Milestone Credit Card Review – Milestone Mastercard®

Milestone Credit Card – Milestone Mastercard® Review

The Milestone credit card is a Mastercard that is targeted towards individuals with bad credit. Milestone is for people who are searching to fix past credit mistakes and also enhance their credit score rating. Like many credit card offers similar, it uses high fees and rates of interest combined with a low credit limit. However, there is redeemable value in having this Milestone credit card in your wallet.

Milestone Mastercard® is issued by Genesis FS Card Services.

milestone credit cardOur complete review and evaluation of the Milestone Mastercard® are listed below:

The rates of interest on Milestone credit is up to 24.9%, which is high. If your credit isn’t the best you’re paying a high price, there is no staying clear of that. We cannot fault Milestone credit too much for this. So if you have bad credit yet, it’s not poor compare the Milestone credit card with other bad card offers. Credit fast found that the Milestone Mastercard® charged lower fees. This was compared to other credit card offers in the same less than perfect category.

Ranges on the fees of credit card offers for bad credit (fee types issued varies with each credit card company)

  • minimum security deposit: $300-$500 (for secured credit cards)
  • one time processing fee: $75 – $100
  • annual fee: $35 – $99
  • authorized user fee: $20-$30

Later with established credit, you can always upgrade to a no annual fee credit card with rewards. People can find success and call their credit card company and ask for their annual fee to be waived permanently. Another option is to look into reward credit cards from another credit card company.

You need to understand that it is challenging to obtain brand-new credit when you’ve made past mistakes. Credit cards like Milestone Card supply you the possibility to enhance your credit history. Let’s check out what Milestone credit card offers. After that, we can speak about various other bad credit card applications.

Milestone Credit Card Reports Monthly

The Milestone credit card reports to the major credit bureaus. The Milestone Mastercard is not a prepaid card. This distinction means if you utilize Milestone credit wisely you can increase your FICO credit score with time. Most people see positive results on their credit report within six months.

Among the primary advantages of the Milestone credit card, is that it permits customers with less than perfect credit to re-establish credit. Also, an individual can develop their credit if this is their first credit card. Each Milestone credit account is reported to the three credit bureaus. This reporting on your credit file will help you raise your credit score. This is only if you handle your Milestone credit account correctly.

The card has an APR of 24.90% variable interest rate, which remains at the higher end of the range. This APR is still a very reasonable rate of interest for those with less than perfect credit. The Milestone Mastercard additionally includes an annual fee cost of $35-$99 dollars, depending on your credit score. Plus the Milestone Mastercard® gives access to the Mastercard Benefits program.

milestone credit card fast

Milestone credit card Limit is Low for New Card Members.

Your credit score determines the credit limit of the Milestone Mastercard®. You will have a guaranteed minimum credit limit of at least three hundred dollars. This credit line is enough to begin building a positive credit history. With good behavior, Milestone credit card holders will typically see a credit line increase after six months or more.

Credit Fast always recommends consumers from racking up too many credit inquiries on their credit report. The benefit of the Milestone Mastercard is that it allows prospective candidates to learn if they qualify by pre-qualifying without impacting their credit score.

Once approved for a Milestone Mastercard, you will obtain a credit card with a minimum credit limit of three hundred dollars. Also, you will pay a yearly charge. Your annual fee will range from $35, $59, or $75. The annual fee rises to $99 after the initial year. This annual fee is right away charged on your credit line when you obtain the card. So your line of credit starts at anywhere from $265 to $225. In the first month, you will have a lower credit line. You won’t be able to buy a lot with this credit card until you pay the annual fee.

The Milestone MasterCard  – for individuals with poor to fair credit.

If you do not have major credit troubles from the past, think about applying for a credit card with no annual fee. An example is the Capital One Platinum credit card. The Capital One Platinum card does not charge an annual fee. Also, if you have poor credit consider reviewing the Credit Fast best secured credit cards.

In conclusion, we gave the Milestone Mastercard® four stars. We took off one star for the high rate of interest and high annual fee. Credit Fast felt in comparison to other credit cards in the same category that what Milestone credit had to offer was a fair deal. This credit card is a good competitive deal to consumers that have less than perfect credit scores.

Accepting a credit card offer without an annual fee would be wiser. However, not everyone has a credit rating high enough. If you do not qualify with your current credit score for a no fee credit card, I would recommend applying for a Milestone card. Credit Fast feels that the Milestone Credit Card offers an individual a chance to rebuild credit at a reasonable cost. There are other credit cards for less than perfect credit that have much higher fees.

Advertiser Disclosure for the CreditFast website – CreditFast.com, provides information about the best credit card applications, as well as other financial products and services. Our goal is to provide you with fair, balanced reviews. Some credit offers that appear on our website are from companies from which CreditFast receives compensation, and some are not.

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Capital One QuicksilverOne Rewards For Fair Credit

The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Back Credit Card is for fair credit and average credit.

Capital One QuicksilverOne Rewards For Fair Credit

If you have fair to average credit, finding a credit card can be challenging. You may or may not have heard about the Capital One QuicksilverOne card. While this card is suitable for people with average or fair credit, it has benefits and drawbacks associated with it. You want to know both before you pick this card so you can make an informed decision. The article goes over the benefits and drawbacks of the QuicksilverOne Mastercard.

Capital One QuicksilverOne Benefits

Extended Warranty

One nice benefit of the Capital One QuicksilverOne card is that it can give you extended warranties. All you have to do is buy the product with this card. When you do, it’ll automatically double the manufacturer’s warranty. This is great news for bigger or more expensive products. It can easily help give you greater peace of mind for those big-ticket purchases.

CreditWise Access

Pulling yourself up from fair credit or an average score starts with understanding your credit score. CreditWise is a powerful tool that allows you to monitor your credit score and view it. So you can make sure that everything is current and correct and monitor for fraudulent purchases. Also, you can get tips to help boost your score. This will help you get a good understanding of your credit in general.

Higher Credit Line Access

Capital One automatically monitors your credit usage and payment history. If you do well, they’ll automatically increase your credit line. You will have to wait up to six months before they do a review of your history. This is nice because a lot of the credit lines start at less than $1,000.

Cash Back

You get cashback to the tune of 1.5% on every purchase with the QuicksilverOne card. Use your rewards as a statement credit, apply them to purchases, or trade them for gift cards. Also, here is no minimum redemption amount. They don’t expire, and you can set up automatic redemption. If you choose this, it’ll automatically redeem your rewards when they hit your set threshold.

Assistance

No one wants an emergency while traveling. However, if you do, this card will help you. Once you call the number on the back of the card, they’ll connect you to local emergency services. You also gain access to the MasterCard Global Service. This will help you if you end up with a lost or stolen card. It’ll also give you emergency cash advances and emergency card replacement. If your car breaks down, this card will get you emergency roadside assistance.

Capital One Second Look

The Second Look is a 24/7 fraud coverage. The company will automatically monitor your card for fraudulent activity. They’ll freeze your card and alert you if they notice anything. You can either flag the activity as legit, or they’ll issue a new card. This is particularly nice if you’ve already had problems with identity theft and fraud.

Foreign Transaction Fee

You can travel with Capital One’s QuicksilverOne card without worrying about crazy fees. This card has a 0% foreign transaction fee. This also means you can use it at any ATM or merchant inside or outside of the United States. You won’t pay anything per transaction. If you plan to travel, this is a must-have feature on your card. Foreign transaction fees can add up quickly otherwise.

Fair Credit and Average Credit

For people with average credit, getting a credit card can be challenging. However, this card comes specially designed for people with fair or average credit. Yes, you will pay slightly more in interest. However, you can offset it by not carrying a balance from month to month. The application process is simple and straightforward. You apply online and find out in minutes if you qualify. Another credit card Capital One offers for fair credit and average credit is the Capital One® Platinum Card.

Insurance Waivers and Coverage

This card entitles you to travel accident insurance. It’ll give you up to $100,000 in coverage for accidental loss of sight, limb, speech, life, or hearing. The card also offers auto rental insurance waivers. It covers your rental vehicle against theft or collisions if you decline insurance through the rental company.

Identity Theft Resolution

Identity theft is a very real problem. Thankfully, Capital One will help you if this happens to you. All you have to do is call them. Also, they offer identity theft resolution services at no extra charge. You want to act quickly with identity theft to help minimize the damage. Once you call, they’ll freeze your card and work to restore your credit.

Capital One QuicksilverOne Drawbacks

Annual Fee

This card comes with an annual fee. Each year you have the card, you’ll pay $39 for it. It’ll automatically show up on your statement at the start of the year. Although this isn’t a large annual fee, it makes you justify using the QuicksilverOne. This is especially true if you don’t plan on using it a lot because the rewards won’t stack up quickly.

High APR

The APR for this card is variable, and it sits at 26.99% at the time of this post. So if you plan to carry a balance, this can add a bit on each month. You can avoid this by paying off your balance every month. If you miss payments, your APR can fluctuate. You have to be very careful and monitor your usage and your APR.

No Sign Up Bonus

Many cards come with a bonus when you open them, but the Capital One QuicksilverOne doesn’t offer anything. It’s a solid card for building your credit, but the reward rate is low. There’s nothing to motivate you to use the card when you first get it. Some cards give you points or a monetary bonus if you spend a certain amount in three months. This one doesn’t offer that for cardholders.

Capital One QuicksilverOne Rewards Card YouTube Video Review

CreditFast YouTube Review Video
QuicksilverOne Mastercard YouTube Review Time Stamp Chapters:
1:13 – Capital One Quicksilver vs Quicksilver One
2:05 – Capital One QuicksilverOne Annual Fee
2:38 – Capital One QuicksilverOne vs Platinum
4:23 – Can You Upgrade Quicksilver One to Quicksilver?
5:28 – Capital One QuicksilverOne Benefits
8:17 – QuicksilverOne Credit Score Needed
9:18 – Capital One Quicksilver One Pre Approval
12:20 – QuicksilverOne Credit Limit
15:46 – Is Quicksilver One a Good Card?

Bottom Line on the QuicksilverOne From Capital One

The Capital One QuicksilverOne card is a solid option for people with average or fair credit. It’ll help you slowly rebuild your credit. If you get it, we recommend upgrading to a better card when your score allows it. It’s good for those who rent cars, travel, or dine out frequently. So if this sounds like you, I suggest you take a closer look at the QuicksilverOne card.

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Wayfair Credit Card Now Issued by Citibank Review

Comenity Wayfair Credit Card Review Pros and Cons Issued by Comenity Bank

Wayfair Credit Card Issued Now by Citi Review

There are significant changes underway for the Wayfair credit card. Citi now issues the Wayfair card. This is exciting news for cardholders, and it may prompt more people to sign up. If you’re curious about what it means for you with your Wayfair Card, this is for you. Our Wayfair credit card review will highlight everything good and the not-so-good that comes with having this card.

Comenity Wayfair Update

If you had an interest in the Wayfair store card because of the Comenity Shopping Cart Trick, read the last paragraph of this article. The Comenity Wayfair store card no longer exists, but other Comenity Bank issued store cards you can get by using the Shopping Cart Trick. Learn how to get approved for Comenity Bank issued store cards when you have less than perfect credit. Also, using the shopping cart trick correctly allows you to avoid a hard credit inquiry.

Wayfair Credit Card Issued by Citi Pros

1. Up to 5% Back on Wayfair Purchases

When you use your card online on Wayfair, you get 5% back. This percentage goes for every purchase you make for your rewards, and you can see it in your Wayfair credit account. This bonus never expires, so you can easily stack it up over the course of several purchases and cash it in as statement credits or to pay for future purchases. If you have a big purchase or two, this perk could really pay off.

2. – Switching Banks

The Wayfair card is making the switch from Comenity Bank over to Citi Bank. This is good news for a lot of people who already use Citi. For new people, it allows them to work with a more well-known entity. This can give you peace of mind because you know you’re working side by side with a reputable bank that puts customers first.

3. – No Interest Financing

You get the choice of 5% cashback or no-interest financing for up to 24 months on select purchases with the Wayfair Card. If you choose this option, you’ll have up to 24 months to pay off your purchase without paying anything in interest. This is a great way to save money, and you can feel good knowing you got the items or furniture you want without breaking the bank.

4. – Approval Odds

The Wayfair credit card has decent approval odds for those with fair credit. The Wayfair credit card approval score is a credit range between 580 and up. A higher credit score would be needed to get approved for the Wayfair Mastercard. You can see if you prequalify to avoid a hard inquiry on your credit report. Wayfair will automatically check your eligibility for both the Wayfair Mastercard and Wayfair store card in one application. If they approve both, you can pick the one that suits you the best.

5. – Flexible Reward Redemption

When you purchase an item at Wayfair or one of their partner websites, you’ll earn up to 5% back. You earn 3% at grocery stores, 2% for online shopping, and 1% everywhere else with the Wayfair Mastercard. There is no minimum redemption rate you need. You can redeem up to $2,500 every month in Reward Dollars at Wayfair’s retail sites. You can stack the Rewards Dollars since they never expire.

6. No Annual Fee

Neither card comes with an annual fee. This is excellent news if you don’t use that card that much because you won’t have to try and justify not getting a lot of rewards to help balance out the fee. You can allow your rewards to stack up as long as you like to maximize your savings.

7. Wayfair Payment Options

Wayfair gives cardholders several different ways to pay their bill. You can mail in your Wayfair credit card payment. You can pay the bill online or over the phone. Once you log into your account, you can check your orders, bills, and submit a payment that way. There’s also an app. If your card came from Comenity Bank, there’s an online portal you can use to pay it.

8. Introductory Offer

People who are new to the Wayfair credit card can get an introductory offer of $40 off their first purchase of $250 or more. You can’t combine this with other rewards or financing offers, but it’s reasonable. You will have to get credit approval to get this introductory offer, but it’s a nice bonus just for signing up for the card.

9. Better Security

The Wayfair card comes equipped with better security because it’s a chip card. There is embedded security technology that makes it very hard for people to duplicate it for fraud purposes. You can tap your card on the terminal when you pay instead of swiping it, and this also boosts your security measures.

Wayfair Credit Card Issued by Citi Cons

1. Rewards of Special Financing

When you get the Wayfair credit card, you have to choose if you want special financing or the 5% rewards rate. You can’t have both, and you can’t switch back and forth. The special financing gives you six months to two years to pay your order it full without having to pay interest on it. The 5% rewards give you a percentage back in Reward Dollars for every purchase you make.

2. Deferred Interest

You get a set period to pay your purchases off with no interest with the Wayfair Card. If you don’t, every order has deferred interest. What this does is it backdates interest on your purchase from the date you bought your item. Since the interest rate is higher, you could end up paying a lot more for your purchase than you originally bargained for.

3. Strict Redemption

You may earn Rewards Dollars on every purchase you make, but you can only redeem them at Wayfair or their partner websites. You can’t cash them out for a check or gift card, but the rewards never expire. As long as your account is open and in good standing, you can let the rewards accumulate.

3. High APR

The average APR for the Wayfair credit card is 26.99%, and this includes people who have excellent credit. If you don’t pick the special financing option for your purchases and pay it back in time, you’ll have to pay hefty interest fees every month until you get your balance to zero.

4. Low Introductory Offer

All you get in the form of an introductory offer is $40 off your first purchase. You can’t combine it with any other discounts, and you have to spend at least $250 on your first purchase to qualify for it. Since Wayfair’s items tend to be on the more expensive side, this is a very low introductory offer.

5. Small Qualification Window

Another not-so-nice thing about the Wayfair credit card is that it has strict qualification requirements. It does let you prequalify before putting a hard inquiry on your credit report. However, the Wayfair Mastercard caters to the higher end of the credit score spectrum. This can shut out a lot of potential applicants.

Learn About Other Store Credit Cards

10 Best Store Credit Cards to Build Credit With Easiest Store Credit Card Approvals

CreditSoup Fair Credit

Wayfair Credit Card Approval Odds

Fortunately for people with lower credit, the Wayfair store card has more lenient approval odds. The Wayfair credit card approval score hovers around fair credit levels. Typically, this means between 580 and 669. However, it’s critical that you apply with a prequalification link. This way, you won’t get a penalty for checking your eligibility status because it’s a soft pull.

These Wayfair credit card requirements are why retail cards are so popular for rebuilding credit. It’s a great tool for learning responsible use as well because you want to plan your budget to avoid the deferred interest.

Wayfair Payment Options

You get flexible payment options with Wayfair. It’s a good idea to use the Wayfair credit card because you get special financing or rewards. Possible Wayfair payment options include:

    • Credit or Debit Cards (Wayfair, American Express, Discover, Mastercard, or Visa)
    • Wayfair Gift Cards and Store Credit
    • Wayfair Rewards
    • PayPal
    • Affirm
    • Personal Checks, Cashiers Checks, and Money Orders
    • Purchase Orders
    • Wire Transfers

Payment Considerations

Keep the following payment considerations in mind when you pay your bill. This will help ensure that you don’t forget a payment or get stuck halfway through.

Accepted Payment Options in the Account Center
If you plan to pay online through the Account Center, have a checking account ready. You currently can’t use a debit card to make a payment. You’ll need to input your checking account number and routing number. You can find this number on your monthly statement, on the bottom of your check, or your bank will give it to you.

Wayfair Bank Fees for Paying Online
Wayfair doesn’t charge any extra fees for paying your bill online. Additionally, it’ll store your preferred payment method for future use. Since the site comes encrypted, you don’t have to worry about your sensitive information going anywhere. So you can switch it out whenever you like.

Wayfair Store Locations

Wayfair also has one brick and mortar outlet stores available. However, you have to know one critical piece of information involving the Wayfair outlet.

IMPORTANT: You are NOT ALLOWED to use your Wayfair credit account at the Wayfair outlet location. You’re ONLY allowed to use this account online.

However, you’re free to make whatever purchases you’d like with another card or cash. For people who have the Wayfair outlet by their home and need something right away, this is great. The outlet address, hours, and phone number is:

Wayfair Outlet
5101 Renegade Way
Florence, KY 41042

Store Hours:
Friday and Saturday – 10 AM to 6 PM
Sunday – 10 AM to 4 PM

Telephone: (857) 559-4994

CreditSoup Fair Credit
CreditSoup Secured Cards

Conclusion – Wayfair Credit Card Now Issued by Citibank

The Wayfair credit card is a decent store-branded card for people with fair credit or higher. The application process is quick and easy, and you can use it to add a credit line to your history to continue building your credit score. If you like to shop at Wayfair, consider applying for the Wayfair card to help finance larger purchases.

Major Update With the Wayfair Credit Card Now Issued by Citi

New Citi Wayfair Credit Card MasterCard and Store Card
Just announced, The Wayfair store credit card is now issued by Citi. There are two versions available the Citi Wayfair Mastercard and Citi Wayfair store card. To help note the key benefits of this credit card, I have provided this chart to illustrate the differences between the two new Wayfair cards. From my understanding, is that when you apply, you will either get the Wayfair Store card or Wayfair Mastercard based on your credit score. To learn more, click on the application link.

Learn more About the New Citi Wayfair Store Card

There is a prequalification option.
Wayfair Card Application

Wayfair Card and the Shopping Cart Trick from Comenity Bank

Comenity Bank no longer issues these new Wayfair store cards, so there is no longer any association with the Shopping Cart Trick. If you are interested in the Comenity Shopping cart trick, watch my 2020 YouTube Shopping Cart Trick Tutorial Video. Learn how to increase your chances of getting the Shopping Trick to work for you. Thank you so much for taking an interest in both my blog and YouTube Channel. I have always appreciated your support throughout the years.

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Old Navy Visa Card Review Pros and Cons

The Old Navy Visa Card can be used at Old Navy and beyond! The Old Navy credit card can be used at Old Navy.

Old Navy Visa Card Review

Do you like to shop at Old Navy? Maybe you spend a lot there when it comes time for the kids to go back to school. Whatever the reason, you may want to consider the Old Navy Visa. This is the Visa version of the Old Navy credit card. Synchrony Bank issues both variations of this card. These cards make up Gap Inc’s family of branded cards, including Old Navy, Gap, Athleta, and the Banana Republic.

If you’re curious as to whether or not the Old Navy credit card has rewards that make it worth having, this is for you. We’ll outline the biggest pros and cons of the Old Navy Visa below. So this way, you’ll know if you should try for this card or look elsewhere.

Old Navy Visa Pros

1. Annual Fee

To start off, you have to know that this card has a $0 annual fee. This means you won’t have to pay for having the card in your wallet each year. Instead, you can use it as much or as little as you like. The rewards you earn are yours to keep. There’s no trying to balance them out with a large yearly fee. For people who only use this card sparingly, this is fantastic news.

2. Earn up to Five Points Per Dollar Spent

Unlike some cards where you have to stick to a single store, the Old Navy Visa is more flexible. Yes, you’ll earn five points per dollar at Old Navy and Gap stores. But it doesn’t stop there. Shop at GapBody, Gap Outlet, Gap Maternity, GapKids, Banana Republic, Gap Factory Store, Old Navy, Athleta, Old Navy Outlet, and Banana Republic Factory Store. When you shop here and use your Old Navy credit card, you’ll get five points for every dollar you spend.

3. Additional Points

Maybe you don’t frequent these stores often. If not, that’s okay. You can still earn one point per dollar at every other store that accepts Visa. You can use it in the grocery store, gas stations, malls, or any retailer that will take Visa cards. For every 500 points you earn, you’ll get a $5 credit. This can really add up if you shop a lot and use your card.

4. Points for Going Paperless

Almost everyone chooses to go paperless. It’s very convenient, better for the environment, and Old Navy rewards you for it. So if you go paperless with your billing, you’ll earn 500 points. Also, you get a second 500 points for giving your email and get offers and updates from the brands. This totals out to 1,000 extra points that adds up to $10 in rewards. It takes a few minutes, and you can spend your points immediately.

5. Combine Rewards

One very nice perk with the Old Navy Visa is the ability to combine your rewards. Say you have a discount coupon or two for 20% off. When you check out, you can stack this coupon with your rewards. In turn, you can save much more with this combination. Just make sure you pay attention to the terms of the coupons and your point balance before you check out.

6. Automatic Certificates

Some cards make you manually redeem your points before you can use them. The Old Navy credit card differs. Instead of waiting for you to request them, they’ll issue them every time you hit 500 points. If you use the card a lot, you’ll get a lot of $5 credits without having to do anything extra. This makes it hard to forget your point totals or forget to redeem them.

7. Additional Reward Tier

Anyone who earns 5,000 points in a calendar year hits a new reward tier called the Navyist. This tier entitles you to 20% additional rewards points every three months. When you shop online, you’ll get free shipping. You can also request free basic alterations on non-suede and leather Banana Republic merchandise. There is also a dedicated customer service line for Navyists only to address concerns or answer questions.

Learn About 10 Easy to Get Store Cards

Old Navy Visa Cons

1. Fast Expiration Date

One large drawback with the Old Navy Visa is the expiration date. You usually have 30 days to use your points once you get the $5 certificates. If you don’t use them in this allotted time, they’ll expire. This forces you to shop at least once a month if you have the certificates or face losing them and getting nothing.

2. Certificate Cap

There is a limit to how many rewards certificates you can use at one time. If you shop online, you can use five or less. If you shop in the store, the cap is three per visit. You can also only use them on a single item, and you can’t spread them out to multiple ones. This is very restrictive if you purchase more expensive items and have the points to help offset the cost.

3. Rewards Cap

Every billing cycle, there is a cap to how many rewards you can earn. The maximum amount you can earn in a single billing cycle is $250. If you earn more, your points won’t count or add to your account. To be fair, this equals out to getting 500 points 50 times in 30 days. For most people, this won’t be an issue because it’s a lot to spend.

4. APR

The APR is 26.49%. It’s also a variable APR that can fluctuate from one month to the next. This can quickly start to add up for anyone who carries a balance from month to month. Also, it can impact how much you end up spending overall by the time you pay your balance in full.

5. Points Will Expire

If you want to save your points longer, don’t transfer them to certificates. However, the points themselves have an expiration date attached. Once you don’t use your card in 24 months, your points will vanish. This isn’t a huge deal for most people, but you do want to keep an eye on it.

Learn More Directly From Old Navy Plus Old Navy Store Card Applications

Watch the CreditFast YouTube Gap Credit Card Review Video reviewing GAP store credit cards’ reward benefits, including the reward benefits of the Old Navy credit card.

Bottom Line On The Old Navy Credit Card

The Old Navy Visa is a unique card that works well for people who shop at the Gap family of stores. It works well both online and in-store, and you can use it with any merchant that accepts Visa. There are several drawbacks to it, but the benefits generally outweigh them.

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Merrick Bank Secured Credit Card Review of Pros and Cons

Rebuild credit with the Merrick Secured Visa Card

Merrick Bank Secured Credit Card

For people with a lower credit score, the Merrick Bank Secured Credit Card can be a solid way to start rebuilding your credit. You can use it to build up a strong history of on-time payments. But is the Merrick Bank Secured Card right for you? What are the advantages and drawbacks? Does Merrick Bank Secured Card graduate? We’ll answer all of these questions and more below.


Merrick Bank Secured Credit from Merrick Bank

Merrick Bank Secured Credit Card – Pros

1. Application

The Merrick Bank Credit Card Application is very straightforward. You do have to be 18 years old at a minimum and have a valid social security number. They have to be able to verify your address in the United States. Additionally, you’ll pay a security deposit with this card. However, the entire application for the Merrick Bank Secured Credit Card is online. Once you complete it, they’ll let you know within minutes if you get it. If not, they’ll mail you a detailed reason why.

2. Set Your Credit Line

However much you pay for your deposit to open this card will be your new credit line amount. This is nice for people who don’t have a lot of money lying around. The minimum deposit is $200. But, this card has a unique feature. You can add to your initial deposit over time up to $3,000. The more money you add, the more your credit line rises. This looks good on your credit to have higher limits. Compare this Merrick Bank with other secured credit card offers.

3. Free Credit Score

You can’t fix your credit score unless you know what it is and any issues you have with it. With the Merrick Bank Secured card, you’ll have access to your free credit score. This allows you to log in and monitor it whenever you like. It’s great for spotting fraud and seeing how new accounts impact your credit score as a whole. You’ll have access to your credit score for as long as you have the card in good standing.

4. $0 Fraud Liability

If someone gets your card and makes fraudulent purchases, Merrick Bank won’t make you pay them. You do have to report the fraudulent activity to them. They’ll freeze your card to prevent any other purchases. Once they finish their investigation, they’ll wipe out any balances that aren’t yours. Finally, they’ll authorize you a new card that you can set up and use however you like.

5. Auto Rental Insurance

Merrick has a form of auto rental insurance you can use when you travel and need to rent a car in the United States. This can save you both time and money, especially if you travel a lot. This doesn’t cost you anything extra, either. All you have to do is book your car rental with your Merrick Bank Secured card. Everything else will be automatic.

6. Credit Increases

Does Merrick Bank Secured card graduate? The answer is no. After you rebuild your credit score you will need to apply for unsecured line(s) of credit.

7. Reports to All Credit Bureaus

Some credit card companies only report to one or two credit bureaus. Merrick is different. They report to all major credit monitoring bureaus. This means it can help your credit score increase much quicker. However, this also means it’ll drag your score down faster if you miss payments. Double-check all of the credit bureaus and make sure they all have your card information.

8. Available to Low Credit Scores

People with low credit scores usually have a tough time getting credit cards and loans. However, the Merrick Bank Secured credit card comes designed for these lower scores. Since it’s a secured card, you have to pay for your credit line. However, it’s useful for helping you re-establish your credit. Additionally, you can get this card without having a credit history.

Merrick Bank Secured Credit Card – Cons

1. High APR

The lenders see you as a high-risk borrower. They believe that there is a good chance you won’t repay your balance. To offset this risk, they assign a higher APR to the card. Each month you carry a balance on your card, you’ll pay this rate. So the variable APR starts at 22.20% and goes up.

2. Annual Fee

One thing about the Merrick Bank Secured Card is that it has an annual fee. Many secured cards don’t have this feature, but this one does. For the first year, you’ll pay $36 for the annual fee. Every year after, the lender charges $3 per month. While this isn’t a huge amount, it can be an expense you don’t necessarily need. The OpenSky Visa Secured Card is very similar to the Merrick Bank Secured Card.

3. Minimum Security Deposit

It is true that the Merrick Bank Secured credit card has a unique security deposit. However, it does have a minimum. This minimum deposit is $200. If you don’t have it, you can’t open a line of credit with this card. For some people, this could be a struggle to come up with.

4. No Rewards

This is a very basic card with no frills. There’s no rewards program attached to it. This means you won’t get any points you can redeem when you use it. While this isn’t terrible, it’s not convenient. You can use it as a vehicle to learn about controlling your spending and building a solid credit history.

5. Fees

The good news is, there aren’t a lot of fees attached to the Merrick Bank Secured Card. You will pay an annual feel as we mentioned, and this card has a late payment fee of up to $40 for every late payment. The foreign transaction fee is 2% each time you use your card. You’ll pay a variable cash advance fee of 27.20% as well. These fees can really add up to an unpleasant surprise, especially if you travel with it.

Merrick Bank Secured Credit Card from Merrick Bank

Bottom Line on the Merrick Bank Secured Credit Card

The Merrick Bank Secured Credit Card is a straightforward card for helping people build or re-establish their credit. We recommend starting with it and applying for an unsecured card when your credit score increases. This way, you could potentially get a better card with rewards and make it more worthwhile to use it.

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Carter’s Credit Card Pros and Cons Review

Earn rewards and discounts with the Carter's Credit Card.

Carter’s Credit Card Review Pros & Cons

For those people who do a lot of shopping for children, the Carter’s credit card is a great store-branded card to try. If you’re considering signing up for the Carter’s store card, we’ll outline everything you need to know. This way, you’ll be able to decide if this is a good or bad investment in your financial future.

Carter’s Credit Card – Pros

1. Points Per Purchase

The Carter’s store card rewards members with points for every purchase. You earn two points for every dollar you spend, and 150 points are $10. You can use these rewards to purchase more items on store credit. Finally, you can redeem your points for statement credits, gift certificates, and rebates.

2. Special Offers

Rewarding Moments members and Carter’s credit cardholders get a host of special options. At certain points throughout the year, cardholders will get special rewards. This could mean you get bonus points or extra rewards for using your card. You could also get flash sales and special discounts mailed to you. On your child’s birthday, you’ll get a special surprise offer mailed to you.

3. Early Access to Sales

Carter’s is a store that routinely has huge sales throughout the year. If you have the Carter’s store card, you earn early access. The store will send you sneak peeks to their biggest sales and events. You can use this information to plan what you want to buy. Additionally, you get to shop hours before people who don’t have the store card for even more savings.

4. First Purchase Discount

Once you get the card, you get rewards for your first purchase. Buying something with the card will earn you 25% off. Additionally, you can use this on clearance and doorbuster items. If you shop on Black Friday, imagine how much you could save.

5. Easy Application Process

The application process for this card is very straightforward. You can apply online for the Carter’s Card or in the store. A sales associate will help you with the in-store application process. It only takes a few minutes, and you’ll know right away if you can get it or not. You’ll fill in your necessary information and submit it. It accepts people with average, fair, and excellent credit scores. So this widens the applicant pool a bit.

6. Grace Period

If you don’t have enough money to pay your Carter’s credit card balance, you get a nice grace period. Each month, the grace period is 25 days. During these 25 days, you won’t pay additional interest. Instead, you can focus on paying off your card’s balance with your next check. This is great news because the interest on this card can stack up very fast.

7. Free Shipping

When you shop with your card, you don’t have to worry about paying shipping costs. Cardholders get free shipping on all of their orders. This is especially nice around the holidays or when you want to purchase a few items. They’ll ship throughout the United States with quick shipping times.

8. Extra Gift for Signing Up

Carter’s gives cardholders their “Special Hello” offer when you first sign up. This reward comes into play after you make your first purchase. When you do, Carter’s will send you your gift. This gift could be anything from a small gift certificate to points that you can redeem however you like. The gift does rotate and change throughout the year.

9. Works at Carter’s Owned Companies

Carter’s is a parent company of OshKosch B’gosh and Skip Hop. People who frequently shop at any of these stores can use the Carter’s credit card to make their purchases. You’ll earn points from shopping at each store. Additionally, you can shop in person or online and earn your rewards.

10. Mobile App

The mobile app for the Carter’s credit card is very user-friendly. You can download it on your phone to help you track your purchases and rewards. The app works on both Android and iOS systems. You create an account from Carter’s and can check your orders on your tablets and PCs too.

11. No Annual Fee With the Carter’s Store Card

There is no annual fee attached to this card. This is a very nice perk if you’re someone who only uses it once or twice a year. You won’t have to worry about trying to earn enough rewards to justify paying the fee. However, many store-branded cards don’t have an annual fee because they’re restrictive.

Carter’s Credit Card – Cons

1. Store-Branded Card

The Carter’s credit card is store-branded. This means that the rewards you earn aren’t good anywhere but at the store. You also can’t use this card anywhere but at Carter’s, Skip Hop, or OshKosch B’gosh. If you don’t have kids or anyone you routinely buy children’s clothing for, this is extremely restricting.

2. APR

As this is a store-branded credit card, it comes with a higher APR attached to it. You’ll pay an APR of 27.49%. If you routinely carry a balance from month to month, this can add up very fast. One way to avoid this APR is to pay off your balance each month. So this way, it helps to reduce the sting of the higher rate.

3. Have to Add the Kids to the Account

If you want to get the birthday surprise each year, you have to register your kids in your account. If you don’t, Carter’s will skip sending out the surprise on their birthday. This isn’t a huge thing; it’s very easy to miss. It can also be difficult to register in the first place.

What bank is Carter’s credit card?

Carter’s® Credit Card Accounts are issued by Comenity Capital Bank.

Another popular store card is the Wayfair Card. The Wayfair credit card is ideal for parents looking to buy baby furniture and decor.

Learn about the ten easiest store cards to get.

Bottom Line on the Carter’s Store Card

The Carter’s credit card is a good choice for people who have kids or do a lot of shopping for kids. It has several perks and relatively few shortcomings that make it an attractive offer. It’s also easier for people with average credit to get. This makes it a solid choice for many people.

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BankAmericard Secured Credit Card Review

The BankAmericard Secured Credit Card helps build credit.

BankAmericard Secured Credit Card

Are you trying to establish, build, or rebuild your credit? If so, the BankAmericard secured credit card can help. It has several highlights and benefits for cardholders that takes the sting out of it being a secured card. These points also make it a solid choice for anyone who is trying to decide between one card and the other.

BankAmericard Secured Credit Card Pros

1. Better Approval Odds

The Bank of America secured credit card comes designed for people with bad credit. You make a deposit before you get the card. Whatever this amount, it ends up being your line of credit. If you make a $500 deposit, you’ll have $500 to spend. Depending on your credit, you may get your deposit back. This increases your approval odds, even if you have bad credit.

2. Monthly FICO Score Access

You can’t fix your FICO score if you can’t monitor it. One of the first things you should do is take a look. Dispute any errors you see. If you have accounts in collections, try to pay them off. Check your score every month once you get this card. It’s free to cardholders. Eventually, your payments will help raise your score. However, you don’t want to be late with them because this can hurt you.

3. Flexible Credit Limit

Your maximum credit limit depends on your income, ability to pay, and the security deposit. It ranges from $300 up to $4,900. You decide how much you can reasonably afford. You can always ask for a credit increase later after you establish your ability to pay. This flexibility allows people of all economic situations to take advantage of this card.

4. Bank of America Mobile Online Banking App

The BankAmericard secured credit card comes with a mobile banking app. You can opt in to get monthly updates on the factors that impact your credit score. For example, they’ll send you information and tips to keep your score healthy. For people who have no idea what goes into maintaining your credit, this is very helpful.

5. Free Credit Education

Building your credit is so much more than just making your payments on time every month. Instead, there’s a host of things you have to do. Do you know how to use your credit card responsibly? How about how interest works? Can you create and stick to a budget? All of these small things really add up. Using the free credit education this card offers can make you more financially responsible.

6. No Annual Fee

The BankAmericard secured credit card comes with a $0 annual fee attached. This is excellent news for people who don’t plan to use their card a lot. You don’t have to try and justify paying an annual fee if you use the card sporadically. Additionally, many people who need secured cards don’t have the extra money laying around to pay an annual fee. Not having one if the first place removes the stress.

7. Return the Deposit at Any Time

Traditionally, you’d have to close out your account in good standing to get your deposit back. However, the BankAmericard secured credit card differs here. Bank of America will periodically review your account. They can choose to return your deposit at any time, usually after the year mark. This is why it’s important to use the card responsibly and make on-time payments.

8. $0 Fraud Liability

There are security features with this card. For example, it comes with a $0 fraud liability. If someone uses your card without your permission and you report it, you won’t pay the balance. Bank of America will give you a new card with a clean slate. There are email and text alerts you can enable as well.

BankAmericard Secured Credit Card Cons

1. High APR

Since the Bank of America secured credit card targets people who have bad credit, you’ll pay a higher APR. What’s worse, you’ll pay this fee each month you carry a balance. The APR for this card is 24.99% each month. If you carry a balance for several months, this can really add up. You can avoid the APR by paying your balance in full each billing cycle.

2. Foreign Transaction Fee

You shouldn’t use this card through a non-US bank. There is a foreign transaction fee attached of 3%. Bank of America will apply this 3% fee each time you make a transaction through one of these banks. You’ll see your total at the end of the billing period. So if you’re not careful, you can end up with hundreds of extra dollars to pay. Also, if you don’t pay it off right away, you’ll pay the APR too. The Capital One Secured Card charges no foreign transaction fee.

3. No Bonus or Rewards

The BankAmericard secured credit card is very basic. It works well to build or reestablish your credit. However, this is no bonus for signing up. There is also no reward program like you can get with other types of cards. There are even secured cards with bonus programs available. You can upgrade to more robust cards once you build your credit a bit.

4. Not Guaranteed a Deposit Back

Most secured cards will give you your deposit back if you close the account out in good standing after at least a year. However, this one is different. Bank of America reviews every applicant to see if they’re worthy of getting their deposit back. It’s not a guarantee. So, you could be out hundreds of dollars when you close the account. The Discover it Secured Card offers cash back.

5. High Late Payment Fee

Missing a payment can do more than hurt your credit score. If you miss a payment with the Bank of America secured credit card, you’ll pay a high late payment fee. This fee is $40 each time you miss one. They’ll add it on top of your current balance. If you habitually miss payments, you could end up spending hundreds.

Bottom Line

Who could benefit from having the BankAmericard secured credit card? Anyone that needs to rebuild their credit or learn how to use a card responsibly can benefit. It’s a good beginner card with solid benefits and not a lot of drawbacks. So if you need to rebuild, build, or reestablish your credit, we recommend you take a look.

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Auto Loan Refinancing 5 Things To Know

Auto Loan Refinance - Five Things to Consider Before Refinancing Your Car Loan

5 Things to Know When Refinancing an Auto Loan

Refinancing your auto loan is a major decision, but it’s often the best way to deal with car-related debt. Without refinancing, you could be forced to pay late fees or even default on the loan if you’re unable to make payments.

This article will cover some of the most important things you should know if you’re considering refinancing your auto loan. Keep in mind that every situation is different—this strategy is good in some circumstances, but in others refinancing could result in a higher total cost compared to making on-time payments toward the original balance.

1. How Auto Refinancing Works

Refinancing an auto loan is similar to refinancing any other form of credit—you are essentially taking out a new loan to pay off your existing balance.

This could be because you’re having trouble keeping up with your payments.  While you’ll likely spend more in interest, you’ll save money by avoiding the costs that come with making late payments.  In this case, you might be able to find a loan with a longer term, allowing you to make smaller payments each month over a longer period of time.

Of course, if you’re a strong borrower, you could also potentially save money in the long run if you can refinance at a significantly lower interest rate than exists on your current loan.

If you’re thinking about refinancing, make sure to shop around and compare offers from several different options before committing to a specific lender.

2. When Auto Loan Refinancing Is a Good Idea

Refinancing can save you a lot of money, but that doesn’t mean it’s always the right thing to do. You should generally consider refinancing for one of two reasons—this is a major financial decision, so it’s important to think carefully about the pros and cons of each option.

You Can’t Make Payments

The most obvious time to refinance your auto loan is when you’re having trouble making the payments you agreed to when you took out the original loan. High monthly payments can make your budget much more difficult to manage and cut into other areas of your life.

Paying more in interest is a small price to pay to avoid more serious obstacles like defaulting on a loan. Late and missed payments will also hurt your credit score and prevent you from accessing lines of credit later on, so you should refinance as soon as possible if you know you’re not going to be able to make payments.

You Found a Better Offer

Interest rates fluctuate constantly, so the best available offer when you purchased your car may not be as good as the one you could get now. Paying a lower interest rate will allow you to pay off your balance with less money and help you save more cash for other areas of your budget or even put together an emergency fund.

Even a slightly lower interest rate could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars depending on the size and term of your loan, so you should always be looking at refinancing options to see if there’s a better offer. Car dealerships typically offer loans with higher interest rates compared to more conventional lenders.

3. When to Avoid Auto Loan Refinancing

These are two of the best signs that refinancing could be right for you, but there are also some situations in which you should stick to the original loan. These are a few of the most important drawbacks that lead people to pay off their balance rather than refinancing with a new loan.

You’ve Made Progress on the First Loan

Interest payments can be incredibly frustrating, and they often lead people to feel like they aren’t making progress on their loans. That said, you typically pay more interest over the first half of a loan than the second—as the balance decreases, less interest compounds each month.

If you’ve already paid off the majority of your original auto loan, you probably won’t save much money by refinancing, even if you’re able to find a loan with a lower interest rate. Refinancing earlier on gives you the opportunity to save more on interest while reducing your monthly payment and freeing up cash flow.

Your Auto Loan Carries Prepayment Penalties

You might assume that paying off a loan as quickly as possible is the best way to minimize interest, but many loans charge prepayment penalties designed to give lenders as much interest as possible. These fees remove the incentive to pay off your balance and make refinancing a less attractive option.

Other loans calculate all interest upfront and require you to pay the entire bill regardless of when you finish paying off the principal. Refinancing fees for things like re-registration and lien holding can also add to your costs, although they typically make up a small payment compared to how much you could save by refinancing.

Your Car Has Already Depreciated

Cars depreciate more quickly during the first few years of ownership than at any other time, so most lenders are reluctant to offer refinancing loans after this period. It’s generally easiest to refinance within the first three to five years of owning your car, although some lenders may be willing to work with you later.

4. The Importance of Credit

Interest rates fluctuate naturally based on market conditions, but your refinancing options are mainly determined by your credit report and your history as a borrower. People with a higher credit score have access to more loan offers and more options with competitive interest rates.

If you have a poor credit history, lenders see you as less reliable and will charge more in interest to compensate for the additional risk. Refinancing is a great option if your credit has significantly improved since you purchased the car, as you may be able to find a loan with a substantially lower interest rate.

With that in mind, you should do everything possible to maximize your credit score if you know you’ll need to consider refinancing options. Some of the easiest ways to improve your credit include making on-time payments, using less than 30 percent of your credit limit, and regularly checking your report to identify irregularities and inaccuracies.

Keep in mind that refinancing itself may hurt your credit score, although the impact shouldn’t be more than a few points. You should avoid refinancing and other types of credit if you know that you’ll be applying for a new line of credit in the near future. This is especially critical for mortgages, auto loans, and similar loans—the larger the balance, the more important it becomes to find the lowest possible interest rate.

5. How to Find the Right Auto Loan

If you’ve decided to refinance your auto loan, the next step is comparing your options and looking for a loan that meets your needs. You should start shopping around well before you need the money—the longer you wait, the less time you’ll have to look at offers and wait for the perfect opportunity.

The interest rate is the most obvious factor to consider when comparing loans, but there are a number of other important criteria that should affect your decision. A longer term, for example, gives you more time to pay off the loan and increases your cash flow by requiring smaller payments each month.

On the other hand, shorter terms give you the chance to pay off the balance more quickly and avoid more interest. You should look for a long-term loan if you need cash flow immediately, but short-term loans are better if you’re simply looking to save money relative to the original loan. Remember that everyone is in different circumstances—the right answer for you depends on your unique financial situation and goals.

Refinancing an auto loan for the first time can be confusing, and it’s often difficult to determine which strategy gives you the chance to save as much money as possible. With so much to consider, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and simply stick to the original loan. These tips will help you identify the best refinancing options for you and pay off your debt as quickly as possible.

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Citi Prestige Card Review Pros and Cons

Citi Prestige - Reviewing Pros and Cons

Citi Prestige Card Review

The Citi Prestige card is one of the more expensive options available. However, it comes with benefits that can be huge for cardholders. Is the Citi Prestige card worth it? We’ll outline the pros and cons below. This way, you’ll know whether or not this is a card you want to add to your wallet.

Citi Prestige Card Pros

1. Priority Pass

Cardholders with the Citi Prestige get Priority Pass. This service makes traveling and waiting in airports more convenient. You’ll get access to hundreds of airport lounges across the country free of charge. This is great for frequent flyers who want a chance to rest in comfort and style between flights. So all you have to do is show your card, scan it, and you’ll gain access.

2. Bonus

You get bonus points if you spend $4,000 in the first three months of having the card. Depending on where you fly, that’s like two or three ticket purchases. You can use these points to redeem rewards whenever you like. If you don’t make the spending limit in four months, you won’t get your sign up bonus.

3. Rewards Rate

This card has a very generous rewards rate for their cardholders, but how much are Citi Prestige points worth? You earn five points for every dollar you spend at restaurants and for air travel. You earn three points per dollar on cruises and hotels. Every other purchase will earn you one point per dollar spent. The points never expire, and you can stack them as long as you want.

4. Complimentary Hotel Stay

Twice a year, Citi Prestige cardholders get two complimentary fourth-night hotel stays. You do have to book four consecutive nights in a row for this to work. Additionally, you have to book through the ThankYou.com portal. However, this can quickly add up to hundreds of dollars in savings each year.

5. No Blackout Dates

One of the most frustrating things about traveling and using points is blackout dates. However, the Citi Prestige card makes this a thing of the past. There are no blackout dates with this card. This means you can book flights 365 days of the year without a problem. It’s especially useful for holiday travel.

6. Several Redemption Options

Unlike some cards, you have a host of ways to redeem your points with this card. You can use them for travel and airfare. However, you can also redeem cash, merchandise, and dozens of gift cards. Since the points don’t expire, you could easily stack them for larger redemption offers. You can pool them with other Citi cards too!

7. Transfer Points

There are 13 travel partners connected to Citi. You can transfer your points to any of these 13 partners. The points transfer at a 1:1 ratio. This is convenient if you don’t normally travel with one specific airline or travel agency. You’ll still get to use your points when you travel, no matter the airline.

8. Annual Travel Credit

Each year that you use your Citi Prestige card and keep it in good standing, you get a credit. This is a $250 credit, and Citi will apply it automatically. It’ll show up each year and apply to your eligible travel purchases. The great thing is that you don’t do anything extra for this credit.

9. Cell Phone Protection

If you pay your cell phone bill each month with your Citi Prestige card, you’ll get additional protection. This protection doesn’t cost you anything. They’ll reimburse you the cost to repair or replace your phone if it gets stolen or damaged. So this protection plan works for up to five phones and $1,500 in yearly benefits. Another credit card that offers this is the Wells Fargo Propel American Express® card.

10. Banking Annual Credit

If you’re a qualifying Citigold client, you’ll earn $145 in statement credits each year. To get this credit, you have to have a Citigold account. Every authorized user you have on your account will earn you a $25 statement credit. Again, you do nothing but keep your card in good standing to automatically earn it. Review travel offers for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry credit cards.

11. Security

Fraud and identity theft are huge problems. However, the Citi Prestige card protects cardholders. They monitor your account and sent you early fraud warning signs. They’ll also reimburse you for fraudulent purchases. This will help you get your life back on track much quicker.

Citi Prestige Card Cons

1. Annual Fee

This card is one of the most expensive available on the market today. Each year, you’ll pay $495 just for having the card open. It doesn’t matter if you use it all of the time or not. You’ll pay this fee. This makes you spend more in order to justify the high annual fee amount.

2. Have to Book Through the Citi ThankYou Portal

In order to earn points, you have to book all of your travel through the Citi ThankYou Portal. If you forget or don’t do it, you won’t earn points on your purchase. While this isn’t the worst thing in the work, it can be inconvenient.

3. ThankYou Point Value

Although you can earn a lot of points, ThankYou Point values are relatively low compared to other cards. They’re roughly one cent per point with airline points being 1.25 cents per point. So, 100 points is a dollar. If you travel a lot, you can make this work for you. However, it also means your signup bonus is on $50.

Is the Citi Prestige Card Worth It?

The short answer is that it depends. If you travel a lot, you could outweigh the steep annual fee. You also earn some great luxury travel benefits. So, we’d say that it is worth it for higher spenders and frequent travelers.

However, if you don’t travel or spend a lot, it’s going to be difficult to offset the fee. It’s also difficult to combine your points due to the relatively low point value. Finally, take a look at your spending and travel habits while you weigh the pros and cons. This will help you decide if the Citi Prestige card is a good fit or not.

Advertiser Disclosure for the CreditFast website – CreditFast.com, provides information about the best credit card applications, as well as other financial products and services. Our goal is to provide you with fair, balanced reviews. Some credit offers that appear on our website are from companies from which CreditFast receives compensation, and some are not.

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TSA PreCheck and Global Entry – Best Credit Cards

Airport Security Best Credit Cards - TSA PreCheck and Global Entry

What are the best credit cards for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck?

For frequent travelers, TSA PreCheck services can be invaluable. For low-risk passengers, global entry is another excellent service that can speed checking in along. Did you know that some credit cards offer reimbursement for global entry or TSA PreCheck services just for having it? We’re going to go over what these two things are before listing a few credit cards you can compare below.

Defining TSA PreCheck

If you enroll for TSA PreCheck, you get a few benefits. First, you go through a special security line. You won’t have to remove your jacket, belt, laptop, or liquids from your bag. The lines are also significantly shorter than traditional TSA lines. This can help you get on your flight quicker with less hassle.

You do have to renew your TSA PreCheck every five years. So without a credit card that reimburses you, you’ll pay $85 for the service. There are over 200 airports that accept this service, and there is no age limit to use it. It’s open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and permanent residents.

Defining Global Entry

The second perk travelers can use is the Global Entry system. If you enroll in this system, you’ll automatically enroll in the TSA PreCheck. Participants get expedited clearance using special kiosks when they arrive in the United States. You go to the machine, present your passport, scan your fingerprints, and sign a customs declaration.

The kiosk will then print you a receipt, and you’re free to go to the baggage claim. You renew your enrollment every five years, and the cost by itself is $100. You won’t go through processing lines, and it reduces your wait times. There is no age limit for this program. It’s open to U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, and citizens of certain countries.

The Eight Best Travel Cards That Come With Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Reimbursement

Now that you know what both perks are, we’ll go over a few cards that offer reimbursement. Remember, if you have Global Entry, you automatically have TSA PreCheck enrollment. Before applying it is important to read all terms and conditions of each offer. The best cards include:

1. Capital One Venture Rewards Card

Capital One Venture card gives you a $100 credit every four years for either fee. All you have to do is pay for them with your card. Additionally, you get 50,000 miles for spending $3,000 in the first three months. You can earn unlimited double miles on each purchase. If you stay at certain hotels and pay for it with the card, you get bonus miles. The first year has no annual fee; then it goes to $95.

2. Citi Prestige Card

You can earn up to $250 in travel credit each year with the Citi Prestige® Card. You get five times the points on airlines and three times at hotels and cruises. If you spend $4,000 in the first three months, you get a 50,000-mile bonus. This card does have a steep $495 annual fee attached to it. However, extensive travelers can balance it out with rewards.

3. Bank of America Premium Rewards

With the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card, you’ll get two points for every dollar spent on travel. One point for everything else. There is a 50,000-mile welcome bonus for spending $3,000 in the first three months. There is no foreign transaction fee, and this makes it excellent for global use. The $95 annual fee is very reasonable for a rewards card as well.

4. American Express Platinum Card

Every four years, this card will reimburse you $100 for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fees. Every flight you book directly through the airport and pay for with this card earns five points per dollar. So if you book hotels through amextravel.com, you’ll earn five points per dollar. Every other dollar spent is one point. You’ll get 60,000 points for spending $5,000 in the first three months. There is an annual fee of $550.

5. United Explorer Card

The United Explorer Card launched in 2018, will reimburse your fees once every four years. There is a $95 annual fee they waive the first year. Credits post within 24 hours, and this makes it extremely quick. You’ll earn double points for United purchases and double points for hotel and restaurant accommodations. Priority boarding, free checked bag, two lounge passes for United, and 25% back on in-flight purchases are available.

6. Chase Sapphire Reserve Card

With the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, you’ll get $100 back once every four years for your application fees. Each year, you’ll get a $300 statement credit to cover your travel expenses. The card gives you 50,000 points if you spend $4,000 in the first three months. It also comes with triple points per dollar spent on travel and dining purchases. The annual fee is $450.

7. Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite MasterCard

Every five years, you’ll get a reimbursement for your fees. If you spend $5,000 in the first three months, you’ll get a 50,000-mile bonus. There is a full Admirals Club membership that gives you access to 120 lounges across 90 countries. Since an Admirals Club membership is $500 by itself, this makes up for the $450 annual fee. You’ll earn priority boarding, 25% reimbursement for in-flight purchases, and Elite Qualifying Miles.

8. MasterCard Black Card

This card offers one point for each dollar you spend. You can redeem them at a rate of 2% for airline credit or 1.5% for cash back. It comes with a $100 annual travel credit and no foreign transaction fee. The Luxury Card VIP Travel Program is another perk. It gives you upgrades, complimentary food and beverages, car rental, and spa credits. It has a $495 annual fee.

Bottom Line on the Best Credit Cards for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry

For travelers, having the correct cards can result in huge savings year after year. So Global Entry and TSA PreCheck service reimbursement alone can save you hundreds of dollars. We invite you to compare the various cards we laid out for you above side by side. This will help you match the best card for your preferences to maximize your savings. Safe travels!

CreditFast has reviewed the best travel credit cards on the market. Some of the credit card offers are from our advertising partners. CreditFast has objectively reviewed the features and benefits of each travel credit card. We have chosen travel credit card offers based on our editor’s recommendations.

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