^"house payments" don't really count towards your credit history in the way you are thinking. CC companies are much more concerned with revolving credit accounts (aka a card that bills you a variable amount monthly) than fixed payment accounts (house/car payment). You are probably going to have to settle for a low credit limit and/or a student-oriented card. I'd recommend the Citi Freedom card.

Quote :

"can you transfer the credit history of one card to another?"

most of the time, yes. (obviously) has to be the same issuer, and some issuers are better about doing this than others. Your best bet is to call and ask.

Quote :

"I found out that I can easily convert the Citi card I have to the PremierPass Elite"

Where did you hear this? Citi was always good about it in the past, but just a couple weeks ago they would not let me convert my mtvU card to the PremierPass... I had to open a new account to get it. You might be able to smoothe-talk the applications dept into accepting your application, it's worked for me a few times (tell them you'll accept a lower credit limit / higher APR / whatever).

Quote :

"Some high rewards cards are denying applicants with good credit or dont hold a balance."

I assure you this is not true. There were probably other factors at play (the fact that your household already had that card, too many cards by that issuer, etc)

Quote :

"Do most/all places take Discover?"

not really. Visa/MC > Amex > Discover.
If you're applying for the 0% APR, be aware that they won't give it to you unless you have VERY good history.

1/25/2010 11:21:20 AM

stupid double post

[Edited on January 25, 2010 at 11:23 AM. Reason : d]

1/25/2010 11:21:21 AM

Quote :

"Where did you hear this? Citi was always good about it in the past, but just a couple weeks ago they would not let me convert my mtvU card to the PremierPass... I had to open a new account to get it. You might be able to smoothe-talk the applications dept into accepting your application, it's worked for me a few times (tell them you'll accept a lower credit limit / higher APR / whatever)."

The rep I talked to was more than happy to do it, she said I'd lose all my old points (which are a whopping 0), but wouldn't get the bonus if I just converted it. When you say smooth-talk the applications department, I'm guessing you mean call up the applications department and apply that way? I tried calling the "find out why you were rejected line" and they weren't much help. I didn't think to try and tell them I'd accept a lower limit/higher APR; just need to know where in the process to try that.

I wonder at what point I need to start asking for managers and bitching about how I've been a customer for 6+ years and that this is the thanks I get.

1/25/2010 11:37:48 AM

I had to go that route with something recently and I got nowhere. The manager on the phone basically told me he was sorry but my options were to accept the changes or close my account.

1/25/2010 11:44:46 AM

^^call them up to check on the status of your application. When they tell you it's been denied, ask them why. Then would be a good time to play the "been a customer for 6+ years" card, and ask if there is ANY way to get this application approved. That's when you mention that you'd be willing to take the reduced line or higher APR. Also, offer to take a reduction of the credit line on your older card and apply it to this new card.

1/25/2010 1:35:34 PM

Sadly, no dice on any of those things I appreciate the advice though. It all boils down to the fact that I don't have enough lines of credit established in the past to get such an Elite card "new".

[Edited on January 25, 2010 at 3:16 PM. Reason : Might just try to get them to convert my normal card to the one I want and get the yearly fee waived]

1/25/2010 3:13:15 PM

So i'm looking at the Citi CashReturns (https://www.citicards.com/cards/wv/cardDetail.do?screenID=946&origincontentId=CONSUMER&CONTENT_TYPE=constituency_detail), the Chase Freedom (https://www.chase.com/online/Special-Offers/Chase-Freedom-CreditCard.htm), and the AmEx Blue Cash (http://www201.americanexpress.com/getthecard/learn-about/BlueCash) cards.

Anyone have any of them or know why i should definitely go with one or avoid one?

Also, how come i can't find any decent VISA cashback cards?

1/27/2010 2:03:25 PM

^Amex BlueCash is the best of the 3 if you intend to spend a significant amount per year. (the rewards are tiered, so it doesn't get good until you hit $5000/yr, i think)

The Schwab Invest First card by FIA Card Services is the best Visa cashback card -> flat 2% on everything.

1/27/2010 2:33:53 PM

found out the AmEx Blue Cash had the high percentages only after you spend $6500/year on it, and that the percentages weren't retroactive on it (the first $6500 would have cashback of 0.5%/1% and then everything after would be 1.25%/5%) so i decided to pass on it for now

Ended up applying and was approved for the Schwab Invest First Card and Brokerage account - you don't need to keep a minimum of $1000 in there when you use the card, correct? Also, do you need any funds in it at all other than reward monies?

Still trying to determine if its worth getting one of the nice discover cards - guess i need to start paying attention to what the places i go to accept

---

Also came across this for any people looking for travel cards - the PenFed Premium Travel Rewards AmEx
* 5x Points for Every $1 Spent on Airfare
* 3x Points for Every $1 Spent on Hotels and Dining*
* 1x Point for Every $1 Spent on Virtually Everything Else
* 20,000 Bonus Points after the first $650 you spend on it

it's restricted to certain membership requirements, but it seems if you join the National Military Family Association for a one-time fee of $20 you can bypass them

[Edited on January 30, 2010 at 4:30 PM. Reason : FYI]

1/30/2010 4:27:19 PM

^that PenFed card sounds nice, but AmEx's membership rewards points are all but worthless . You need a ton of them to do anything.

About the Schwab account: no, you do not need any funds / activity other than what you get get from the Invest First card. The money gets desposited on the same day every month, so you might have to wait up to 3 or 4 weeks after your statement comes out to get the deposit. You can either invest that money or pull it out by setting up a transfer to your checking account.

2/1/2010 8:40:53 AM

discover used to have 5% back on gas but changed to 2%, not worth it. if you're strapped for cash and don't need a loan within the next year, it might be worth signing up and getting the $75 signup bonus after $599 in purchases. i think chase freedom still has the $50 signup bonus.

2/1/2010 12:59:57 PM

Quote :

"So i'm looking at the Citi CashReturns (https://www.citicards.com/cards/wv/cardDetail.do?screenID=946&origincontentId=CONSUMER&CONTENT_TYPE=constituency_detail), the Chase Freedom (https://www.chase.com/online/Special-Offers/Chase-Freedom-CreditCard.htm), and the AmEx Blue Cash (http://www201.americanexpress.com/getthecard/learn-about/BlueCash) cards. Anyone have any of them or know why i should definitely go with one or avoid one? Also, how come i can't find any decent VISA cashback cards?"

I got the Chase Freedom card recently and I am not really that pleased with it. The card is kind of misrepresented on the site. You get the three percent back on random rotating categories. There is no way to tell what the next group of 3% rewards is going to be. You also have to go in every time it switches and sign up to get the 3% back if you forget to do it, too bad you don't get the extra cash back.

2/1/2010 6:29:42 PM

My mom just made me realize the Discover is up to 1% cashback and it's really only .25% cashback on the first $3000. Is this for real? I always thought it was 1% flat at least like the Chase cards. I can't find anywhere on Discover's website where it explains what up to 1% means.

Now I'm pissed. I'm going to switch to a better Chase card soon. Any offers out there?

2/3/2010 12:41:50 AM

okay, so i'm a bit disappointed with my and my fiancée's discover card...i didn't realize there were so many places it isn't accepted, and with our upcoming wedding expenses, the fact that it isn't accepted will significantly cut into our cash back options...we're thinking of getting a second joint card (a visa, most likely, but not amex) and keep the discover card open to use it when the 5-20% cash back through shopdiscover is a good idea, but the new card will likely be our daily driver

we have excellent credit (at least, we did when we got the discover a couple of months ago), so i'm pretty sure we can get whatever we want...the interest rate isn't important since neither of us has ever (and hope to never) carry a balance

we generally pay for our own gas (since i hardly use any and she uses a lot more), so i don't really care about cash back on that, but anything that gives bonus cash back for groceries or dining would be great...i'm only interested in cards that give you actual cash monies (or points you can exchange for cash monies) because i don't really care about some BS gift cards

suggestions? what's the deal with citiforward? do you only get points, or can you exchange those points for cash monies? it looks like chase or capitalone are the only other options...

3/30/2010 10:18:21 AM

Quote :

"Any credit cards offering no annual fee and 5% CB on gas"

My chase BP visa does that, but only at BP

also offers 2% back on dining/entertainment

and 1% everything else i believe

3/30/2010 10:36:16 AM

Just got a Citi Forward card. Approved for $5k credit limit and my credit score was around mid 700's but not sure precisely. I kept getting offers for Chase Freedom and some other discover card but the rewards weren't that great. I've always been using my debit card for everything (no fees or charges but no rewards either). Been looking for a CC that has decent rewards program for money I'm already required to spend (gas, restaurants, popular online vendors)

To expand upon what Fanatik already wrote:

Basic rewards are given in points and the program is pretty simple. There are two categories:

-Restaurants (incl. fast food), Music, Books, and Movies - 5 points per $1 spent
-Everything else you purchase - 1 point per $1 spent

You can get store gift cards and pay off citibank student loans (which is what my plan is) or other citi CC's on as a straight 1 point = 1 cent. Other things such as a Visa pre-paid gift card are 1.4 points = 1 cent and straight cash deposit option is 1.6 points = 1 cent. You can get around $85 worth of points just for signing up and buying $250 bucks of stuff in the first 3 months. The total limit is 75000 redeemable points ($750) which at worst means I would be required to spend $75,000 (no way in hell that will happen) or at best $15,000 in the specific 5 point category (reasonable but probably won't hit that ever anyway)

The easiest way to think about the points program is 5% cash back on the first category and 1% cash back on everything else.

Pros:
-ANYTHING on Amazon.com is in the 5 point category
-Unfortunately I go out to eat a lot, especially at work during lunchtime so 5% CB there a lot.
-1% CB is meh, but something is better than nothing until I find a better option.
-No annual fee.
-Anywhere from 3-15 points per dollar spent at different 'megadeal' locations they choose each day/week/etc.

Cons:
-Not a lot of common categories such as gas or hotels in the 5% rebate. I'm thinking about getting a card that specifically covers those and using it only for those. Hell if I have to spend the money for living and sometimes work I may as well get rewards for it like this one.
-APR is around 14-18% but obviously if you pay it off on time it's almost negligible and a non-issue.

/words

3/30/2010 8:50:10 PM

When I signed up for the CitiForward card it also gave 7 months of 0% interest and allegedly your APR will lower when you pay your balance on time.

It not doing 5:1 points on gas stations/grocery stores is a bit of a downer, but I think you can pull double points on hotels by using Expedia. I will say that I now buy everything possible off Amazon though.

Another nice advantage of the card is the Cell Phone Protection wherein if you pay your cell phone bill with the card and your cellphone breaks, after you pay a $50 deductable they'll pay $250 (I think?) towards replacement of your phone.

3/30/2010 9:18:12 PM

i ended up getting the Chase Ink...3% on gas, dining, home improvement, and office supply...1% everything else....i wish i can find one for groceries at 3% or higher

3/30/2010 9:41:39 PM

^ isn't that a business card?

3/31/2010 8:17:32 AM

they never verified me...but if they ever did, technically i work on the side as an agent to help friends find homes

3/31/2010 3:31:27 PM

Just got the Starwood Preferred Guest card for a nice 10k points bonus on my account. Will probably help motivate my gf and I to travel some more. Using some of my SPG points to get a hotel room in Munich for Oktoberfest.

5/25/2010 4:39:48 PM

Starwood is a great card (had it for about 3 years), but I just got so fed up with their hotels.

Since they're 'luxury' hotels, they assume they can milk you for everything. Really, $15 for an hour of Wifi when I can get it free at the Super 8?

Because of this, I cancelled the card and went with Hilton. (where i get free breakfast and wifi at their lowest-tier brand).

5/26/2010 10:13:51 AM

Went ahead and got a Chase Freedom card as I have not been happy with Citi for customer service and my other chase card I don't use much because the rewards kinda suck for me. $10,000 limit, $100 cash back on first purchase, 0% APR for 6 months, and their rewards program is still good (even if it isn't as good as it used to be).

Plus, I've been happy with Chase customer service the few times I've had to contact them versus Citi's which has been terrible (even though my history with them is immaculate, it is my most used card, etc.).

5/26/2010 10:22:02 AM

Quote :

"Plus, I've been happy with Chase customer service the few times I've had to contact them versus Citi's which has been terrible (even though my history with them is immaculate, it is my most used card, etc.)."

Exact opposite for me. I hate dealing with Chase.


In other news, I recently lost my 5% grocery card, does anyone know of one I can apply for?

5/26/2010 4:46:22 PM

I've got a personal amex platinum and a business amex gold card. I got an email yesterday offering me 25,000 points if I upgraded the business card to platinum.

Worth it?

5/26/2010 6:22:48 PM

It's probably got some ridiculous annual fee, like $250 so... NO

always read the fine print, kids.

5/27/2010 8:20:38 AM

Platinum is $450 a year and I'm having a hard time justifying the need for another one, even with the points.

5/27/2010 11:50:49 AM

Those AmEx gold/platinum charge cards (the ones with the crazy annual fees, it IS possible to get fee-free ones) are for people with more money than sense. They offer nothing that a fee-free AmEx doesn't.

5/27/2010 1:28:44 PM

^^ wait, youre saying the one they are trying to get you to upgrade to is $450 a year and not any of the cards you have now correct? Either way, run away. It isn't worth it.

[Edited on May 27, 2010 at 2:23 PM. Reason : ]

5/27/2010 2:08:13 PM

^^ I shopped around and didn't see any with the travel benefits of the platinum, which are pretty sweet.

Otherwise I'd agree that it's a waste.

[Edited on May 27, 2010 at 2:57 PM. Reason : .]

5/27/2010 2:56:38 PM

I've got a pretty basic question, but was hoping someone could help me out.

My wife and I have one credit card - a CapitalOne card that my wife has had for about 5 years - with a balance around $1,500 on it. In the last few months they have increased our APR from around 15% to 23%, which is a pain in the ass. I want to get a new card that has a fairly low APR (15% or lower preferably) that will allow me to pay off the CapitalOne card for free, or for a nominal fee. We will leave the CapitalOne card open, but we wont spend anything on it except in emergencies - and we will use the new card as our primary credit card.

Our credit is good and we dont use credit cards for much at all, we almost exclusively use our debit cards to pay for stuff. Does anyone have any experience doing something similar, and/or does anyone have a card that they recommend for my situation? We belong to a credit union, would it be best to get a card through them or should we just apply for a Citi/Chase/Visa card?

Thanks

Thanks in advance

[Edited on July 11, 2010 at 11:34 AM. Reason : adsf]

7/11/2010 11:26:39 AM

I have a Citi dividend cash back card and wonder if they would let me transfer to this card:

Quote :

"-Associated Bank Platinum (same as your Cashe Plus - 5% cash at gas/grocery/drug - you have to call 1-800-219-7941 and apply over the phone for this one, as it's super duper secret [issued by Citi])"

7/12/2010 12:16:43 AM

They won't let you transfer from one card to another anymore. Upgrade from a normal version of a card to another, maybe; but (Citi explained to me) they can't make any changes to a card you have that would take away a benefit from your current card.

So that if you have a Citi card that gives 2% cash back and has a 1% Hertz discount, and want to transfer to another Citi card with a different name that only gives 3% cash back, you're out of luck.

[Edited on July 12, 2010 at 12:23 AM. Reason : .]

7/12/2010 12:23:05 AM

DROD: Citi has the Platinum Dividends card which usually has a 0% for 12 months on balance transfers offer. Usually carries a BT fee nowadays, but you'll still save a shitton of money. If you're just looking for a low-APR card, credit union is your best bet.
Actually, just found this: https://applications.usbank.com/oad/begin?locationCode=9517&SourceCode=76024&preparerType=customer
The Select Rewards card has 0% for 12 months with no BT fee, then 11.99 to 19.99% based on your credit score.

LoneSnark: that card has sadly been discontinued. And Stein is right, most of the CC issuers have quit allowing conversions.


In other news: I recently applied for an awesome offer:

-Southwest Airlines card (offered by Chase): get 16 credits (round-trip flight) and $500 in Southwest gift cards after you spend $5000 in the first 3 months. Annual fee is waived for 1st year.
http://www.mychasecreditcards.com/southwest/DenverSpecialOffer


[Edited on July 12, 2010 at 9:38 AM. Reason : f]

7/12/2010 9:13:40 AM

so anybody know if a bank will let you have two credit accounts... like the same type of account?

I've got a citi platinum card and I keep getting pre-approved offers for another platinum card with 0%APR for 1-year. It's the same card/deal I originally got, but that was 2-3 years ago. I like free payment plans for large purchases

also got one for a citi diamond preferred card... I realize the pre-approved offers are auto-generated, but wasn't sure if citi would let me have two accounts.... calling has done me no good.

[Edited on July 13, 2010 at 7:53 PM. Reason : .]

7/13/2010 7:50:16 PM

give it a try, lol. wouldn't surprise me with the big banks

7/13/2010 7:52:50 PM

As long as you're credit-worthy, I don't see why not

7/13/2010 7:52:54 PM

^tis what I thought, but I'm pretty sure another bank, maybe first citizens, said they wouldn't let me have two similar accounts open at the same time...

7/13/2010 7:55:44 PM

^should be no problem. I have a Citi dividend and a Citi Shell gas card.

7/13/2010 7:56:42 PM

thanks. I think I'll try with the diamond preferred card... looks to be the same deal as the platinum card... but I'll add some color diversity to my wallet

approved

[Edited on July 13, 2010 at 8:15 PM. Reason : .]

7/13/2010 7:57:34 PM

^ I just got a letter about that one today.

Worth it?

7/13/2010 9:16:21 PM

I assume... no annual fee, 0% purchase APR until 10/2011... I like having a free payment plan and another credit line will help out my credit score...

so yeh, there's nothing to lose really. I did it online and was instantly approved... though the credit limit was low... probably because of my income versus my previous total credit limit

7/13/2010 9:20:32 PM

I have a CitiForward card and a Citi Diamond Preferred Card.

The DP has terrible perks, but it looks baller.

7/13/2010 9:21:04 PM

meh, I'm just going for the 0% APR... I've got a decent card for rewards

7/13/2010 9:41:20 PM

I've had a citi plat dividend for about 5 years now.

I honestly haven't swiped it in over a year now, but I can't throw it out because my wallet stretched so the other cards will fall out easier if i get rid of it.

First world problem.

7/13/2010 9:47:09 PM

Just got a thing in the mail for a Chase Blueprint (Slate with Blueprint is what they are calling it) card. They are offering a 0% intro APR until August 2011 on purchases and balance transfers, then it will go up to 11.99%. They also say that the balance transfer fee is 3% of the amount transferred with a minimum of $5.

Doesnt look like there are any other perks, but I want a card that I can transfer over our current balance onto while having a lower APR so we can pay down the balance quicker. This is the card that there are commercials for that let you determine how much of each payment goes to each purchase. Dunno how much we'll use that feature, but its good to have.

Anyone have any experience with this card, or with Chase period? We have a capitalone card now with a 23% APR (they just switched our rates, you can see more of my story above). Sounds like a no-brainer, what are you "money peoples" thoughts?

7/20/2010 4:52:28 PM

anything is an improvement over capitalone (tons of reports that they don't report your credit ratio accurately etc. unless they have changed). I have had no problems with Chase. I have a priority club card and a freedom card through them and my wife has some other Chase card. About to get my wife a freedom card too to take advantage of $100 reward for the new account.

[Edited on July 20, 2010 at 5:28 PM. Reason : ]

7/20/2010 5:19:55 PM

I currently don't have a credit card, but was looking for a decent rewards card for the daily expenses (gas, food, etc). I've been looking at the chase freedom card and I like the sound of it, but I've seen 2 different offers on the visa version of it and wanted to get opinions. One offer gives $100 cash back after spending $799 in the first 3 months. The other gives 0% apr for 6 months. I'm leaning towards the 0% one as I'll be in the market for a ring soon, I'm just looking for any suggestions or pointers since this is my first credit card. Thanks.

7/29/2010 11:20:29 AM

the only 2 C/Cs I have and use for rewards are:
1. Discover - 5% cash back quarterly on different categorie
2. Chase Ink - 3% cash back all the time on home improvement, office stores, gas, and restaurants

i'm sure there are better ones but i have had no time to investigate

7/29/2010 11:46:23 AM

^^ depends on your situation. I'd take the $100 without a second thought though. When it comes down to the ring, I don't believe in buying anything that you can't pay for comfortably straight up (which obviously influences my suggestion to you). When I bought my wife's engagement ring I did charge it but paid the whole statement off come billing time like I normally do for any card I have (I really only charged for the reward pts haha). Don't get me wrong, 0% interest can be nice in certain situations but from my personal experience, getting a ring that cost enough such that 0% interest was a huge help wouldn't have added anything over the ring I chose.

So there is my two-cents

7/29/2010 12:04:02 PM