When it comes time to fix up your home and buy the materials for your project, why not see about getting a percentage of your money back with a home improvement credit card? This is a rather new type of credit card that offers you various features and savings in purchases especially related to the home. Here are some tips on what to look for in a home improvement credit card.

The numbers of home improvement credit cards are still rather low, but some of the major credit card companies are now offering them. This means they are trying to get an edge on the competition - and it means you can already find some good deals. Some of the companies that offer these cards are Chase, American Express, Home Depot, and Citi. Other credit cards (including business cards) will let you get a rebate for this type of purchase, but they are often a more general type of card and may give you a lower reward percentage. You can expect, though, that others will soon be getting into the act.

The ideal use of the home improvement credit card is for those who regularly have significant purchases in home improvement or building materials. This could mean that your purchases of paint, lumber, hardware, wallpaper, and more, will get you a rebate on this credit card. Another card will focus on your monthly costs of certain regular household expenses, such as your utilities, your cable or satellite service, Internet service providers, and even your telecommunication bills. Each credit card, as you can see, can have a different focus.

A few of these home improvement credit cards will also give you a 1% rebate on all of your other purchases. One of them gives a number of reward points up front, and another one gives gifts for getting the card.

As a special incentive, some of the cards (the Citibank card for example) even enable you to have your points used to pay down your principal on your mortgage. This could provide some direct savings each month, by reducing your overall interest.

When selecting your home improvement credit card, you want to compare each offer and see which one will give you the most benefits. Since the focus is different, you certainly want to see which one fits your situation. For example, a few cards have introductory offers, and they will allow balance transfers with a 0% APR interest for 12 months. This percentage also applies to your purchases and also lasts for 12 months. If you have other credit card debt, then this is a good way to reduce your debt and pay it down with no interest.

Be sure to compare the other terms as well, such as the various fees and interest rates on each card. A couple of the home improvement credit cards also give a large number of initial reward points which would enable you to buy some product rather quickly. Determine your most expensive need in the way of home improvement, and choose your home improvement credit card to match that need.