Summer has arrived, and it's the perfect time to boost your financial rewards! With so many credit cards out there, choosing the right one for you may seem like a beach with too many umbrellas. But don't worry, we've got your towel ready for you. This guide will help you navigate the sea of options and find the perfect card for your summer adventures.
First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card - Best Credit Card for No history/Poor Credit of July 2024
The First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card is a secured credit card for people with a limited credit history.
The Card earns 1% Cash Back rewards on payments.
The First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® comes with an annual fee of $49. The Card's APR is 14.49% (Variable for purchases).
Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® - Best Credit Card for Fair Credit of July 2024
Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® offers 3% cash back in home, auto, and health categories and 1% cash back on all other purchases. However, you only receive the cash back when you make payments on the card. This card is also unique in that it offers credit lines instead of credit limits. A line of credit allows you to use only the amount of money you need and pay it off right then or over time. Borrowers have a variety of potential credit lines they could receive: between $500 and $25,000.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® - Best Credit Card for Good Credit of July 2024
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card offers 5x points on travel (purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, excluding hotel purchases that qualify for the $50 Anniversary Hotel Credit), 3x on dining, online grocery purchases and select streaming services, 2x on travel.
Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® has a $95 annual fee. The card’s variable APR is 22.49% - 29.49%.
My Chase PlanSM Fee is 1.72% (monthly fee) of the amount of each eligible purchase transaction or amount selected to create a My Chase Plan. The My Chase Plan Fee will be determined at the time each My Chase Plan is created and will remain the same until the My Chase Plan is paid in full.
American Express® Gold Card - Best Credit Card for Excellent Credit of July 2024
The American Express® Gold Credit Card's annual fee is $250. The card offers 4x points on dining (at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and groceries (at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 in purchases per year), 3x on flights (booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com) and 1x on all other purchases.
The Card's variable APR is 20.74% - 28.74%.
As a new cardholder, you have the chance to earn an impressive 60,000 Membership Rewards Points after spending $4,000 in purchases within your first six months. New cardholders will also have the chance to obtain the alternate Rose Gold art.
There are no foreign transaction fees with this travel card.
Add your Gold Credit Card to your Uber account, and you’ll automatically get $10 in Uber Cash each month, for a total of up to $120 per year. You can use your monthly Uber Cash on Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S.
Dining from the comfort of your home can save you up to $120 annually. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Credit Card at Grubhub, Seamless, Boxed and other participating partners. Enrollment required.
Important Factors When Choosing a Credit Card in March 2024
- Interest Rates (APR). Seek credit cards offering competitive Annual Percentage Rates (APR) for purchases and balance transfers to minimize interest expenses.
- Rewards Programs. Evaluate rewards programs, such as cash back, points, or miles, based on your spending habits and preferences.
- Fees. Be mindful of annual fees, late payment fees, foreign transaction fees, and other potential charges, opting for manageable or avoidable fees.
- Credit Limit. Ensure the credit limit aligns with your spending needs and creditworthiness.
- Introductory Offers. Take advantage of cards offering introductory periods with 0% APR on purchases or balance transfers for potential savings.
- Credit Score Requirements. Check if you meet the eligibility criteria based on your credit score for the desired card.
- Cardholder Benefits. Look for added perks like travel insurance, extended warranties, price protection, and concierge services.
- Security Features. Prioritize cards with enhanced security features like EMV chips and advanced fraud protection for secure transactions.
- Payment Flexibility. Assess payment options, including grace periods, penalties for late payments, and online payment management ease.
- Network Acceptance. Ensure the card is widely accepted domestically and internationally to avoid inconvenience during transactions or travel.
- Customer Service. Research the issuer's customer service reputation to ensure efficient and responsive support for any inquiries or issues.
Conclusion
Choose the perfect credit card before the season heats up. Rewards programs, fees, interest rates - we'll break it all down. Analyze these factors along with your summer plans and spending habits. Find the card that fits your needs, maximizes rewards, and lets you enjoy the sunshine (and the benefits)!