jfields 0 #1 January 16, 2004 So.... One of my credit cards (Chase StockBack) is changing their deal. I'm not fond of the new offer, so I don't know that I'll let them roll me into their new program (Chase PerfectCard). I'm in the market for something new, interesting and better. The requirements: Minimum of 1% back (cash or equivalent, not airline miles) No annual fee No account closing fee Visa/Mastercard only, no Amex or Discover So, what good cards do you all have? I don't care much about the interest rate, or intros, since I won't be carrying a balance. Shouldn't have any problem qualifying, so gold/platinum offers are also fine. Anybody have anything that gives back over 1% on all regular purchases? Where it gives back over 1% on selective things, anybody have a big percentage that isn't on a gasoline-related card? Thanks. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sunshine 2 #2 January 16, 2004 Toys R Us Visa would be good for you. A 5% rebate at Toys"R"Us, Kids R Us, Babies"R"Us and Imaginarium stores. Up to a 1% rebate on all other purchases. Now you can buy the kids all kinds of cool stuff. ___________________________________________ meow I get a Mike hug! I get a Mike hug! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhillyKev 0 #3 January 16, 2004 Speaking of this there was an article in the WSJ yesterday about a good way to really rack up rewards. There's a company that sells "gift cards" which are just like debit cards but you buy for set amount and are disposable, but can be used wherever you use debit cards just like cash. Anyway, you buy them for yourself with a CC, then use it to buy money orders made out to yourself. Then use that money to pay the CC bill. Basically, you're charging a whole bunch and getting the rewards but only paying the cost of a money order. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sunshine 2 #4 January 16, 2004 QuoteAnyway, you buy them for yourself with a CC, then use it to buy money orders made out to yourself. Then use that money to pay the CC bill. Basically, you're charging a whole bunch and getting the rewards but only paying the cost of a money order. A lot of places require you to pay cash for a money order. They don't accept CC, debit cards, or checks. Cash only. But the idea is interesting. ___________________________________________ meow I get a Mike hug! I get a Mike hug! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
champu 1 #5 January 16, 2004 Quote The requirements: Minimum of 1% back (cash or equivalent, not airline miles) No annual fee No account closing fee Visa/Mastercard only, no Amex or Discover http://www.citibank.com/us/cards/cardserv/divplat/index.htm this card meets your minimum requirements, the only thing I can think of off the top of my head that has a really good rewards program is Blue Cash, but you mentioned you didn't want Amex Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChileRelleno 0 #6 January 16, 2004 Credit cards are the devil! ChileRelleno-Rodriguez Bro#414 Hellfish#511,MuffBro#3532,AnvilBro#9, D24868 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jfields 0 #7 January 16, 2004 We have the Toys R Us card as our joint credit card. I'm looking for one to use as my own. Since I pay for my skydiving stuff out of non-joint funds, and for things I want to surprise her with, I need my own card. Ah, the complexities of finances in marriage. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jfields 0 #8 January 16, 2004 I looked at a couple of the Citibank cards. While fine, they aren't exceptional in any way. I've steered away from Amex because it is accepted so many fewer places. The tiered rebate structure is also a crapshoot. I don't know how much I'll charge in a given year, so it could end up anywhere from 0.5% worse than a regular card to 2.5% better. And if I have to get another Visa/MC to work in the places the Amex won't, I'll consolidate less purchases on the Amex card and be less likely to get their biggest rebate. Interesting idea, though. You have one of those? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shotgun 1 #9 January 16, 2004 The amazon.com Visa sounds like a good deal, but probably only if you buy from amazon a lot. I've thought about switching to them, but I rarely use my Visa card. (I use Discover for just about everything because they seem to have the best rewards.) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 37 #10 January 16, 2004 My dad swears that every consumer question like this can be answered on Clark Howard's site .She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man, because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhillyKev 0 #11 January 16, 2004 QuoteQuoteAnyway, you buy them for yourself with a CC, then use it to buy money orders made out to yourself. Then use that money to pay the CC bill. Basically, you're charging a whole bunch and getting the rewards but only paying the cost of a money order. A lot of places require you to pay cash for a money order. They don't accept CC, debit cards, or checks. Cash only. But the idea is interesting. Walmart does. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
champu 1 #12 January 16, 2004 Right now I have an Amex Blue and I'm thinking about getting a Blue Cash to replace it. The main card I use is that Citibank Dividend card which is, as you said, nothing special. Twice I've taken people out to dinner where the place only took Amex. It's rare, but I like having an Amex and a Mastercard to cover the bases. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
marcandalysse 0 #13 January 16, 2004 I have a Sears Mastercard, gives points good for lots of stuff (but unfortunately not for jump tixs)....I use my points for barnes and noble gift cards and get all my music cds that way. www.searscard.com they list where you can cash in the bonus points.... Shell Mastercard gives bonuses.....get free gasoline! marc Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shotgun 1 #14 January 16, 2004 QuoteI have a Sears Mastercard, gives points good for lots of stuff Don't they make you pay a $25 annual fee to participate in their rewards program? I was looking into using that card because the rewards sounded so good - until I realized you had to pay them to get rewards... or did I misunderstand it? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jfields 0 #15 January 16, 2004 QuoteTwice I've taken people out to dinner where the place only took Amex. Maybe I just don't go to nice enough places. I've never hit a single place that hasn't taken V/MC. I know of a lot where the reverse is true. But there is enough overlap that I might consider getting the Amex, as I have other cards should it not be accepted. I'm still debating. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jfields 0 #16 January 16, 2004 QuoteShell Mastercard gives bonuses.....get free gasoline! Had that one. Ended up with the Chase Freedom card when Shell switched to Citibank. So now I get 3% off all brands of gas, instead of 5% just on Shell. Seemed a worthwhile swap, for the flexibility. Basically, I see a 1% cash back as a minimum requirement for a credit card. As long as you pay the balance in full every month, you might as well maximize how much they'll pay you to use their card. We use different cards to separate our spending, as well as earning extra rebates. 1% back on everything 3% back on gas 5% back on toys I used to have the old Amazon.com card, which gave you 2% back on everything, but they changed the deal. I also used to have a Dell card, but that got axed as well. It seems like whenever I find one that I really like, they decide the perks are too generous and go and change them. What can I say, I'm just a credit card perk-shopping whore. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites champu 1 #17 January 19, 2004 QuoteMaybe I just don't go to nice enough places. I've never hit a single place that hasn't taken V/MC.They weren't really fancy places or anything (I couldn't tell you the names off hand) but it happened to me once in Chicago, and once in South Beach. I was surprised, when they told me I stared at them blankly for a second as though they had just told me they didn't accept cash. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites wingnut 0 #18 January 19, 2004 QuoteI was surprised, when they told me I stared at them blankly for a second as though they had just told me they didn't accept cash. had something lke tha happen to me once when i was in switzerland.... made jump through all kind of hoops to use my mc.. they even displayed the logo in the window... didn't know what i was gona do since i didn't have any francs on me... luckily just had to sign an extra paper..... i try to stear away from credit cards. they like me to much and i like them... working off a balance right now and once i'm done i'm not lettin it get like that again... but then again i did know what i was getting into when i started... to bad i didn't know that about skydiving... i'd be a rich man by now..lol.... i persnly like my debit card... i know it's not a credit card but heck i get free checking and a 1/2% rebate on using it so i get money back instead of having to pay for a check.....and it is a mc so it works everywhere... wel besides car rental cmpanies.. but i'm not over 25 so it's hard to find a place that will rent to me anyways..... ______________________________________ "i have no reader's digest version" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites jfields 0 #19 January 19, 2004 Quotei persnly like my debit card... I won't use a debit card, because of the security features and protections it lacks. If a credit card gets stolen, I'm not liable for much ($0-$50), no matter how much gets charged. If a debit card gets stolen, they can clean out your your entire account and there is damned little you can do to ever recover the money. The ability to pay with someone else's (cc company's) money first is a key advantage. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites marcandalysse 0 #20 January 19, 2004 QuoteDon't they make you pay a $25 annual fee to participate in their rewards program OOPs you are correct. The first year was a freebee. $25/yr after that. However, they always have special discounts if you use the card to make a purchase at Sears. Often have $10 off coupons, and a couple of months ago had a 10% discount on purchases. That's the time to buy a new refrigerator or TV! So those discounts more than make up for the annual $25.... I put all my skydiving expenses on that card, and watch the points mount up as my bank account gets smaller! Cash? What's that? Marc Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Gawain 0 #21 January 19, 2004 The best credit card, is not having one. I've got an Amex and my debit-card and no more BS with any of the other players that change their tune on a regular basis. Just my two cents.... So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright 'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life Make light! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites slug 1 #22 January 19, 2004 GM credit card 5% credit towards nw car or lease max credit $500/yr last yr got card in mail for additional $1000 off. Total amount saved on new GM car $4000 just befor we signed the peper. "oh ny the way" It took us six years to save the $3k they may have changed the max allowed accrued depending on type of card. Platinum sucks Capital one 1% goes into frequent flyer miles account, 25k miles required for domestic flight. Neither has annual fee Beware if you carry a balance or pay late very bad deal. Costco Card 2% cash back just about pays for cost of card. R.i.P. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites PhreeZone 20 #23 January 19, 2004 Check out www.cardweb.com I'm liking the looks of http://www.nesteggz.com/info/NFO_CreditCard.aspx Its intended for those looking at retirement but I'm ready to retire and I'm only 23 Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites jfields 0 #24 January 19, 2004 Phree, Yeah, I've been to Cardweb. I'll look at the other one. I was just seeing if there was anything out there that could substantially surpass 1% without an annual fee or strings. So far, I'm not seeing any. 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champu 1 #17 January 19, 2004 QuoteMaybe I just don't go to nice enough places. I've never hit a single place that hasn't taken V/MC.They weren't really fancy places or anything (I couldn't tell you the names off hand) but it happened to me once in Chicago, and once in South Beach. I was surprised, when they told me I stared at them blankly for a second as though they had just told me they didn't accept cash. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wingnut 0 #18 January 19, 2004 QuoteI was surprised, when they told me I stared at them blankly for a second as though they had just told me they didn't accept cash. had something lke tha happen to me once when i was in switzerland.... made jump through all kind of hoops to use my mc.. they even displayed the logo in the window... didn't know what i was gona do since i didn't have any francs on me... luckily just had to sign an extra paper..... i try to stear away from credit cards. they like me to much and i like them... working off a balance right now and once i'm done i'm not lettin it get like that again... but then again i did know what i was getting into when i started... to bad i didn't know that about skydiving... i'd be a rich man by now..lol.... i persnly like my debit card... i know it's not a credit card but heck i get free checking and a 1/2% rebate on using it so i get money back instead of having to pay for a check.....and it is a mc so it works everywhere... wel besides car rental cmpanies.. but i'm not over 25 so it's hard to find a place that will rent to me anyways..... ______________________________________ "i have no reader's digest version" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jfields 0 #19 January 19, 2004 Quotei persnly like my debit card... I won't use a debit card, because of the security features and protections it lacks. If a credit card gets stolen, I'm not liable for much ($0-$50), no matter how much gets charged. If a debit card gets stolen, they can clean out your your entire account and there is damned little you can do to ever recover the money. The ability to pay with someone else's (cc company's) money first is a key advantage. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
marcandalysse 0 #20 January 19, 2004 QuoteDon't they make you pay a $25 annual fee to participate in their rewards program OOPs you are correct. The first year was a freebee. $25/yr after that. However, they always have special discounts if you use the card to make a purchase at Sears. Often have $10 off coupons, and a couple of months ago had a 10% discount on purchases. That's the time to buy a new refrigerator or TV! So those discounts more than make up for the annual $25.... I put all my skydiving expenses on that card, and watch the points mount up as my bank account gets smaller! Cash? What's that? Marc Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gawain 0 #21 January 19, 2004 The best credit card, is not having one. I've got an Amex and my debit-card and no more BS with any of the other players that change their tune on a regular basis. Just my two cents.... So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright 'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life Make light! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slug 1 #22 January 19, 2004 GM credit card 5% credit towards nw car or lease max credit $500/yr last yr got card in mail for additional $1000 off. Total amount saved on new GM car $4000 just befor we signed the peper. "oh ny the way" It took us six years to save the $3k they may have changed the max allowed accrued depending on type of card. Platinum sucks Capital one 1% goes into frequent flyer miles account, 25k miles required for domestic flight. Neither has annual fee Beware if you carry a balance or pay late very bad deal. Costco Card 2% cash back just about pays for cost of card. R.i.P. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 20 #23 January 19, 2004 Check out www.cardweb.com I'm liking the looks of http://www.nesteggz.com/info/NFO_CreditCard.aspx Its intended for those looking at retirement but I'm ready to retire and I'm only 23 Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jfields 0 #24 January 19, 2004 Phree, Yeah, I've been to Cardweb. I'll look at the other one. I was just seeing if there was anything out there that could substantially surpass 1% without an annual fee or strings. So far, I'm not seeing any. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
