Credit card benefits and perks - airline miles, rebates and cash back credit card.
Enjoy credit card benefits and perks, ranging from free airline miles, rebates, to cash back credit card incentives and rewards. Typically, platinum credit cards offer the best rates.
Select a Credit Card Issuer or a Type of Card Offer Here
Use our credit card guide for help choosing a credit card
Instant approval credit card: If you've been denied credit, or are behind on several bills, or if your annual income is less than $24,000 or you've filed bankruptcy, apply for a secured card or a guaranteed credit card.
Fair or Bad credit credit card: If you have minor credit problems, or are late paying a few minor bills, you may still qualify for a no deposit, unsecured credit card.
Excellent credit credit card: If you make over $30,000 per year, and if you make all your payments on time plus have 3 good credit references, you may qualify for a platinum credit card.
Credit Card Benefits
Credit cards are safe: If your card was issued in the United States and is lost or stolen and used by a thief, the most you'll be held liable for is $50. You don’t get that kind of guarantee with cash or checks.
Credit cards provide emergency buying power: Car broke down? An unexpected emergency room visit? A reassuring credit card benefit is that you don’t need to worry about having enough cash on hand or if a merchant accepts checks.
Credit cards offer protection: In most cases it's easier to reverse a credit card charge than to cancel a check payment or get a cash refund.
Credit cards can build your credit rating: A major credit card can help build credit ratings. Fact: the single strongest reference on a credit report is a major credit card, paid on time over time.
More credit card benefits
In many countries, major credit cards are widely accepted. You’ll often get a favorable exchange rate as well. And some cards offer benefits like emergency card replacement or free Collision Damage Waiver Coverage on rental cars.
With a credit card, you have the option of paying your bill in full and usually avoiding any interest charges, or making smaller payments. Charge cards, on the other hand, require you pay the entire balance in full each month. Of course it’s a good idea to pay as much as you can each month to avoid carrying too much debt or paying large finance charges.
Credit card perks range from free frequent flier miles to extended warranties on merchandise you buy with the card.
There are credit cards for just about every walk-of-life, meaning; chances are, there's a credit card tailored to satisfy your individuality. Credit card issuers; in their attempts to attract new customers, are creating card offers leaning heavily towards user personality.
But before you rush out to find a card that fits your personality, you first need to determine which types of credit cards you may qualify for. If you aren't sure of your credit score, you should order a credit report, or you can use the estimated prequalification guide.
Once you have an idea of what types of credit cards you may qualify for, you can begin your search to find your personality card. Listed below are examples of these types of credit cards:
Airline Miles Credit Card - this card is perfect for anyone who travels frequently. In addition to awarding frequent flyer miles to the user, this card can also offer discounts on airfare at participating airlines, such as Southwest.
Cash Back Credit Card - this type of card is ideal for people who rarely use cash when making purchases. By making purchases with the card, users can earn cash back based upon a percentage of their charges. Some issuers tailor the card to the user's personality, by allowing a higher cash back percentage on charges they most frequently make. For example; if the user mostly makes charges at a grocery store, the issuer credits a higher cash back percentage for those purchases. Other issuers may offer higher cash back percentages for purchases made at participating retailers, such as Home Depot or Sears.
Business Credit Card - these are not only for large businesses, now even small businesses can get this type of credit card, and can get separate cards for employees who make purchases on behalf of the company. Again, some business credit card issuers will sweeten the offer by awarding discounts for purchases made at participating retailers, such as Office Depot, or will award cash back percentages.
Retail Credit Card - if a person uses a credit card only at one particular store, a retail credit card can offer discounts on purchases. Examples of this type of card are: Sears Card, JC Penney Card, Wal Mart etc. Regarding the Wal Mart Card, users can get discounts on Wal Mart gasoline purchases, which is quite beneficial during current high gas prices.
Shopping Credit Card - typically known as Catalog or Merchant credit cards, these allow even bad credit people to obtain an unsecured line of credit. Purchases are restricted to a certain merchant or a specified catalog, but nonetheless offer the ability to make purchases on credit. For people with very bad credit, this is an excellent way to obtain credit. Just be sure to use a card that reports your timely payments to a major credit bureau so you can build your credit.
Other Rewards Credit Cards - you can find cards that offer a variety of discounts and free services, such as free music downloads, free roadside assistance, as well as protection against identity theft.
For nearly every individual personality and credit rating, their is a credit card issuer who wants you to become their customer. Be sure to read all the Terms and Conditions, so you know exactly what you will get before you apply.
Need more credit card information? Read our financial and credit articles related to benefits.
Credit
Card
There
are always new technologies in the way of how people are using their mobile
phones. The U.S. Bank and Visa have some new mobile payment processes that can
help customers. This involves ways to make purchases using a mobile device. It
can be as simple as using a phone and waving it in front of a Visa payWave terminal.
According to the Visa website, the U.S. Bank can be thanked for this technology,
and some select customers may be trying it next year.
People
like to be mobile and there is so much new technology involving mobile gadgets.
It can make managing bank accounts and making bill payments with a mobile device
easier. Credit card companies appear to be leading the way for many ways people
can manage their finances. Assessing information has never been quicker and more
convenient.
According
to the Visa website, memory cards can inserted in a slot found in many mobile
devices, and this mobile payment solution is password protected. It uses advanced security technology to
identify each transaction. There is no worry if lost or stolen, the chip can be disabled by the bank.
Allowing people the ability to link an existing payment account to a mobile
device is changing the way people can pay and how merchants get their money.
There
can also be mobile banking solutions to pay bills for prepaid cardholders too.
For Visa cardholders, getting account alerts, and offers can be done as
cardholders are on the go through the means of a Visa Mobile application. The U.S. Bank was one of the first banks to test the Visa Micro Tag, an early
no contact mobile payment device. For these details and other information visit
the Visa website. Visa has some great credit card options that can be viewed on
their website. Offers may include prepaid
cards that can have 100% approval.
American Express Adds U.S. Consumer, OPEN® Small Business and Serve Cards to Isis Mobile Wallet
American Express and Isis(TM), the mobile commerce joint venture between AT&T Mobility, T-Mobile USA and Verizon Wireless, today announced an agreement to make American Express' U.S. Consumer, OPEN® Small Business and Serve Cards available in the Isis Mobile Wallet(TM). American Express Cardmembers will be able to shop, tap and pay with their mobile device equipped with Near Field Communications (NFC) technology.
Last year the American Express network joined the Isis Mobile Commerce Platform. Now American Express is adding its Cards to the Isis mobile wallet to connect its merchant network with Cardmembers and create a secure shopping experience. With a tap of their phone, the Isis Mobile Wallet provides Cardmembers with a secure way to pay and take advantage of loyalty programs, together with the service they expect from American Express.
Serve is American Express' new digital payments and commerce platform and its addition into the Isis Mobile Wallet opens the door to new customer segments who can benefit from the service and security of American Express, without credit checks or monthly or annual fees. Serve extends the overall reach of American Express and provides a highly flexible and open platform that unifies online, offline and mobile payments into one single account. Serve account holders will be able to use the Isis Mobile Wallet at a later date.
The Isis and American Express agreement brings together leaders in the industry to build and grow the next generation of mobile commerce.
CHASE TO LAUNCH RELOADABLE CARD
Chase announced its plans to launch Chase LiquidSM, a reloadable card that offers customers financial control and flexibility with the convenience of Chase's extensive branch and ATM network. Chase Liquid is available in approximately 200 branches during the pilot phase and will be made available in our national footprint this summer.
Chase Liquid has a flat monthly fee of $4.95 and does not charge customers anything additional for making withdrawals and deposits at Chase ATMs and branches, or for the number of purchases they make. In addition, Chase Liquid customers will not pay to check their balances – at Chase ATMs and branches, on Chase.com, via text, or by speaking with a customer service representative. In total, Chase Liquid provides consumers better value than other reloadable cards and non-traditional financial services providers.
Chase Liquid customers receive a clear and simple one-page disclosure that allows them to plainly see a description of fees and when deposits are available. This form incorporates leading consumer group disclosure recommendations.
Chase Liquid customers will pay no additional charge to:
* Open a Chase Liquid card;
* Refill their card with cash or checks at Chase's 10,500 DepositFriendly^(SM) ATMs and 5,500 branches nationwide;
* Withdraw cash at Chase's 17,500 ATMs and 5,500 branches nationwide;
* Sign up for direct deposit – paychecks or government benefits such as Social Security;
* Transfer funds to their Chase Liquid card from Chase accounts on Chase.com or at Chase ATMs;
* Receive online or paper statements; ? Replace lost cards;
* Receive account alerts via text or email, and check balances via text; or
* Call customer service (customers have access to English- and Spanish-speaking customer representatives 24/7).
Additional card benefits include:
* No overdraft fees.
* Chase Liquid balances are FDIC-insured.
* Chase Liquid offers reimbursement for unauthorized purchases and withdrawals.
* Customers can make purchases with Chase Liquid anywhere Visa® is accepted.
Chase Liquid will require a low initial deposit of $25 and customers are not required to have a checking or savings account with Chase.
For more information, please visit www.chase.com/liquid
Citi Announces Exclusive BrandSource Card Relationship
- Multi-year agreement to provide credit services through merchandise retailer's 4,500 stores nationwide
Citi announced a new multi-year card relationship with BrandSource, one of the nation's largest buying groups. BrandSource provides low prices, large selection and exceptional service on appliances, electronics, bedding, home furnishings and floor covering to millions of shoppers in North America. The BrandSource Credit Card program will provide customer financing for purchases at more than 4,500 locally-owned BrandSource retailers across the country.
The signing of this U.S. retail card agreement with BrandSource reinforces Citi Retail Services' market-leading position providing customer financing and loyalty solutions in the retail industry. Citi will provide unique customer value propositions and fully integrated marketing programs to drive increased BrandSource sales and loyalty.
This new relationship follows multiple contract renewals announced by Citi over the past 18 months with long-standing partners such as Sears and Shell, and continues to affirm Citi's commitment to growth in the retail card space.
"Citi Retail Services is proud to welcome BrandSource to our portfolio of leading retailers across the country," said Craig Vallorano, EVP, Citi Retail Services. "This new relationship is the latest in a series of extensions and new agreements demonstrating our commitment to provide best-in-class loyalty and credit programs and a comprehensive suite of services to our growing family of partners."
"We are extremely excited to partner with Citi Retail Services," said Bob Lawrence, CEO of BrandSource. "Citi's expertise across the payments and retail industries and its ability to deliver both an integrated marketing campaign and the high-level support to our network of dealers sets them apart from other providers. This new program delivers a significant competitive edge for BrandSource and our network of dealers and will ultimately benefit our customers."
The BrandSource Credit Card, available in local member stores starting in April, will provide BrandSource customers with special rebates and offers, no interest financing options and a simple application process, including in-store credit approval. Additional product information is available at local BrandSource dealerships or by visiting
(brandsource.com).
Citi Retail Services provides consumer and commercial credit card products, services, and retail solutions to national and regional retailers across the U.S. The business services nearly 90 million accounts for a number of iconic brands, including The Home Depot, Macy's, Sears, Shell and ExxonMobil, among others.
Discover Financial Services Announces First Internationally-Issued Discover Cards
Diners Club del Ecuador Sociedad Financiera to Issue Discover Cards; Leverages Strong Diners Club Market Share in Ecuador
Discover Financial Services announced it has expanded its franchise agreement with Diners Club Ecuador (DCE) to include issuance of Discover cards in Ecuador. This is the first time in company history that Discover cards will be issued beyond U.S. borders.
As part of the agreement, DCE has been given the exclusive rights to issue Discover cards in Ecuador and will sub-license the issuing rights to Banco Pichincha, the largest bank in the country. Currently, DCE owns a market share of more than 40% by sales volume in Ecuador through their Diners Club products, and the complementary Discover card product was designed to further grow market share in the country. Discover cards will be processed on the Diners Club network in Ecuador, which boasts 100% merchant acceptance.
The new Discover card will initially offer a basic version of Discover’s award-winning cash rewards program, Cashback Bonus, which includes up to 1 percent cash back on all purchases. New card products and features will be rolled out over time, as “cashback” is still a new concept in Ecuador. Cash rewards can be redeemed for a gift card once cardmembers earn $20 (USD) or a statement credit once they earn $40 (USD).
“Discover clearly will benefit from the success of the Diners Club Ecuador franchise, which is a dominant force throughout the country,” said Diane Offereins, EVP and President of Discover Payment Services. “By leveraging DCE’s strength and expertise in-market, Discover has a tremendous opportunity to build its brand globally and share its most compelling attributes – including best cash rewards, service and value – with the people of Ecuador.”
“This agreement gives us the opportunity to expand our financial services product portfolio and introduce consumers in Ecuador to the Discover brand, which has a proven track record of success in the U.S.,” said Pablo Salazar, president of Diners Club Ecuador.
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Compare Credit Cards Terms Conditions and Fine Print: Not all credit cards are alike. That's why it's important to carefully review a card's terms and costs before you sign up for it. In general, if you expect to pay your card bill in full each month, your best bet is a card with no annual fee and with the kinds of rebates or rewards that fit your lifestyle. "You also want to make sure the creditor grants you a 'grace period' before incurring interest charges; not all card companies do that nowadays," said Karen Porter, a Senior Consumer Affairs Specialist at the FDIC. With cards that have no grace period, you always pay interest, starting from the date of purchase. If you don't expect to pay off your card balance in full most months, go for a card with a lower Annual Percentage Rate (APR) and the right mix of rebates or rewards to justify any fees. Also, if the card has a low, introductory interest rate, be sure you know when the new, higher rate will take effect and what that rate will be. And credit cards with offers of "zero-percent interest" on purchases for a certain amount of time could end up being more expensive if you don't pay the balance in full by the expiration date. "When considering a balance transfer, make sure you know all the details and terms of the transfer," added Nancy Tillmon, an FDIC Consumer Affairs Specialist. "Online credit card calculators also can help you compare the terms of existing accounts against the details of the new card. Comparing card products could save you money." Also, be cautious of all fees. For example, credit cards that offer generous "rewards" (such as points or cash back) may have high annual fees. "The terms and conditions of earning and using the rewards can be complicated," warned Porter. "Rewards cards may also cause you to overspend just to earn the points." Other fees to think about include late fees, over-the-limit fees (for transactions that would put you over your credit limit), and balance transfer fees.
