Best Credit Cards For Wedding Expenses Of January 2025 – Forbes Advisor – Technologist

With so many rewards cards available, which one should you open to pay for your celebration? Let’s take a look at ways to determine the best credit card to cover your wedding expenses.

1. Open Credit Cards That Offer Elevated Earning Rates in Relevant Categories

If your venue accepts credit cards for payment, find out how the purchase will be categorized and select a credit card that earns bonus points on that purchase category. For example, some venues may code as restaurants, while others may be event centers or entertainment. Hotels with a ballroom or destination weddings may be coded as travel. If an expense doesn’t qualify for a points multiplier, use a card that offers a strong flat rewards rate on every purchase, like a 2% cash-back card.

2. Consider Cards With Referral Bonuses

Assuming you and your partner both qualify for a credit card, you could potentially open one each for double the rewards and double the fun on your honeymoon. If you both open the same credit card from the same issuer, it may even be possible to refer your significant other as a new applicant and gain a referral bonus on top of a welcome offer.

For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers a referral bonus between 10,000 and 20,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards® points. Once your plus-one is approved for the card, you’ll receive the bonus points. To qualify, you’ll need to send a special invitation link to the person you’re referring so they can apply and be tracked as your invitee.

This strategy also allows you to spread out your applications in case you need more time to meet the minimum spending requirements.

3. Take Advantage of Loyalty Programs That Allow Points Pooling

Many rewards programs allow points pooling between member accounts, and you and your future spouse should definitely be taking advantage of the opportunity to combine points into one account.

For example, Citi ThankYou cardholders can share points with another ThankYou Rewards member for free. Make sure to redeem the points within 90 days or they will expire.

The Chase Ultimate Rewards program allows free point transfers for members of the same household and co-owners of the company (for business credit cards).

If you meet one of the requirements, you and your plus-one can link Ultimate Rewards accounts and send points to each other. By doing so, you can keep flights on one reservation number or book more nights at hotels.

Speaking of hotels, Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors and World of Hyatt allow free point transfers to another loyalty program member. Pooling hotel points can help you gain the points balance needed for a longer trip or enjoy status perks and upgrades by booking the entire stay in the elite member’s name.

4. Consider a Card With 0% Intro APR

If you can’t cover all of the wedding cost upfront, you can apply for a credit card with an extended 0% intro APR period to pay for the remaining costs over time.

For example, the U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card* offers an extra-lengthy intro period on purchases and balance transfers: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 21 billing cycles, followed by a variable APR of 17.74% to 28.74%. Balance transfers made within 60 days qualify for the intro APR and a balance transfer fee of 5% or $5, whichever is greater, applies. To avoid paying interest, pay off the balance within the allotted time frame.