Category: Barclaycard

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Cards That Earn Bonus Rewards On Every Dollar Spent

There are plenty of options for cards that earn bonus rewards for spending. These are cards that offer you either cash back or points on each purchase you make. Some of the most popular rewards credit cards will give you bonus points or bonus cash back. The Discover It, for example, offers bonus cash back on rotating categories. The idea of rotating categories is that the categories will switch quarterly. You will earn 5% cash back (or 5% points, depending on the card) for that quarter.

Popular categories for the bonus rotating categories include purchases made at gas stations, grocery stores, dining, online shopping, home improvement stores, and department stores. They can be anything that the credit card company chooses and thinks that their customers will enjoy. Typically there is a cap on the spending in the bonus categories. Going back to the Discover It example, it has a $1,500 spending cap for their rotating bonus categories.

Fixed bonus categories would refer to cards that offer bigger bonuses on certain categories all the time. For example, the Barclaycard Rewards MasterCard offers two points per dollar spent on all gas station, grocery store and utility purchases. This is offered year round with no spending cap. With no annual fee, cardholders get great rewards at a fixed rate all year long.

What if I don’t like rotating categories?

If rotating categories are not for you and you would prefer to get great rewards all year long on all purchases, you are in luck. We have put together a great list of options for you. Each of these cards offers greater than 1% cash back on all purchases. Take a look and see if any of them are right for you!

Citi Double Cash

Want to earn cash back—twice? The Citi Double Cash card lets you do just that. Earn 1% cash back on every purchase, plus earn another 1% cash back for every payment that you make. In addition to the great cash back offer, the Citi Double Cash card offers a 0% introductory rate for the first 15 months that you have the card.

After that, the card offers a competitive APR of 12.99-22.99%, based on your creditworthiness. There is no annual fee for the Citi Double Cash card, so you have nothing to lose with this gem. No worries about spending in certain categories, or registering for rotating rewards. You get the same rewards year round, with no spending cap other than your credit limit. There is no limit to the cash back that you can earn with this card.

Capital One Quicksilver Card

Unlimited cash back is the name of the game with the Capital One Quicksilver Card. You will earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase you make using this card with no limit to the cash back you can earn. There are no specific spending categories or bonus categories to think about. Just use this card for any purchase and get the full reward. Capital One Quicksilver also offers you a $100 cash back reward after you spend $500 in the first three months that you have the card. This is a substantial bonus right off the bat for new cardholders, at 20% cash back!

The cash back rewards are easy and flexible to redeem. You can redeem them at any time for a check, gift card(s), statement credit, or even merchandise. There is no annual fee for this card. You can also enjoy a 0% introductory APR for a limited time on all purchases and balance transfers made using the Capital One Quicksilver card. After the introductory period, the APR will be 12.9-22.9% on purchases and all balance transfers. Another great perk is being able to track your credit score for free so that you can stay on top of any changes right as they occur.

Capital One BuyPower Card

Are you in the market for a new vehicle? The Capital One BuyPower Card might be just the answer. This card offers you 5% cash back rewards on the first $5,000 you spend each year, and 2% on all purchases you make after that. This is a huge reward. You can use the cash back rewards toward the purchase of a new Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, or Cadillac.

The earnings never expire, as long as you have the card. You can really rack up a lot of cash back toward your next vehicle with this card. Because there are no rotating categories, you can use this card for any and all purchases, and watch your cash back rewards add up. Also, Capital One BuyPower card offers an introductory 0% APR for the first 12 months that you have the card, for all purchases and balance transfers. When the introductory period ends, you will pay 11.90, 15.90, or 19.90% variable APR, depending on your creditworthiness.

Looking For Travel Rewards?

Rewards cards come in many shapes and forms. Some offer cash back or credit toward a new vehicle, like the cards listed above. Others will offer some pretty tremendous travel rewards for those who really want to maximize their rewards. Travel rewards are some of the best in the credit card world, since you can often get more than $1 for each point or mile earned. Here are a few of the best ones we can find for you.

Barclaycard Arrival Plus

Super value can be found for travelers when they have the Barclaycard Arrival Plus card. You can earn 40,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days that you have the card. Earn 2 points for every dollar spent on travel purchases or earn one point for every dollar spent on every other purchase. One of the biggest perks of this card is that cardholders get an extra 10% rewards when booking their travel through Barclaycard or anytime they redeem their miles for statement credits.

The Barclaycard Arrival Plus also offers a 0% introductory APR for the first 12 months on purchases and balance transfers. After that, the APR will be either 14.99% or 18.99%, depending on your creditworthiness. There is an $89 annual fee for this card, but that is waived for the first year.

Capital One Venture Rewards Card

Earn travel rewards fast at a rate of 2 points per dollar spent on every purchase you make with the Capital One Venture Rewards Card. Earn an additional 40,000 points when you spend $3,000 in the first three months of having the card. Cardholders will get a 0% introductory APR rate for the first 12 months after approval on purchases and balance transfers, with a 13.9-20.9% APR after that period ends.

The miles that you earn using the Capital One Venture Rewards card can be flexibly redeemed for flights, hotel, rental cars, and other travel benefits. There are no blackout dates or restrictions on airlines if you book through Capital One. If you prefer to book through your travel agent, the Purchase Eraser feature will allow you to redeem your miles and get credit within 90 days of making a travel purchase using your Capital One Venture Rewards card. Track your credit simply, with your credit score being available every month on your statement or through the online access. There is a $59 annual fee, which is waived for the first year.

BankAmericard Travel Rewards Card

With the BankAmericard Travel Rewards Card, you will earn 1.5 points per dollar spent on all purchases made with the card. There is no limit to the number of points that you can earn. Apply online and earn an additional 10,000 points by spending $500 within the first three months. This adds up to a $100 statement credit when you book any travel rewards.

Conveniently, there are no blackout dates and no restrictions on your travel rewards. There is no annual fee for the BankAmericard Travel Rewards card. Cardholders will enjoy a 0% introductory APR for the first 12 months on purchases and balance transfers when they are approved for the card. After that, an APR of 14.99-22.99% will apply. There are no foreign transaction fees for this card.

Wyndham Rewards Visa

The Wyndham Rewards Visa is a great card for those who love to travel and want to earn free nights at Wyndham hotels and participating partners. Earn 5 points for every dollar spent on participating hotel stays, and earn 2 points for every dollar spent on all other purchases.

You can earn an additional 30,000 points after making your first purchase using the Wyndham Reward Visa card, and another 5,500 bonus points each year. That is enough for a one night stay at any participating hotel. This card has a $69 annual fee, which is not waived for the first year. The APR is 15.24% or 19.99%, depending on your credit history.

Citi Hilton HHonors Reserve

With the Citi Hilton HHonors Reserve card, you will quickly build up plenty of points toward your next vacation at any Hilton hotel or participating partner. You can earn 10 HHonors points for every dollar spent on hotel stays at participating hotels. Or earn 5 HHonors points for other travel purchases, including flights and rental cars. Earn 3 HHonors points on all other purchases made using the card.

Cardholders will enjoy Gold Elite status with HHonors, which will be upgraded to Platinum status if you spend $40,000 in one calendar year. Spend $10,000 per year and earn a free weekend night each year on your anniversary. Earn two free weekend night certificates after spending $2,500 within the first 4 months after being approved for the card. This card has a $95 annual fee. There is a variable 15.24% APR for this card.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are a variety of rewards cards available right now, with more being added frequently. One of them is right for you. Some people prefer rewards cards with straight cash back rewards options, but if you are not a fan of rotating categories and just want to earn tons of points, or you are a frequent traveler (or want to become one), then choosing one of the awesome travel rewards cards that are available will help you quickly earn points toward your next travel adventure!

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Comparing the Discover it Miles vs. The Barclaycard Arrival Plus

A number of varied travel credit cards are available to individuals with the wanderlust bug. Utilizing rewards credit cards with extensive travel benefits, from frequent flyer points bonuses or statement credits on travel related purchases, can have a major impact on the total cost of your next big trip. But, it can be a challenge to determine which travel credit card is truly the best in terms of rewards, extra perks, and costs. Let’s take a look at two heavy hitters in the travel rewards card genre: the Discover it Miles credit card and the Barclaycard Arrival Plus credit card.
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It’s all about the Points

The Discover it Miles card is specifically designed for the traveler with a penchant for simplicity. As a flat rate rewards card, the Discover it Miles program allows card members the opportunity to earn 1.5 miles on each dollar spent, regardless of category or amount. There are no bonus categories to track on a quarterly basis, and no reduction in rewards earnings once points reach a certain level, making this card a smart choice. As an additional bonus for new card members, Discover is offering to automatically match all miles earned at the end of the first account year with a limit and without having to make a minimum dollar amount of purchases.

The Barclaycard Arrival Plus is also considered a flat rate rewards card, but offers 2 points for each dollar spent. There are no rotating categories that increase rewards potential, and no limit on how many miles can be earned in any given time period. Compared to the Discover it Miles credit card, the Barclaycard Arrival Plus program offers a bonus for new card members as well. After a minimum of $3,000 are spent in the first 90 days after account opening, card members with Barclaycard Arrival Plus earn 40,000 bonus miles.

The Discover it Miles credit card and the Barclaycard Arrival Plus credit card differ in terms of miles redemption, despite being similar in terms of flat rate rewards. Discover it card members can redeem accumulated miles in any value, at any time, and miles never expire as long as the account remains in good standing. Redemption can be taken as a statement credit for travel related purchases, or as a cash back deposit into a checking or savings account. In addition, Discover it Miles members can receive up to $30 back each year for in-flight Wi-Fi purchases.

The Barclaycard Arrival Plus credit card requires a minimum of 10,000 miles to accumulate prior to card members having the opportunity to redeem. Barclaycard miles can only be redeemed for qualifying travel purchases made with the card, as a statement credit, which means only purchases of $100 or more that took place within the last 120 days. For new card members who do not end up qualifying for the bonus mile promotion, reaching the required minimum for miles redemption with the Barclaycard Arrival Plus credit card could present some challenges. However, Barclaycard Arrival Plus card members earn 5% in miles back that can be used for their next redemption, each and every time miles are redeemed.

Added Value through Member Benefits

Both Discover and Barclaycard offer attractive benefits for card members. First, both Discover and Barclaycard provide card members with free access to their individual FICO scores either through the respective mobile app or the desktop log-in. That’s where the benefit similarities end, as the travel credit cards differ in most other value-added aspects.

Discover it Miles card members have a variety of security features inherent to the card that make it appealing for those concerned about ongoing control. The Freeze It feature allows card members to prevent new purchases, cash advances or balance transfers on the card if it is temporarily lost or stolen, simply by selecting the option in the mobile app or online. Additionally, free overnight card replacement is available for all card members when needed. Discover also provides 24/7 monitoring of accounts to ensure no suspicious activity is taking place.

Barclaycard Arrival Plus card members also have access to a number of added benefits, including travel accident and trip cancellation insurance. Baggage delay insurance as well as auto rental collision damage waivers are also available to card members on the go. Barclaycard also provides $0 fraud liability on any unauthorized charges made with the card, providing added peace of mind for card members. Not found with Discover it Miles card members is the direct access to MasterCard World Elite Concierge and Luxury Travel Benefits that Barclaycard Arrival Plus members have automatically. This enhanced benefit is incredibly valuable to those who travel often or are seeking a unique experience while away.

The Dollars and Cents

The main difference between the Discover it Miles card and the Barclaycard Arrival Plus card is the cost. Barclaycard members are subject to an annual fee of $89, although it is waived for the first year the account is open; Discover it Miles card members do not pay an annual fee at all. Both card options offer no foreign transaction fees on purchases made outside the United States – a lifesaver for those who travel abroad often.

Barclaycard Arrival Plus credit card members are subject to an APR for purchases and balance transfers of either 16.24% or 20.24%, based on creditworthiness. Discover it Miles card members start as low as 11.24% for purchase APRs, and can go as high as 23.24%, again based on credit history and score. The Discover it Miles credit card comes with a 0% introductory rate on purchases for the first 12 months, while the Barclaycard Arrival Plus card comes with a 0% balance transfer offer, also for the first 12 months.

Which is Right for You?

Both the Discover it Miles card and the Barclaycard Arrival Plus card are top contenders in the world of travel credit cards, but it is important to know what you want out of a card prior to applying. Although the Discover it Miles card comes with a lower rewards earning rate (1.5), the flexibility to redeem for statement credits or cash back is an attractive perk, as is the lack of an annual fee. For those who are strictly seeking out a travel rewards card and spend enough to justify the annual fee and high redemption barrier, the Barclaycard Arrival Plus credit card may be the better option.

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Barclaycard Rewards Mastercard Review

Using credit cards as a way to save through cash back or other rewards programs may seem like a pipe dream for those with less than perfect credit. That’s because most credit card issuers have strict policies on who is eligible in terms of credit history and credit score, leaving some out in the cold. Fortunately, individuals with fair to good credit have an option in the Barclaycard Rewards Mastercard – a cash back credit card built specifically for middle of the road borrowers. So if you’ve had a black mark on your credit recently, or are fighting to get back into the good graces of the lending powers that be, it is worth checking out the Barclaycard Rewards Mastercard as your cash back credit card for every day use.

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The Card Basics

The Barclaycard Rewards Mastercard falls under a flat-rate cash back category, meaning there are no bonuses to sign up for each quarter or rotating categories to keep track of. Instead, the Barclaycard offers a flat 2% cash back on gas station, utilities and grocery store purchases (not including Target and Walmart). All other purchases earn a flat rate of 1% on each dollar spent. One of the perks of the Barclaycard Rewards Mastercard is the fact that card members do not have to be concerned with purchase limits in either category. On top of that, rewards points never expire, as long as the card remains in good standing with the issuer.

Once rewards points have accumulated to at least 1,000 – the equivalent of $10 – card members have the option to redeem them in the following ways:

  • A statement credit toward the outstanding balance due
  • A direct deposit into a U.S. checking or savings account
  • Gift card purchases through the issuer’s rewards site

Added Card Member Benefits

While the rewards program is somewhat attractive in that is provides a simply way to earn cash back with no restrictions, the Barclaycard Rewards Mastercard comes with an impressive list of added card member benefits. First, all card members have access to their FICO credit score through the website and the mobile application. The FICO score is updated periodically through the site, and alerts are sent directly to the card member when changes are reported. This no-cost perk can be a lifesaver to those concerned about increasing their credit score over time who may not have easy access to their credit score elsewhere.

Another added benefit with the Barclaycard Rewards Mastercard is the ability to request a credit line increase after maintaining a strong payment record on the card. Barclaycard automatically reviews credit card holder accounts after five payments are made on time, and the issuer will increase the credit limit based on the card member’s repayment history. Credit line increases can be requested outside the automatic reviews but are subject to credit evaluation.

Barclaycard Rewards Mastercard also provides card members a safeguard in terms of over borrowing by not imposing an over the limit fee. Additionally, all Barclaycard Rewards Mastercard holders are credit cards with chip technology, which provides a wider acceptance around the world. Barclaycard also provides card members with $0 fraud liability on any charges that are unauthorized by the card member, meaning a lost or stolen card is less of a concern.

The Cost

Although the Barclaycard Rewards Mastercard is a smart choice for individuals with imperfect credit history, or someone interested in a simple cash back rewards program, the downside to the card comes by way of its total cost. Fortunately, the Barclaycard Rewards Mastercard does not impose an annual fee on card members, nor does it charge any amount for redeeming rewards. The expense with the card comes into play with its purchase and balance transfer interest rates and fees.

Currently, the Barclaycard Rewards Mastercard does not offer a promotional interest rate for new card members, on purchases or balancer transfers. Instead, the standard APR for both is a rather high 25.24%. The APR for purchases, balance transfers and cash advances is the same across the board and is a variable rate, meaning it could fluctuate over time based on the Prime Rate and its movements. Part of the reason the standard APR is higher than most comparable credit cards is due to the fact that Barclaycard accepts a greater risk when taking on lower credit score individuals. To help offset that risk, the issuer charges more to all borrowers.

In addition to the APR for purchases, balance transfers, and cash advances, card members are assessed other fees for certain transactions. Anyone who opts to complete a balance transfer through the Barclaycard Rewards Mastercard pays a 3% or $5 fee for each transactions, whichever is greater. Card members who take out a cash advance against the card pay a 5% or $10 fee per advance, whichever is greater. Finally, card members are assessed a 3% foreign transaction fee for all purchases made outside the U.S.

Final Thoughts

The Barclaycard Rewards Mastercard is an excellent choice for credit card users who have struggled with managing their credit in the past that resulted in a less than excellent credit score. The card may also be a preferred choice for individuals who appreciate the simplicity of the rewards program, or individuals who spend heavily on the categories that offer 2% cash back. The added perks the card provides – fraud liability coverage, free access to FICO credit score, chip card technology and credit line increases – make the Barclaycard Rewards Mastercard even more attractive when compared to similar cash back credit cards.

However, individuals who have exemplary credit may want to search elsewhere for their go-to cash back credit card. The fees associated with the Barclaycard Rewards Mastercard, specifically in terms of the purchase and balance transfer APR, are high, making carrying a balance from month to month expensive for the card member. The added foreign transaction fees should deter borrowers who utilize their credit card overseas, especially because there are other cash back credit cards that do not impose a fee for these transactions. All in, the Barclaycard Rewards Mastercard can be a great cash back credit card to assist in building credit or in earning simple rewards on certain purchases.

 

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A Review of the Three New JetBlue Cards

JetBlue Plus Card

Anyone who travels frequently knows it can get a bit pricey. This is why major card companies such as Chase, American Express, etc. have come up with a “frequent traveler miles” system that allows a card holder to gain miles to travel with every purchase made; allowing for an easier and more affordable way to travel.

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JetBlue Plus Card
JetBlue Plus Card

One of the most popular airlines known today is JetBlue Airlines. Because this airline is the fifth largest airline in the world, it is no surprise that they have their own “frequent traveler” card. In the past, JetBlue has had a partnership with American Express in order to make this a reality. However, JetBlue has recently announced that they have cut their financial ties with American Express and will be partnering with a new card company. As a result, JetBlue reveled three new cards which are available for commercial use. These three cards will have the same “frequent traveler miles” system as their old cards. When JetBlue had cut ties with American Express the breakup didn’t receive much attention; and after doing so, they teamed up with a company called Barclaycard; a company originating in the UK. Barclaycard was launched on June 29, 1966; and was the one of the first companies to execute the use of credit cards. The Barclaycard company launched Barclaycard US in 2004 and implemented the co-branded card for US Airways in 2005. This was one of the biggest successes of the Barclaycard business.

Now that JetBlue has teamed up with Barclaycard, they have introduced three new cards that are now available to their customers:

 

JetBlue Card

The first of the three is the standard JetBlue Card. This card my not seem like much to the average observer; however, this card has much to offer. This card is especially exciting to any past customers of JetBlue with American Express. Previous card holders were required to pay a $40 annual fee when opening an account. However, unlike those previous card holders, when opening an account with JetBlue and Barclaycard, the card holder will not be required to pay an entry fee or an annual fee of any kind. New card holders also receive 10,000 mileage points on their card after spending $1,000 within 90 days of acquiring the card. Additional benefits include: Earning 3 points per $1 on JetBlue purchases, 2 points per $1 at restaurants and grocery stores and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases and No blackout dates on JetBlue-operated flights & redeem for any seat, any time on JetBlue flights. Points required for an Award Flight vary based on the published base fare at the time of booking. When looking at these rewards, its easy to see that JetBlue and Barclaycard seem to have the better deal compared to when the airline was partnered with American Express.

 

JetBlue Plus Card 

This second card is a card especially exciting for the JetBlue fanatic. With the addition of an annual fee of $99, the card holder can receive more benefits than the customers who choose to stay with the standard JetBlue Card. Customers also receive 30,000 mileage points after spending $1,000 within the first 90 days of the account’s opening. That’s 20,000 points more than the standard JetBlue card. Other benefits include: Earning 6 points for every $1 spent on JetBlue purchases; 2 points for every $1 spent at restaurants and grocery stores; 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases, Free checked bag for the primary card member and up to three companions on the same reservation when you use your JetBlue Business Card to purchase tickets on JetBlue-operated flights. It is clear to see why it may be worth paying the annual fee in order to receive the full benefits that JetBlue has to offer. This is the perfect card for the man or woman who finds themselves traveling more frequently (no pun intended) than those who do not.

 

JetBlue Business Card

This third and final card is the JetBlue Business Card. This card is essentially the same as the JetBlue Plus Card; however, the card holder receives twice the points when shopping at an office supply store rather than a grocery store. In order to receive this card, the $99 annual fee must be paid, and the card holder receives 30,000 points after purchasing $1,000 within 90 days of the account’s opening. Other benefits include: Getting 10% of your points back every time you redeem to use toward your next redemption, no foreign transaction fees, and Earn 5,000 bonus points every year after your account anniversary. With these rewards in mind, it seems to be the ideal card to be used if you hold the title of the “Office Administrator”. Another main use of this card would most likely be when a business needs to purchase new equipment (new printers, copiers, etc.). Not only will you be purchasing new equipment, but you will also be gaining mileage points for travel.

 

Conclusion on the New JetBlue Airline Cards

What is the take away? These three cards are great and have specific uses. If you are a person who is looking for a new card company and love to travel, you should probably go for the standard JetBlue Card. If you are interested in more perks than what the standard card has to offer, you should probably go for the JetBlue Plus Card. And, finally, if you are the business owner who is looking for ways to cut down traveling costs, you should probably go for the JetBlue Business card. Not only does this final option offer the same benefits as the JetBlue Plus card, but it is especially designed for basic business management.

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5 Best Business Cards for Travel Rewards, Winter 2014

Some might argue that the recent announcement by Chase offering a bonus of 70,000 points for signing up for the Ink Plus business card makes it the greatest offer out there. But, don’t be afraid to explore the options, there are currently some great deals floating around that you might want to take advantage of. Here are just a few of the top business cards that we have found.

Ink Plus Business Card

As mentioned, this current offering from Chase gives cardholders a bonus of 70,000 points after they spend $5,000 within the first three months of having the card. Cardholders earn a whopping 5 points per dollar spent on office supplies, cell phone services, internet services, and cable and landline services. Earn 2 points per dollar spent at hotels and gas stations, and one point per dollar elsewhere. All points can be redeemed through the very flexible Chase Ultimate Rewards online portal, for a wide variety of options.

With an annual fee of $95, some may shy away from this card, but the many perks, including complimentary Lounge Club membership for several airlines. Recent news indicates that this offer may be ending soon, so if it interests you, then you had better act fast to take advantage.

Citi Business AAdvantage World MasterCard

This business card offers cardholders a bonus of 50,000 AAdvantage miles after spending $3,000 in the first three months after approval. You can earn 2 AAdvantage points per dollar spent on American Airlines purchases, and also when you spend money on office supplies, car rentals and telecommunications services. There is an annual fee of $95, but it is waived for the first year. With a high sign-up points bonus, this is a great card. When you consider this bonus, plus the first year’s annual fee waived, the Citi Business AAdvantage World MasterCard ranks high among the best business cards available this season.

United MileagePlus Explorer 

The United MileagePlus Explorer Business card not only has a great sign-up bonus of 50,000 after spending $1,000 in the first three months, but you also get a free checked bag when traveling on United flights, which can be up to a $50 savings every time you fly. Earn 2 miles per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants and gas stations, as well as on business supplies at office supply stores. Earn 2 points for every dollar spent on United Airlines purchases.

Get an additional bonus of 10,000 miles when you spend $25,000 in one calendar year. There is an annual fee of $95, but this is waived during the first year. With no foreign transaction fees, this card is great for international travel.

Business Platinum Card from American Express

The Business Platinum Card from American Express offers a great sign-up bonus of 40,000 points after you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months of having the card. There are occasional offers that are even better, sometimes up to 75,000 or 100,000 points for sign-up. With additional perks including Priority Pass membership, Delta SkyClub benefits, a $200 airline rebate, TSA PreCheck application and more, this card is worth considering.

It does have a hefty annual fee of $450, but if you play your cards right (pun intended), then you can make the most of the perks and make it worthwhile. Travel rewards are available at a rate of 1.25 cents per point, so each point has a great value. Tons of extra discounts are also available, including discounts for Hertz, Hyatt, FedEx and Barnes & Noble.

Starwood Preferred Guest 

Amex has a great business version of its popular Starwood Preferred Guest card, the Starwood Preferred Guest American Express Business Card. This great business card offers a 25,000 point sign-up bonus in the form of 10,000 points after cardholders make their first purchase and an additional 15,000 points after cardholders spend $5,000 in the first 6 months that they have the card.

Enjoy two points earned for every dollar spent on Starwood purchases, and one point for every dollar spent elsewhere. One of the great benefits is the ability to earn elite status qualification after 2 stays, and redeem that for 5 nights credit at any Starwood location. Gold Status is achieved when you spend $30,000 in the first year that you have the card. The annual fee is $65, which is not only reasonable, but also waived for the first year. Because Starwood Preferred Guest points are considered to be among the best in the industry right now, and it is easy to earn elite status, this is a card that you might want to seriously consider.

Do You Need a Business Card?

Not everyone needs a business card, but there certainly are many advantages. These advantages may be magnified when a person has a personal and a business version of the same card and can combine points and rewards to really maximize the returns. Often the sign-up bonuses are much larger for business credit cards and can help you build up a large rewards account. You don’t have to own a large company to get a business credit card, most allow you to sign up as a sole proprietor using your own credit history and social security number.

Conclusion

If you have been thinking about exploring the benefits of getting a business credit card, now is a great time with several terrific offers out there for you to check out. Your business credit can be separate from your personal credit, allowing you to build credit for your business, just like you would for yourself. This may ultimately lead to some new business opportunities for you! Check out these offers today!

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Barclaycard Announces New AAdvantage Aviator Cards

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As the US Airways and American Airlines merger becomes more of a reality, many customers are wondering what will happen to their miles, whether a new frequent flyer program will arise from the merger or how it might change. The details are not yet finalized, and the timing is not completely pinpointed, but there are certainly some new developments to announce, particularly with some co-branded cards to be offered by Citibank.

For now, Barclays still has these accounts, and will keep them until the merger occurs. This is the reason why Barclaycard is marketing tough these days, trying to gain as many new cardholders while they still can offer great bonuses. Let’s take a look at the new AAdvantage Aviator cards you can still get.

Barclays Introduces AAdvantage Aviator Silver Card

Available in two different versions, the AAdvantage Aviator Silver Card offers some great rewards. Until the merger, Barclays cannot accept new applications for American Airlines cobranded cards, so they are offering the AAdvantage Aviator Silver Card to existing cardholders as an upgrade. The Premium version of the card has an $89 annual fee.

You earn 40,000 bonus points after your first purchase. You will get a free checked bag for yourself and up to four travel companions when you fly US Airways. Earn one companion certificate for up to two companions for $99 each, on a US Airways flight. Get Priority 2 boarding on US Airways. Earn two miles for every dollar spent on US Airways, and American Airlines, and one mile for every dollar spent on any other purchases. Get 25% off of all in-flight purchases on US Airways and American Airlines. There is a 0% introductory APR for 15 months on balance transfers and purchases, the APR will be 15.99-19.99% after that.

The second version of the card, the AAdvantage Aviator World Elite Mastercard, comes with an annual fee of $195, which is waived for the first year. You can earn 3 miles for every dollar spent on US Airways and American Airlines purchases, 2 miles for every dollar spent on hotels and car rentals, and one mile for every dollar spent on the rest of your purchases.

You can earn elite mileage in the form of EQM, earning 5,000 for each $20,000 you spend annually, with a maximum of 10,000 EQMs earned per year. You will get your first bag checked, for yourself and up to 8 travel companions.  You will be refunded 10% of your redeemed miles each year, up to 10,000 miles (this can basically cover the cost of the annual fee). You will earn a companion certificate good for two guests at $99 each, for a US Airways flight. Get priority boarding, in-flight discounts and more. There are no foreign transaction fees, and the card comes with chip technology for increased security.

US Airways Mastercard to Become AAdvantage Aviator Red

The AAdvantage Aviator Red card will be the replacement for the US Airways Mastercard holders once the merger becomes official in 2015. The card has an annual fee of $89. You earn 2 miles for every dollar spent on US Airways and American Airlines purchases, and one mile for every dollar spent on other purchases. Get your first bag checked free, for yourself and 4 travel companions.

Get priority boarding for your travel party. You will also get a refund of 10%  of the miles you redeem on US Airways and American Airlines, up to 10,000 miles per year. Earn $100 flight discount when you spend $30,000 per year. Cardholders get a 25% discount on in-flight purchases. The card has chip technology to protect your personal information.

Act Now for Great Deals!

Because you won’t be able to apply once the merger between US Airways and American Airlines formally takes place, you want to take advantage of these deals from Barclays now if you are interested.  If you received an invitation to upgrade to the AAdvantage Aviator Silver card, you will only have until December 1, 2014 to apply. Beginning in January, accounts will be converted. The bonuses for the AAdvantage Silver card are significant, and you should take advantage of them now.

Conclusion

There are some significant benefits to consider for each of these cards, and if you are interested, then you should not wait to apply. There will still be great options after the US Airways and American Airlines merger, but you never know exactly what will be offered. If you are a frequent flyer on US Airways or American, then now is the time!

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A Comparison of the Top 3 Fixed Value Travel Rewards Cards

Travel credit cards offer some of the best rewards in the business. Usually you can earn tons of points, and, in some cases, these points can be redeemed for travel rewards worth more than $1 per point. Let’s take a closer look at the top three fixed value travel reward cards that you can choose from right now.

 

BankAmericard Travel Rewards

The BankAmericard Travel rewards card has great earning potential and very nice bonus opportunities. There is no annual fee for this card. You will earn 1.5 point for every dollar spent, with no limit to the amount of miles that you can earn.  They offer a 10,000 point bonus to new cardholders after spending $500 in the first three months that you have the card, if you apply online; this corresponds to a $100 statement credit! There is a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers and purchases for the first 12 months. After the introductory period, the APR will range from 14.99-22.99%, depending on your credit. There are no foreign transaction fees.

Redeeming your points earned using the BankAmericard Travel Rewards card is simple. There are no blackout dates, and no restrictions. BankAmerica checking and savings customers will receive a bonus of 10% of their annual points each year, based on their total spending for the year. Chip technology makes this card very safe to use, and helps reduce fraud and unauthorized transactions.

 

Barclaycard Arrival Plus

The Barclaycard Arrival Plus is one of the most popular travel rewards cards, and it is not hard to see why. Cardholders pay an $89 annual fee, which is waived for the first year. You will earn double miles on all purchases, with no limit to the miles you can earn. New cardholders will receive a bonus of 40,000 miles after spending $3,000 in the first three months. This is the equivalent of a $400 travel credit! Barclaycard Arrival Plus offers a 0% introductory APR for the first 12 months for purchases and balance transfers, with an APR of 14.99-18.99% at the end of that period.

Booking your travel is simple with the Barclaycard Arrival Plus. There are no blackout dates or restrictions that apply. For each travel booking, you earn 10% bonus miles, based on the travel spending, making each mile you redeem worth even more. The card is EMV chip enabled, giving you confidence that fraud is unlikely and your personal information is safe. There are also no foreign transaction fees.

Apply Now: Barclaycard Arrival PlusTM World Elite MasterCard®

For those who do not want to pay an annual fee, there is another version of the Barclaycard Arrival that offers no annual fee with smaller, yet still substantial travel rewards available. Link: Barclaycard ArrivalTM World MasterCard®

 

 

Capital One Venture

Capital One has an excellent option for those who love to travel. The Capital One Venture Rewards card offers two points for every dollar spent on all purchases. Earn an additional 40,000 bonus points by spending $3,000 in the first three months you have the card. There is no limit to the number of points that you can earn. There is no annual fee for the first year, after that you will pay an annual fee of $59. There is no introductory APR rate, the APR is 13.9-20.9%, depending on your credit.

Redeem your Capital One Venture rewards with the No Hassle guarantee for flights, hotels, rental cars, gift cards and more, with no blackout dates or restrictions. Capital One will help you book your travel, or you can use the Purchase Eraser to pay for the cost of booking the travel through an agent. There are no foreign transaction fees to use this card abroad and it comes with smart chip technology. Capital One offers free credit tracking for customers, too, making it easy to stay on top of your credit score.

For those who wish to earn travel rewards without having to pay any annual fee, the Capital One VentureOne card has no annual fee, offers 1.25 points for every dollar spent, and a bonus of 20,000 points for spending only $1,000 in the first three months.

 

Conclusion

Each of these travel rewards credit cards has something great to offer. If you’re looking for the most rewards possible, the Barclaycard Arrival Plus stands out from the crowd. It offers the highest fixed travel rewards rate in the industry right now, and the flexible process to redeem the points (as well as additional bonuses available when you redeem for travel rewards) makes this our first choice. Take a look for yourself to compare the options, and see if you agree!

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Top 10 Points Credit Cards for Everyday Spending Bonuses

When it comes to everyday spending bonuses, you have plenty of cards to choose from. We’ve selected the top ten credit cards for everyday spending, meaning you can get more than a 1% rewards rate on more than one “everyday spending” category, such as gas or groceries.

In this post, we’re focusing on credit cards that earn points or miles in a rewards program. Take a look and see if any of these capture your interest!

1. Citi ThankYou Cards

There are 3 different versions of this card, and each one offers some great bonuses.

The Citi ThankYou Preferred card offers a 20,000 point sign on bonus after spending $1,500 in the first three months. Earn two points for every dollar spent on dining, travel and entertainment, one point on every dollar spent in other categories. There is no annual fee for this card. There is a 12 month 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers. You can redeem your points for cash, statement credit or gift cards. There is a separate offer for the Citi ThankYou Preferred card which also has no annual fee and offers a 15-month 0% introductory APR with no annual fee, and no sign on bonus.

The Citi ThankYou Premier credit card has a 20,000 point bonus after spending $2,000 in the first three months, and an additional bonus of 30,000 points after spending another $3,000 in the first three months of the second year you have the card. Earn 3 points for every dollar spent on dining, travel and entertainment, one point on all other purchases. There is no annual fee. Redeem for cash, statement credit, travel rewards and gift cards.

The Citi ThankYou Prestige offers 30,000 ThankYou points after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months of card membership. Earn 3x points on Air Travel and Hotels, 2x points on Dining at Restaurants and Entertainment and 1 ThankYou Point per $1 spent on other purchases.

2. Barclaycard Arrival World Mastercard

Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first three months. Earn two miles per dollar spent on all dining and travel purchases, one point per dollar on all other purchases. There is an introductory APR of 0% for the first 12 months that you have this card. Redeem for cash back or travel rewards; when redeeming for travel rewards you earn an additional 10% bonus on the travel purchases. There is no annual fee for this card.

Apply Now: Barclaycard ArrivalTM World MasterCard®

3. Chase Sapphire Preferred

Earn 40,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 in the first three months that you have the card. Earn an additional 5,000 points for adding another authorized user in the first three months. Earn two points for every dollar spent on dining and travel purchases, and one point for every dollar spent in other categories. Redeem for cash, travel, gift cards and more. There is no annual fee for the first year, after that the annual fee will be $95.

4. Barclaycard Rewards Mastercard

Although there is no sign on bonus for this card, you will earn two points for every dollar spent on gas, groceries, and utilities. Earn one point for every dollar spent in other categories. There is no introductory APR for this card. Redeem your points for travel, cash back, or gift cards. There is no annual fee for this card.

Apply Now:

Barclaycard® Rewards MasterCard® – Excellent Credit

Barclaycard® Rewards MasterCard® – Average Credit

5. American Express Premier Rewards Gold Card

Earn 25,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $2,000 in the first three months you have the card. Earn three points for every dollar spent on flights, two points for every dollar spent at gas stations and grocery stores, and one point for every dollar spent in other categories. There is no annual fee for the first year, after that the annual fee will be $175. Redeem your points with flexible options through many travel partners or gift cards.

6. Amex Everyday Preferred Card

Earn 15,000 points, plus a one year membership to Amazon Prime (worth $99 per year) after spending $1,000 in the first three months that you have the card. Earn a 50% bonus on all points when you make at least 30 purchases per month using the card. Earn three points for every dollar spent at grocery stores, up to $6,000 annually. Earn two points for every dollar spent at gas stations. Earn one point for every dollar spent on all other purchases. There is an introductory APR of 0% for the first 15 months. Use your Membership Rewards to pay for flights and hotel stays. The annual fee for this card is $95.

7. Citi Hilton HHonors Visa Signature Card

Earn 40,000 bonus sign on points after spending $1,000 in the first three months you have the card. Earn six points for every dollar spent at Hilton hotels. Earn three HHonors points for every dollar spent at grocery stores, gas stations and drug stores. Earn two HHonors points for every dollar spent on all other categories. There is no annual fee for this card. Redeem your HHonors points for hotel stays at participating Hilton group hotels and other travel.

8. Playstation Card from Capital One

Earn 5,000 bonus points after you make your first purchase in the first 90 days that you have the card. Earn 10 points for every dollar spent on Playstation Store purchases. Earn three points for every dollar spent on Playstation purchases at Sony Stores. Earn three points for every dollar spent on quick serve restaurants, movie theaters and mobile phone service. Earn one point for every dollar spent in other categories. There is a 0% introductory rate until September 2015 on purchases and balance transfers. Redeem your points for Sony products, movies, music and more. There is no annual fee for this card.

9. USAA Rewards Amex

Earn two points for every dollar spent on gas station and grocery store purchases. Earn a 2,500 point bonus after making your first purchase within the first three months you have the card. Redeem your points for cash, gift cards, travel and more. There is no annual fee for this card.

Apply Now: USAA Rewards™ American Express®

10. PayPal Mastercard and eBay Mastercard

Earn three points for every dollar spent at gas stations and restaurants. Earn two points for all PayPal and eBay transactions. Earn one point for every dollar spent in other categories. There is no annual fee for this card.

Each of these cards has something special to offer when it comes to earning rewards for your every day spending. Any time you can earn more than one point for every dollar you spend, it is worth taking a look at the options!

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Barclaycard Ring MasterCard Review

Barclaycard has introduced a number of interesting credit card concepts to the marketplace over the past few years, and the Barclaycard Ring MasterCard may be the most interesting of them all, with some less than mainstream benefits and offerings.  Let’s check out the card’s features below!

 

Apply Now: Barclaycard® Ring MasterCard®

 

Features

  • Profit Sharing

In an interesting move, this credit card does not offer any points or miles for using the card.  Instead, the credit card “offers borrowers the chance to share in the profits over time,” according to this article from the Wall Street Journal.  Cardmembers will receive information about the program’s profitability and enable a two-way communication to suggest new offerings.

  • Low APR

Normally, a credit card’s APR is around 14% at its lowest.  However, this card offers a very low 8% as its APR, making it an attractive card for those that like to carry a balance, but are responsible about paying it off quickly and don’t like being taxed greatly.

  • No Fees

Under normal circumstances, one will pay a fee for missing a payment, transferring a balance, or even for just owning the credit card.  Not so with the Barclaycard Ring MasterCard.  There are no annual fees, balance transfer fees, or late fees.  You’ll just incur the low APR on your balance.  This card is all about transparency, and not hidden fees.

  • GiveBack Program

As mentioned earlier, users share in the profits of the program.  As a nice “good feeling” gesture, users can opt to donate the profits to charity instead of receiving them in their account as a statement credit.  I can’t imagine profits being very large when split over thousands of users, so donating to charity may not be a bad choice.

 

Cons

While a low APR and donating to charity are good benefits for some, for others who pay off their bill each month in full, there are a decidedly small amount of benefits with this card.  There are no opportunities to redeem points or miles for travel or gifts. Users of this card simply receive benefits in the form of no fees and low APR.  The user values low cost of card ownership more than, say, low cost travel.  I find this to be a good concept, as there are obviously people out there who need credit and an affordable way to finance their lives.  This card fills that void left by other, more popular cards.

 

Conclusion

The Barclaycard Ring MasterCard is an incredibly interesting concept.  Profit sharing in the credit card space?  That’s unheard of.  But the lack of real rewards and benefits for those that pay off their bills each month makes this a card that doesn’t appeal to me.  However, there may be those of you reading this that need a cheaper way to finance basic debt in their normal lives.  Maybe you need to pay for a few holiday gifts and pay it off next month.  This card is great for that, due to its low APR of 8%.  As someone who does not represent the whole market, for obvious reasons, there may be a spot for this card in your wallet yet.  Comment below if this card appeals to you!