We all love to get something for nothing; credit card companies knowing this have been tempting us with perks for a long time. The truth behind it though is somewhat disheartening, in that they use the perks to lure us in and after we’ve signed the contract many do not claim said perk or if we do the costs to the company are likely to be made back via fees and interest charges.

Before being lured in, be sure to find out what the perk actually is. Current perks out there include the Barclaycard football card (14.9% APR) which works on a point scheme in partnership with certain shops such as Superdrug offering 10 points for each £1 spent and WH Smith’s offering 5 points for each £1 spent. You can put the points earned toward different merchandise of your choice.

If you spend a lot of money on petrol, the Shell MasterCard (16.9%APR) might be the perkiest perk for you. This card offers a 3% rebate on all your fuel purchases made at Shell garages. They also offer a 1% rebate on your other spending but this is also put towards future shell fuel purchases.

So before getting swept up with the freebies ensure its something you actually want and will benefit from in the future.