lounge access just for applying. It feels like a no-brainer—why not get something for money you’re already spending? But here’s the truth: credit card rewards can sometimes cost you more than they save.
Before you start dreaming about sipping champagne in first class for free, it’s time to dig into how those perks might not be as sweet as they seem.
