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2/24/2001

I have searched thru your site.....it seems that one credit card was overlooked. The GM Card. Granted I am not in love with american cars, but if you can rack up the max discount @ 5%, it is a very good deal.

First USA is taking over the TD Waterhouse Bank Credit Cards as of March 31, 2001. Visa & Mastercards at TD Waterhouse paid 1% on all charges...payable to your brokerage account at the end of the year. THE NEW CARD is not cash back but MERCHANDISE CREDITS on the web. Whoopie! I am saying Sayonarra to them in March!

The platinum card that lets you buy one airline ticket and receive a second one free is Amex Corporate Platinum. But you have to but a First (or business) class ticket. Second ticket must travel at the same time/flight.

Thanks for building your extremely helpful web site. Your "subjective analysis" and "best choice" sections were great. I quickly determined that the Fleet Bank card was best for our family. I hope you make money from this terrific consumer-oriented web site.

I'm looking for a credit card with carnival crusie lines.

In regards to posting of 2-21-2001. The American Express Delta Skymiles Platinum card offers a free companion ticket once a year. You must purchase a ticket for $350.00 or more and they will then give you a free companion ticket. You must fly same itinerary etc. The card has an annual fee of $135.00, if you have another AMEX card that charges an annual fee (not all AMEX cards charge an annual fee) they knock the $135.00 down to $80.00 The card has another interesting feature; double miles all the time for purchases at certain stores: the U.S. Post office, Home improvement stores and some others. Check their web site for details. There is also a 15,000 mile sign up bonus (those miles are worth the $135.00 fee) 5,000 of the 15,000 are "base miles" that is, they count toward achieving one of Delta's frequent flyer levels (the 1st level requires you to fly 25,000 miles in one year). Each subsequent year that you charge $25,000 they will award you 10,000 "base miles".

For Delta flyers trying to reach one of the frequent flyer award levels it sounds like a good deal. No other credit card that I know of awards any "base miles". Nor does any other card offer double miles all-the-time (though only at certain types of stores). I don't have the exact details on the stores. Good Luck.

Just a note to let you know I am totally wow'd by your website! It took a bit of sleuthing to find you, but what a service you provide for those of us who pay our bills in full and on time each month! I'm on the hunt for a replacement for the Verizon (formerly Bell Atlantic) Credit Card from Chase, which as you know is discontinuing in May. It was great getting those $20 credits on my phone bill... on other hand, now I am free to locate the best possible regional calling rates. I'll stop using the Verizon/Chase card as soon as the rebates end. (That'll show 'em-- I used to put everything on that card: gas, supermarket, restaurant, clothing purchases-- EVERYthing!) Anyway, thanks again for your great site!

2/21/2001

Wells Fargo credit cards are canceling the grace period for balance transfers as of 5-1-01. Bummer!

I just received a letter from TD Waterhouse; they have merged their credit card with First USA and will cancel the 1% rebate. Bummer....

I understand that there is a program that allows a Platinum Cardholder to buy an airline ticket and get one free. Can you provide details?

Great site! Just to let you know, BellSouth is canceling the BellSouth Rebate program on the BellSouth MC as of 3/01/01.

How can I contact Principal Bank, which is mentioned in 'On the Grapevine? Thank you.

I am a graduating student with excellent credit and have been on the search for the best reward cards for a while. Long ago I used the MBNA Tower Records card which gave me 1% back and 5% on purchases at Tower, and all the rewards had to be spent there. That program ended over a year ago and I've been looking for others but not that actively. For a while I wanted a company specific reward card like the Tower card since it often gives you above 1% for that place (e.g. L.L. Bean gives 3% for L.L. Bean purchases) but eventually I tired of that search and decided to look into cash-back cards. I decided that Discover does not meet my needs as I do not spend enough money to get over their first couple of tiers. I also decided long ago to not use airline cards because I don't spend enough to make more rewards than their annual fee. But I have found better offers.

First there was Citibank's Click-Citi internet card, which had a promotional 2% cash-back reward and has a solid 1% reward, no catch, no fee. However, you can't use it for point-of-sale purchases so it is not my main card.

Now Citibank has a Platinum-card called the Dividend card which gives a full 1% cash-back, with all the Citibank perks such as price protection, double manufacturer's warranty, rental insurance, and both your photo and signature printed on the card. The only catch is that it only pays out after $100 in rewards. I rationalized that this was not a bad idea, so that you keep track of all the money you got instead of it trickling in on your bill each month. http://www.citibank.com/us/cards/cardserv/divplat/

But now I've found better, still: I bank through USAA since my father was in the Navy, and they've offered me a 1% cash-back card with a $25 signup bonus. That brings up another issue which you don't address on your site: there are many cards that offer a sign-up bonus of some type, whether it be cash or some perk like a magazine gives for singing up, from a bag to pet supplies. I recently found this link to a card that gives you $75 for signing up! http://www.gomez.com/deals/profile.asp?topcat_id=73&product_id=50001220&r=4

But the main reason why I wanted to email you was to tell you what I use to critique reward cards - what I call the cut-off point. Basically, you have to find an amount which you have to spend on a particular card to make it worthwhile. Before there were many 1% cards around, for instance, I used to call Discover's cutoff-point $3,000, because after that point you start earning more than .5% on all your purchases. If you spend less than 3,000, then Discover isn't worth it.

I wanted to tell you this because your chart on the "Your Best Choice" page doesn't address this issue. Since it charts amount spend against amount earned, it does take the issue of percentage into account as much. Maybe if you added a straight 1% line for a card like the Citibank Dividend card, it would make it clearer. Then again, the data looks like it's targeted at really high spenders. It might also be useful to put the left hand column as full dollar amounts instead of 1.2x10>2

Anyways, I investigated the two top cards that you have on your site, the Amex Platinum and the Fleet Rewards. Interestingly, they both have the same cutoff point, however it is rather high: $11,000. Only after you spend 11,000 on either card can you start making more than 1% back. I could've found it by guessing but I gave up too early and used a little algebra to find that on the Amex card you need to spend 6,000 in the final tier to even out the 5,000 in the lower tiers; an dthat on the fleet you have to spend 3,000 in the final tier after the first 8,000.

You mentioned that you're now using your Amex card wherever you can and the Fleet one when you can't use the Amex. I hope you've taken into account that you need to spend over $11,000 on the Fleet to start getting over 1%. If it's your backup card, you might not end up spending above its cutoff point. Furthermore you should make sure you're going to spend over 35,000 on the Amex or else you won't get the same amount as the 30,000 on the Fleet.

Woooph. That's enough math for me for one night. I think you probably have thought of all this before, but I just wanted to make sure. I like your site a lot, especially since I, like you, don't carry a balance.

Although I was disappointed when Bellsouth discontinued the cashback program, I still used the BellSouth card to earn credits towards my phone bill. Since I charge large amounts, I have built up a substantial credit on my phone bill. Bellsouth just announced that they are discontinuing the credits program at the end of March. Needless to say, I am shopping for a new card. Alot of merchants won't accept the Amex or Discover cards because of their red tape or poor payment procedures. All of your audience should be well aware that they should carry a Visa or Mastercard as backup or they could be in for a nasty surprise at an inopportune time!

I wouldn't worry about the tax consequences of a cash rebate card or airline miles card, (at least not yet). >From the way I understand credit card charges, the cost the credit card company incurs for the cashback reward is generally passed on to the merchant. So when you use your discover card, it is actually like bargaining down the price of an item by %1. While you may receive an economic benefit that is "income", it is not the type of income recognized by the IRS as taxable. (Ie: Buying a CD player on sale for $99 instead of the retail price of $100 does not produce taxable income of $1). Oh, and receiving a cashback bonus for reimbursed business expenses would hopefully be classified as a "de minimis fringe benefit", and hence not taxed by the IRS. Disclaimer: I am only a tax law student.

Is there any credit card which offers rebates or credit toward college credits?

BellSouth is discontinuing their cash reward program as of March 2001

Well, unfortunately you can take Bell South CC off your rebate list. I got a notice from them today that they are going to discontinue the program. What do you think would be a good replacement for their card? Credit rate is not a major consideration -like you -I pay off the balance usually each month. I just found your site today. One thought about your site: besides the VERY great public benefit, I like the fact that you don't seem to have any conflict of interest-I got a stinking feeling that some of the other sites I visited this evening were steering me to a "select" few.

2/16/2001

The BellSouth MasterCard will end the reward component march 2001. All oustanding credits must be redeemed by June 30, 2001. it was a good way t pay my phone bill while it lasted. Now thanks to this site am able to find another rebate card. Great work.

I have not gotten my new MBNA Cruise Rewards cards and program details, but so far the comparison between the old Carnival program and the new Cruise Rewards program look like this....

Carnival -- spend 10,000 per year -- get 400 cruise rebate for Carnival -- 4% rebate

Cruise Rewards -- spend 25,000 per year --- get 500 cruise rebate -- 2% rebate

FLEET -- spend 30,500 per year -- get 500 cash -- tiered 2% rebate

Still no word yet about retaining rebate for 24 months like the old Carnival program.

If you are planning on taking a cruise, the new program is not bad, but not as good as the old Carnival one. When compared to cash rebate cards, the Cruise Rewards program due to its lack of tiers, gets you more "cash toward your cruise" per year for less expenditure than using a cash rebate from FLEET toward the cruise. However, you can only compare cash rebates and cruise discount rebates on the same level if you are planning to take a cruise anyway.

Cashbank awards are not income for tax purposes, they are rebates on purchases. The IRS considered taxing frequent flier miles received for flying (not for credit card purchases) and dropped it for now. The grey area (ethically as well as technically, e.g. "excess per diem" is taxable income) is if you are reimbursed for a gross business expense submitted upon which you receive a credit card rebate, but no one is going to go to jail for 1% "fraud".

I just called Principal Bank. A very helpful and courteous lady gave detailed information on their VISA card. The cashback rebate is 1.25%, the only catch is that you have to put it into one of the bank's products (e.g. checking or savings acct.) The savings acct. brings 3.8% interest as of now. Accounts are being terminated after 3 months of inactivity (deposit or withdrawal). Sounds good to me and I'm waiting for the written information to check the small prints. P.S.: There is a 25 day grace period for monthly payments.

You mention that LL Bean offers a cashback reward of 1% but it is actually 0.5% for normal purchases and 3% for puchases made at LL Bean. I know that you specify these so-called "cashback" cards as being like "frequent-flyer"cards in that you get a service or product in exchange for your cash and that they are not true cashback offers. However, I think it would even be more helpful if you would not even call these cards cashback at all! This phrase incorrectly implies that the card holder would receive cash as a rebate which is not totally true.

I believe the Fleet Gulf Oil MasterCard is still being issued but they want you to pick up an application at a Gulf station. You can not apply by telephone.

2/15/2001

Chase Manhattan Bank is about to stop its Verizon rebate credit card. I'm looking for a good or better replacement. Would like 1% cashback or better on all purchases, not a tiered system with an anual cap, no anual fee and of course, a grace period. Any help?

Thought I'd share an unpleasant experience with a Citibank Platinum MasterCard balance transfer offer. When I got the account, it said that I could write a balance transfer check up to the amount of my available credit limit. When I did, the check bounced. I was told that it rejected because when they add in the transaction fee to the transfer, I would be over my credit limit, so they rejected it! How absurd! I'm now fighting to get reimbursed.

I have been trying to appy for a Fleet Gulf Oil Master Card by calling their application number 1-800-367-4853, but I get no answer. Does this mean that the card is on the way out and they are no longer taking new applications? I would appreciate hearing about it if anyone knows anything.

http://www.principal.com/bank/ccards.htm . No tiers

2/11/2001

> The BEST cash back VISA with no Cap is The Principal Visa. 1.25%

Is that a straight 1.25%, or is it tiered? Where can we get details on this card?

I would like to know, if technically, we are supposed to declare the cashback rewards as income and thus is taxable. Anyone know? BTW, I'm thinking of getting the Citibank Dividend 1% card, but you don't get anything until you spend $10000.

Fleet has no foreign exchange conversion fee (today in Feb 2001). Like all other cards this could change overnight. You must phone all the card issuers first to find out which do not impose this fee, and phone your chosen issuer again before travel to verify this is still the case. Bummer.

I noticed that you have TWA Aviators connected to European American Bank. It has been MBNA for a long time. Just thought I would correct your info.

Verizon is cutting out it's rebate program effective 5/16/01...a real bummer since you got $20 for every 2000 to pay on your cellular or phone bill. Also if you want to pay bills on line go to usps.com and sign up for ebill pay. Right now you get 6 months free and you can pay everything at one site rather than dancing around to them all.

I did it this way; First I got a frequent flyer acc't. from United Air Lines. Then got a United Visa (issued by First USA Bank) Miles earned are dumped into my frequent flyer acct. It's been easy to cash them in tha way. I also have a platinum MC that gives me milage on various airlines. They have since been bought out by First USA. The United card has a high limit, and the "any air" card has a low one. Since it's the same bank, I've asked them to up the "any air" card, or switch the limits, but they won't. Odd. I'm thinking of going to the GM card now, since I have enough for 6 flights already. That ought to hold me for a while.

2/10/2001

I applied for the Fleet Visa Rebate card last Saturday online and received the card today. Impressive. I couldn't find anything in the agreement that mentioned a currency conversion fee, so I assume that they don't have one. Can anyone corrobarate this? Secondly, I was disappointed to see that their account access website lets you see charges and statements, but you can't pay your bill online. This is disappointing, since I really like Discover's website and their SmartCheck system. Works like a charm. But for an extra 1%....

MBNA Carnival card is hedging. 4% rebate is dwindling to 2% starting 6-1-01. Rebates will then be redeemed using MBNA travel on a variety of cruise lines. Sounds like the cap will be $500 max/year and $800 total. Old points must be redeemed for cruise currency by 6-1 or will be converted to new program. The 'old' cruise currency expires one year after issue.

Interesting - I sent in the info. on Feb. 2 on the discontinuation of the Verizon Visa card and someone else followed up on Feb. 7 with different information - my letter doesn't mention any "bribes" and it definitely states that the account number will not change. It looks like they sent different letters to different people - are they "bribing" people that paid finance charges? (I never did).

Paypal's rules say that you are not supposed to do anything that might be considered sending yourself a cash advance. My wife used Paypal once to send me a payment (charged to her credit card). Although it was successful, about a month later Paypal warned us that we appeared to have violated the rules. So, somehow, they do track these types of transactions!

The "cash is not always king" comments are not wrong but miss the point -- if you get rebates on a telephone, gasoline, grocery etc company which you already use then they are as good as cash *because they are used as cash*. If they give you an extra rebate, go for it. For similar percentage rebates, if the rebate will exceed your monthly bill or is linked to a vendor you do not use now because of price, quality or convenience, cash remains king.

The BEST cash back VISA with no Cap is The Principal Visa. 1.25%

Let's theorize You need to do some basic homework. 1) If you had your own machine and merchant number, you will need to pay 1.5 to 4% to a bank to process your charges. 2) If this is the majority of business you are doing, how long do you think that it will take for the bank clearing your charges to close you down. 3) Do you think your now rebate card is going to let you keep using them as a clearing house instead of charging merchandies? 4) Have you ever requested a credit refund from a card? Do you know it can take up to 4 weeks? 5)Most merchants and banks require that the credit be to the same card as the charge. This won't work and even if it did the merchant processing fee would cost you twice as much as the 1% rebate. The only way to earn substancial rebates on a regular basis is to use the cards to actually buy things that you intend to use. I have been earning rebates for over 10 years and I have seen every scheme and then some. The only one that ever had merrits was the balance transfer rebate at Discover and that was closed down years ago. If you want big rebates, use your cards for everything possible UNLESS they charge a fee for using credit cards and pay them off completely when the statement is due. Groceries, phone bills, gas, clothes, cable TV, security, auto repairs, etc... NEVER EVER EVER EVER ROLL THE BALANCE. The interest will wipe out the benefit you receive from any rebates.

Re: the person who wrote that cash rebates were not necessarily the best and used the Bell Atlantic/Verizon card as an example. I always considered that to be a cash card, since as you say it came right off your phone bill. Of course, if Verizon was not your phone company, it was of no use to you. And the unwritten bonus with that card was you would get 2% of your phone bill rebated as well, and you didn't even have to charge it to your account (in fact, there was never any way to do that).

Regarding using Paypal to maximize your rebates, I believe that Paypal will cut you off if you do this. People have reported doing it, but I think they cracked down on it. Also I believe that if you get too many credit card payments on Paypal these days they force you to switch over to a non-free account.

2/7/2001

Let's theorize: You have two visa cards. One has one percent rebate for all purchases paid every January. There is no limit to the amount of the rebate. The other card is just a regular visa with no points. You max out the card with the rebate card and then credit the one with no points for the same amount. (obviously you must have a merchant number and and visa machine at hand). You take the card with the credit on it and transfer it to your chequing account. You write a cheque from the chequing account to pay off the rebate visa which is maxed out. In other words you make no purchases and you get the benefit of the rebates. Now imagine doing this every few days. You could have a rebate of thousands of dollars.

I noticed on my last Driver Edge Visa statement that my already earned rebates were going to expire after 3 years. It further stated that any expired rebates would simply be removed from my current rebate balance! Hmmm...

I thought that I read in the Bell Atlantic/Verizon letter from Chase that they WOULD be changing the account number, but that the old one would continue to work if you had pre-authorized charges going to it. Also, one thing you did not mention is that they are going to bribe people not to cancecl their cards. First, they wil be giving you $5 in March, and then another $15 on or around May 15th, which is the date that they say they will switch your account over to a normal Chase card. You do not get these credits if you cancel your card before then, and they wil be paid out as part of your final check/credit (ie, free money). The $5 is no big deal but for the $15, you effectively have to agree to let them convert you over to a new Chase card to receive it. Presumably you can cancel it after it shows up, which I will probably do since I have no need for another non-rebate card and already have another Chase Visa (from Toys R Us).

Great site! Based on what I learned from your site, I believe I will be seeking the Shell or BP gas VISA next. I have just learned, as previously posted, that the Verizon VISA 1 percent card is to be cancelled and I need a new 1 percent return. I can say without reservation that I am probably one of the people that caused the Verizon VISA to be discontinued--very large sums charged and never any interest paid. It has been an excellent option for years. One comment on your philosophy: I fully agree that cash is king when it comes to rebates but I think one needs to do individual analysis. A local telephone service phone bill is not negotiable. You either pay or you are disconnected. Thus, if your 1 percent rewards are credited to a bill like that would in fact have to be paid, then it is the equivalent of cash, as long as it meets the convenience test. Verizon's (Chase's) card credited automatically to your local telephone bill. That was convenient and I would have had to pay that bill with cash otherwise. Now, with its termination, the questions are, (1) do I buy enough gas each month to fully utilize the Shell/BP 1 percent reward and (2) will the rewards be convenient? That is what I will now investigate. Anything under 1 percent is too low for me.

Hi, I was wondering if you could steer me in the right direction? I am looking for courses in credit card management. Any courses but, executive or extension is best. The topics might include but not limited to the following subjects: Rewards Programs, Program Management or Strategic Planning. I would also be interested in any professional organizations out their involved in the card industry. Feel free to call my office at (630) 836-5768 Thanks for your help in advance!

The First National Credit Gold Card is not a Visa or Mastercard. I checked with the BBB of Southland California. This is a credit card for merchandise sold in a catalog. The report states the merchandise is much like that found in a gift store.You can check out most companies at the BBB website. They have had several complaints about this company.

What i liked about the Verizon card was a photo that the card holder could have on a card for free. Anyone knows about a rebate credit card where you can have your picture on?

Do you have any credit cards that offer low transfer rates from any credit card to their card.

I have read your site with some interest. I guess I'd disagree with your notion about the cash rebates being the best. I have a Bell Atlantic / Verizon card and get 1% back for every dollar spent towards my phone bill. Everyone had a phone bill. Getting $20 for every $2,000 charged is just as good as cash - because I have to pay the phone bill anyway... and unlike most cash cards... I get the 1% for all purchases.. not just when I've reached $3000 or so in spending... I do not know of a better deal, esp. when you consider that phone bills equal cash.

Has anyone used a rewards card to fund their paypal account and then sent themselves a check for the funded amount?

2/2/2001

I just got a letter that they are discontinuing the Verizon Credit Card from Chase effective May 16. This is not totally unexpected as the previously stopped taking new applications. At least, they are converting to a non-rewards card with the same account number, are giving plenty of notice and paying all rewards earned through May 15, waiving the $20 minimum.

From what I've seen, the 1.9% Citibank balance transfer offer is only good for about 9 months, then it goes to the normal rate. If you're paying off your car loan with it, you'd better have the money to pay the balance after 9 months!

The GM platinum card does not have an annual (yearly) fee. It has no annual limit either.

I have recently recieved a credit card offer : gaurenteed no credit check, o% interest, for $15,000.no phone no. $37.00 processing fee. It's from First National Credit, Pacific Plaza, 27101 Aliso Creekc Rd. Unit 126 ,Aliso Viejo, CA 92656. Do you have anything on them? Is it a scam? Please help me w/ info if you have.

Hi, great site, and design was pleasing to surf on. Did have a question though, from what I got, your two "no annual fee" cards that you think highly of is the fleet master card, and the american express(amex). I found a link for the american express but didn't find a specific link to the fleet master card. Just found a link to www.mastercard.com. I'm not even sure what the fleet means. Anyhow I found a web site called "fleet.com" which gave out credit cards with cashback but it was a fleet VISA, not a master card, is it pretty much the same thing? I'm looking to apply for that fleet master card that looks so impressive on your site.

The Principal has a VISA that pays 1.25% no cap no tiers. Best Visa Cash back for folks who charge $40,000 or more a year.

Do you think Capital One will lower their already low 9.90% cards since the Fed lowered the interest rates today?

1/31/2001

On Rewards Cards: They are constantly changing their pay-backs. Many have recently scaled down their rewards as more people have taken advantage of them (eg. First USA 2% VISA discontinued ALL payback as of 1/1/01.) Due to their graduated payback, It is important to find one that most places will take, so that you can charge everything on one card (eg. VISA or Mastercard.) Most have an upward limit on payback (American Express doesn't, but not everyone will take their card.) There are stories that some companies are offering flat 1% cash rewards for up to $10,000 per year in purchases, but I can find none currently available. The most interesting that I have come across is the Fleet (fleet.com) Eduvance Visa card. It will pay you back one $50 EE savings bond ($25 face value)for every $2,500 in purchases - as you earn them (with a maximum of 10 per year (that's $25K in purchases.) Comparatively, It pays badk better than their 2% card for the first $10k in purchases.Their 2% card maxes out with a $500 payback at around 30.5K. CAUTION: Do not miss payment due dates on cash back cards!! You get a late fee, and you will have to pay that month's interest plus the next month's. On a $2K statement, that can be around around $60 penalty. Good Luck.

For what its worth...... I use the Driver's Edge VISA as my primary card. I'm lucky enough to be one that gets the 2% and I spend about $25k per year maxing out to $500 credit per year. (I used Ford VISA for 5 years before they cancelled it and racked up almost $3500 which I cashed in on a new car.) So I buy a new car every 5 years anyway. I keep in reserve the Shell Mastercard for Shell gas purchases only (5% back); Toys R Us Visa for instore purchases only (4% back); and the LL Bean VISA for Bean purchases only (3% back normally; sometimes 6%; and FREE SHIPPING - huge!). I'd love to find a grocery store credit card that kicked back 2% or more.

Just checked out your site. This is GREAT!!! I've got more research to do before I decide on another card , but this site has really helped. GM still has 5% rebate ,capped at $500.00 year.The Gold or Platinum card charges a$39.00 yearly fee that is added back into your rebates. In other words you put $39.00 a year into an account that you will use to buy a new vechicle plus yhey give you 1% up to $500/year. Use the rebates before seven ( 7 ) years.Rebates can now be used towards trip upgrades and other offers. Hope this helps someone.

I currently use my Discover card for all purchases in order to take advantage of thier "cashback" feature. From time to time, I still run into retailers that do not accept Discover. When that happens I use my Visa card. My question is...are thier any Visa cards out there that offer a cash back feature similar to Discover?

I saw an ad in yesterday's paper that Citibank is offering 1.9%APR on balance transfers. This seems like a great deal to pay off my car loan at 8.3%. Does anyone know of a better or similar deal for transfers??

Has anyone ever heard of the American Express Black before. Supposed to be some really good credit card to get and impossibly hard to get.?

1/28/2001

I want to thank you for your good info. In late 1999 I got an American Express Corporate Rebate card. I used it as my primary charge card in 2000 and WOW, I just received a $742 rebate credit on my Jan bill.

Sure beats paying cash.

Can you tell me what the best credit card is to earn any airlines mileage credit?

Can anyone share your experience with the American Express card Buyer's Assurance Plan? How is the service quality and claim processing time?

I can tell you not to waste your time on your sponsor NextCard...I wanted to get a lower rate (the ad says as low as 2.9 percent...well, I was offered 6.9 percent if I transferred a balance of at least $6,000 for a one time fee. But, guess what? Nowhere on the site does it say what that fee is...I SEARCHED. With my credit I can get better, but I was ticked at having to waste my time following their tease. Of course I couldn't call them, because they are closed on the weekend...another sign of weakness in a card company. Good luck to all of you who want to get out of debt. I've done it before and it feels great.

The 2% Driver's Edge card is for former Ford Citibank cardholders (which offered 5% before it got cancelled)--apparently the 2% was Citibank's idea of a consolation. As far as I know, new applicants for a Driver's Edge card only get a 1% rebate--but supposedly they can request their rebates in cash before they expire (the 2% "Charter members" are limited to using the rebates on a car).

1/23/2001

Has anyone used the Advanta card. Looks pretty good-no monthly or yearly cap-10k pts get $100coupon 25k gets a round trip

About the request "could you tell me which credit card has the best conversion rate and lowest add on fee for charges in Europe?": That's an important question. Card issuers should announce that on their sites but don't. I travel a lot. Until this month, the 1% card I use in the US I would not use abroad because it has a 4% foreign exchange conversion fee on top of what MC/VISA charge. Abroad, I used a regular gold card, no rebate but no foreign exchange fee. Since Jan 2001 I use the Fleet rebate card discussed on this site recently; I will use it up to the maximum rebate then revert to the above strategy. Fleet does not charge a fee. I found all this information by phoning the individual card companies, one by one. You may have to do it before each trip in case they change the rules. Some places in the world bill you in dollars instead of the local currency but the bank is actually in a 3rd country/3rd currency (eg Belgian francs if you charge to VISA in the Congo) so you pay not only the fee but *double* currency conversion $-whatever-$; in such situations AMEX is good because it stays in $ so no fees at all. Even in foreign currency AMEX is still preferable to a card charging 4% because its fee is "only" 1%. That's still cheaper than exchange bureaux for cash and especially 1% travellers cheques. But we need a database!

For the individual that theorizes on how to cheat on a rebate. Think twice. It is unethical and may even qualify as fraud. Although I have not read all the fine print, I have to believe that there is language to prevent such transactions, this is why most big rebates are paid on anniversary dates well after the charges earning such rebates have been posted and paid. Setting the moral and legal questions aside, it is just not wise. This type of behavior will only encourage the banks to lessen the rewards or cancel programs alltogether. I doubt this scam would work and even if it did, I am pretty sure you will still be liable for the rebate. Play fair and everyone wins. As for the individual who lost his ATT reward points, if they gave you fair warning and you did not act, you are probably out of luck. Your best and only remedy is to send a polite letter with documentation to ATT and specify the reward you wish to receive. It is possible that "if" they still can, they will oblige. Remember there are reasons for these timetables. It is quite possible that the folks who handle the rewards are not even working there anymore. If your doctor tells you to get your flu shot now to avoid the flu and you don't do it, you can't sue your doctor when you get sick. The attorney asking about rental car coverage may want to check the credit card agreement. In many of my cards, it clearly states how to get a copy of the insurance policy from the credit card company. Even if the credit card company does not pay, the insured's regular car insurance company often will. I have significant credit card rebate experience hope this helps. Advice is free (and often worth the price)

The Driver's Edge Visa card that pays 2% doesn't seem to be available any longer. All I could get verification on was a Driver's Edge card that paid 1%. Anybody find the 2% one?

1/22/2001

I just spent an awful session filling out the appication form for my $0 fee credit card with Capitol One...boy are they clever... got back a notification that it would cost me $19.99 or something like that for an annual fee..I am an unbeliever as a result

Which credit cards cover the cost of insurance on rental cars?

Thanks for the great site! I drive a lot in my job, so I buy a lot of gasoline. I've been looking for a card to earn me some stuff on all the gas I buy, and I think I've found one.

The Speedway - Super America chain of gas stations has a Performance Visa that earns 3% bonus on anything purchased at their stores, (gas, milk, etc.) and 1% on everything else you buy anywhere. The rebates come in the form of "performance dollars" that are essentially gift certificates for the chain of gas stations. Every time you earn $5 worth, they stick a certificate on your monthly statement. I figure it's a way to get 3%+ off the pump price of all the gas I buy, which makes them the cheapest station in town, if they weren't already.

There is no annual fee. The amount of rewards you can earn is unlimited. They are also offering 4.9% APR for 6 months and a balance transfer option of a fixed 9.9% APR until the balance transfer is paid off.

I got an application at the checkout counter or you can call 1-800-862-2421 to apply. I checked their Web site, but it's very out of date and still lists this as a pilot program that will go national in early 2000. Has anyone else used this and had good results? It sounds like a pretty good deal to me.

The qualifying gas stations are Speedway, Super America, Bonded, United, Gastown, Rich, Kwik Sak and Checker.

We have a mbna purina reward master card now. The reason we got it was for the Purina coupons for 5 dollars off a purchase. We really used the coupons and they discontiued the program nov. 2000. Is there any card that offers this program? Or is there at least a card to help benefit animals we can apply for? Thank you for your help.

Let's theorize.

You make a large, fully refundable purchase (vacation package) with a rebate card, redeem the rebate, and eventually return the purchase.

You pay the credit card balance in full (or transfer to a teaser rate card).

Use the rebate before the refund is credited.

Request a full refund check because your account now has a credit balance.

Legally, they may not deduct the rebate amount from your check because rebates have no cash value.

Your rebate point total may now be a negative number so you may prefer to close your account.

We had earned 45,000 points on our AT&T card when they abruptly stopped the program. They warned us 6 months ago, but like many others, I didn;t reddem my points in time. Do you know of an agency where I could file a complaint?

could you tell me which credit card has the best conversion rate and lowest add on fee for charges in Europe?

I have a World Mastercard from CapitolOne. It has the MilesOne frequent flyer rewards, no annual fee, and other perqs. What it doesn't have is online access. I have the feeling that the World Mastercard is being phased out but I can't get a straight answer.

The Driver's Edge Visa card is the extension of the old Ford rebate program canceled by Ford around 7 or 8 years ago (rumor around the office was that their share was costing them upwards of $40 million a year). It 'pays' a 2% rebate toward the purchase or lease of any automobile, new or used. It has another plus in having no annual fee. Shortcomings are that the rebate is capped at $500 ($25K in purchases) and after 5 years the first year drops off (moral: use it or lose it). You also do NOT want to be late with a payment. Penalty for that transgression is 19.9% apr on the balance PLUS $29 late payment fee.

I am an attorney representing a car renter whose credit card company has denied coverage of a claim for damages to the rental car. The denial is based on provisions in the credit card company's terms and conditions that were not available to the client prior to submitting the claim -- specifically, that coverage is not provided for accidents that occur off of paved roads.

I'm trying to determine whether her problem is a common one, and would like to speak with other consumers whose claims have been similarly denied.

1/14/2001

I think that the reason that the website doesn't "seem to recommend" the Fleet Cash Rebate card, is that the website hasn't been updated since the Fleet Card became available last fall. In my estimation the Fleet Card is the best for purchases between $11K and $35K per year. I got my Fleet Card in September and just started using it at the start of this month (after the rebate cycle which is based on a calendar year). [note that the site has now been updated!]

The Ford card is gone (replaced by a 1% back Citibank Driver's Edge card) but I think GM and Subaru may still have 5% rebate cards.

Ford dropped the 5% back cobranded card it had with Citibank about three years ago. Citibank now offers a similar card but with a much lower rebate. The card is now called the Driver's Edge. When you buy or lease any car - new or used - you’ll receive a check for the amount of the rebates you have earned. http://www.citibank.com/us/cards/cardserv/drivers/

1/13/2001

This is a comparison of the three best cash rebate cards I could find: If you estimate your annual expenses to be less than $8,000 on the card, use the Discover platinum card (reaches 1%). The layered rebate returns the most up to the $8,000. If you estimate your annual expenses to be between $8,000 - $11,000, use the American Express rebate card (reaches 1.5%). If over $11,000, use the Fleet Cash Rebate card (reaches 2%). I researched the rebate percentage returns and calculated the expected cash back on excel.

I am trying to find the credit card issued by Ford Motor Company that gives rebates toward the purchase of a new car. Either they don't offer it anymore or I'm using the wrong terminology to search for it. Can you give me any help with this. Thanks!

For the last couple of years I have been using a gold Toys R Us Visa through Chase Bank. Every month I receive "Geoffrey Dollars" to be used at Toys R Us, Babies R Us and Kids R Us. They give you 4% of your purchases made at Toys R Us and 1% made on any other purchases. If you have children this is an excellent credit card. I am not certain what their rates are, I pay my bill off each month.

I have been searching for a new cash rebate card. I need a MC or Visa for places that dont take others. The Fleet Cash Rebate Visa seems the best for me, but you dont seem to recommmend it. I will put about $25,000 on the card and I have run all the numbers and The Fleet card comes out on top. Am I missing something?

Credit card with savings bond offer>..... Smithsonian Institute offers A Discover Card with a us savings bond bonus scheme..

Now that First USA has terminated its cash rebate card I've found that Fleet Bank (www.fleet.com)has a up to 2% cash back card with a maximun cap of $500.00 per year rebate. I also have a 2% Amex cash back card that doesn't have a rebate limit, but it's not accepted everywhere and doesn't have auto rental insurance coverage which I need. Go for it!

The best VISA REBATES Card just got better. Not only will you receive rebates on all your personal shopping, but you will also earn INSTANT CASH NOW when you simply refer others to our web site who apply. We accept A,B,C, and D Credit. We pay $10. for each referral and $2. for each subsequent referral. Plus we pay rebates on all your groups purchases. Now that is powerful! http://VisaRebates.com

1/09/2001

i has a cash-in card that paid 2% cash back on all purchases, until the program was dropped at year end 2000

any idea where i may obtain a comparable card (i.e. one that will get me 2% CASH back?

We are looking for a credit card with US saving bonds as a bonus. Do you have any information? Thanks

For those considering getting the Fleet Platinum credit card for its rebate feature, I would first suggest that you review the comments on the card by ex-users at http://www.epinions.com/. It is a real eye opener. I suspect that it might make you think twice before you go ahead and get it.

In response to posting of 1-5-2001 Re: Using airline miles. I have found that the ease of finding available seats is directly related to how far ahead you plan. One of the most popular routes for using frequent flyer miles is to Hawaii. You may have to book far in advance for this award.(6 months to a year) On other, less frequently requested destinations you may be able to book the day before travel. The best return is using your miles to buy a business or 1st class ticket. For instance, a $4,500 to $5,000 business class ticket to Europe can be had for 50,000 miles (United airlines). The same ticket can be had for 40,000 in the winter or 60,000 in the summer from American Airlines. Another good value is purchasing a coach ticket and using your miles to upgrade to business class. If you estimate that each mile is worth about 1 cent the 50,000 miles used for the $5,000 ticket gives you a return of 10%. If, on the other hand you use 25,000 miles for a domestic coach ticket that is worth $250.00 your return is 1%. Even if the domestic ticket cost $500.00 your return is still only 2%. It's very comfortable up in business on those long overseas flights. Good luck.

1/5/2001

In response to the question what is the best deal on accepting credit cards for a business, I would recommend that you go to BJ'S wholesale club at the following address: www.bjswholesale.com and click on either the payment processing or premier benifits tab. The current rate is listed as low as 1.55% + .21 cents per transaction. The phone number is listed as 1-888-BJS-2380.

I also received the First National Credit offer, and I looked them up in their local Better Business Bureau. Here is the address, have a look. It doesn't look good.

http://www.bbbsouthland.org/howtoreport.html

I saw a newsprogram today and the commentator was saying that everyone is offering free air miles. The problem is trying to use them. There are never any seats for when you want to fly.

Have you found this to be true?

Can you suggest an air miles credit card where one can redeem mileage without a hassle?

I have a first usa visa card and they just cancelled the 2 % cash rebate.

I'm trying find out information on the affinity credit card market - like the size in receivables etc. and I noticed in the archives that someone was writing a report on it and also looking for the same information. Can anyone help? Thanks!

1/4/2001

For the latest breaking credit card news go to http://www.cardweb.com/ and click on the card news heading on the left side.

I live in Bermuda and am frustrated in using the internet - I have a US address but I cannot buy anything as I do not have a US based credit card - It seems that as I do not have an SSN I cannot get a card. Do you know any card issuer who would oblige - I have good credit refs here and in the UK??

Hello, I also received an offer for the gold card from First National Credit. I,immediately, became suspicious. I have been doing research on this company for about a month now and I am pretty sure, from the information I gathered that this is a scam. I must warn you that these letters also come in descise from other locations, like Las Vegas, NV. It is the same company!!! At first when they first start sending you letters, they'll ask for $189.00 membership fee. If you ignore them, They'll automatically send you a card to activate (they sent me two in one week), if you don't call to get the cards activated, then they'll send you the blue and white letter for the approved $15,000 credit limit and ask for a $37.00 membership fee. The previous letters are plain black and white and they'll have Urgent!! on them. They also send post cards. They say that they have a store online to shop at, but I've been looking on the internet for a month, and haven't been able to find it. I did eventually call them in Las Vegas before they sent me this last letter, a man answered the phone. It did not sound at all like a business. You could hear the TV in the background. After I gave him all the information that he already had, he asked me did I have a checking account. I told him no. He continued to tell me I didn't qualify for the previous card, but I did qualify for another card. I would have to send them a down payment on whatever I wanted to order. He asked me did I want to activate my card, I said no. he got real upset. He told me bye and slammed down the phone. I called the post office and they didn't know anything about this company either. I have plans to report them to the Better Business Bureau.

Your site is fabulous! Thank you for all your work. I'm writing because I am unable to find a message I saw on the grapevine. It concerned buying government bonds (i think) online using a credit card. These purchases were included in calculating your cash rebate. I believe this message was posted in November, 2000, and when I look thru your grapevine files they jump from Sept to December with nothing posted for the month of November. Is there a page missing? Thanks for your help!

The answer to the question posted is:

Would like to get online with Chase Gold Visa which I now hold. Where the web site for me to register?

https://chaseonline.chase.com/chaseonline/home/sso_co_home.jsp

For Chase: just go to http://chaseonline.chase.com and you can register for online access. It's free, and works fairly well (although free access via Quicken would be better, but you need to have a Chase checking account for that).

For the person who posted in ALL UPPER CASE about Titanium Visa from First USA, kindly learn to turn off the caps lock key. It's really annoying to have to read in ALL UPPER CASE and it makes it look like you are SHOUTING.

Gentlemen: A friend of my owns a business and he would like to start accepting credit cards for payments. Where do I find the best deal for this?

1/1/2001

Your site was very helpful to me. Like you, I too pay my credit card balance every month. Your site was perfect. I decided to go with the Fleet Titanium card. Your site says that the card only gives 1% back that is incorrect. Like the AMEX card, the Fleet card has a sliding scale that goes all the way up to 2%! It is capped at $500 like you mention. Here is the info on the rewards rate: : .25% on the first $1,999; .50% on annual transactions from $1,999.01 to $3,999.00; .75% on annual transactions from $3,999.01 to $5,999.00; 1% on annual transactions from $5,999.01 to $7,999.00; and 2% on the portion which exceed $7,999.00. Thanks again for such an informative site.

How does AOL VISA reward program work? It it only say you can use to reduce your monthly fee. Can I use it for something else?

We are looking for the best deal for balance transfer. We would like to transfer our balance to a very low interest rate since we will be paying the balance off within 6 months. Any recommendations?? Thanks

I got one of those offers from: First National Credit Pacific Park Plaza, 27101 Aliso Creek Rd. Unit 126 Aliso Viejo, Ca 92656 I found a link on a search engine that directed me to your site but when I clcked on the link I did not find the info listed. Do you know anything about this card ???

Hello, I just wanted to take a moment to commend you on an excellent site. All if the information is very informative. One thing though, I found no information for a person like myself. One who is looking for a credit card for emergency use only. You know, the car breaks down while I am traveling and I need a way to get the car fixed a get a place to stay while repairs are made. Do you have any suggestions?

It as thought First USA is not offering the GE Rewards cash back card any longer. It has changed to a GE vacations card. Can anyone else confirm this? If it is still available can someone provide a link? Since i could not find the GE card, i have applied for the Fleet cash back visa as a back up to the "must own" amex cash rebate cards.

I just used your web site. It is a great web site with useful information. Thank you! Just thought you would like to know that I clicked on the link to Fleet Bank under creditcardgoodies.com/analysis in the area that describes cards that give 1% cash back. Fleet Bank now appears to be offering up to 2% back. Looks like it breaks down as follows:

.25% back for first $1,999.00
.50% back for $2,000 - $3,999
.75% back for $4,000 - $5,999
1% back for $6,000 - $7,999
2% back for $8,000 and up.

There is no annual fee. I think I will try it out.

Several weeks ago someone indicated that the rebate terms on the Fleet Mastercard were being changed effective January 1. I obtained the card in early September, after reading about it on this grapevine. So far (cross my fingers) I have not been notified of any changes in the rebate. Have others had this experience?

which card will give a low annual interest rate plus a good deal on balance transfers? i need to transfer a balance in the next ten days.

Would like to get online with Chase Gold Visa which I now hold. Where the web site for me to register?

I recently received a gold card offer from FIRST NATIONAL CREDIT. Could you please share some insight about this company.

Earlier this year before you changed the layout of the site, I came here because I was planning to make a $20,000 purchase. Fortunately, I could've paid cash. Because of your site and the information you provided regarding the best deals on credit cards, I got the AMEX Platinum card and saved $245 on the purchase. Thanks!

RE BEST BALANCE TRANSFER DEAL. TRY THE TITANIUM VISA BY FIRST USA. 0% FOR 5 MONTHS ON PURCHASES OR BTS. 800-347-7887,800-759-5734 OR 800-547-1802 and specify card code HN44.

FOR BEST CASH ADVANCE DEAL I USE AMEX. I REQUEST THAT THEY SEND ME FREE CONVENIENCE CHECKS. IF THESE CHECKS ARE USED TO PAY BILLS (INSURANCE, UTILITY,OTHER CARDS, ECT.) THERE IS NO FEE BUT INTEREST ACCRUES DAILY. TECHNICALLY CHECKS ARE NOT "CASH" BUT I DON'T HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THAT. THE BALANCE CAN BE TRANSFERRED TO THE PREVIOUSLY MENTIONED FUSA CARD IN ADVANCE. THIS IS EQUIVALENT TO A FREE "CHECK" ADVANCE FOR THE 5 MONTH SPAN.

12/20/2000

Please feel free to share the details of your cash advance scheme which is "legal and above-board". It doesn't do anyone much good for you to brag but not give any details.

Just looking for any advice on the best current Balance transfer deals. what I have come up with so far is a 2.99% rate for 6 months, but am wondering, before I commit, if there is a possible 0% rate even if it is for 2-3 months?

I'd like to know which credit cards have the best cash advance deal?

I currently have a Platinum Visa card with benefits that include travel insurance, rental car benefits and other items that I do not ever use. I am looking for a credit card that will give me cash back and/or frequent flyer miles, hotel discounts, gasoline discounts, etc. Please let me hear back from you if you have any ideas which credit card would offer the benefits I am looking for.

Is there a credit card that really works hard to win disputes for their cardholders? (I lost the first round and resubmitted....will post what occured when it is finalized)

OK - so tell us, what is the deal where you can get a cash advance of $1000 per day, for a five dollar fee.

12/12/2000

I am a heavy charger of between 20-30k each month. Currently I use the MBNA Ramada card which just started a yearly cap of 60 k I believe.This card buys my expensive airline tickets with points accumulated. They give a round trip ticket for the equivalent of 30k in purchases and they are very nice to deal with. MBNA also has a long lee time after you get the bill to pay. I also use the Quicken Visa (Citibank just bought out Travelers bank). They send you a $100 off coupon for $8k in purchases. This is great for cheaper fares. I believe they also have a yearly cap of 60k. Does anyone know of a similar card that doesn't have a cap???

If they got rid of the First USA 2%, I wonder about any potential future plans for the GE Rewards which is also owned by First USA.

Dell, Sony, Gateway all have 1% cards. Click Eye On Credit link at top right of page

The comment about $10,000 in travlers checks being purchased is about the IRS money laundering regulations. EVERY transaction of $10,000 or more is tracked by the IRS. Most transactions of $3,000 are tracked by local banks. This has no great importance on buying the travelers checks as long as you keep good records and remain straight. The Pricipal VISA is a good deal. I just received my first quarterly deposit of significant hundreds of dollars with no hitch or problems. Expect to clear $1,000 plus a year with this card.

Hi! I found a way to receive cash advances and have the transaction charged as merchandise. The limit for me is $1000/day and it costs me $5 in fees for that $1000. The amount you can charge each day will vary depending on how you setup the deal. You can use any CC that has a sufficient line of credit! Furthermore it's all leagl and above board. This is a sweet deal, I'm currently using it with my MBNA Carnival Cruise Mastercard. In 20 days, and for only $100 outlay, I'll have $800 credit to apply towards my cruise in February! Wouldn't $1000 of daily rewards be nice for your rewards program of choice? I thought so.

Please continue to the grapevine archive of this continuing Saga!