Home » Posts tagged 'Cash Back'
Tag Archives: Cash Back
How To Pay Off Credit Card Debt Faster
The post How To Pay Off Credit Card Debt Faster appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.
According to NerdWallet, the average credit card debt for the American Family is nearly $16,000. Â That is a considerable amount, and the monthly financial burdens can quickly become overwhelming
You may feel as if there is no light at the end of the tunnel as you see no end in site. How in the world did I let this happen and what can I do about it now?
You certainly do not want to be like me and go down the path of bankruptcy. Don’t do that.
Instead, you simply need to know where to turn for in order to get the help you need to pay off your credit card debt as quickly as possible.
The truth is that you may not even realize how much debt you have or where to begin. Let’s tackle your debt by helping you figure out the simplest way to get rid of your credit card debt as fast as possible.
var dcomForm = dcomForm || {}; dcomForm.info = dcomForm.info || []; dcomForm.info.push({ parent_id: “dcom-widget” });
dcomForm.info.push({ oneColumn: false }); dcomForm.info.push({ activeVerticals: { credit_card_debt: true, student_loan_debt: true, credit_correction: true, tax_debt: true } }); dcomForm.info.push({ styleGuide: “light” });
HOW TO QUICKLY PAY OFF CREDIT CARDS
The first thing you have to do is take responsibility for it.  Whether your debt is a result of severe financial times or frivolous spending, it doesn’t matter. But, before you even think about getting out from beneath your credit card debt, you need to be ready to make it happen. That means you have to be willing to put in the hard work and make the lifestyle changes necessary to achieve your goals.
Once you do that, you are ready to take steps to pay it off.
1. Transfer your balances to zero or lower balance cards
When you have a lot of credit card debt, you will want to try to lower the amount of interest you pay. Since that compounds every month, it can mean your $50 payment will only reduce the debt by $10.
Take some time to do some research to find zero interest rate transfer cards or those with a low introductory rate. Â If you can drop your interest payments, that will allow you to focus on paying off your credit card debts.
By consolidating your credit card debt onto one or two cards, you may find you save a significant amount of money in interest while working to pay off the balances.
2. Use your house
When mortgage rates are low, it might make sense to refinance your home. Doing so may allow you take out a loan large enough to cover the balance you owe on your home plus your total credit card debt, without increasing your monthly payment.
If you can borrow more money, you can use that additional amount to pay off your credit card debt. Then, all of your debt will be in one monthly payment – your mortgage.
Or, if you would rather not refinance, consider taking out a home equity loan. Use what you’ve paid towards your home to pay off your credit cards. The interest rate is often lower what your credit card company charges.
3. Use a personal loan to pay off credit card debt
If you do not own a home, talk to your bank about a personal loan (secured or unsecured). Just like a home equity loan, you can pay off your balances and have a single monthly payment, often at a lower rate than credit card companies charge.
4. Get rid of your cards
If you are committed to paying off your credit card balances cut them up. That way, you will not be tempted to add more debt to your balance. However, what you should not do is close the account. Keep it open and continue to pay on it to help increase your credit score.
For some people, cutting them is just not an option. If you find this is you, then you need to put your cards on ice. Literally. Put the card in a baggie filled with water and drop it into your freezer.  Now,  you won’t be tempted to dig it out and use it as you would have to put in a LOT of effort to do so.
Do what you have to do to stop spending. There is no way around this. Until you are ready to change your attitude towards spending money, you will not be able to get out of debt. This starts by cutting off the spending. Period.
Read more: Â How to Break the Cycle of Credit Card Debt
5. Know how much you owe
Sadly, most people have no idea how much credit card debt they have accrued. You have to know how much you owe before you can implement a plan to pay it off.
Make a list of the current balances owed, minimum monthly payment and the interest rate. Then add up total the amount of debt you have AND the total minimum monthly payments. Â This gives you a better picture of the amount of debt you currently have outstanding (and, it may not be pretty to look at).
The debt payoff bundle gives you every form you need to track, monitor and pay off your debt once and for all!!
6. Find money
Once you know how much debt you have to pay off, take a second look at your budget. Find places where you can cut back to have more money to pay your debt. That may mean scaling back or eliminating dinner out for a while, so you have another $100 to use towards your credit card balances.
Think about making some short-term sacrifices for long-term gain. You will not need to scale back forever. Once you are out of debt you may even find you don’t miss those items you cut out of the budget!
7. Start paying them down — One at a time
There are two different rules of thinking when it comes to paying off credit card debts.  One says pay the higher interest rate, and the other says the highest balance. You can read more about those below.
No matter which method you decide to use, start with ONE debt and work on it first. Get it paid in full before you try to pay others.
You can use a debt payoff calculator to find out long it will take to pay off your credit cards and know how much you’ll save in interest along the way.
8. Consider debt consolidation
Sometimes, the best way out of debt is to consolidate them all into a single payment. You may find that you ultimately pay less over the life of the loan vs. what you would pay in interest on each card alone.
While credit card transfers are an option (as mentioned above) you may also want to try debt management or a consolidation program. These include counselors who may be able to negotiate (on your behalf) to reduce the rates or payment terms.
Rather than make the individual payments on each debt, you make a single payment each month to the agency. They then transfer the payment to the creditor on your behalf.
If you do not own a home or are unable to qualify for a credit card or personal loan then debt consolidation may be the answer.
HOW DO YOU PAY DOWN YOUR CREDIT CARD BALANCES
If you do not opt for one of the options above and instead want to tackle your balances on your own, there are two methods you can use.
Highest Interest Rate First (Avalanche Method)
The avalanche method of debt repayment starts by first tackling the debt with the highest interest rate. You will want to pay as much as you can towards this debt first, continuing with minimum payments on all other debts.
For example, if the minimum monthly balance is $25, try to double, if not triple, the payment. Combine this amount with any additional income freed up in your budget to pay towards your debt. Your focus should be only on this single debt until it is paid off. Continue making the minimum required payments on your other credit card balances.
Once your first card is paid off, roll the monthly payment you were making on that card onto the next card. So, if you were paying $150 on card one and $30 on card two each month, you will now pay $180 towards the balance of your credit card. Continue to do this until all of you are debt free.
Using this method results in paying less interest, therefore, less overall debt. Â As you tackle the one that accrues interest at a higher rate first, you will eventually pay out less to the company. Â The downside is that you may end up tackling an overall higher balance first, which can result in it taking longer to make progress, and you becoming discouraged.
Lowest Balance First (Snowball Method)
The snowball method does not take interest rate into account, but rather balances. Review your list of debts and find the one that has the lowest balance. This is the one you will focus on first.
You will follow the same rule as you would if you were paying down the higher interest rate card first. Â Find any additional money you can in your budget and add that to the minimum monthly payment of the lowest balance card. Â Continue paying on that card until it is paid in full. Â Once that happens, roll that payment into the next balance. Â Repeat this process until all debts are paid off.
The reason that this works is that it tends to be more encouraging. Â You will see that you are actually making progress as you can achieve a balance paid in full more quickly, which gives you the motivation to proceed. Â The downside of this method is that you may have to pay a bit more in overall debt due to additional interest on the cards.
The thing is that one of these is not “right or wrong.” I hate when I see so-called experts trying to degrade someone for trying one over the other. Â We are all different and we know what will motivate us to help us stay on track. Â Decide which of these two works best for you.
8. Use Windfalls
While you are working yourself out from beneath your mountain of debt, there may be times when extra money finds its way to you. You may get a raise or a bonus at work. This may be the year you qualify for a tax refund. When you get extra money of any amount, do not use it as you want. Instead, apply it towards your debt.
If you want to tackle this as quickly as possible, you may need to sell things you do not need or even get a second job. There are many ways you can make money at home, many of which will not interfere with your regular full-time job.
STAYING OUT OF CREDIT CARD DEBT
Once your credit card debt is paid in full, you never want to allow yourself to get into that situation again. Â Here are things you need to do:
1. Figure out why you got there in the first place
Was the reason you had debt due to poor saving? Are you a spender? Did you just not have a budget and had to use it to cover living expenses?
Whatever the reason, you need to make sure you know what lead you down that path, to begin with, and make changes in your life so that it doesn’t happen again.
2. Have an emergency fund
Many times, people turn to credit cards when they have an unexpected expense. This is where your emergency fund will come into play. Instead of turning to a credit card to bail you out, you will use your emergency fund balance instead.
Read more: Â How to Rapidly Build an Emergency Fund
3. Never charge more than you have in the bank
Far to often, people will charge in advance of a paycheck or other income source they plan on coming their way. Â But, what happens if that fails to come through? Â Can they pay off the balance?
If you can not pay off your balance with the money in your checking or savings account, then do not charge it. Â Just because you are owed money does not mean it will come through.
4. Always pay balances in full every month
It can be tempting not to pay off your card and keep more of the money for yourself. Â However, this will just put you back into the same situation you just got out from. Â Make sure your entire balance is paid off every single month. Â No exceptions.
5. Review the perks
Many people use credit cards because of the perks. These include cash back, free offers or even airline miles. Â However, what do you have to spend to earn the reward? Is it worth racking up a hefty balance just to get something free?
Companies can change their programs at any time. Â You could lose those you’ve earned or no longer be eligible to earn new ones. Â The perks may sound great, but are they really worth it?
Trying to pay off credit card debt is not easy. However, can you continue to live with the financial strain they are causing you? Only you can decide that it is the right time to pay off credit card debt.
The post How To Pay Off Credit Card Debt Faster appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.
Source: pennypinchinmom.com
Here are Safer Alternatives if Youâre Too Obsessed with the Stock Market
Weâre big on investing. Itâs an important way to grow your money and set yourself up for retirement someday.
But is it dangerous to be too obsessed with the stock market?
You bet it is. Our financial advice columnist, Dear Penny, recently heard from a reader whose husband stopped funding his 401(k) so he can bet on the stock market, instead.
Is it OK that heâs stopped contributing to his 401(k) so he can trade stocks? the reader asked. How do I ask him what heâs actually investing in? Iâm worried that heâs gambling money that we need for our retirement.
Thatâs not the way to go. Here are five safer ways to invest and grow your money.
1. Just Steadily Invest Like a Normal Person
Instead of betting all your money on the stock market, just steadily invest in it. Take the long view. The stock market is unpredictable, which means that sometimes stock prices go up, and sometimes they go down â but over time, they tend to go up.
If you havenât started investing and have some money to spare, you can start small. Investing doesnât require you throwing thousands of dollars at full shares of stocks. In fact, you can get started with as little as $1.*
We like Stash, because it lets you choose from hundreds of stocks and funds to build your own investment portfolio. But it makes it simple by breaking them down into categories based on your personal goals. Want to invest conservatively right now? Totally get it! Want to dip in with moderate or aggressive risk? Do what you feel.
Plus, with Stash, youâre able to invest in fractions of shares, which means you can invest in funds you wouldnât normally be able to afford.
If you sign up now (it takes two minutes), Stash will give you $5 after you add $5 to your invest account. Subscription plans start at $1 a month.**
2. Grow Your Money 16x Faster â Without Risking Any of It
Save some of your money in a safer place than the stock market â but where youâll still earn money on it.
Under your mattress or in a safe will get you nothing. And a typical savings account wonât do you much better. (Ahem, 0.06% is nothing these days.)
But a debit card called Aspiration lets you earn up to 5% cash back and up to 16 times the average interest on the money in your account.
Not too shabby!
Enter your email address here to get a free Aspiration Spend and Save account. After you confirm your email, securely link your bank account so they can start helping you get extra cash. Your money is FDIC insured and they use a military-grade encryption which is nerd talk for âthis is totally safe.â
3. Stop Paying Your Credit Card Company
One way to make sure you have more money is to stop wasting money on credit card interest. Your credit card company is getting rich by ripping you off with high interest rates. But a website called AmOne wants to help.
If you owe your credit card companies $50,000 or less, AmOne will match you with a low-interest loan you can use to pay off every single one of your balances.
The benefit? Youâll be left with one bill to pay each month. And because personal loans have lower interest rates (AmOne rates start at 3.49% APR), youâll get out of debt that much faster. Plus: No credit card payment this month.
AmOne keeps your information confidential and secure, which is probably why after 20 years in business, it still has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
It takes two minutes to see if you qualify for up to $50,000 online. You do need to give AmOne a real phone number in order to qualify, but donât worry â they wonât spam you with phone calls.
4. Cut Your Bills by $540/Year
Another way to grow your money: Stop overpaying on your bills.
For example, whenâs the last time you checked car insurance prices? You should shop your options every six months or so â it could save you some serious money. Letâs be real, though. Itâs probably not the first thing you think about when you wake up. But it doesnât have to be.
A website called Insure makes it super easy to compare car insurance prices. All you have to do is enter your ZIP code and your age, and itâll show you your options â and even discounts in your area.
Using Insure, people have saved an average of $540 a year.
Yup. That could be $500 back in your pocket just for taking a few minutes to look at your options.
5. Add $225 to Your Wallet Just for Watching the News
Hereâs a safe way to earn a little cash on the side.
Weâre living in historic times, and weâre all constantly refreshing for the latest news updates. You probably know more than one news-junkie who fancies themselves an expert in respiratory illness or a political mastermind.
And research companies want to pay you to keep watching. You could add up to $225 a month to your pocket by signing up for a free account with InboxDollars. Theyâll present you with short news clips to choose from every day, then ask you a few questions about them.
You just have to answer honestly, and InboxDollars will continue to pay you every month. This might sound too good to be true, but itâs already paid its users more than $56 million.
It takes about one minute to sign up, and start getting paid to watch the news.
Mike Brassfield (mike@thepennyhoarder.com) is a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder. He tries not to be obsessed with the stock market.
*For Securities priced over $1,000, purchase of fractional shares starts at $0.05.
**Youâll also bear the standard fees and expenses reflected in the pricing of the ETFs in your account, plus fees for various ancillary services charged by Stash and the custodian.
This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, which helps millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. The Inc. 5000 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the fastest-growing private media company in the U.S. in 2017.
Source: thepennyhoarder.com
Amazon Prime Card offering new Whole Foods card art, limited-time bonus
On Jan. 20, 2021, Chase announced a new card art option for the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature card featuring Whole Foods Market and added a limited-time sign-up bonus offer for those who prefer to shop at Whole Foods in-store.
Amazon has become a leader in grocery shopping during the pandemic, with consumers avoiding grocery stores due to health safety concerns â not to mention the convenience of shopping from a web browser. Amazon Prime members can enjoy speedy free delivery, as well as get access to online shopping at Whole Foods Market and special member deals when shopping in-store.
They can also count on extra savings if they carry the Amazon Prime Rewards card from Chase â or if theyâre looking to apply in the next few weeks.
Hereâs what you need to know.
Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature card |
|
Our rating: 3.8Â out of 5 |
Our take: While the Amazon Prime Rewards card offers excellent cash back on Amazon and Whole Food purchases, it might not be the best choice for customers who don’t currently have a Prime membership and aren’t looking to subscribe. |
A new Whole Foods card design and limited-time offer
Chase introduced a new card design option for new Amazon Prime Rewards cardholders, featuring Whole Foods Market art. New cardmembers with an eligible Prime membership can choose the new design when they apply for the card. If youâre an existing cardholder and would like to switch to the new design option, you can call in to request a new card after Jan. 22, 2021.
If you frequently shop at Whole Foods in-store, the new limited-time introductory offer can also be exciting news for you. Through March 3, 2021, new Amazon Prime Rewards Visa cardholders can earn a $100 statement credit after spending $100 in Whole Foods Market stores in the first two months from account opening. Alternatively, they can still choose the standard $70 Amazon gift card offer as a sign-up bonus.
Considering the standard bonus is lower, the new temporary offer might be a better deal. On the other hand, if you avoid shopping in-store or normally use Amazon Fresh for buying groceries, the gift card might make more sense for you.
Should I start shopping at Whole Foods if I have an Amazon credit card?
If you already shop at Whole Foods, the 5% back with the Amazon Prime Rewards Signature Visa and 10% off specially marked items is a good deal. The discounts, though, donât make Whole Foods cheaper than other grocery stores.
In fact, according to a study from 2019, Whole Foods remains the most expensive grocery store with its prices at 34% above Walmart, which was reported to have the lowest prices overall. If your goal is to save on groceries, Whole Foods is evidently not the best option â even if you carry the Amazon Prime card.
Other cards to consider
The Amazon Prime Card isnât the only option you should consider if you often shop on Amazon or at Whole Foods.
See related: Which is the best card to use on Amazon.com purchases?
For instance, with the Chase Amazon.com Rewards Visa card, you can get a $50 Amazon gift card upon approval and earn 3% on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases, 2% percent at restaurants, gas stations and drugstores and 1% on all else. If you donât have a Prime membership and arenât looking to subscribe, this is a good option, since the card doesnât require for a cardholder to be a member.
If you do have a membership and shop on Amazon a lot, the Amazon Prime card is a better deal. With 5% for purchases made at Whole Foods and on Amazon, 2% at restaurants, gas stations and drugstores and 1% on all else, this card is hard to beat for Amazon and Whole Foods lovers.
If youâre looking for a card to buy groceries, consider the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express that could save you more than with the Amazon Prime Visa at Whole Foods. Why? Blue Cash Preferred cardholders earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 in purchases per year, then 1%).
See related: Best credit cards for grocery shopping
Bottom line
Now you can stack your rewards at Whole Foods, earning cash back and the limited-time bonus with the Amazon Prime Card, and you can get extra savings from the loyalty program. Whether it makes sense to shop at Whole Foods, even with rewards cards and the loyalty program, is up to you.
Source: creditcards.com
Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit
When it comes to excuses consumers give for their poor credit scores, banks and lenders have heard it all.Â
Maybe you lost your job and couldnât pay your student loan payment for a few months. Or perhaps you thought youâd gotten a deferment but were too busy job hunting to find out for sure.Â
Maybe you thought you paid your credit card bill but itâs actually sitting on your kitchen counter waiting for the mail.
Whatever the reason for your low credit score, one thing is for certain â lenders donât care.
In fact, banks and other lenders lean on your credit score and other factors to determine whether they should approve you for a credit card or a loan â and thatâs about it. Your personal situation is never considered, nor should it be.
It would be wonderful if credit card companies understood that âlife happensâ and made special exceptions to help people out, but that’s not the world we live in. As most of us already know, thatâs not typically how credit works. Credit cards are backed by banks, and banks have rules for a reason.
Now, hereâs the good news: Credit cards can help rebuild your credit, earn cash back for each dollar you spend, make travel easier, and serve as an emergency fund if youâre stuck paying a huge bill at the last minute. This is true even if you have poor credit, although the selection of credit cards you can qualify for may be somewhat limited.Â
Keep reading to learn about the best credit cards for bad credit, how they work, and how you can get approved.
Best Cards for Bad Credit This Year
Before you give up on building credit, you should check out all the credit cards that are available to consumers who need some help. Our list of the best credit cards for bad credit includes some of the top offers with the lowest fees and fair terms.
- Total Visa®
- Discover it® Secured
- Credit One Bank® Visa® Credit Card
- Secured Mastercard® from Capital One®
- Milestone® Gold Mastercard®
- Credit One Bank® Unsecured Visa® with Cash Back Rewards
#1: Total Visa®
The Total Visa® is one of the easiest credit cards to get approved for in today’s market, and itâs easy to use all over the world since itâs a true Visa credit card. However, this card does come with high rates and fees since itâs available to consumers with poor credit or a limited credit history.
Processing your application will cost $89, which is extremely high when you consider the fact that most credit cards donât charge an application fee. Youâll also pay an initial annual fee of $75 and a $48 annual fee for each year thereafter.
Once you sign up, youâll be able to pick your preferred card design and your credit card payments will be reported to all three credit reporting agencies â Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. This is the main benefit of this card since your on-time payments can easily help boost your credit score over time.Â
For the most part, the Total Visa® is best for consumers who donât mind paying a few fees to access an unsecured line of credit. Since this card doesnât dole out rewards, however, there are few cardholder perks to look forward to.Â
- APR: 35.99% APR
- Fees: Application fee and annual fee
- Minimum Credit Score: Not specified
- Rewards: No
#2: Discover it® Secured
While secured cards donât offer an unsecured line of credit like unsecured credit cards do, they are extremely easy to qualify for. The Discover it® Secured may not be ideal for everyone, but it does offer a simple online application process and the ability to get approved with little to no credit history.
Keep in mind, however, that secured cards do work differently than traditional credit cards. With a secured credit card, youâre required to put down a cash deposit upfront as collateral. However, you will get your cash deposit back when you close your account in good standing.
Amazingly, the Discover it® Secured lets you earn rewards with no annual fee. Youâll start by earning 2% back on up to $1,000 spent each quarter in dining and gas. Youâll also earn an unlimited 1% back on everything else you buy.
The Discover it® Secured doesnât charge an application fee or an annual fee, although youâll need to come up with the cash for your initial deposit upfront. For the most part, this card is best for consumers who have little to no credit and want to build their credit history while earning rewards.
- APR: 24.74%
- Fees: No annual fee or monthly fees
- Minimum Credit Score: Not specified
- Rewards: Yes
#3: Credit One Bank® Visa® Credit Card
The Credit One Bank® Visa® Credit Card is another credit card for bad credit that lets you earn rewards on your everyday spending. Youâll earn a flat 1% cash back for every dollar you spend with this credit card, and since itâs unsecured, you donât have to put down a cash deposit to get started.
Other benefits include the fact you can get pre-qualified for this card online without a hard inquiry on your credit report â and that you get a free copy of your Experian credit score on your online account management page.
You may be required to pay an annual fee up to $95 for this card for the first year, but it depends on your creditworthiness. After that, your annual fee could be between $0 and $99.
- APR: 19.99% to 25.99%
- Fees: Annual fee up to $95 the first year depending on creditworthiness; after that $0 to $99
- Minimum Credit Score: Not specified
- Rewards: Yes
#4: Secured Mastercard® from Capital One®
The Secured Mastercard® from Capital One® is another secured credit card that extends a line of credit to consumers who can put down a cash deposit as collateral. This card is geared to people with bad credit or no credit history, so itâs easy to get approved for. One downside, however, is that your initial line of credit will likely be just $200 â and that doesn’t give you much to work with.Â
On the upside, this card doesnât charge an annual fee or any application fees. That makes it a good option if you donât want to pay any fees you wonât get back.
Youâll also get access to 24/7 customer service, $0 fraud liability, and other cardholder perks.
- APR: 26.49%
- Fees: No ongoing fees
- Minimum Credit Score: Not specified
- Rewards: No
#5: Milestone® Gold Mastercard®
The Milestone® Gold Mastercard® is an unsecured credit card that lets you get pre-qualified online without a hard inquiry on your credit report. You wonât earn any rewards on your purchases, but you do get benefits like the ability to select your cardâs design, chip and pin technology, and easy online account access.
You will have to pay a one-time fee of $25 to open your account, and thereâs an annual fee of $50 the first year and $99 for each year after that.
- APR: 24.90%
- Fees: Account opening fee and annual fees
- Minimum Credit Score: Not specified
- Rewards: No
#6: Credit One Bank® Unsecured Visa® with Cash Back Rewards
The Credit One Bank® Unsecured Visa® with Cash Back Rewards lets you earn 1% back on every purchase you make with no limits or exclusions. Thereâs no annual fee or application fee either, which makes this card a winner for consumers who donât want to get hit with a lot of out-of-pocket costs.
As a cardholder, youâll get free access to your Experian credit score, zero fraud liability, and access to a mobile app that makes tracking your purchases and rewards a breeze. You can also get pre-qualified online without a hard inquiry on your credit report.
- APR: 25.99%
- Fees: No annual fee or application fee
- Minimum Credit Score: Not specified
- Rewards: Yes
The Downside of Credit Cards with Bad Credit
While your odds of getting approved for one of the credit cards for bad credit listed above are high, you should be aware that there are plenty of pitfalls to be aware of. Here are the major downsides youâll find with these credit cards for bad credit and others comparable cards:
- Higher fees: While someone with excellent credit can shop around for credit cards without any fees, this isnât the case of you have bad credit. If your credit score is poor or you have a thin credit profile, you should expect to pay higher fees and more of them.
- Higher interest rates: While some credit cards come with 0% interest for a limited time or lower interest rates overall, consumers with poor credit typically have to pay the highest interest rates available today. Some credit cards for bad credit even come with APRs as high as 35%.
- No perks: Looking for cardholder benefits like cash back on purchases or points toward airfare or movie tickets? Youâll need to wait until your credit score climbs back into âgoodâ or âgreatâ territory. Even if you can find a card for applicants with bad credit that offers cash back, your rewards may not make up for the higher fees.
- No balance transfers: If youâre looking for relief from other out-of-control credit card balances, look elsewhere. Credit cards for bad credit typically donât offer balance transfers. If they do, the terms make them cost-prohibitive.
- Low credit limits: Credit cards for bad credit tend to offer initial credit limits in the $300 to $500 range with the possibility of increasing to $2,000 after a year of on-time monthly payments. If you need to borrow a lot more than that, youâll have to consider other options.
- Security deposit requirement: Secured credit cards require you to put down a cash deposit to secure your line of credit. While this shouldnât necessarily be a deal-breaker â and it may be required if you canât get approved for an unsecured credit card â youâll need to come up with a few hundred dollars before you apply.
- Checking account requirement: Most new credit card accounts now require cardholders to pay bills online, which means youâll need a checking account. If youâre mostly âunbanked,â you may need to open a traditional bank account before you apply.
Benefits of Improving Your Credit Score
People with bad credit often consider their personal finances a lost cause. The road to better credit can seem long and stressful, and itâs sometimes easier to give up then it is to try to fix credit mistakes youâve made in the past.
But, there are some real advantages that come with having at least âgoodâ credit, which typically means any FICO score of 670 or above. Here are some of the real-life benefits better credit can mean for your life and your lifestyle:
- Higher credit limits: The higher your credit score goes, the more money banks are typically willing to lend. With good credit, youâll have a better chance at qualifying for a car loan, taking out a personal loan, or getting a credit card with a reasonable limit.
- Lower interest rates: A higher credit score tells lenders youâre not as risky as a borrower âa sign that typically translates into lower interest rates. When you pay a lower APR each time you borrow, you can save huge amounts of money on interest over time.
- Lower payments: Borrowing money with a lower interest rate typically means you can usually get lower payments all your loans, including a home loan or a car loan.
- Ability to shop around: When youâre an ideal candidate for a loan, you can shop around to get the best deals on credit cards, mortgages, personal loans, and more.
- Ability to help others: If your kid wants to buy a car but doesnât have any credit history, better credit puts you in the position to help him or her out. If your credit is poor, you wonât be in the position to help anyone.
- More options in life: Your credit score can also impact your ability to open a bank account or rent a new apartment. Since employers can request to see a modified version of your credit report before they hire you, excellent credit can also give you a leg up when it comes to beating out other candidates for a job.Â
In addition to the benefits listed above, most insurance companies now consider your credit score when you apply for coverage. For that reason, life, auto, and home insurance rates tend to be lower for people with higher credit scores.
This may seem unfair, but you have to remember that research has shown people with high credit scores tend to file fewer insurance claims.
How to Improve Your Credit: Slow and Steady
When you have a low credit score, there are two ways to handle it. If you don’t mind the consequences of poor credit enough to do anything about it, you can wait a decade until the bad marks age off your credit report. Depending on when your creditors give up and write off your debt, you may not even need to wait that long.
If you donât like the idea of letting your credit decay while you wait it out, you can also try to fix your past credit mistakes. This typically means paying off debt â and especially delinquent debts â but it can also mean applying for new loan products that are geared to people who need to repair their credit.
If you decide to take actionable steps to build credit fast, the credit cards on this page can help. Theyâll give you an opportunity to show the credit bureaus that youâve changed your ways.
Before you take steps to improve your credit score, however, keep in mind all the different factors used to determine your standing in the first place. The FICO scoring method considers the following factors when assigning your score:
- On-time payments: Paying all your bills on time, including credit cards, makes up 35% of your FICO score. For that reason, paying all your bills early or on time is absolutely essential.
- Outstanding debts: How much you owe matters, which is why paying off your credit cards each month or as often as possible helps your score. According to myFICO.com, the amounts you owe in relation to your credit limits make up another 30% of your FICO score.
- New credit: Apply for too many new cards or accounts at once can impact your score in a negative way. In fact, this determinant makes up another 10% of your FICO score.
- Credit mix: Having a variety of open accounts impresses the credit bureau algorithm Gods. If all you have are personal loans right now, mixing in a credit card can help. If you already have four or five credit cards, it may be wise to back off a little.
- Length of credit history: The length of your credit history also plays a role in your score. The longer your credit history, the better off you are.
If you want to improve your credit score, consider all the factors above and how you can change your behavior to score higher in each category. Itâs pretty easy to see how paying all your bills early or on time and paying off debt could make a big positive impact on your credit score when you consider that these two factors alone make up 65% of your FICO score.
If you want a way to track your progress, also look into an app like Credit Karma, one of my favorite tools. This app lets you monitor your credit progress over time and even receive notifications when your score has changed. Best of all, itâs free.
Should You Use a Credit Card to Rebuild Your Credit Score?
If youâre on the fence about picking up a credit card for bad credit, your first step should be thinking over your goals. What exactly are you trying to accomplish?
If youâre looking for spending power, the cards on this list probably wonât help. Some are secured cards, meaning you need a cash deposit to put down as collateral. Others offer low credit limits and high fees and interest rates, making them costly to use over the long-term.
If you really want to start over from scratch and repair credit mistakes made in the past, on the other hand, one of these cards may be exactly what you need. If youâre determined to improve your score, they can speed things along.
You may pay higher fees and interest rates along the way, but itâs important to remember that none of the cards on this list need to be your top card forever. Ideally, youâll use a credit card for poor credit to rebuild your credit and boost your score. Once youâve reached your goal, you can upgrade to a new card with better benefits and terms.
The post Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit appeared first on Good Financial Cents®.
Source: goodfinancialcents.com
Earn a cash back bonus of up to $200 with the Chase Freedom Flex and Freedom Unlimited cards
If youâre looking for a way to get a large influx of Ultimate Rewards points, there is great news for Chase members: Both the Chase Freedom Flex and Chase Freedom Unlimited cards offer a high cash bonus for a low spend threshold.
Currently, both cards are offering a $200 bonus if you spend $500 in the first three months.
Which Chase Freedom card is better in the first year?
That depends largely on your spending habits. While the two cards share certain earning categories, they still have different rewards earning structures.
The Freedom Unlimited offers the same flat rate of 1.5% cash back on purchases outside of bonus categories, and the Freedom Flex card offers 5% cash back in rotating bonus categories that you must activate each quarter (on up to $1,500 in purchases, then 1% cash back).
Comparing the Chase Freedom Flex and Freedom Unlimited cards
For many cardholders, the Chase Freedom Flex card should offer greater value, assuming you are able to maximize your spending in its quarterly bonus categories.
That said, if youâre not able to maximize the Freedom bonus categories, the Freedom Unlimited card might be a better choice thanks to its higher rewards rate on general purchases.
 Chase Freedom Flex |
 Chase Freedom Unlimited |
|
| Rewards rate |
|
|
| Annual fee | $0 | $0 |
| Introductory offer | $200 if you spend $500 in first 3 months | $200 if you spend $500 in first 3 months |
| Estimated earnings in first year (Assumes maxed-out bonus categories and a $15,900 annual spend) | $666 | $526 |
Of course, thereâs nothing to stop you from applying for both cards and potentially earning both cardsâ sign-up bonuses. The Chase Freedom Flex and Freedom Unlimited cards go nicely together â you can use the Chase Freedom Flex card to earn 5% cash back on its quarterly bonus categories and the Chase Freedom Unlimited card to earn 1.5% cash back on everything else. Then, use either card at drug stores, restaurants and on travel purchases in the Ultimate Rewards portal.
Recent changes to the Chase Freedom cardsâ sign-up bonus
While some rewards cards frequently update their sign-up bonuses, the offers on the Chase Freedom cards are fairly consistent. Recently, however, we have seen increased welcome offers, with both cards offering a $200 bonus. For a limited time, both cards also offered a higher rate on grocery store purchases in the first year of card membership, but that offer has expired.
| Chase Freedom Flex card recent changes | |
| Current | $200 if you spend $500 in first 3 months |
| Previous | $200 if you spend $500 in first 3 months, plus 5% cash back on grocery store purchases in first year (on up to $12,000 in spending, not including Target® or Walmart® purchases) |
| Chase Freedom Unlimited card recent changes | |
| Current | $200 if you spend $500 in first 3 months |
| Previous | $200 if you spend $500 in first 3 months, plus 5% cash back on grocery store purchases in first year (on up to $12,000 in spending, not including Target® or Walmart® purchases) |
| Previous | $150 if you spend $500 in first 3 months |
Who is eligible to apply for the sign-up bonus?
New cardholders who have not received a sign-up bonus for the same card within the past 24 months are eligible to earn the bonus with the Chase Freedom cards. Of course, you have to qualify for the cards first, which means you’ll need a credit score in the good to excellent range (at least 680).
Chase doesnât appear to have a hard limit on how many cards you own, though they may deny your application if you have too large of a credit limit across your other Chase cards. Also, while there is no strict rule on how many Chase cards you can apply for within a certain timeframe, many applicants report a limit of one to two new cards per month.
Chase has recently cracked down on applicants who have opened several credit cards at once. Though itâs not an official policy, Chase appears to be enforcing a â5/24â rule on new credit card applications. What this means is â if you have opened at least five credit card accounts in the past 24 months with any issuer (not just Chase) â your application will likely be denied. The rule seems to apply to any credit card account that shows up on your credit report, including co-branded store cards and authorized user accounts. (On the plus side, business credit cards that donât appear on your personal credit report do not affect your chances of being approved.)
How to earn and use Ultimate Rewards points
As cash back cards, the Chase Freedom cards offer a flat 1 cent value on most redemption options. However, there are a few options that you want to avoid. Our table below shows that Amazon.com and Chase Pay purchases are valued at only 0.8 cents per point:
Redemption options for Chase Freedom cards
| Redemption option | Point value (cents) | Value of 20,000 points |
| Statement credit | 1 | $200 |
| Direct deposit | 1 | $200 |
| Gift cards | 1 | $200 |
| Ultimate Rewards portal travel | 1 | $200 |
| Amazon.com purchases | 0.8 | $160 |
| Chase Pay purchases | 0.8 | $160 |
You can also transfer points from the Chase Freedom cards to certain Chase Ultimate Rewards cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card* and Chase Sapphire Reserve cards. As you can see from the table below, transferring your points to one of these cards will allow you to get more value out of your sign-up bonus. You get a 25% to 50% bonus on your points if you redeem for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, depending on which card you own.
Also, both the Sapphire cards allow you to transfer your points at 1:1 value to one of Chaseâs many travel partners to get even higher values on your points. For instance, we value Southwest Airlines points at 1.6 cents on average (note the value can vary widely on the ticket that you purchase), which means the 20,000-point bonus can net you $320 of value on average when used for Southwest airfare:
Redemption options for Chase Sapphire cards
| Redemption option | Point value (cents) | Value of 20,000 points |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve â 50% redemption bonus | 1.5 | $300 |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred â 25% redemption bonus | 1.25 | $250 |
| Singapore Airlines transfer | 2.36 | $472 |
| British Airways transfer | 1.4 | $280 |
| Southwest Airlines transfer | 1.6 | $320 |
| JetBlue transfer | 1.53 | $306 |
| United Airlines transfer | 1.52 | $304 |
| World of Hyatt | 1.43 | $286 |
| Air France transfer | 1 | $200 |
| Virgin Atlantic transfer | 0.8 | $150 |
| Marriott Rewards transfer | 0.8 | $160 |
| IHG transfer | 0.65 | $130 |
An extra $500 per year
In addition to a sign-up bonus, the Chase Freedom cards offer a referral bonus worth up to $500 each year. Chaseâs âRefer-a-Friendâ program gives Freedom cardholders $100 cash back for each person they refer who is approved for the Freedom card â up to five people per year.
To take part in the promotion, enter your last name, zip code and last four digits of your credit card on Chaseâs Refer-a-Friend page. On the following page, enter the first name and email address of each person you wish to invite. You also have the option to post an invitation link to Facebook or Twitter or refer friends through the Chase app.
*All information about the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card has been collected independently by CreditCards.com and has not been reviewed by the issuer. This card is no longer available through CreditCards.com.
Source: creditcards.com
The Difference Between Credit Cards and Debit Cards: Explainedâââ
Have you ever wondered about the uses of a credit card vs. a debit card? It’s likely you have both types of cards in your wallet at this very moment, and you’re given the option to choose one of themâsometimes in a matter of secondsâevery time you make a purchase. Still, you have lingering uncertainty about whether you’re making the best choice… and that same question pops into the back of your mind every time you buy something: “Should I use a credit card or debit card?”
Being uncertain about the difference between a credit card and debit card or the best time to use either is a common dilemma. The better you understand the benefits of eachâbeyond the fact they offer a way to access money without having to carry cash or a checkbook aroundâthe savvier a spender you’ll become.
Managing revolving credit vs. a bank account balance
Credit cards and debit cards both offer a convenient way to pay for things, but they work quite differently behind the scenes. As a result, they each appeal to different types of consumers, says Lou Haverty, financial analyst and founder of Financial Analyst Insider.
A credit card is a form of revolving credit. When you spend with your credit card you are borrowing, and you pay interest if you carry a balance, Haverty says. A debit card, by contrast, is linked to a bank accountâusually a checking accountâand the money is withdrawn as soon as you make the transaction, typically using a PIN.
A difference between credit cards and debit cards is that with a credit card, the exact amount you can spend depends on your credit limit and the balance you are currently carrying on the card, Haverty explains. If you have a $1,000 credit limit and a $600 balance from previous purchases, you can continue to charge an additional $400. If you’ve reached your credit limit, you won’t be able to use the card for more purchases until you pay off at least part of the balance. You owe a minimum payment each month.
When considering credit card vs. debit card, know that most credit cards carry an interest rate, expressed as an annual percentage rate (APR), which is essentially what you pay to borrow. You’ll have to pay interest on that $600 balance mentioned above if you carry the balance from month to month. âCredit cards require a responsible approach to your personal finances because you have the ability to spend beyond what you might have as cash in your bank account,” Haverty says.
A difference between credit cards and debit cards is that with a debit card, funds are pulled directly from the balance you have in the checking account to which the card is linked. In a traditional account setup, you can’t spend more than what you have in the account, which helps reduce the chance of racking up debt. If your account offers overdraft protection, you may be able to spend more than your account balance by leveraging funds from a different, linked bank account.
.block-quote_1back { background-image: url(https://865cd2fc18498405a75a-f8cbe8cb758c89f0cd738fe08520ecb9.ssl.cf5.rackcdn.com/online-banking/banking-topics/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/1back-730×500.jpg); } @media (min-width: 730px) { .block-quote_1back { background-image: url(https://865cd2fc18498405a75a-f8cbe8cb758c89f0cd738fe08520ecb9.ssl.cf5.rackcdn.com/online-banking/banking-topics/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/1back-1600×600.jpg); } }
âCredit cards require a responsible approach to your personal finances because you have the ability to spend beyond what you might have as cash in your bank account.”
Knowing the requirements for each card
Another key difference between a credit card and a debit card is the criteria you’ll need to meet for each. âGetting approved for a credit card is usually dependent on your personal credit score. The higher your credit score, the more likely you are to be approved,” Haverty says. âIf you have a lower credit score, you may still get approved, but you might have a lower credit limit.”
Patricia Stallworth, certified financial planner and money coach, says that in addition to your credit history, factors such as your employment status could play a role in credit card approval.
When analyzing credit cards vs. debit cards, consider that a debit card is typically issued automatically when you open a checking account. This process usually requires some personal information, such as a Social Security number, driver’s license, employment information and valid email address. A deposit may also be needed to fund the account and complete the application. Then stay tuned for your debit card in the mail!
When should I use credit vs. debit?
While it’s easy to have credit card vs. debit card on the mind, there are some scenarios in which using either a debit card or a credit card could fit the bill, depending on your financial needs and goals. Use the outline below as a guide for when the question of “When should I use credit vs. debit?” comes up:
.post__breaker–7898 { background-image: url(https://865cd2fc18498405a75a-f8cbe8cb758c89f0cd738fe08520ecb9.ssl.cf5.rackcdn.com/online-banking/banking-topics/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/The-Difference-Between-Credit-Cards-and-Debit-Cards-Explained_03_FULLBLEED-450×200.jpg);}@media (min-width: 450px) { .post__breaker–7898 { background-image: url(https://865cd2fc18498405a75a-f8cbe8cb758c89f0cd738fe08520ecb9.ssl.cf5.rackcdn.com/online-banking/banking-topics/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/The-Difference-Between-Credit-Cards-and-Debit-Cards-Explained_03_FULLBLEED-730×215.jpg);} }@media (min-width: 730px) { .post__breaker–7898 { background-image: url(https://865cd2fc18498405a75a-f8cbe8cb758c89f0cd738fe08520ecb9.ssl.cf5.rackcdn.com/online-banking/banking-topics/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/The-Difference-Between-Credit-Cards-and-Debit-Cards-Explained_03_FULLBLEED-992×400.jpg);} }@media (min-width: 992px) { .post__breaker–7898 { background-image: url(https://865cd2fc18498405a75a-f8cbe8cb758c89f0cd738fe08520ecb9.ssl.cf5.rackcdn.com/online-banking/banking-topics/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/The-Difference-Between-Credit-Cards-and-Debit-Cards-Explained_03_FULLBLEED-1200×400.jpg);} }@media (min-width: 1200px) { .post__breaker–7898 { background-image: url(https://865cd2fc18498405a75a-f8cbe8cb758c89f0cd738fe08520ecb9.ssl.cf5.rackcdn.com/online-banking/banking-topics/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/The-Difference-Between-Credit-Cards-and-Debit-Cards-Explained_03_FULLBLEED-1600×400.jpg);} }
Use your debit card if…
- You’re new to using a card to make purchases. Until you know you have the discipline to control your spending with a card, a debit card could be the way to go, as it’s a great tool for ensuring you don’t charge more than you can afford. âDebit cards are great for everyday purchases that you have budgeted for because the money comes directly out of your account,” Stallworth says.
- You want cash back without the fees. If your debit card is linked to a checking account that offers rewards, Stallworth says you may have rewards-earning potential without the hassle of fees. âWhile there is generally no cost to participate in debit card rewards programs, the costs and fees may be higher with some credit card programs,” she adds. For instance, Discover Cashback Debit charges no fees1 and allows you to earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month.2
Why should credit cards have all the fun?
Now you can earn cash back with your debit card.
Discover Bank, Member FDIC
- You have debt you can’t pay off. When should I use credit vs. debit? âIf you’re struggling to manage or get out of debt, a debit card should be your ‘go-to card,’” Stallworth says. “You can’t get out of debt if you keep charging.”
- You want cash at the register. If you still like to have cash in your wallet, consider this difference between credit cards and debit cards: Most retail stores will allow you to get cash at the register when you pay with your debit card. âA credit card will most likely charge you a cash advance fee if that feature is available,” Haverty says.
.block-quote_20front { background-image: url(https://865cd2fc18498405a75a-f8cbe8cb758c89f0cd738fe08520ecb9.ssl.cf5.rackcdn.com/online-banking/banking-topics/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/20front-730×500.jpg); } @media (min-width: 730px) { .block-quote_20front { background-image: url(https://865cd2fc18498405a75a-f8cbe8cb758c89f0cd738fe08520ecb9.ssl.cf5.rackcdn.com/online-banking/banking-topics/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/20front-1600×600.jpg); } }
“Debit cards are great for everyday purchases that you have budgeted for because the money comes directly out of your account.”
Use your credit card if…
- You want product coverage. Some credit cards come with purchase protection, which makes them a great option for online and large purchases, Stallworth says. “If I have a dispute with a merchant, I have more leverage with a large credit card company behind me.”
- You’re trying to build (or rebuild) your credit. âYou will need a single credit card with a small limit that you pay off in full each month to build a credit history,” Haverty says. A key difference between credit cards and debit cards is that debit card usage can’t help you build a credit history. A debit card can help you build strong budgeting skills so you’re better prepared to transition to a credit card.
- You want to earn travel rewards. If you’re debating credit card vs. debit card and are focused on travel, consider that credit card rewards programs may offer robust rewards in a specific category, like travel, Stallworth says. While it’s always important to read the fine print (so you’re not paying more than you intend in fees or interest rate charges just to get rewards), you could find a credit card that offers opportunities to earn free flights and pay less for checked baggageâjust for using the card regularly.
How to use both cards to maximize your finances
Now that you understand which circumstances might be best to use a credit card vs. debit card, you can make the point-of-purchase decision of “When should I use credit vs. debit?” a little easier. It really depends on the goals you have laid out for your personal finances.
Get comfortable using both financial tools for their respective features. But be sure to stick to your budget, and don’t accidentally overspend from your bank account or charge more than you can afford to pay in full by your credit card’s monthly due date. When you learn to confidently use both of these cards to your advantage, you can enjoy all the various perks and protectionsâtimes two!
1 Outgoing wire transfers are subject to a service charge. You may be charged a fee by a non-Discover ATM if it is not part of the 60,000+ ATMs in our no-fee network.
2 ATM transactions, the purchase of money orders or other cash equivalents, cash over portions of point-of-sale transactions, Peer-to-Peer (P2P) payments (such as Apple Pay Cash), and loan payments or account funding made with your debit card are not eligible for cash back rewards. In addition, purchases made using third-party payment accounts (services such as Venmo® and PayPal
, who also provide P2P payments) may not be eligible for cash back rewards. Apple, the Apple logo and Apple Pay are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
The post The Difference Between Credit Cards and Debit Cards: Explainedâââ appeared first on Discover Bank – Banking Topics Blog.
Source: discover.com
Best Checking Accounts 2020
Sound money management is an important part of a solid financial strategy. Youâll want to have some of your money set for retirement in a traditional or Roth IRA. Still, other money might be saved for your kidsâ college, a down payment on a house or other longer-term goals. And then you might have an emergency fund as well as a checking account that you use to pay your monthly bills and expenses. Each of these buckets of money can be in a different kind of account. In this article, weâll look at some of the best checking accounts.
What makes a good checking account
Before we look at some of the best checking accounts, itâs a good idea to talk about what makes for a good checking account. A checking account is an account that you would typically use to pay your ongoing monthly expenses. It is more and more rare to actually write paper checks, and instead, you would typically use a debit card or cashless payment account linked to your checking account.Â
With a checking account, some features to look for include no monthly or maintenance fees, a low minimum amount to open an account, the rate at which they pay interest, and any account opening bonus they might offer. The interest rate that checking and savings accounts pay is tied to the federal funds rate and usually varies over time. As of 2020, the interest rates are quite low, and many checking and savings accounts do not pay any interest at all. Also keep in mind that even if your account pays you 1% interest, youâre still losing money to inflation. So you wouldnât want to keep any long-term investment money in a checking or savings account.
With all that being said, letâs take a look at some of the top checking accounts available.
Discover Cashback Debit
Discoverâs checking account offers 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month, which is one of the few debit cards that offer a reward on ongoing purchases. The Discover Cashback Debit account also comes with no monthly maintenance or other fees, no fees to withdraw at over 60,000 ATMs worldwide and no fees for insufficient funds.
CapitalOne 360 Checking
The CapitalOne 360 Checking account has no account minimums or fees. It currently offers a 0.10% APY on balances, though you can also open a no-fee CapitalOne 360 Performance Savings account which offers 0.65% APY as of the time of this writing. CapitalOne also has thousands of branch offices nationwide, so you can do your banking online or in-person. The CapitalOne 360 Checking account offers three different options if you happen to overdraft your account – Auto-Decline, Next Day Grace and Free Savings Transfer.
Fidelity Cash Management Account
Fidelityâs Cash Management Account also offers no account fees or minimum balances. It also reimburses ATM fees nationwide, though only offers 0.01% APY on account balances. Fidelity makes it easy to transfer money between your checking account, savings accounts and any retirement accounts you have with Fidelity. Plus, the Fidelity Rewards Visa offers 2% cash back on all purchases, which you can redeem into your Fidelity Cash Management Account or any other Fidelity account.
Wealthfront Cash Account
Wealthfrontâs Cash Account offers a high-interest checking account (0.35% APY as of this writing) with no fees. And Wealthfrontâs convenient account dashboard lets you easily move money between your checking account and any investment or retirement accounts that you have with them. They also offer a service where you can get access to your paycheck up to two days early if you direct deposit into your Wealthfront Cash Account
HSBC Premier Checking
HSBCâs Premier Checking account also offers no fee on ATMs nationwide or for everyday banking transactions, but does charge a monthly maintenance fee if you donât have at least $75,000 in combined accounts or direct deposits of at least $5,000 monthly. They are currently offering a promotion where you can earn 3% as a welcome bonus, up to $600. Youâll get 3% on qualifying direct deposits, up to $100 per month, for the first six months of having your account.
Chase Total Checking
Chase Total Checking is currently offering a welcome bonus of $200 when you open a new account and have a direct deposit made to your account in the first 90 days. Chase Total Checking is currently paying an interest rate of only 0.01% APY. Also, there is a $12 monthly maintenance fee which can be avoided if you either:
- Have direct deposits totaling $500 or more
- Have a balance at the beginning of each day of $1,500 or more
- Have an average beginning day balance of $5,000 or more in any combination of all of your Chase accounts
The post Best Checking Accounts 2020 appeared first on MintLife Blog.
Source: mint.intuit.com
What is Credit Card Churning? Dangers and Benefits
Credit card issuers have consumers right where they want them, lending money at high-interest rates and earning money from many different fees. Even reward cards benefit the issuers, because all the additional perks and rewards they provide are covered by the increased merchant fees, which essentially means the credit card company offers you extra money to incentivize you to spend, and then demands this money from the retailers.
It’s a good gig, but some consumers believe they can beat the credit card companies and one of the ways they do this is via something known as credit card churning.
What is Credit Card Churning?
Many reward cards offer sign-up bonuses to entice consumers to apply. Not only can you get regular cash back, statement credit, and air miles, but you’ll often get a reward just for signing up. For instance, many rewards credit cards offer a lump sum payment to all consumers who spend a specific sum of money during the first three months.
Credit card churning is about taking advantage of these bonuses, and getting maximum benefits with as little cost as possible.
“Churners” will sign up for multiple different reward cards in a short space of time, collect as many of these bonuses as they can, clear the card balance, and then reap the rewards.
Does Credit Card Churning Work?
Credit card churning does work, to an extent. Reward credit cards typically don’t require you to spend that much money to receive the sign up bonus, with most bonuses activated for a spend of just $500 to $1,000 over those first three months. This is easily achievable for most credit card users, as the average spend for reward cards is over $800 a month.
If you have good credit, it’s possible to sign up to multiple credit cards, collect bonus offers without increasing your usual spend, and get everything from hotel stays to free flights, cash back, gift cards, statement credit, and more.
However, it’s something that many credit card companies are trying to stop, as they don’t benefit from users who collect sign-up bonuses, don’t accumulate debt, and then pay off their balance in full. As a result, you may face restrictions with regards to how many bonuses you can collect within a specified timeframe.Â
What’s more, there are several things that can go wrong when you’re playing with multiple new accounts like this, as all information is sent to the credit bureaus and could leave a significant mark on your credit report.
Dangers of Churning
Even if the credit card companies don’t prevent you from acquiring multiple new credit cards, there are several issues you could face, ones that will offset any benefits achieved from those generous sign-up bonuses, including:
1. You Could be Hit with Hefty Fees
Many reward credit cards have annual fees, and these average around $95 each, with some premium rewards cards going as high as $250 and even $500. At best, these fees will reduce the amount of money you receive, at worst they will completely offset all the benefits and leave you with a negative balance.
Annual fees aren’t the only fees that will reduce your profits. You may also be charged fees every time you withdraw cash, gamble, make a foreign transaction or miss a payment,
2. Your Credit Score Will Drop
Every time you apply for a new credit card, you will receive a hard inquiry, which will show on your credit report and reduce your FICO score by anywhere from 2 to 5 points. Rate shopping, which bundles multiple inquiries into one, doesn’t apply to credit card applications, so credit card churners tend to receive many hard inquiries.
A new account can also reduce your credit score. 15% of your score is based on the length of your accounts while 10% is based on how many new accounts you have. As soon as that credit card account opens, your average age will drop, you’ll have another new account, and your credit score will suffer as a result.
The damage done by a new credit card isn’t as severe as you might think, but if you keep applying and adding those new accounts, the score reduction will be noticeable. You could go from Excellent Credit to Good Credit, or from Good to Fair, and that makes a massive difference if you have a home loan or auto loan application on the horizon.
Your credit utilization ratio also plays a role here. This ratio is calculated by comparing your total debt to your available credit. If you have a debt of $3,000 spread across three credit cards with a total credit limit of $6,000, your credit utilization ratio is 50%. The higher this score is, the more of an impact it will have on your credit score, and this is key, as credit utilization accounts for a whopping 30% of your score.
Your credit utilization ratio is actually one of the reasons your credit score doesn’t take that big of a hit when you open new cards, because you’re adding a new credit limit that has yet to accumulate debt, which means this ratio grows. However, if you max that card out, this ratio will take a hit, and if you then clear the debt and close it, all those initial benefits will disappear.
You can keep the card active, of course, but this is not recommended if you’re churning.
3. You’re at Risk of Accumulating Credit Card Debt
Every new card you open and every time your credit limit grows, you run the risk of falling into a cycle of persistent debt. This is especially true where credit card rewards are concerned, as consumers spend much more on these cards than they do on non-reward credit cards.
Very few consumers accumulate credit card debt out of choice. It’s not like a loanâitâs not something they acquire because they want to make a big purchase they can’t afford. In most cases, the debt creeps up steadily. They pay it off in full every month, only to hit a rough patch. Once that happens, they miss a month and promise themselves they’ll cover everything the next month, only for it to grow bigger and bigger.
Before they realize it, they have a mass of credit card debt and are stuck paying little more than the minimum every month.Â
If you start using a credit card just to accumulate rewards and you have several on the go, it’s very easy to get stuck in this cycle, at which point you’ll start paying interest and it will likely cost you more than the rewards earn you.
4. It’s Hard to Keep Track
Opening one credit card after another isn’t too difficult, providing you clear the balances in full and then close the card. However, if you’re opening several cards at once then you may lose track, in which case you could forget about balances, fees, and interest charges, and miss your chance to collect airline miles cash back, and other rewards.
How to Credit Churn Effectively
To credit churn effectively, look for the best rewards and most generous credit card offers, making sure they:
- Suit Your Needs: A travel rewards card is useless if you don’t travel; a store card is no good if you don’t shop at that store. Look for rewards programs that benefit you personally, as opposed to simply focusing on the ones with the highest rates of return.
- Avoid Annual Fees: An annual fee can undo all your hard work and should, therefore, be avoided. Many cards have a $0 annual fee, others charge $95 but waive the fee for the first year. Both of these are good options for credit card churning.
- Don’t Accumulate Fees:Â Understand how and why you might be charged cash advance fees and foreign transaction fees and avoid them at all costs. The fees are not as straightforward as you might think and are charged for multiple purchases.
- Plan Ahead: Make a note of the bonus offer and terms, plan ahead, and make sure you meet these terms by the due dates and that you cover the balance in full before interest has a chance to accumulate.
- Don’t Spend for the Sake of It:Â Finally, and most importantly, don’t spend money just to accumulate more rewards. As soon as you start increasing your spending just to earn a few extra bucks, you’ve lost. If you spend an average of $500 a month, don’t sign up for a card that requires you to spend $3,000 in the first three months, as it will encourage bad habits.Â
What Should You do if it Goes Wrong?
There are many ways that credit card churning could go wrong, some more serious than others. Fortunately, there are solutions to all these problems, even for cardholders who are completely new to this technique:
Spending Requirements Aren’t MetÂ
If you fail to meet the requirements of the bonus, all is not lost. Your score has taken a minor hit, but providing you followed the guidelines above, you shouldn’t have lost any money.
You now have two options: You can either clear the balance as normal and move onto your next card, taking what you have learned and trying again, or you can keep the card as a back-up or a long-term option.Â
Credit card churning requires you to cycle through multiple issuers and rewards programs, never sticking with a single card for more than a few months. But you need some stability as well, so if you don’t already have a credit card to use as a backup, and if that card doesn’t charge high fees or rates, keep it and use it for emergency purchases or general use.
Creditor Refuses the Application
Creditors can refuse an application for a number of reasons. If this isn’t your first experience of churning, there’s a chance they know what you’re doing and are concerned about how the card will be used. However, this is rare, and in most cases, youâll be refused because your credit score is too low.
Many reward credit cards have a minimum FICO score requirement of 670, others, including premium American Express cards, require scores above 700. You can find more details about credit score requirements in the fine print of all credit card offers.
Your Credit Score Takes a Hit
As discussed already, credit card churning can reduce your credit score by a handful of points and the higher your score is, the more points you are likely to lose. Fortunately, all of this is reversible.
Firstly, try not to panic and focus on the bigger picture. While new accounts and credit length account for 25% of your total score, payment history and credit utilization account for 65%, so if you keep making payments on your accounts and don’t accumulate too much credit card debt, your score will stabilize.
You Accumulate Too Much Debt
Credit card debt is really the only lasting and serious issue that can result from credit card churning. You’ll still earn benefits on a rolling balance, but your interest charges and fees will typically cost you much more than the benefits provide, and this is true even for the best credit cards and the most generous reward programs.
If this happens, it’s time to put credit card churning on the back-burner and focus on clearing your debts instead. Sign up for a balance transfer credit card and move your debt to a card that has a 0% APR for at least 15 months. This will give you time to assess your situation, take control of your credit history, and start chipping away at that debt.
What is Credit Card Churning? Dangers and Benefits is a post from Pocket Your Dollars.
Source: pocketyourdollars.com
PNC BusinessOptions Credit Card $750 Sign Up Bonus [AL, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC, VA, WI and WV]
Update 1/2/20: Extended through June 30, 2021.
The Offer
Direct link to offer
- The PNC BusinesOptions Credit card is offering a bonus of $750 in the form of statement credit when you spend $25,000 or more in qualifying purchases during the first three billing cycles
The Fine Print/Card Details
- Offer is valid until December 31st, 2019
- Annual fee varies on spend, first annual fee is due in the 13th billing cycle after account opening (e.g itâs waived first year) and as follows with annual spend of:
- $0-$49,999.99: $500 annual fee
- $50,000-$74,999.99: $250
- $75,000-$99,999.99: $125
- Greater than $100,000: $0
- Choose one of three rewards programs:
- Cash back:
- 1.5% when you choose a revolving card (e.g normal credit card)
- 1% when you choose a pay in full card (e.g charge card)
- PNC points: 5x points per $1 spent (points are worthless)
- Travel Rewards: 1x mile per $1 spent:
- 25,000 miles = air ticket worth up to $315, then you must redeem in increments of 5,000 miles = $50
- Cash back:
Our Verdict
Sign up bonus was previously $400 for $15,000 in spend. Most people will choose the revolving card that earns 1.5% cash back, if you spend $25,000 total you’d earn $1,125 ($750 from the bonus and $375 from the spend itself) for a total of 4.5% cash back. The opportunity cost when compared to a 2% cash back card is $125. Very appealing deal for people that spend large amounts of money and value cash sign up bonuses. I will be adding this to our list of the best business credit card sign up bonuses.
Post history:
- Update 7/13/20: Extended through December 31st, 2020
- Update 4/4/20: Deal has been extended until June 30th, 2020.
- Update 1/3/20: Deal has been extended until March 31st 2020
Hat tip to reader Eddie S
Source: doctorofcredit.com
Best business credit cards with a 0% intro APR
Choosing a card with an introductory APR can be a great move for a small business. You can pay off large purchases over time without worrying about accruing interest â allowing you to truly invest in your business.
If you have a large business purchase looming ahead that you want to finance, there are plenty of great small business credit cards that offer 0% interest on new purchases for the first few months of card ownership.
Read on to learn about some of the best business credit cards with an intro APR.
See Related: How does credit card APR work?
Chase Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
Best intro APR business card for office supplies: Chase Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
The Ink Business Cash Credit Card offers one of the longest introductory periods available on the market â 0% for the first 12 months on purchases (13.24% to 19.24% variable APR thereafter). Plus, the card comes with a competitive earning rate that makes it a particularly good choice for small business owners who need to stock up on office supplies.
| Chase Ink Business Cash® Credit Card | |
Why should you get this card? If youâre determined to keep costs to a minimum, the Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card offers a lot of cash back on your business purchases â including purchases made on employee cards â for no annual fee. Read full review |
Other things to know:
|
Beyond a competitive intro APR, the Ink Business Cash card offers plenty of potential value for cardholders with a competitive rate of cash back on internet, cable and phone services, office supplies, gas and dining purchases. If you spend a lot of money on office supplies or you frequently charge client dinners to your business card, you can rack up plenty of rewards with the Ink card.
Best intro APR business card for a flat rate on all purchases: American Express Blue Business Cash⢠Card
The American Express Blue Business Cash⢠Card offers an intro APR of 0% on new purchases for the first 12 months of card ownership (13.24% to 19.24% variable APR thereafter). Unlike the Ink Business Cash card, the Amex Blue Business Cash offer the same 2% cash back on all purchases, up to $50,000 per calendar year (1% thereafter). If you have a wide variety of purchases to make for your business, this flat rate might equate more rewards.
| American Express Blue Business Cash⢠Card | |
Why should you get this card? The American Express Blue Business Cash Card comes with a major selling point: 2% cash back on your first $50,000 of purchases each year for no annual fee. Read full review |
Other things to know:
|
Adding to its appeal for small business owners, the Blue Business Cash card comes with access to top-notch business perks from Amex, including expense-tracking tools and the ability to enroll in Working Capital Terms.
Alternate #1: The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
If points are more your speed than cash back, the Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express offers the same generous rewards rate as the Blue Business Cash â with one key difference. Rather than cash back, Blue Business Plus cardholders earn 2 Membership Rewards points per dollar on the first $50,000 in spending each year and 1 point per dollar on all purchases thereafter.
value Membership Rewards points at an average of 1.19 cents per point. If you redeem your rewards strategically, you can stretch them a long way.
Plus, the Blue Business Plus card offers the same lengthy introductory interest rate on new purchases â making it a top-notch card for financing large purchases in the first year (after that, it’s 13.24% to 19.24%).
Alternate #2: Chase Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
Another popular Chase small business credit card, the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card offers the same 12 months interest-free for new purchases (13.24% to 19.24% variable APR thereafter) as the Ink Business Cash. But unlike the Ink Business Cash card, the Ink Business Unlimited offers the same flat rate of cash back on all purchases â 1.5%.
Though a slightly lower rate than the Amex Blue Business Cash or Blue Business Plus, this earning rate is still great for cardholders who donât weigh their spending heavily to one particular category. For a card with no annual fee, it is a pretty generous earning scheme. Plus, there are no caps on what you can earn. If you spend significantly more than $50,000 per year on your business, the ongoing flat rate of 1.5% might make more sense for you.
Other intro APR business cards
While a 0% interest rate is a compelling reason to choose a business rewards card, you should also ensure that the rewards rate on the card closely matches your spending habits. This will boost your ability to eke plenty of value out of the cards even after the intro APR ends.
If none of these Chase or American Express cards seem right for your spending, Capital One also offers two cards with introductory APRs. Both the Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business* and the Capital One® Spark® Miles Select for Business* offer a 0% APR on new purchases for the first nine months (13.99% to 23.99% variable APR thereafter).
Though this introductory period is shorter than those on competing business cards, it might be worth taking a shorter offer if one of these cardâs rewards better suits your spending. With the Spark Cash Select, you can earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase. The Spark Miles Select comes with 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, while other purchases earn 1.5 miles per dollar.
Bottom line
Business credit cards are a valuable resource, as they can improve your cash flow while allowing users to rack up rewards on all their business purchases. By choosing a card with an introductory APR, you can pay off large purchases or debt over time without racking up interest â saving yourself money to reinvest in your business.
*The information about Capital One Spark Cash Select for Business and Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business has been collected independently by CreditCards.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.
Source: creditcards.com