Category: Card Comparison

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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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Amex Premier Rewards Gold Card Benefits to Change in 2015

Like many of the rewards credit cards, Amex Premier Rewards Gold Credit Card is changing some of its benefits. It remains a great card, but you should be aware of some of the upcoming changes, namely the elimination of the 15,000 Premier Rewards Gold Bonus points, which has been an attractive feature for many who use this card.

Any time a credit card offers a spending bonus, people take note. For those who are savvy about earning and redeeming their points, this is sometimes a pretty big deal. Let’s go over some of the changes and some of the great things that will remain as Amex enters 2015.

Elimination of the 15,000 PRG Bonus Points

This is probably the biggest and most significant change that you will notice. If you have been diligently spending and aiming to earn this bonus, you don’t have to worry about your 2014 bonus. But, when 2015 arrives, this benefit will disappear. Amex has reported that few of their card holders actually reached the spending threshold for earning the top reward, since you have to spend $30,000 to earn the 15,000 point bonus.

For those who are used to spending at this level and who look forward to the bonus, you may have to decide if you still want to pay the $175 annual fee without getting this bonus.

New Perks Around the Corner?

Rumors are flying about other changes that may happen for the Amex Premier Rewards Gold card members, but nothing has been announced at this point, making some card holders a bit nervous and considering jumping ship.

Other Options?

The competition is stiff when it comes to rewards cards, and whenever a big card like Amex Premier Rewards Gold card takes away a major perk, there are ripples. Two other cards that are popular and seem to be stable with their benefit offerings are the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Barclaycard Arrival Plus. The Chase Sapphire Preferred offers 2 points for every dollar spent on travel, and has no foreign transaction fees (unlike the Amex Premier Rewards Gold card, by the way), and the Barclaycard Arrival PlusTM World Elite MasterCard® offers 2 points per dollar spent on all purchases. With the Sapphire having only a $95 annual fee, and the Barclaycard having an even lower $89 fee, the Amex Premier Rewards Gold card has some stepping up to do if they intend to remain in competition.

Time Is Running Out

If you are still interested in the Amex Premier Rewards Gold card, then the time is now to get in on the possible rewards, since the biggest perk goes away starting in 2015. You can still get the big sign on bonus of 25,000 points for spending $2,000 in the first three months, and the annual fee is waived for the first year, so all is not lost yet.Take a look around, however, because there are definitely some other deals out there that might be a little more beneficial for the average person looking for a great rewards card.

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These Cash Back Cards are Better Than Store Credit Cards

Most of the time, we would try to steer you away from store credit cards, because while they may get you some discounts on your purchases, they often come with very high APRs and their introductory perks can end quickly, leaving you with nothing but a piece of plastic that you can use in only one place.

Fortunately, we do have some better suggestions for you! Here are a few ways that you can save more, get better cash rewards and points, and spend money wherever you want—without having to be especially loyal to any one store. Shop where you get the best deals!

 

Discover it

Consistently rated among the top credit cards when it comes to annual fee and rewards benefits, the Discover it® offers 1% cash back on all purchases, with 5% cash back on quarterly rotating categories. Because the categories are usually ones that are quite popular (e.g., groceries, gas, dining, shopping categories), cardholders can accumulate great rewards all year long.

When you add in the ShopDiscover online portal, the deals are outstanding and you really get your money’s worth out of any purchase. Forget about using a store credit card for financing, use the Discover it, get cash back and, if you make your purchases within the first 14 months, pay no interest whatsoever. This is a better financing plan than most store credit cards can offer.

Apply Now: Discover it®

 

Chase Freedom

Another great cash back credit card that beats most store cards is the Chase Freedom. Also with no annual fee, it offers 1% cash back on all purchases, with rotating categories earning 5% cash back, up to $1500 in spending per quarter. For example, the current quarterly categories are Zappos.com, Amazon.com, and select department stores.

Also, enjoy getting great bargains at the Chase Ultimate Rewards online shopping portal, where you can often redeem your points for terrific deals at greater than face value! Add in the bonus of getting $100 cash back after spending $500 in the first three months, and this card definitely beats any store card, hands down!

 

American Express Blue Cash 

This is a pretty special card with tons of great perks, and amazing ways to earn lots of points. For all department store spending, you earn 2% cash back. This beats most department store credit cards, right off the bat. Add in the fact that you can earn 3% on groceries and 2% on gas, neither of which are options for most store credit cards, and the contest is over, in our minds.

Sure, there is a $6,000 cap on grocery spending, but there is no cap on the gas allowance. If you really want to see how generous the rewards are, then pay attention when you get a $50 statement credit after spending $1000 in the first three months. Get a free subscription for one year to Amazon Prime ($79-99 value) when you meet that spending minimum.

All of those benefits are available for no annual fee. If you want even more, you can sign up for the American Express Blue Cash Preferred card, and pay a $75 annual fee. In exchange for this fee, you will earn even more rewards (such as 6% on groceries, 3% at gas stations and department stores), and earn a sign up bonus of $150 after spending $1000 in the first three months. There is no cap to the rewards that you can earn, and it’s pretty likely that you will be able to make up for the annual fee easily.

 

Are There Any Decent Store Credit Cards?

Most of us have, or have had at some time in the past, store credit cards to our favorite retailers. Not all of them are terrible! You can get some great coupons and special deals, but, we still think that a regular cash back card is going to do better over time.

Some of the best ones may be the Gap credit card, which offers 5% back on in-store purchases; American Eagle Visa, which offers 4% cash back and a 20% birthday coupon; Kohl’s Charge Card, which offers 20% cash back—this is one of the better deals if you shop at this store; and Target, which offers 5% cash back on in-store purchases.

Generally, these store credit cards offer the best deals for in-store shopping. Some still love this way of doing business, but if you are more of an online shopper, or prefer to shop around for great deals from different retailers, you will not see huge benefits from any store credit cards.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, it should seem clear that we definitely lean toward using cash back rewards cards from credit card companies like Discover, Chase and American Express, and would encourage you to explore your options beyond the immediate checkout lure of signing up for a store credit card. You will thank yourself in the long run, when you are enjoying the great cash back rewards that you can use any way you wish, not just as an in-store coupon.

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The Best Credit Cards From USAA

USAA offers credit cards specifically to members of the armed forces and military, including all branches from Navy to American Legion members. Since 1922, USAA has shown their appreciation for those who serve our country by offering helpful financial products that range from auto and life insurance, to loans and credit cards. USAA has developed a full range of credit cards, with varying options and benefits. Here is a list of some of the most common USAA credit cards that you may consider.

USAA Cash Back Card

USAA is not really known for its great rewards credit cards. But, that does not mean that they don’t have any! They just might not be as great when you compare them with some of the other rewards cards that are out there. At first glance, the USAA Cash Rewards Visa card may look appealing, since they advertise a 1.25% cash back rate.

But, when you dig in and read the fine print, you will notice that there is an earning schedule that is dependent upon your yearly spending, and that 1.25% is reserved for those at the highest spending patterns. So, unless you spend more than $17,000 in a year, expect to get a lower rate of cash back. Oh, and we should mention that you only get the cash back rewards once a year, in January, then your spending begins to track all over again for the next year.

There are definitely better options when it comes to cash back Visa cards, but if you are committed to USAA and can justify the other benefits, then at least you are getting something back. There is no annual fee, which is a nice perk. Any reward is better than no reward!

Apply Now: USAA Cash Rewards® Visa®

USAA Rewards Card

Although this card is technically a rewards card, the rewards offered by the USAA Rewards World MasterCard are not exactly the stuff dreams are made of. But, again, any reward is better than none! So, here it is. You get a 1% cash back, flat rate on your purchases. There is no difference in the rewards earning, like the Visa rewards card. There are also no bonus categories to aim for. You do get a sign on bonus of 2,500 points (equivalent to $25 in rewards), which does help things a bit.

And, unlike the Visa rewards card, you can redeem your rewards any time you like, not just once per year. You also have the option of redeeming for cash, travel, merchandise and more. With no annual fee, you have nothing to lose with this card, but you may be able to do better with other rewards cards, like Discover it.

Apply Now: USAA Rewards™ World MasterCard®

USAA American Express Card 

Again, here you have a card with no annual fee, which makes it automatically hit the “attractive” list. With this USAA offer, however, the rewards are a bit more enticing. You can earn 1% on all purchases, with a 2% earning rate for the special categories of gas and groceries—the most common categories for most people. There is no limit or cap on the spending or the rewards that you can earn, other than your own credit limit. Like the MasterCard, the USAA American Express Rewards card offers a 2,500 sign up bonus, which does sweeten the pot a bit.

Apply Now: USAA Rewards™ American Express®

USAA Low APR Credit Card

For those who prefer credit cards with low APRs, mainly those who do not make it a habit to pay off their balance in full each month, the USAA Rate Advantage MasterCard may be a great choice. If you have great credit and can qualify for the lowest rate, you will enjoy a rate of 6.9% on all of your purchases and balance transfers, which is pretty low!

Those with not-so-stellar credit may pay up to 23.99%, so this card quickly becomes unattractive unless you are in the top bracket. No annual fee, but no sign on bonus either. And, no cash back rewards. Just a really low APR, worthy of bragging about.

Apply Now: USAA Rate Advantage MasterCard®

USAA Credit Card for Those With Low Credit Scores

Before you read about the USAA Secured Credit Card, you should know that this offer is reserved for military members and their families.

Helping those with low credit scores make things better is one thing that USAA is good at. If you need a credit boost and you can’t qualify for one of the major credit cards, then this might be a great place for you to start rebuilding. A secured credit card will require a security deposit, and, assuming you make your payments on time and behave like a good customer, you will be able to see your credit score rise in a short period of time.

Once you get your credit high enough, you can close this account, reclaim your security deposit, and apply for a traditional, non-secured credit card and move on. There is a minimum security deposit of $250, which earns interest while they hold your money. You do need to agree to a two-year term, but this is a reasonable amount of time to expect to rebuild your credit anyway. The annual fee for this card is a reasonable $35.

Conclusion

USAA has always been a well-respected and reputable bank, and one that offers solid offers to members of any military branch. They might not be the best offers on the market, but most of them offer special perks during times of deployment and assignment, making financial fitness easier for military members and their families while they serve their country. There are certainly better offers out there, but, depending on what you are looking for, USAA may have some attractive options.

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Which Airline Credit Cards Offer Elite Status?

As you check out the many options for getting a credit card with airline rewards, it is helpful to know what you will get for perks. Some airline credit cards will get you elite status more quickly (or automatically), while others have pretty regular perks.

Depending on what you are looking for, you may prefer one over another. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular airline credit cards to see which ones offer elite status and how you can get it. We will compare the top cards according to spending limits, earning potential for elite status and points, annual fees, and sign up bonuses that are currently being offered.

Citi Executive AAdvantage World Elite Mastercard

This is a great card if you are looking for a quick way to earn elite status. Here are some of the important details:

Spending Limits/Requirements: To earn the maximum points, you need to spend $40,000 in one year.

Earning Potential: Earn up to 10,000 Elite Qualifying Miles per year. This amount of miles will get you halfway toward the goal of Gold AAdvantage status, but you do have to spend a lot of money to get this status.

Annual Fee: $450, not waived during the first year.

Current Sign-on Bonus Offer: Get 60,000 bonus miles when you spend $5,000 within the first 3 months of having the card. Also, you will get a membership to the Admiral’s Club included with approval.

American Express Delta Reserve Credit Card

This card makes it easy to earn elite status, and has great points earning potential. Spend the maximum per year and you get halfway to Platinum status with Delta, or a third of the way to Diamond status. Before you know it, you will be at the top of the elite levels!

Spending Limit/Requirements: If you spend $30,000 per year, you can earn 15,000 Medallion Qualifying Miles (MQMs). Spend $60,000 and receive 30,000 MQMs. These miles can be redeemed along with your other earned miles and add a nice chunk to your account.

Earning Potential: You can earn up to 30,000 MQMs per year.

Annual Fee: The annual fee for this card is $450.

Current Sign-on Bonus Offer: Earn a sign on bonus of 10,000 MQMs and 10,000 bonus miles when you make your first purchase using this card. Also, you will have SkyClub access once you use the card for your first purchase.

American Express Platinum Delta SkyMiles Credit Card

Although the spending requirements are higher for this card, if you are making purchases at this level, you will quickly earn elite status with Delta, and get a bunch of other perks, as well.

Spending Limit/Requirements: You need to spend $25,000 per year to earn 10,000 SkyMiles and MQMs, and by spending $50,000 per year, these numbers double.

Earning Potential: By earning up to 20,000 SkyMiles and MQMs per year, you will quickly get to elite status with Delta. In fact, even the lower spending limit of $25,000 will get the MQM requirement waived and get you elite status.

Annual Fee: The annual fee for this card is a very reasonable $195.

Current Sign-on Bonus Offers: Currently, you can get 50,000 SkyMiles and 15,000 Medallion Qualifying Miles (MQMs) by spending only $1,000 in the first three months that you have this card. This gets you well on your way to elite status. Also, you will get a $100 statement credit if you make a Delta purchase within that first three months. First bag is checked free, for you and up to 8 people sharing your reservation. Get 20% in-flight discounts, and an annual companion certificate.

US Airways MasterCard

Although American Airlines and US Airways are in the midst of a merger, and many of these benefits will change, this is still a solid card with great opportunities to get elite status with US Airways. Hopefully all of the elite status situations will be preserved once the merger is complete.

Spending Limits/Requirements: $25,000 per calendar year for maximum benefits.

Earning Potential: Earn up to 10,000 Preferred miled.

Annual Fee: The annual fee for this card is $89.

Current Sign-on Bonus Offer: Earn a bonus of 40,000 Dividend Miles after you make your first purchase. Get an annual certificate good for two companion tickets at the price of $99 each. Get priority check-in and Priority Zone 2 boarding opportunities. Your first checked bag is free, along with the first bags for up to 4 of your travel companions. A free annual club pass is included.

Apply Now: The US Airways Premier World MasterCard®

Virgin America Premium Visa Signature Card

When you reach the spending maximum for this card, you will be three-quarters of the way toward establishing yourself as a Elevate Silver status member. If you frequently fly on Virgin America, then you will be able to enjoy the many perks. The points do not expire, and can be rolled over into the next year.

Spending Limits/Requirements: You will earn 5,000 points for every $10,000 you spend on this card.

Earning Potential: You can earn up to 15,000 status points in one calendar year, and you can carry them over into the next year if you do not redeem them. This allows you to build up a large account of points that can be redeemed for a bigger reward.

Annual Fee: The annual fee for this card is $149, though there are multiple versions and some slight variation in the annual fees.

Current Sign-on Bonus Offer: Once approved, cardholders will get 15,000 Elevate bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first three months of having the card.

United MileagePlus Club Card

This card has great perks, but it is very difficult to use it to earn elite status.

Spending Limits/Requirements: There are no specific spending requirements to earn the bonuses.

Earning Potential: Although you do not get any automatic elite status with this card, you do get a United Club membership for the entire time you hold the credit card. Your first two bags are checked free for you and your companion. No blackout dates when redeeming rewards for flights.

Annual Fee: The annual fee for this card is $395, which is sometimes waived when you sign up directly through Chase Bank in person.

Current Sign-on Bonus Offer: Earn $100 statement credit after making your first purchase. Earn 50% bonus miles at a rate of 2 miles for every dollar spend on United purchases and 1.5 miles per dollar spent on all other purchases. Other perks include automatic membership in the Hyatt Gold Passport program and Avis First.

Virgin Atlantic MasterCard

Although this card is known for offering some really great sign-on bonuses that can quickly get you to elite status, the current offerings are not as strong as others have been. Still, not a bad card, and once you earn 15 Tier points (by spending $37,500) you will be at Silver Elite status. If you max out the 2 Tier points per month, you will be 60% of the way toward Gold status by the end of the year.

Spending Limits/Requirements: For spending $60,000 per year you will earn up to 24 Tier points.

Earning Potential: Earn one Tier point for every $2,500 spent on purchases, with a maximum earning potential of two Tier points per month.

Annual Fee: The annual fee for this card is $90.

Current Sign-on Bonus Offer: Get 20,000 bonus miles added to your account after you make your first purchase. Earn 25,000 Flying Club bonus miles when you spend at least $2,500. Earn 5,000 bonus miles when you add an authorized user to the card. Get up to 15,000 bonus miles on your anniversary.

Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Premier 

This particular airline does not offer huge benefits for elite members, but you can still get great benefits with the Companion Pass, which can be hard to come by these days.

Spending Limits/Requirements: Earn 1,500 Tier-Qualifying points for every $10,000 you spend using this card.

Earning Potential: Each year, you can earn up to 15,000 Tier-Qualifying points with this card.

Annual Fee:  The annual fee for this card is $99.

Current Sign-on Bonus Offer: Earn 25,000 Rapid Rewards points after spending $1,000 in the first three months of having this card. If you spend $2,000 in the first three months, there is a separate offer which allows you to earn 50,000 bonus points.

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The 5 Best Airline and Travel Rewards Credit Cards

Credit cards for travel rewards are some of the most popular credit cards that are offered. Many people are enticed by the idea of earning a free or super-low-cost vacation, but with so many cards to choose from, how do you know which one is going to offer you the best value?

Luckily, we have reviewed tons of cards and can help you sort through them to find the great ones. Here is a list of what we consider to be the 5 best airline and travel rewards credit cards that are available right now.

Barclaycard Arrival Plus World Elite MasterCard

If you are looking for a great everyday credit card that earns you terrific travel benefits, then this is one you should look at closely. One of the great things about the Barclaycard Arrival card is that you can redeem the points in a totally flexible way, meaning you are not tied to a specific airline or even a group of airlines.

After earning 2 points for every dollar spent, for all purchases, you can redeem the points for any kind of travel. At the end of the year, you get a 10% bonus for all of the travel you have redeemed, giving you a 2.2% rate for points earning.

Consider the 40,000 sign up bonus (worth $400 in travel cash) after spending $3,000 in the first three months, and this card really has a lot to offer someone looking for great travel rewards. You should be aware that there are two versions of this card, one with the $89 annual fee waived for the first year, which is certainly another attractive feature. There is a no-annual fee version, but the perks aren’t as nice.

Apply Now: Barclaycard Arrival PlusTM World Elite MasterCard®

Chase Sapphire Preferred

The Chase Sapphire Preferred offers great potential when it comes to earning big rewards. First of all, you’ll receive 40,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first three months of card membership. And if you play your cards right (pun intended), you can actually earn rewards at a rate of up to 3.75%, in some cases. This happens when you take full advantage of the Ultimate Rewards program for booking your travel, because you get a 20% discount on your travel, making your points worth 1.25 cents for every point you redeem.

Another way to redeem your valuable Ultimate Rewards points is by transferring them out to one of the many travel partners they have to offer, including Hyatt, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and many more.

When you use your Chase Sapphire Preferred for other travel expenses, like hotels and rental cars, you can earn 2 points per dollar spent. While the travel points are huge for this card, the regular spending points remain at a rate of one point per dollar spent, which is average for reward cards. However, for those of you who dine out frequently, you’ll also receive 2 points per dollar spent at restaurants.

Apply Now: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

British Airways Visa

This card makes our list for several reasons. There are some terrific perks, including a great sign up bonus of 50,000 Avios (this is the British Airways currency for rewards points) when you spend only $2,000 in the first three months that you have the card. Plus, you earn 1.25 Avios for every dollar spent, on all purchases. This is increased to 2.25 Avios per dollar as a bonus for all spending on British Airways purchases.

If that’s not enough for you, then take a look at the fact that you can earn a companion ticket each year that you spend $30,000 in a calendar year (this is not a huge amount for those using the card for everyday spending, making $2,500 in purchases per month). Get 10% off for all British Airways purchases. Top security features with chip-and-PIN technology, and no foreign transaction fees round out the package nicely. There is an annual fee of $95, but this is well worth it, especially if you can earn a companion ticket each year.

US Airways Premier World MasterCard

With the US Airways card, you’ll earn 40,000 bonus miles after your first purchase and payment of the $89 annual fee. You can redeem your miles on US Airways or American Airlines, since the airlines are merging. This card will eventually be going away because of the merger, so we recommend that you get it soon if you’re on the fence!

One of the best things about the US Airways Premier World MasterCard is that you get a free companion certificate each year. You can also purchase two additional companion certificates for $99, which you can use on any flight in the continental United States or Canada. Both tickets must be used on the same flight, at the same time. This is a huge discount, and a great option for a family vacation! There is no spending minimum to get this perk, either.

Apply Now: The US Airways Premier World MasterCard®

Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Premier

Earn lots of bonus points with the Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Premier card, especially when you get a bonus of 25,000 points after spending only $1,000 in the first 3 months that you have the card. This is enough points to get you a roundtrip ticket on Southwest Airlines, so it sure is a great perk. However, we recommend that you wait until the bonus is higher on this card, as Southwest has been known to double that bonus for a limited time.

The awards that you get when redeeming your points can be as high as 1.4 cents per point earned, which is one of the higher rates in the industry. Each year on your anniversary, you will get a bonus of 6,000 points. The bonus points that you get with this card definitely make it an attractive option.

Shop Around for the Best Deals

There are a few important things to consider when you are looking for a travel rewards card. We have outlined some of the choices that we think are great, but each person may be a little different.

When you get a credit card that is affiliated with a specific airline, remember that you are limited to using your miles on that airline or the airlines in that specific alliance. In contrast, using a card like the Barclaycard Arrival or Chase Sapphire Preferred gives you immense flexibility when it comes to redeeming your travel points any way that you like.

So, consider how you are going to use the card before signing up or being lured by a great bonus offer. If you’re loyal to a specific airline and fly them regularly, then by all means, get their co-branded credit card! It’s all about your travel goals and preferences. As always, we recommend that you read full reviews of these cards before deciding which one is best for you.

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Card Comparison: The Discover it and the Discover it Chrome

Discover it offers two different options for you—the regular Discover it and the Discover it Chrome. Let’s take a look at the similarities and differences so that you can decide if one or the other is better for you. Each of these cards currently offers two separate ways to enjoy the benefits, so, hopefully we can clarify how you can make the best choice for you!
 

 

Discover it

The Discover it is growing in popularity, and certainly offers many benefits. Currently, there are two Discover it options available (not including the Student card offers). Let’s break down the two Discover it offers first.

The difference between the two offers

Discover it®

  • 0% intro APR on purchases & balance transfers for 14 months–then a variable purchase APR applies, currently 10.99% – 22.99%. A 3% fee applies to each transferred balance.

Discover it® – 18 Month Balance Transfer

  • 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months–then a variable purchase APR applies, currently 10.99% – 22.99%. A 3% fee applies to each transferred balance.
  • 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months. Then the variable purchase APR applies, currently 10.99% – 22.99%.

The similarities

No Annual Fees

Both Discover it options have no annual fee, so you can enjoy all of the perks and benefits without having to pay a dime!

Avoid Other Fees

There are also no late fees for your first late payment, your APR won’t increase if you pay late, and there’s no foreign transaction fee or overlimit fee. Gotta love it!

Big Rotating Rewards

You’ll receive 5% cash back on quarterly rotating categories throughout the year (up to $1,500 in combined purchases each quarter) and 1% cash back on all other purchases. From July through September 2014, receive 5% cash back at gas stations.

 

Discover it Chrome

The Discover it Chrome offers two options as well. Discover likes to keep things interesting! Let’s examine the differences and similarities.

The differences between the two offers

Discover it® chrome

  • 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 14 months-then a variable purchase APR applies, currently 10.99% – 22.99%.A 3% fee applies to each transferred balance.

Discover it® chrome

  • 0% Intro APR* on balance transfers for 18 months. Then the variable purchase APR applies, currently 10.99% – 22.99%. A fee of 3% applies for each balance transferred.
  • 0% Intro APR* on purchases for 6 months. Then the variable purchase APR applies, currently 10.99% – 22.99%.

The similarities

No Annual Fees

Discover it Chrome offers all of the advantages, with no annual fees. This makes it a terrific everyday credit card with tons of perks!

Avoid Other Fees

With the Chrome, there are also no late fees for your first late payment, and there’s no foreign transaction fee or overlimit fee.

Rewards that Stick

Receive 2% cash back on gas station and restaurant purchases, up to $1,000 each quarter. You’ll earn 1% on all other purchases.

 

Different Options for Earning Points

With the regular Discover it options, you will earn one point per dollar spent for all purchases, with rotating categories that offer 5% earnings. With the Discover it Chrome, you will earn a flat rate of 2 points per dollar spent on gas stations and dining, and one point per dollar elsewhere, with no rotating bonus categories. The major difference is that the Chrome, points rates are consistent and permanent, while the basic Discover it has a flat rate with rotating bonus categories. Consider which card might earn you more points!

While it might be difficult for you to choose between the various options, there are a few factors to think about that could affect your decision. First, review the options for the 5% bonus categories and see if these are major spending categories for you. Consider how much spending you do in the dining and gas categories, and this may help you decide between the Discover it and the Discover it Chrome versions.

When it comes to evaluating the APR options offered by each (the regular it and the Chrome it) then you need to think about whether or not you will be transferring balances or if you would benefit more from no interest on purchases.

 

Classic Discover Perks

All of the Discover it options offer access to the ShopDiscover online portal, where you can find discounted merchandise—from 5-20% off regular prices! Not only will you get great discounts, you will earn additional rewards points.

As with all Discover products, you will have your free FICO score printed at the top of every statement. Discover believes in helping people be financially responsible, and keeping tabs on your credit score is an important part of this.

You will also have human customer support available, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Any problems or issues you run into will be handled promptly and professionally.

Full fraud protection is available with both of these offers. Discover is consistently protecting their customers from any liability related to fraudulent transactions.

 

How to Choose?

Choosing Discover it is the easy part. Choosing which offer is going to suit your needs best may take a little more thought. For those looking for a great way to save interest on balances from other cards, both the Discover it and the Chrome offer an 18-month introductory period of 0% APR. This gives you a full year and a half to pay off your balances from other cards. Remember that balance transfers do not qualify for cash back earnings. But, you can certainly save a bundle on interest by transferring balances from higher-interest credit cards.

For those who are looking to save interest on purchases, the other options which offer a 0% introductory period on purchases may suit you best. But, if you are the type of person who pays off their credit card in full each month, you will never pay interest anyway.

When it comes to rewards earnings, we think the Discover it comes out ahead, with its higher potential earnings with 5% rotating categories and a higher cap of $1,500 instead of $1,000 with the Chrome. But if rotating categories aren’t your style, then by all means, go with the Chrome! It’s still an excellent offer.

Considering all of the shared benefits between both Discover it and Discover it Chrome offers, you really can’t go wrong! It all depends on your personal goals and your rewards earning style.

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The Best American Express Credit Cards for Travel Rewards

 I’ll admit it, I’m a pretty big American Express fan.  My first credit card was a Starwood Preferred Guest credit card by American Express, and I now proudly hold a American Express Platinum card in my wallet.  So, yes, I’m happy with the company and their suite of credit cards.  But, which ones are the best for travel rewards?  Let’s dig in with this post and see which cards are available, shall we?

Platinum Card from American Express

The ‘granddaddy’ of travel rewards credit cards, the Platinum Card from American Express has seen some competition as of late.  However, the benefits of this card are massive (and should be that way, with the $450 annual fee).  For one, you have access to the Membership Rewards partners, one of the most diverse group of transfer partners in the travel market.  And, most are available to transfer to at a 1:1 ratio.

Many of those same partners offer ‘transfer bonuses,’ sometimes up to 50% for a limited time.  You’ll receive two points per dollar spent on travel purchases on their booking engine, and one point per dollar on every other purchase.  Furthermore, you’ll receive $200 in statement credits for airline fees annually, and free Boingo internet for as long as you have the card.  A 40,000 point sign-up bonus for spending $3,000 in the first three months of card membership isn’t half bad, either!

Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card

I’m in love with SPG.  For one, their hotels, from the hip W Hotels, to luxurious St. Regis properties, to the ubiquitous Westins, are some of the best properties in their respective cities.  I love the SPG Card from American Express especially because of the value of SPG points: the program allows for the most transfers to airline partners in the business.

And, when you transfer more than 20,000 at a time, you’ll earn a 5,000 mile bonus.  If you like sign-up bonuses, I would apply now: you’ll receive 30,000 bonus Starpoints for spending $5,000 in the first six months of cardmembership (20,000 for the spend, 10,000 on first purchase).  The annual fee is a reasonable $65 a year.

American Express Premier Rewards Gold Card

The little brother of the Platinum card, the Premier Rewards Gold Card is worth a mention because of its bonus categories.  You’ll earn three points per dollar on flights booked directly with the airline, and two points per dollar on gas and grocery stores.  This can really add up for those making purchases regularly in these areas.

Conclusion

There are many American Express cards out there, but I believe these three to be the strongest out there.  The combination of transfer partners, either with SPG or Membership Rewards, combined with the backing of American Express makes these all winners in my book.  I love American Express’ purchase protection, and have had great experiences working with their customer service department.  So, what do you think?  Did I recommend your favorite cards, or do you have your own favorites?  Let us know in the comments.

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The Best Credit Cards for Restaurant Dining

Love dining out? Then maybe getting a credit card that helps you specifically earn points for dining is a great idea for you. There are several cards out there that are aimed toward those who just love being in restaurants—whether you prefer sitting on a nice outdoor deck during the warm summer months, or cozying up in your favorite Italian restaurant with a fireplace during the freezing winter months.

Enjoy year round dining perks with these cards. Surveys show that dining out is one of the most common leisure activities for people, so it makes sense that there would be plenty of credit cards dedicated to this.

Let’s take a look at some of the best restaurant credit cards and see what you have to choose from!

Chase Sapphire Preferred 

After you spend $3,000 in the first three months, you get a huge bonus of 40,000 points. Add an authorized user and ear another 5,000 points! With no annual fee for the first year this card is very attractive.

Although the annual fee does go up to $95 after the first year, you do earn two points per dollar spent on dining and travel purchases, and one point on every dollar for other purchases. Points can be easily redeemed for many different options, including travel, cash back, merchandise and gift cards.

Apply Now: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Citi Thank You Preferred 

Those who sign up for the Citi Thank You Preferred credit card will enjoy 20,000 bonus points after they spend only $1,500 in the first three months. This translates into several nice restaurant meals for those who love dining out! This card also has no annual fee and a 0% introductory APR for the first year.

Earn one point for every dollar spent on purchases, and earn double points on all dining purchases and entertainment purchases. After the introductory period ends, you will have an APR between 12.99-22.99%, depending on your credit. Tons of redemption options and no expiration of points make this card a great choice, especially for those who tend to spend a lot on dining out!

Discover it 

This card is a definite favorite—with no annual fee, one point earned for every dollar spent, and rotating bonus categories that allow you to earn 5% cash back, it’s hard to turn away.

Discover is also heavily committed to ensuring that their customers are responsible with their credit, and provide a FICO score every month on the statement. Introductory APR of 0% for 14 months on purchases and balance transfers should seal the deal, but decide for yourself!

Apply Now: Discover it®

Citi Thank You Preferred for College Students

Another great card with no annual fee, this one offers students the chance to earn 2,500 bonus points after spending only $500 on purchases during their first three months. With a 0% introductory APR for the first 7 months, cardholders can enjoy paying no interest for a while.

After the introductory period, cardholders pay 13.99-23.99%.  Earn one point for every dollar spent on purchases, but two points for every dollar spent on dining and entertainment! Build up points quickly with this card!

Chase Freedom

The Chase Freedom is definitely a good option when it comes to dining perks. With no annual fee, and a great introductory bonus of $100 when you spend $500 during the first three months on any purchases, you can certainly enjoy a nice meal out—for free! Add an authorized user during that same period and get another $25 bucks.

The Chase Freedom gives you one point for every dollar spent, with rotating categories on a quarterly basis (often including restaurants!) which earn you 5% cash back. With an introductory APR of 0% for the first 15 months, and a reasonable (if you have a good credit score) 13.99-22.99% APR after that, this card is certainly a solid option.

Conclusion

Each of these cards has something great to offer. Is there one that stands out to you as the best? We like them all, and suggest that you do your own comparison to see what works best for your unique situation! Get your dining perks and rewards—basically, have your cake and eat it too, literally!

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How to Earn Chase Ultimate Rewards Points

For the last five years, Chase customers have been using the Ultimate Rewards Program to earn tons of points for travel perks. As the program has developed, many travel partners have been added, including airlines, hotels and more. Let’s take a look at some of the best ways for you to earn Chase Ultimate Rewards Points so that you can make the most of your purchases and earn vacations more quickly!

Three Credit Cards to Choose From

Chase offers three different cards when it comes to earning Ultimate Rewards points that can be redeemed for airline miles or hotel points. You can opt for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Chase Ink Bold or the Chase Ink Plus. None of these cards come without annual fees, but the annual fee of $95 is waived for the first year for each of these cards.

More Options For Earning Points

Chase does offer several other no-annual-fee credit cards that will earn points, but the points that are earned cannot be transferred for redemption by any of the partner programs. You can still use them for the actual program you are registered for, or exchange them for cash back or gift card options.

You can transfer your points among different Chase cards that are associated with the Ultimate Rewards, so if you have a higher-tiered card, you can transfer the points earned from your no-fee card, like the Chase Freedom, and then have more options when you want to redeem them.

Different Earning Potential Among Cards

There is a distinct difference when it comes to earning points if you are using the annual fee version or the no-fee versions of these Chase credit cards. All of the Chase cards mentioned offer earning potential of 1 point per dollar spent. When you have one of the annual fee versions of the cards, you will have the ability to earn bonus points in specific categories, up to 5 points per dollar spent.

For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers 2 points per dollar spent on airfare, dining and travel purchases, while the business cards, the Chase Ink Plus and Chase Ink Bold, each offer 2 points per dollar spent on gas and hotels. The Chase Sapphire Preferred offers an additional perk of a 7% bonus at the end of the year on all of your points earned. This means if you have earned 40,000 points during the year, you will receive a bonus of 2,800 points at the end of the year!

For business customers using the Chase Ink cards, it is possible to earn 5 points per dollar spent on all of your business expenses—including cell phone, internet services and cable charges. You can earn up to 250,000 points per year this way!

Redeeming at the Ultimate Rewards Mall

One of the great things about the Chase Ultimate Rewards program is the many ways in which you can redeem your points. The online shopping portal, the Ultimate Rewards Mall, not only offers amazing deals from hundreds of your favorite retailers, but you can also enjoy bonus points for most purchases—some may be up to 30 points per dollar spent!

Just as an example, if you spent $200 with a 30 points-per-dollar bonus, you would earn 6,000 points. When you consider that a standard rate is $35 for 1,000 miles, purchased through the airline, you are essentially getting 6,000 miles for $200—a significant savings—because you are not just buying the miles, you have $200 worth of merchandise to go along with it.

Bottom Line

Maximizing earning potential is a priority for any rewards credit card holder. After all, why have the credit card if you are not going to take advantage of the perks? Learn how you can get the highest earning rates, and how to spend in a way that gets you the most points or cash back.

In this case, you can see just how great the Chase offers are, especially if you want to redeem your points with the travel partners of United Airlines, British Airways, Marriott, InterContinental, Korean Air, Southwest Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Hyatt, Ritz-Carlton and more!

Read this post for ways to redeem your Ultimate Rewards.