Unofficial CREDIT CARD Information Thread

[EH1899]

I just have a Visa through my credit union. I use to have an Amex blue, but I paid it off and closed the account. I since decided I'd like it again, but every time I apply, they reject me. I think they're like a woman scorned.

I've been considering a good 2nd (back-up) credit card, but not sure what would be good. Maybe another Visa...or maybe Diner's Club.

 

[NorCal]



I thought this would be useful since SF gurls luv to shop

How do you manage your credit?
What's in your wallet?
What's the best card for

• shopping

• travel

• rewards

• benefits

• etc

2 cards currently worth mentioning for sign up rewards:

CitiBank ThankYou Premier - spend $2k in first 3 months get 50,000 points (= $500) There is a $125 annual fee which you may be able to get waived.
Chase Sapphire Preferred - spend $3k in first 3 months get 50,000 points (= $500) Annual fee waived first year.

Took me literally 5 minutes to apply and get approved. Spending the money is the easy part. Should have a free $1k in a few months.
I would jump on these. The only time I've gotten sign up bonuses this high was targeted offers from AMEX for example but these are open to anyone.

What can you do with the points and can you combine them with points from other cards?

 

[HomerJ]



What can you do with the points and can you combine them with points from other cards?

With Chase I send myself a check or get a credit statement. If you book travel through their travel center you can redeem at 125% value (Citi is 133%).

I suppose each bank will combine points with itself, Chase + Chase, Citi + Citi. For transfer outside the bank, Chase is 1:1 with a few like Hyatt, Continental, etc. I know little about Citi.

Applying for these 2 cards is like picking up $1000 laying on the ground.

 

[uhurit]

I buy lots of stuff at Amazon, so Amazon CC thru' Chase is a great deal, points and rewards
Also, Chase Freedom, great rewards program

 

[NorCal]



I don't think so. It's $125 annual which is hefty considering it's a 1 point/$ reward card.

You have to book the companion ticket through Spirit Incentives. I haven't done it yet and don't know how much that's worth. I've heard that you only save 30%-50% over buying a normal ticket.

Only reason I got the Premier was for the 50000 points.

Someone breaks it down here but they're using 20000 points for the comparison.

They sound shady:http://www.ripoffreport.com/directory/spirit-incentives.aspx

And therein lays the problem. I've never used points for anything, I get some cash back with Discover and I have the Amazon card, which jsut gives me points/$$ straight to my Amazon bill.
I can't help wondering if the whole thing is just a total pain ********** and not really worth it for what I actually get. I mean, will they just cut me a 500$$ check for the 50k in points? Or do I have to use them for certain items?

 

[deadly7]



They sound shady:http://www.ripoffreport.com/directory/spirit-incentives.aspx

And therein lays the problem. I've never used points for anything, I get some cash back with Discover and I have the Amazon card, which jsut gives me points/$$ straight to my Amazon bill.
I can't help wondering if the whole thing is just a total pain ********** and not really worth it for what I actually get. I mean, will they just cut me a 500$$ check for the 50k in points? Or do I have to use them for certain items?

As far as points go, Citi makes it very easy to redeem them. They have a website that you redeem them from, it takes about 5 minutes. You can get $$$, gift cards (eg: Macy's, gas stations, etc), airplane tickets, etc etc. I haven't used them for airfare, but cash and gift cards were easy. HomerJ may have more insight though.

 

[NorCal]

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[NorCal]

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[dunkindonuts]

Chase Freedom Rewards gives $200 cashback if you spend $500 within 3 months.

https://applynowdc1.chase.com/FlexA...8A&pvid=104270_11260b482011e809ff10196a351e05

 

[Dashaansafin]

Just got my Amex blue. I always thought that was the best rewards program if you dont travel much.

 

[Big Pun]

What would you guys recommend for an 18 year old that just wants to build good credit? Any cards without fees?

 

[HomerJ]



Just got my Amex blue. I always thought that was the best rewards program if you dont travel much.

Amex Blue Cash? Good call.

Blue Cash Preferred has very good cashback on everyday spending.
Grocery = 6%
Gas, Department store = 3%
Everything = 1%

 

[musicguy]



What would you guys recommend for an 18 year old that just wants to build good credit? Any cards without fees?

There are plenty of cards without annual fees. In fact, most cards don't have an annual fee. I would recommend just getting any card with a low APR and pay it off in full every month. My parents gave me a credit card when I was in my mid teens in order to build credit. I never used it really. I have a really high credit score now.

This is great for the US, but now that I'm in Chile, I have to start all over. My US credit means squat over here and I can't even get a bank account unless I have temporary residency with my passport stamped and a chilean RUT (equivilant of a SSN). Chile makes banking difficult for expats.

 

[stevent]



There are plenty of cards without annual fees. In fact, most cards don't have an annual fee. I would recommend just getting any card with a low APR and pay it off in full every month. My parents gave me a credit card when I was in my mid teens in order to build credit. I never used it really. I have a really high credit score now.

This is great for the US, but now that I'm in Chile, I have to start all over. My US credit means squat over here and I can't even get a bank account unless I have temporary residency with my passport stamped and a chilean RUT (equivilant of a SSN). Chile makes banking difficult for expats.

HSBC Premier is in Chile I think, should solve your problems.

 

[dunkindonuts]



I thought this would be useful since SF gurls luv to shop

How do you manage your credit?
What's in your wallet?
What's the best card for

• shopping

• travel

• rewards

• benefits

• etc

2 cards currently worth mentioning for sign up rewards:

CitiBank ThankYou Premier - spend $2k in first 3 months get 50,000 points (= $500) There is a $125 annual fee which you may be able to get waived.
Chase Sapphire Preferred - spend $3k in first 3 months get 50,000 points (= $500) Annual fee waived first year.

Took me literally 5 minutes to apply and get approved. Spending the money is the easy part. Should have a free $1k in a few months.
I would jump on these. The only time I've gotten sign up bonuses this high was targeted offers from AMEX for example but these are open to anyone.

HomerJ, where did you find these offers? I checked the websites for both cards and the rewards advertised are slightly different to what you said they were. Maybe they changed it after many people jumped on it?