Online menu of credit card rewards by major issuer.
Review the credit card rewards offered by major issuers like American Express, Chase, Citi and Discover card, then choose the card that's right for you.
Gas, Airline Miles
& Other Credit Card Rewards
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How to maximize credit card rewards:
* Ask the issuer what discounts, promotions or extra rewards are available when you shop affiliated partners. Many rewards credit cards have online shopping portals which offer extra rewards from popular retailers.
* Earn more rewards by placing utility payments, car insurance and other recurring bills on your rewards credit card.
* Make certain you fully understand how your credit card rewards work and thoroughly review the fine print. Most rewards programs have some limitations on how you earn, such as earn categories, time period (e.g. first six months earn double cash back, etc.)
* If you are a business owner, you may benefit from a business rewards credit card that offers higher rewards on business purchases. Many business rewards credit cards have a higher rewards cap. For instance, rather than earning double points on gas purchases up to $2,500, you could earn double points on up to $5,000.
* If you don't fully payoff the balance every month yet don't make a lot of purchases, consider a credit card that gives rewards for things other than making purchases, such as rewards for on-time payments.
Redeeming credit card rewards:
* Check for an expiration date, limits or restrictions for using your rewards. If your rewards expire, make sure you will be able to accrue enough rewards to redeem before these rewards expire.
* Some rewards credit cards provide extra rewards when you redeem for gift cards from retail partners. You may be able, for example, to transform a $20 reward into a $25, $30 or $40 gift card from a certain retailer.
* Find out the redemption levels or reward increments. Perhaps you can redeem once you've reached a certain amount or maybe the rewards will be sent to you at the end of the year.
Need more credit card information? Read our financial and credit articles related to card rewards.
Credit Cards Rebuild Credit - It does not take too many trips to the mall or a local coffee shop to end up with a charge card that has a high balance. The danger is when that balance quickly causes poor credit by not paying the bill on time every month or missing payments. Making payments on time is crucial to keeping good ratings and to keep from ruing credit. For those already in debt and in trouble, using a credit card can help you get your credit back on track if you use it wisely.
A great first step to improving credit scores, is to own, use, and pay on a credit card regularly. Charging purchases and paying off the balance on time lets creditors know that you can use credit responsibly. It is also a sign that you can be trusted with higher lines of credit in the future. Even if you don't already have a card, and you think no one will approve you, have no fear there are plenty of cards that people get approved for everyday. The key feature to look for in a new credit card, is to make sure they report to major credit bureaus. This ensures that your good behavior with the card is reported to the companies that track your credit history. These are major bureaus like Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Over time, good account history can lift scores and help you move from bad credit to good credit.
The last thing any person should do is max out their card, or get close to doing so. Find out what the credit limits are on all cards. Be careful and do not charge more than 50% of the available credit limits, thirty percent or less is the best goal. If for example, you have a card with a $500 limit, keep the balance below $250, which is 50% of the available credit. Keeping balances at 30% or lower is even better. Find one or several small things a month that you can charge and pay off right away, such as putting gas in your auto.
Paying your credit card is the most important part, if improving credit is your goal. The last thing you want to do is miss a payment due date. Not only could it cause your credit score drop, but you may incur late fees. Another problem could be that it could cause your interest rates to go through the roof. A lower score means it could cost more to take out an auto loan, mortgage, or other line of credit, than it would if you had paid your bills on time. Missing one payment, or paying a little late, can be very costly. Make at least the minimum payment due on time and stay current with all bills. Even if credit is used responsibly, it does not guarantee a better credit rating. Pay on time and maintain all balances below the limits to eventually see credit scores rise. That little piece of plastic that became an enemy, could become your biggest ally in your quest to rebuild your credit.
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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United credit card - United Airlines Mileage Plus Cards: Up to 40,000 Bonus Miles and First Year Free - Explore free checked bags, priority boarding, United ClubSM passes and more with the new MileagePlus Explorer Card. MileagePlus Explorer Card: Earn up to 40,000 bonus miles and first year free. Explore free checked bags, priority boarding, United ClubSM passes and more. MileagePlus Explorer Business Card: Explore a new world of benefits for you and your business with the MileagePlus Explorer Business Card. Start by earning double miles on dining, gas, office supply purchases and more plus up to 35,000 bonus miles plus first year free ($95 value).
