Popular Deals
Chase Freedom(SM): Now with 5% Rotating Rewards
March 8th, 2010The Chase Freedom(SM) rewards program is about to become a lot more like Discover More’s. Chase recently announced that its Chase Freedom(SM) rewards program will be undergoing yet another makeover, to provide a “simple, straightforward way to earn 5% cash back in popular seasonal categories.”
Effective April 1, 2010, customers will be eligible to earn 5 percent cash back on the most popular spending categories, like dining, drug stores and grocery stores, through seasonal promotions. Other purchases would continue earning a 1% rebate. Gone, however, is the $50 bonus for redeeming $200 in rewards at once. And much like Discover’s program, cardholders will have to sign up for the quarterly promotions and are limited to how much spending will earn the 5%.
Beginning March 15, 2010, Chase Freedom(SM) cardholders can enroll in second quarter promotions for a 5% rebate at home improvement stores, lawn and garden outlets, home furnishing retailers and drugstores.
PenFed Promise Card: A New, No Fee Credit Card
March 2nd, 2010Pentagon Federal Credit Union is now offering a new credit card that features absolutely no fees of any kind. The PenFed Promise Card is a no-frills, no annual fee card that currently offers an intro APR of 7.49% on both purchases and balance transfers for the first 36 months. After that, the interest rate is variable, tied to the Prime Rate, and currently set at 9.99%.
With no rewards program, it’s a credit card that’s about as easy to understand as possible. There are no transaction or penalty fees of any kind. That includes foreign transaction, balance transfer, cash advance, late payment, over credit limit or returned payment fees. Cardholders must sign up for e-statements for all their active accounts. For more info, see this link.
United Mileage Plus Visa: 30,000 Bonus Miles, No Annual Fee First Year
February 23rd, 2010The standard offer for the United Visa has been for 30,000 bonus Mileage Plus miles after spending $250 with your new card, but with a $60 annual fee. Using the following link (via FTG) will also earn you the 30,000 miles after spending $250, but with the annual fee waived for the first year. Beyond the initial signup bonus, though, the card itself is not particularly exciting, as it earns just 1 mile per $1 in purchases.
Citi Introduces Annual Fees on Inactive Accounts
February 13th, 2010While Citi warned us last year that it planned to tack on an annual fee to accounts that didn’t meet a specified spending threshold, that news became a reality this week as notices of this policy change poured into cardholder mailboxes. Effective April 1, 2010, an annual fee of $60 is being added to many Citi credit card holders’ accounts. That fee will be credited back to the account holder if spending reaches $2400 in the calendar year. Alternatively, the cardholder can opt out of this change and cancel their account.
The changes come as the enactment of the next phase of the Credit Card ACT on February 22 draws nearer, and banks look to find ways to offset the accompanying loss of revenue.
Marriot Rewards Credit Cards: Now Earn Elite Status Faster
February 9th, 2010Marriott and Chase recently announced changes to their credit cards that will allow cardholders to earn Elite status faster and earn more Marriott Rewards bonus points. For every $3,000 in annual spending, cardmembers will now earn one extra Elite night credit. In addition, cardmembers will receive 15,000 bonus points on 7-night redemption stays at category 7 and 8 hotels. There is no limit to number of extra Elite nights or bonus points earned.
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American Express Zync: A Charge Card for Young Adults
February 6th, 2010Long known for its line of charge cards, American Express recently unveiled a new charge product targeted towards the younger generation. The Amex Zync is being pitched as a way to build your credit history without the danger of running up high interest charges, since it must be paid in full every month. As a charge card, any balances you carry on your Zync will not count towards your utilization ratios on either your FICO or Vantage Score.
The Zync does carry an annual fee, though at $25, it is much lower than its elder siblings. Purchases earn Membership Rewards points which can be redeemed for the usual assortment of travel, shopping, and entertainment rewards. In addition, there are four “Lifestyle Packs,” that can boost your benefits. For instance, the “Go” pack costs an additional $20/year and doubles the number of points your airfare purchases earn. The “Social” pack also costs another $20/year and doubles your points on restaurant, concert and theater purchases.
For more details, see this link.
BrightStar Credit Union Credit Card: 0% Balance Transfer for 6 Months, No Fees
February 1st, 2010Bright Star Credit Union offers a Cash Rewards Platinum Visa that features a 0% intro APR on balance transfers within 10 days of approval for the first 6 billing cycles of the account with no balance transfer fees or annual fees. In addition, the Cash Rewards credit card earns a 1.25% rebate on purchases, subject to a limit of $600 of rebates per calendar year.
Unfortunately, this deal is only available to those in South Florida, as you will need to visit a branch location in person. While you do not need to be a member to apply, you will need to become one to open your account. Membership is open to anyone who lives, works or goes to school in Broward or Palm Beach Counties, Florida, and relatives of anyone who is eligible.
For more information, see this page.
Bryant State Bank Credit Card: 3.25% on Balance Transfers for 6 Months, No BT Fee
January 27th, 2010The Bryant State Bank MasterCard offers an introductory 3.25% APR on balance transfers for 6 months with no balance transfer fees; after the intro period expires, the everyday interest rate is a relatively reasonable 11.25%. Some quick simple math shows that the 3.25% intro BT for 6 months with no fees is a better deal than, say, a 0% BT for 6 months with a 3% uncapped fee.
This is not a rewards card, and it does carry a $20 annual fee. However, one other “feature” that may make this card more attractive to some is that the issuer claims only a “fair” credit score is required for acceptance.
$500 Cashback Bonus for Select Discover Cardholders
January 26th, 2010If you’re a Discover Card holder, it’s time to check your mail. From February through June 2010, Discover is running a special promo to targeted cardholders. If you’re eligible, you can earn a $500 bonus for spending at least $2,000 each month from February 2010 through June 2010. To enroll:
1) Call 1-866-645-1436 from January 1, 2010 to February 1, 2010 and let us know you’d like to stop using other cards and switch your spending to Discover.
2) Use Discover for all your purchases like groceries, gasoline, electronics as well as monthly bills like cell phone, internet and cable.
3) Earn an extra $500 CashBack Bonus – just for making $2,000 in purchases with your card in each month from February 2010 through June 2010. Remember, this is in addition to the CashBack Bonus you can earn every time with your card.
(Via FW)
Buy One Night at Wynn/Encore, Get One Free
January 15th, 2010Amex Platinum or Centurion cardmembers can get one night free at either the Wynn or Encore in Las Vegas, with a minimum 2 night stay:
Stay between Jan 15th and ends June 30th, 2010. First complimentary night free with a 2 night minimum. (essentially buy one, get 1 night free)
MENTION Promo Code: E1320542 (this is not bookable on the new FHR website, must phone in)
Bookings must be made by April 15, 2010. In addition, the promo is valid for only one room per cardmember. (Via FT)
