The Chase IHG Rewards Club Traveler card is the IHG hotel card that includes a sign-up bonus and special IHG perks but with no annual fee. They just improved the sign-up bonus from 60k to 75k points. Here are the highlights: 75,000 bonus IHG points after $2,000 in purchases within the first 3 months. Earn 15X points total per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG hotel. Earn 2X points at gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases. No foreign transaction fees. Fourth Reward Night Free when you redeem points for any 4+ night stay. No annual fee. This is a new card, but please note the following: This product is not available to either (i) current cardmembers of… [Read More...]
Top 10 Best Credit Card Bonus Offers – April 2020 (Updated)
Updated April 2020. I’m still collecting points and miles now, in order to save money in the future. That space in your wallet or purse is valuable, and you should be the one to get that value. Selected banks are offering strong perks and $500+ value for a single card during the first year to encourage you to apply and try it out. These are the top 10 credit card offers that I would personally apply for right now, if I didn’t already have most of them. Notable changes: IHG Hotels 140k/75k – 140k still highest ever, new 75k traveler offer. United 60k – extended. NavyFed 50k – offer is back. Delta limited-time offers ended. If you pay off your balances every month, then … [Read More...]
Guide to Capital One Miles
Please Note: The Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business and Capital One® Spark® Miles Select for Business is currently unavailable through our site. Capital One has established a significant footprint within the travel rewards segment. In total, the issuer offers four different travel-specific reward cards: the Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card and the Capital One® VentureOne® Rewards Credit Card for personal consumer use, and the Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business and Capital One® Spark® Miles Select for Business users. With all four cards, the central reward system is structured around earning Capital One miles. Whether you already have a Capital One rewards card or are thinking about adding one to your arsenal, here’s everything you need to know about how these miles work and … [Read More...]
Discover it® Cash Back Categories for 2020
The Discover it® Cash Back is a no annual fee card that offers 5% cash back at different places each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, select rideshares and online shopping, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate and an unlimited 1% cash back on everything else. You can earn hundreds of dollars in rewards each year — and redeem the rewards in multiple ways, including deposits of any amount right into your checking account. For new cardholders, Discover it® Cash Back also matches all the cash back rewards you earn at the end of your first year, making this a valuable card to own. There are two catches: you must remember to activate the reward category each month, and you’ll only get 5% back … [Read More...]
Top 10 Best Credit Card Bonus Offers – March 2020 (Updated)
Updated March 2020. That space in your wallet or purse is more valuable than you think. Credit card companies are fighting it out, offering strong perks and $500+ value for a single card during the first year to encourage you to apply and try it out. These are the top 10 credit card offers that I would personally apply for right now, if I didn’t already have most of them. Notable changes: IHG Hotels 140k – limited-time offer (highest ever). Delta 70k – card updates, limited-time offer. JetBlue 60k – limited-time offer. United 60k – limited-time offer. Marriott and Southwest limited-time offers ended. If you pay off your balances every month, then you can join me and many others in funding a … [Read More...]
How To Read Your Credit Card Statement
Anyone who has ever swiped their credit card at a merchant knows how easy it is to use the device for a purchase, but correctly reading a credit card statement can be more complicated. When the statement comes in the mail or through email, understanding your purchase and payment activity becomes a bit more difficult. You might be asking yourself — how do I read my credit card statement? Your eyes might focus on three primary pieces of data: the credit card balance, the minimum payment and the due date. That’s an excellent start, but there’s a lot more information to take away when you break the statement down piece by piece. If you use a rewards card, you’ll want to make certain you’… [Read More...]
What is the Chase 5/24 Rule?
Some people use credit cards strictly for convenience and making everyday purchases. Other people use a multiple credit card strategy to maximize rewards and squeeze every drop of earning power out of sign up bonus offers. If that describes you, there’s no shame. However, you should know that your moves haven’t gone unnoticed by the big banks. At least one of the card issuers — Chase — has set a limit on your ability to put some well-oiled, points-earning machinery in place. This speed bump on the road to rewards domination is the Chase 5/24 rule. What is the Chase 5/24 rule? First off, it’s important to note what the Chase 5/24 is not. It’s not actually a “rule.” That is, you won’t find it written down … [Read More...]
Special Coronavirus Relief for Mortgage Payments, Student Loans, Credit Cards, Paid Leave and Unemployment
Wow. I thought that I was prepared, but I must admit that I was still shaken by last week. For those facing severe financial emergencies right now, so I have tried to collect information and links to where you can hopefully find some help. Be prepared advocate for yourself; many of these will only be given to those who ask and are persistent. Everything is in flux as well, so if you don’t find success try again later. There will be more government stimulus coming. Paid leave for small/mid-sized businesses and self-employed. Eligible employees can receive up to 80 hours of paid sick leave and expanded paid child care leave when employees’ children’s schools are closed or child care providers are unavailable. This is … [Read More...]
Citi® Double Cash Card Review
From a generous cash back reward structure to a lengthy N/A intro APR period, the offers great appeal with no annual fee. For people who don’t want to handle multiple rewards cards, this 2% cash back card offers a simple way to get rewards on every purchase without any stipulations. You won’t have to sign up for promotions or deal with rotating bonus categories to earn your rewards. However, the perks of this card extend beyond cash back. If Citi senses potentially fraudulent activity, you’ll receive alerts and won’t be held responsible for any unauthorized purchases made with the card. What we like about Citi® Double Cash Card No annual fee: You’ll pay no annual fee, which is rare for a card that offers unlimited cash … [Read More...]
Best 0% APR Balance Transfer Credit Cards – February 2020
I enjoy my credit card rewards, but carrying a balance at 15%+ interest is much more impactful on your finances! In fact, the WSJ reports that companies are charging higher interest rates because of their generous rewards programs. If you are ready to pay down that debt, consider transferring your balance to another issuer at a lower rate. Shopping around can save you thousands in interest. You’ll want the best combination of the longest 0% APR period and the lowest balance transfer fees. Having no balance transfer fee is obviously best, but if you need to spread out your payments, it may be better to pick a longer term with a modest balance transfer fee. For example, if you are paying 20% APR, that’s like… [Read More...]
5% Cash Back Cards: Grocery Stores, Gas Stations, and Wholesale Clubs – April thru June 2020
Activation open for 2nd Quarter 2020. The credit cards below offer up to 5% cash back on specific categories that rotate each quarter. It takes a little extra attention, but it can add up to hundreds of dollars in additional rewards per year without changing your spending habits. You can also buy gift cards with the 5% back now but spend the gift cards later. New cardmembers may also get an upfront sign-up bonus. Chase Freedom – $150 Bonus From April 1st through June 30th, 2020 you can earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 spent in the following categories: Grocery stores. Walmart and Target are not included. Fitness club and gym memberships. From January 1st through March 31st, 2020 you can earn 5% cash back on up … [Read More...]
How to Apply for a Credit Card
Credit cards are one of the most common ways to finance debt and construct a stable financial foundation. Prudent card use can lead to big benefits for individuals, especially if they’re trying to establish or rebuild credit profiles. Applying for a credit card, for example, is a solid first step toward getting a low-interest auto loan or mortgage. Whether you’re just starting out, looking to repair damaged credit or wanting to get a travel rewards card, it helps to know exactly where to go and what to do in preparation. Here are five steps you’ll need to know when applying for a credit card. 1. Understand your credit score The type of card you qualify for heavily depends on your credit score. If you’re researching options and … [Read More...]
Chase Increases Welcome Bonus to 100,000 Points on its Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
If you’re thinking about adding a new business credit card to your wallet, Chase just increased the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card welcome offer from 80,000 to 100,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points when customers spend $15,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, giving Chase enthusiasts the opportunity to rack up more rewards. Cardholders can redeem those points for travel, cash back, gift cards and more, and your points won’t expire as long as your account is open. The new offer is competitive, but keep in mind: you’ll have to spend an extra $10,000 on the card during the first three months to earn the full welcome bonus. Is the new welcome offer worth it? You can get up to 100,000 bonus points when you spend $15,000 in the … [Read More...]