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6/26/2000

To doing a project on credit card companies: You should look into a book called What every Credit Card User Needs to Know: How to Protect Yourself and Your Money by Howard Strong, ISBN 0-8050-5314-X. On average, the credit card company makes 1% of the charges and the issuing bank makes 1%. This varies by type of card (MC, VISA, AmEx, or Disc.), issuing bank, and any type of affinity agreements.

The Fleet Home card is no longer available. Fleet Phone # 800-852-8586 Ext. 101.

One of the main ways credit card companies make money which is seldom thought of is merchant charges..on each transaction the merchant will pay an average of 4% (I believe this is how it works...) to the cc issuer...so even if they are paying you 1.5% they are still making money as long as you are making purchases.

I'm looking for a 1%( no tiers) cash rebate card to fill in where they don't accept American Express and I would like to stay away from First USA!! Any suggestions I live in Connecticut. Thanks

I have a Fleet Gulf Mastercard, their customer service # is 1-800-984-4853. Does that help? I'm still searching for the elusive cash rebate card, other than AMEX or Discover. The search continues ...

6/24/2000

Do you have a phone number or e-mail address for Fleet Home Mastercard?

I am doing a project on credit card companies. I know that the obvious source of profit is with those whom carry a balance. However, where can I find out the other ways that credit card companies make a profit?

Do you know of a credit card from MBNA that lets you accumulate money towards cruising on Carnival Cruiselines? My friend has a MBNA Visa that allows her to do this, but I visited their internet site & could not find any info on it. Thanks

6/20/2000

Thought you might want to correct your GM card link, plus add some other Household Credit Services card links... for your visitors. GM Card - http://www.gmcard.com Household Bank Card (for "near prime" consumers) http://www.hbcard.com Orchard Bank Card (for sub prime consumers who are building or repairing their credit) http://www.orchardbank.com Union Plus card - a MasterCard for members of the AFL CIO http://www.upcard.com.

Buy.com Visa card gives 5% back on certain buy.com purchases and 1% back on all other. http://app1.firstusa.com/pcards/buydotcom/index.cfm?mkid=602E&promo=xPLA4P031&click_id=999999999999

I am looking for a business credit card with air mileage benefits.

The best long distance deal around seems to be GTC Telecom. Five cents a minute 24/7 with no monthly fee. They send me an itemized list of my calls two weeks prior to their billing my credit card. Their service has been excellent because they use lines leased from MCI. Their website is gtctelecom.com.

Thanks for all you do for people who want the most out of their credit cards, especially those of us who pay balances every month.

6/13/2000

Great site! I have a question - we want to pay college tuition by credit card. The Univ. accepts Visa, Mastercard and Discover. We prefer Amer. Express for the skymiles, but since we cannot use it, what do you suggest? We need to use a card that will give us some bang for the buck!! We are open to suggestions! Thanks. Keep up the good work....

RE: Also, have you listed the SONY card from Citibank. There is no annual fee and you get a 1% rebate that can be used towards purchases of SONY merchandise.

I've mentioned it a few times. Along with 1% rebate from all credit card purchases, you can get 3% credit for purchases of Sony products made from certain retailers (you mail in a form with a copy of the receipt). Through the end of June (they seem to do this once or twice a year for a period of time), it's actually 5% back for Sony purchases. (I seem to remember there was originally 2X points for ANY Sony purchases regardless of store, but I haven't seen a reference to that lately.)

What a great place to find lots of consumer helpful feedback. I have had great success with Capital One Visa, lots of benefits. The subject of people looking for a great long distance provider, check out Vartec Telecom. 5 cents a minute all the time at 10 minute intervals, No fees monthly or annually, I won't switch.

6/4/2000

I couldn't find information on cards that offer rebate programs... the only ones that I could find on the page are the frequent flyer ones. Could you point me the link where there is information on cards with other rebate programs. Basically a while ago I had seen a listing of cards with name, rebate program, annual fee, phone number, and there were many cards with no annual fee. I can't seem to find that page anymore. (Try http://cardweb.com/ or http://www.bankrate.com/)

Also, have you listed the SONY card from Citibank. There is no annual fee and you get a 1% rebate that can be used towards purchases of SONY merchandise.

I called my Wachovia Visa 4 times before a trip to Ireland to check on automatic rental car insurance if I rented with my Visa. 3 times I was told "no problem, you'll be insured if you charge the rental on your card" Not until I asked for it in writing was I told Visa no longer covers the rental car in Ireland, Israel and Jamaica. They told me that Master card was doing the same. My friend rented with her Master Card. An operator from M.C. told her she was covered in Ireland and anyplace in the world.. She was in an accident and guess what! Only the rental car she was driving was covered. She was liable for the car she hit. We also were detained in a Northern Irish Police Station because its illegal to drive without proper insurance in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Little damper on our trip!! Bottom line. Get it in writing or buy insurance from the rental agency.

The question is how to play. Debit cards? Cards issued in Canada or overseas? I notice Barclays has a site that comes up early in a search on "credit card". I asked for info, we'll see if they answer. Question is whether their law, as opposed to ours, allows them to issue cards here.

In the Eighties, we went for a local bank called Gary-Wheaton in Wheaton, IL because they had free cards. Then, of course, they got bought up. And bought up again.

I think the trick may be to find the small little bank that is just starting up. There are many of them, they hope to build their business and sell out at a huge gain, which generally works. They typically want to build a credit card portfolio and sell it along with the bank. The problem may be that they rely on the big guys for processing and set-up so that you are right back in the same bag as before.

6/2/2000

True value master card has changed its 'rules'. The bad news: no more 5% rebate on balance transfers for new accounts. The ok news: the 1% rebate on purchases is no longer limited to true value merchandise. The semiannual rebate is just like cash. I'm bummed! My wife and i were getting $250 every 6 months. (applying, transferring, 'rebating', and canceling=$1000/year) Oh well, my garage was getting pretty full of hardware anyway. In three years we 'redeemed' a lawnmower, chainsaw, hedge,toolbox, weber grill, flowers for spring planting and other misc.

the URL at the bottom of your subjective analysis page to information on First USA, which we stopped using because of their rudeness and inability to deal with problems, gives a 403 error and says I am not authorized to view the page. Any thoughts on this?
Do you have information comparing terms and conditions? We always pay off on time on all our cards, but recently some of the cards have instituted very high late payment charges that coincide with the due date. Before, there was a late payment charge if it was 10 days beyond the due date. In the past, card companies have been willing to waive it if the payment is a day or two late if you just call them and if you routinely pay on time. Good customer relations is what I suppose they would call it. Today I cancelled my MBNA card when they were unwilling to waive the charge, so I'm looking for a new card.
Many of these companies are outsourcing the sending of their bills, with the result that I can get the bill sometimes 10 days before its due. Do you have any information on the companies that give you to the cycle date, rather than the arbitrary due date, to pay?

Have you looked at the buy.com first visa, supposedly offers 1% on all purchases and 5% when used at buy.com (note it's a FirstUSA card!).

If you follow your proposed plan, most (if not all) companies will charge you interest for not just $1 for the next month but they will charge you interest for the average daily balance which includes all the new purchases. You have to pay off completely previous month's balance in order to qualify the grace period. In other words, if you charge $1000 next month, you will be paying interest for $1001.

The problem here is that if you don't pay off the balance in full each month, the finance charge will be on the average balance for the month, not just the portion you didn't pay off. If you pay off all but $1, you still pay interest charges for everything you purchased that month, at what, 18%? If the card uses a double cycle billing method, it gets even worse. If you really want to play games with them, you'll need to pay in advance, then draw off of the funds you have deposited with them until you have a minimal balance with them. That way your average balance for the month stays negative, but you have a positive balance on closing day. I've played a lot of games with credit cars to get rebates over the last few years, but that one doesn't seem worth the trouble.

6/1/2000

With regards to the American Express rebate credit card, you get an extra 0.5% rebate for any month that you carry a balance. Since the minimum service charge is $0.50, doesn't it make sense to always carry a balance as long as you charge more than $100 in any given month? ($100 * 0.5%) = ($0.50 service charge) so you would be way ahead if you charge a lot each month but leave a minimal balance (like $1) just to get the extra 0.5% reward if (and this is a big if) the extra 0.5% is on your total charges for the month vs. applying just towards your balance. What are your thoughts?

I am shifting to the US in October but would really like to start accumulating rewards now before I go on a 3 month spend-up holiday. Any suggestions? I am particularly interested in frequent flyer miles although if cash back is better value and tax free that would be good too.

05/31/2000

All the benefits of my Exxon card now extend to Mobil Stations. I get 3% off purchases made at Exxon AND Mobil stations and I can redeem the credit earned at either Exxon or Mobil.

I have a Visa from First USA, and I cannot see any difference in their cash-back vs. Discover (I also have that) except that Visa is more acceptable in more places than Discover. Moreover, the more I use Discover, the less I have on Visa, so I max out the Visa each month. I went to the Scam site....was amazed! I've been lucky I guess with First USA -- no probs so far! Thanks for your site!

05/25/2000

I just want to know which credit card gives me air miles with a low interest rate?

Would you consider some sort of mention of a survey I am conducting on my site? Take a look at it and let me know what you think. It is related to making tax payments over the net, with a credit card. (there is a company doing it now, Official Payments, but this is for a new start-up.)

I would be more than happy to share the results. You could link right to the survey or simply give it mention for folks to check out after visiting your site.

http://www.consumercards.com/taxsurvey.htm

05/16/2000

I have purchased Savings Bonds using my credit card and they do indeed appear as purchases, not cash advances. I would urge caution trying to play the float via this method. There are some restrictions on cashing in bonds. The double EE bonds, for instance, can't be cashed in for 6 months. I don't know if this holds true for the newer I bonds. All of the straight dope is on their web site http://www.savingsbonds.gov check it out before you buy.

Just thought you'd like to know that BellSouth has taken a sabbatical from issuing new credit cards. I called the number you listed (800) 789-9025 and they told me they weren't offering any new accounts at this time. Have you ever???!!!?? Then she told me that they might "open it up again" at some point in the future. Reminds me of a doctor not taking any new patients. BellSouth has decided to not take anymore new applications?!?!

Two caveats about Series I Savings bonds: They cannot be redeemed before 6 months. If they are redeemed before 5 years, you lose the last 3 months interest.

Where are you going to purchase those savings bonds with your credit catrd and for those of us "bond-challenged" how long do they take to mature etc?

05/14/2000

You can use a credit card to purchase series I savings bonds.

The series I bonds are adjusted for inflation and are currently yielding over 7%. Charged to a rebate credit card (it goes in as a merchandise purchase NOT a cash advance) you get the bond start earning the interest - play the float giving you up to about 2 months to pay off the card and earn a card rebate to boot!

The aussie here: thanks - those are the two I tried - citibank and American Express. I'll keep trying, but I guess I'll have to get a secured card (or two)....another year before any cash back and more money tied up....sigh.

My only suggestion to the person from Australia would be to acquire a department store credit card and use if for a few months. You should then have some sort of credit rating in the US and may be able to get a normal unsecured credit card. Some stores may even have a reward program available with a co-branded Visa or Mastercard. One such merchant is Lazarus Department Stores (Cincinnati Area only?).

05/08/2000

For the guy from Australia, have you try American Express or Citibank? Ask them to check your credit report in Australia. If they won't, then ask them how can they call themselves global companies. They may also for your pay stub or utilities bill.

As to long distance phone calls, I use Net2Phone and they have 5 cent/minute 24/7. Their # 877-627-4663.

Enclosed are three web sites worth looking into: (1) http://www.priceline.com - features a free gas card starting 05/20/00 which saves the consumer 10 to 20 cents per gallon of gasoline nationwide (2) http://www.thedigest.com - a forum for the telecom industry (3) http://www.dialpad.com - free internet to phone calls, with over 6 million users so far signed up. The faster your modem speed approaches 56K the better the sound quality, and during peak calling times the quality sounds more like a cell phone. One suggestion is to use a cheap pair of "walkman" type headphone so that the incoming and out going voice transmittions are kept seperate.

Soooo many of the places we want to use credit cards don't accept American Express we have had to have another card. (Visa,MC) which is the next best card for cash back? Hard to decipher your charts, info. We charge everything! but pay it all off each month. Name of Best card you know of would be appreciated. Thanks

re: Aussie's questions (surely off-topic here): He/she may have better luck with credit unions, particularly if it is an employees CU. I got my first Visa that way - and I didn't even have SSN at the time, not to mention zero credit history.

05/05/2000

I am an immigrant from Australia. I have great credit in Australia with Visa, years of it. I can't find a company here (including visa) who'll give me a card; they say I have no credit record - they won't communicate with my bank in Australia. I can apply for a secured card....anyone got any better ideas?

In response to your reader looking for inexpensive long distance available via credit card, Long Distance service for regular telephones with billing charged to your credit card is available at iPhoneBill.com 2.9¢ 1+ Long Distance Service . I suggest your readers bookmark this site. The company offers most service at 2.9 to 4.9 cents per minute with no monthly fees and billings after the first minute in 6 second increments. There is a rate calculator where you can enter your phone number and any number you might call and see what the rate will be so you will know what you will be paying before you sign up.

I got the Waterhouse card but cancelled it without using it. The card agreement says that they won't accept a payment if it's $100 over the current balance. What if I send in a payment and then return a merchandise? They have the right to reject the payment. Also, unless you have other Waterhouse bank accounts (brokerage doesn't count), you cannot check your credit card balance and transactions through telephone touch-tone or online. You have to talk to a customer representative, which I don't want to do unless I have to. Shell MC remains my primary card.

With respect to the request for information regarding long distance carriers, Essential.com has a rate of .058/min 24/7 and no minimum or fee.

05/02/2000

I recently received a new Visa card from the Krogers (the grocery store) rewards program. It sounded like a good deal, for every dollar spent at Kroger's you receive 2 points and for every dollar spent elsewhere, you receive 1 point. The points can be redeemed for movie tickets, grocery certificates, many local attractions, and airline tickets. The first level for redemption is 2,000 points. The card is backed by US Bank in Fargo ND. I thought this was a great deal until I found out I had a $3000 limit and it could not be bumped for 6 months. They require that length of time to establish that you are a good credit risk. What a joke! I wonder if they even check credit records because this is the lowest limit I've ever had. My first month's bill was $2000+, I paid it in full 9 days before it was due, and they received it 4 days later, 5 days before it was due. I have been trying to use my card for the past 2 weeks but keep being told that I have no funds! ! available. I have called repeatedly and finally after my check has sat there for 10 days, they tell me that they usually hold a check that large (this must be some small operation) for 10 days before submitting it to the bank. This is the craziest thing I've ever heard and told them to cancel the card, it just wasn't worth the aggravation. I used the card much like a debit card, subtracting each transaction from my checking account, and writing a check for the balance when the bill came. At least I accumulated enough points to get a $30 gift certificate for Olive Garden, but it just wasn't worth dealing with this bank.

do you have any info on long distance similar to what you have for credit cards ?? looking for $.05/min 24/7 48 states residential straight... thanks again for your efforts - applied for Amex and GER MC (which i WOULD NOT have known about without you..)

FYI, I recently had to cancel my Fleet MasterCard, after I recieved a notice from them informing me that they'd be changing a $35 annual fee.

Several people have been asking about First USA recently.

One person asked about signing up for a First USA Visa and then joining the Cash In program after receiving the card. I went through the same thing. Once I got the card I talked to a half dozen people at FUSA and the only answer I got was "It's a marketing thing, invitation only". So don't bother.

Another person cancelled their GE Rewards Card after experiencing the FUSA nightmare. My experience was similar, except instead of bogus charges, they lost a big payment that I made, though the check cleared the bank on time.

As a result, I'm now using the Fleet Home Master Card - the rebate is slightly better than the GE card and $10,000, and the maximum annual rebate is $500 instead of $140. The one downside is that instead of cash, the rebate is going to be credited against the principle of my home mortgage. That's okay by me, but it means the card isn't useful for renters. I just got the card a month ago, so I won't be able to rate Fleet for a while.

After that, my card of choice is the Waterhouse Investors Prime. You have to have a Waterhouse brokerage account to get one. It's a straight 1% card, credited annually to your brokerage account. So far I haven't had any problems with it.

The last time I checked Diner's Club card ( http://www.citibank.com/dinersus/ ) provided primary insurance when renting a car. Diner's Club has a similar reward structure to American Express Membership Rewards program (one mile for every dollar spent on the card that can transfer to most any airline). Diner's Club is a great card but is accepted at even fewer places than American Express.

4/30/2000

I recently applied for the American Express Sheraton Starpoints card. No fee and every dollar translates into a mile on the airline of your choice that AmEx has an agreement with. I don't know how many airlines have agreements, but I do know that Delta, Continental, and American are in the deal. The only catch is that this is an Optima card and you can only have ONE Optima of any kind. I had the Am Ex Platinum Rebate card and I had to pay it off and transfer my line of credit into the Starpoints card.

Here are my 2 cents on all those send-mpney-over-the-net-services: 1. paypal.com The original is still the best; money arrives quickly, and gets deposited into bank accounts fast. BUT: there's a $5,000 limit per 6 months, only accept Visa/Mastercard, customer support is getting from bad to worse. 2. payme.com No limits except $500 per transaction; agonizingly slow; i still have $$ from 3 weeks ago they have not deposited. Visa/Mastercard only. 3. payplace.com. Nice interface, accepts Visa, Mastercard and Amex; but: a $2,000 limit per 6 months, whicvh really sucks; withdrawals only by paper check or credit to card, not bank account.... 4.emoneymail.com the strangest place, only accepts Visa. The first place i have seen on the Nert or off that does not take Mastercard. Do not know details, but the point in their FAQ which says they cannot guarantee your credit card company will not see their charges as a cash advance is alarming. I would stay away.

To the one who concerned about CDW coverage. I do not think we can get primary coverage from major credit card conpanies. I checked with customer service centers of Master card, Visa card, Amex card, and Discover card. They all now provide customers with secondary CDW. I thought all credit card companies follow the rules set by mastercard and visa headquaters no matter what individual credit card company is. Isn't it correct?

I have GE rewards mastercard myself. I got if from First USA after they had taken if from GE. Today, I called to First USA and asked if the rebate structure had been changed. I gave my credit card number and I was told that no change had been placed. I asked to tell me rebate percentages to be more accurate and got the same numbers.

0-2000 : .5%
2000-4000 : 1%
4000-6000 : 1.5%
6000-10000 : 2%

To the 4/11 poster who said that there was a Brand 5% cashback platinum MC from First USA. Well, I called and they found the offer. I wanted them to give me a regular application by mail. Well they sent me an app for their regular platinum with no possibility for cash back. For the person asking about charity cards, go to the first usa homepage and you'll find a whole lot of affinity cards from everything from universities to charities.

Good luck -- they told me I could "trade up" my existing First USA Visa to the "cash-in" program, and I took them up on it. However, when I got the new card it was not enrolled in that program. A half-dozen calls later -- with some operators telling me "no problem" and others apologetically telling me "no way" -- I finally received a letter from their marketing folks that said something to the effect: sorry for the inconvenience, but "cash-in" is a pilot program and accepting enrollees by invitation only.

If this has changed, please let us know -- this appears to be a great cash award program.

Here is a site you may wish to include on your "Related Links" page... http://www.cardreport.com

In the 4/29/2000 Grapevine, someone asked about getting the non-rebate First USA card, then adding the Cash-In rebate feature. I too was promised this using this route, and enrolled based on that invitation. When I called back to add the Cash-In feature, I was told it was by invitation only. It took several letters, including a complaint to the Federal Trade Commission, to get First USA to say they would honor their invitation. Supposedly this feature was added effective February 4 to my card, so I'm using the card, but it hasn't appeared on my statement yet (almost 3 months later).

There is a new site out there that functions like Paypal, with a few differences: 1. It will accept Amex as well as Visa/Mastercard 2. There do not seem to be any limits 3. Withdrawals occur either by check or by credit to recepient's credit card, NOT a bank account, The site is http://www.payplace.com

4/29/2000

I tried to get a credit card that would allow me to earn frequent flyer miles that would allow me to use it on a variety of airlines. That is what I thought it meant when you said "generic." However, I don't think that type of card exists.

The First USA one is either for United, British Airways, Southwest, you choose which
The Asta 800 number sends you to First USA
Star Bank number is answered by Schwab and I sat on hold for 25 minutes until I hung up.

I think I might just go for TWAs.

In terms of the GE Rewards and someone who said they got the numbers indicated on this web site - I did use the same phone number and specifically asked for GE Rewards. The representative gave me no trouble with saying they had it, but told me that the cash back numbers had changed (i.e. to the ones I indicated). How long ago did you call them? I then called back later seeking info. on the Bell South card. Rep. told me it wasn't in the system, but that others had asked for it.

I like your site. It's really packed with information. I also have a question. I am looking for information on the credit cards, that when used (either generally, or at specific merchants) donate a percentage to a specified organization. Fundraising is what I'm getting at. Any help with resources for this would be greatly appreciated.

There have been a few entries on car rental collision damage waiver (CDW)coverage and I'm still looking for specific information on which card, if any, provides primary CDW coverage. To me the secondary coverage (or excess coverage as the GE Rewards card calls it) is better than none but not the most desirable because it will place your own personal insurance in first position. There was a comment about a Consumers Reports Travel Letter article but my library does not subscribe. Anyone know of a card that offers primary CDW?

When I called, First USA told me that if I first apply for their "First USA" card or "Bank One" card, I could then call up to get enrolled in the "Cash-In" program that offers up to 2% cash back. I thought that the "Cash-In" deal was by invitation only. Has anyone tried getting the (non-rebate) card and then enrolling in the Cash-In program?

A note about rental car and flight insurance: the Amex Plat Cash Rebate does NOT provide collision insurance, so beware. PI will DISCONTINUE its car rental insurance in May, and it is reducing flight insurance from $500,000 to $150,000.

For the person who wanted good rebates for balance transfers, this site says the True Value card gives you 5% for transfers: http://www.eyeoncredit.com/cash_back/TrueValueMastercard.htm

I have had the GE Rewards card since 1995, I am cancelling it this month. I loved this card when it was run by GE Capital. Since First USA took over it has been a nightmare. I have only waited this long to cancel it because it has taken me since last August to get all of First USA's bogus charges removed! I urge you - do not get a First USA card. It is not worth it. Read all the horror stories at http://209.67.19.99/~FUSA1/ if you need.

4/26/2000

Agad, time for a new chart! I just called GE Rewards program and checked the cash rebates before applying. The info. I got was: $0 - $2,500 = .5% $2,500 - $10,000 - 1.0% $10,000 - $14,000 = 2.0% So which is the best now in the 10k range? Hard to tell from the chart!

I want a good card that gives you either cash back or travel reward points for balance transfers. I know Southwest does but I don't really care for that airline. Any suggestions?

had same experience - you really have to dig ... website NO Mention operator will try to give you a regular one...guess they want out from under.. finally found this tel number and SPECIFICALLY asked for GE MC.

GE Rewards Mastercard 800 347-7887 $2000 0.5%, -$4000 1.5%, $4-6000 1.5% I THINK i'm getting one - applied - will know when i get a card... TRY IT (???)

There was a posting about car rental insurance with credit card. I rented a car from hertz today with discover platinum. I had liability coverage myself but no collision one. Hertz representative had no idea how the secondary coverage will work for me. I called Discover and got a number of the company which actually provide with the coverage. What I heard was the secondary coverage would work as primary because I had primary insurance. It was good enough for me.

To get a GE Rewards MC, call 888 871-4714. I did it a few months ago!

For the GE or Bellsouth cards, FirstUSA says to call 1-800-347-7887 and ask for these cards by name. If they deny they exist, keep pushing and ask to speak to a supervisor...

4/24/2000

I want to get a GE REWARDS MASTERCARD.However, I cannot find it on the internet. Please tell me if you know how to apply -- either on phone or via internet. Thank you.

To the Question of how I pay my bills from a credit card, I use my credit card as a checking account, pay ahead on your card. Over what you are willing to part with, it helps to start with a clean card, they do not mind the money they make ahead, and you do not pay interest charges or bank fees for maintaining a checking account.

I tried the numbers you gave for both the GE Rewards (888/871-4714) and BellSouth (800/789-9025). Neither number would accomodate taking an application. Both seemed to "wrap" around to First USA - but even then, no one knew how to apply for these two particular credit cars. Any suggestions??

All of the options discussed here are credit cards. Let me throw out another option. Here in Delaware, despite being one of the credit card capitals of the free world (MBNA, among others) we have had debit cards for years, through Wilmington Savings Fund Society (WSFS), now known as WSFSbank. The debit card, known as a "Plan Card" looks to merchants like a Visa card, but is tied to a checking account. It also functions as an ATM card. It also gives up to 1 percent rebate on all purchases. If you keep a minimum balance of $1500, the account is free, and you get the 1% rebate. If you keep $3000 in the account, you can also get interest. I have direct deposit, so this ties everything neatly into one account. For more info, see http://www.wsfsbank.com/Checkings.asp. After viewing this site, I may look into paying bills via the card rather than check so I get rebate on them, too! Interesting site here, and it's good to know that there are others in America ! ! trying to live WITHIN their means!

With gas prices continuously increasing, and the necessity of my driving too much, I could really use a credit card that gives me the best credit toward gasoline purchases. Discover is quickly becoming less than it promises - beware! - they are starting to not give you the cash-back award at lots of retailers, depending on the deal they've struck with them (e.g., my grocery store, I've come to find).

4/21/2000

To the poster inquiring about buying postal money orders with a credit card: unfortunately, we are out of luck here! i have asked a few times, and they told me they have been specifically instructed this is an operation they are not allowed to perform. Otherwise, I would be there right away buying $ 5,000 or more in m/o per month. To the poster asking how to pay ALL bills by credit card: the only way as far as I see it would be through Paypal or payme.com....

Also recived solicitation from CapitalOne, Visa Platinum MilesOne Program, 9.9% fixed (not introductory) APR, No Blackout dates, any major air lines No seat restrictions, Bonus miles, fewer miles 18,000 miles to redeem round trip domestic; in-house travel agency to provide ticket at the lowest price avaialble, either by the travel agency or by the customer's courtesy hold number from the airlines. Any comment?

4/19/2000

The US Post Office has been accepting Visa/Mastercard for a over a year now. I've been charging postage stamps and package shipping on my rebate credit cards and getting the rebate just like a store purchase. They also sell postal money orders for .80 cents each regardless of the dollar amount. Has anyone tried charging a postal money order? I've never asked. If they allow it, it would be a great way to take the credit line and deposit it in a money market account. The interest on the money market account plus the rebate would be a great way to collect more money. The credit account could be paid in full with a money market check before the due date.

Looking for other credit cards getting 1% cash rewards and also sends you those checks you can use for any purpose.

RE: I want to pick the brains of all the savvy credit card users who visit this board about the best way to pay ALL your bills with a credit card (of course a cashback card!). By this I mean paying rent, car insurance and utilities by credit card. Is there an on-line bill paying service that would allow

Well, I bet your car insurance will let you pay by credit card if you call them up. I've done that, even though the bill I get doesn't give an option to pay by credit card.

RE: someone to do this? I hit up paymybills.com but their service only allows money to be withdrawn from your checking account to be sent to the creditors. So if anyone know the answer to this most important question please let me know. I'm sure a lot of people also are curious! Thanks

Well, if you can get the other side to sign up for paypal, that would work.

re: United Airlines Miles. I assume you mean earining miles with a *credit card* without using the First USA Mileage Plus VISA (as opposed to all the other methods, i.e. Mileage Plus Dining, etc...). Diners Club is the only other credit card. AMEX doesn't cut it for United.

4/17/2000

I have received a credit card application from Capital One (Visa). Their program is "The Visa Platinum MilesOne Card". It has a 9.9% fixed rate. This program was not on your review. Do you have any info?

I want to pick the brains of all the savvy credit card users who visit this board about the best way to pay ALL your bills with a credit card (of course a cashback card!). By this I mean paying rent, car insurance and utilities by credit card. Is there an on-line bill paying service that would allow someone to do this? I hit up paymybills.com but their service only allows money to be withdrawn from your checking account to be sent to the creditors. So if anyone know the answer to this most important question please let me know. I'm sure a lot of people also are curious! Thanks

Does anyone know of a way to get United Airlines miles without getting the United Airlines Mileage Plus VISA, which is a FIRST USA Visa?

Regarding the GM card, I fully understand what you mean. I have $2800 on the card after 7 years and there's nothing I want to buy from them. I purchased a Mitsubishi 3 years ago and a Honda just a month ago. Even at a $2800 discount, no GM car can match a Honda. I knew GM sucked 7 years ago. I just thought 7 years would be enough time for them to make a decent car. Guess Not.

I really enjoyed your site. I currently have an MBNA Visa card that gives 4% of purchases as Carnival Cruise Currency. You can earn $500 cruise currency off the cost of a cruise each year or $800 total cruise currency certificate within 24 months when the points start overlaying each other month by month. If you know of any of these other incentives let me know as we usually max out the $500 cruise currency in about 10 months.

4/12/2000

I just redeemed my GM credit card earnings. After almost seven years, and almost max-ing it each year, I had credit of $3013 on my new Malibu. That's the good news.

Problems. First, who wants to be tied to only a new car (no good on used cars...)? Second, how well do you like the current GM products (would you buy one today, given your $3000 rebate)? Third, do you have any idea if you'll really like those GM products when your seven years are up?

Half way thru these seven years, I found myself buying a mini-van: none of the GM products were what I needed! I'm hanging up my GM card for a cashback type card.

First USA's 5% cash back program applies only to purchases from selected online merchants

With respect to the 5% rebate from First USA's platinum card, it is important to note that this only applies to select online merchants - not all purchases.

For your reader who asked whether there are differences for rental car insurance provided by different credit cards, I recommend reading the April issue of the Consumer Reports Travel Letter (many libraries carry it). It has a feature article comparing the the insurance provisions for Mastercard, VISA , Amex and Diners Club, including differences within the same brand (gold, platinum, etc)

I just signed up with the Associates National Bank of Delaware for a visa student card. I was informed at the time of signing up that I did not have to carry a balance to receive the 3% cash back. After receiving the card and viewing the website, you DO have to carry a balance. Plus it has a high APR. I'm closing the account and telling everyone about it. BEWARE!

4/11/2000

I have the future card by first premier and they are charging me an annual fee plus a 5$ a month participation fee this is such a rip-off don't use there card!

I just called First USA to inquire about their cashback card. They gave me info on something called the Brand 5% cashback platinum Visa/Mastercard. They give you 5% cashback from dollar one with a cap of $10,000. That's $500/year folks. I applied right away. There is no annual fee. They also give you things like auto rental collision insurance, travel insurance, etc. Their number is 1-800-347-7887.

Just completed (renewed) my application for GM MasterCard with 5% rebate. Couldn't believe the fine print! 5% rebate on all purchases with NO ANNUAL LIMIT! The annual rebates do have a fuse attached however, seven years as I remember. The catch you say? When you purchase your GM vehicle, you are limited as to how much rebate will apply. The www.gmcard.com website will gladly update you on how much rebate willl apply to your chosen make/model. It ranges from (again according to memory) $1000 (minimum) to $2000 rebate on a Cadillac Eldorado. From one who charges EVERYTHING and carries no balance, I liked the old program where you could accumulate rebates over seven years to the tune of $3500 max. Another good program falls victim to "improvements".

4/09/2000

What's the best car rental insurance deal available with a credit card. I have'em all VISA, MC AMEX and all of them offer some kind of car rental insurance. Is one better than the other?

I'm interested in the First USA Bank NA 2% flat rate rebate. Any annual fee? Is there an 800 number? I currently have a Bell Atlantic VISA with no annual fee, 1% back from dollar one and 2% back on phone service. No cap, either.

Someone mentioned a First USA Bank Visa/Master card that pays a 2% rebate on all purchases. I could not find it on their web site. Can you be more specific? What card should I ask for? Thank you

Our medical office needs a Visa or MasterCard to pay our drug bills. One issue is that we are paying drug bills in excess of $100,000.00 monthly. We will pay the balance off monthly, but would like the advandages a credit card gives us.

What if anything can you tell me about the new Amex (black) "Centurion" card. supposed to be hush hush invitaion only? $1,000/year?

I have a question on the GE and Chevy Chase cards. I have looked at the "full benefits" posted on both websites and they talk nothing about cash rebates. Is the cash rebate only for people you had the crad before they changed to First USA? or is it discontinued all together? or is it still available?

4/05/2000

Both Chevy Chase and GE Rewards which are now handled by First USA allow you the option to setup automatic bank draft that will pay the minimum amount due, a set dollar amount or even pay the entire balance...I plan to set it to auto pay full amount as I never intend to float a balance. On a side note AMERICAN EXPRESS has DISCONTINUED this program to "give users more control" to which my reply is...I have all the control I need when I choose whether to sign up or not..you're hoping I miss a payment and thats pretty crappy.

The phone number for the Sheraton American Express Card is 1-800-467-8462. One of the benifits it has over the cash back card is that it offers FREE car rental loss and damage insurance.

I am starting a business and would like to know if you are aware of any cards that would offer rebates or miles on a card in both my name and the company card. Thank you for your assistance.

With respect to Citibank's Driver's Edge card and the debate about the rebate percentage, my last statement, which just came in, indicates that the rebate is 2% not 1%.

Could you tell me if amex cash back card has i grace period on charges. Thank You.

I'm looking for a new CASH rebate program. Someone mentioned GE, is that the GE Rewards card with a $20(?) annual fee? Are they paying 1%? Do you have a contact phone number? Also, what is the Bellsouth card?

(GE Rewards: Call 1-888-871-4714)

4/04/2000

I have written a book called "How to Pay Zero Percent Interest on Credit Card Balances Even if You Carry a Balance from Month to Month". There is a mathematical loophole in the way credit card companies compute interest charges that, with some time and computational skills, can be used to reduce or eliminate interest charges. My book is available on amazon.com. There is also a recorded message to be heard by dialing 1-800-2884677.

Re: Rebate Cards obsolete My GE, Bellsouth and Shell cards are still paying as of my last statements this month.

To the person who said you can't get cash rebates on GE and Chevy Chase anymore...? First USA now "owns" both cards but both are still available under their original terms and still pay rebates..as a matter of fact I'm about to get my checks from them in June.

Perhaps Citibank has changed the terms for its Driver's Edge card, but if you go to Citibank's Driver's Edge website it clearly states that the rebate is now only 1%, not 2%.

I found your site to be not only very informative but, very interesting also. In reviewing the many options available thru your website, I have decided that I will stay put with Chevy Chase Master Card Cash Rewards as I usually don't charge over $10K/Yr. and I have the flexibility of an unrestricted (by cash back) credit card. The calculated .15% additional cash back Thru the G. E. card in my opinion is not worth the difference should I charge less than $10K/Yr.

4/02/2000

Your cash rebate info is obsolete - cash rebates no longer available fro Shell, LL Bean, GE, Bell South, Chevy Chase. CitiBank Driver's Edge replaced the Ford card and offers a 2% rebate good on any make new or used car, but has a $500 per calendar year max rebate. No fee. CitiClic offers a 1% cash rebate (2% until 5/31/00) on on-line purchases, but caps at $300. per year. No fee. Discover and Amex are about the only good cash rebate deals but are not widely accepted. First USA now runs Bell South and lots of others.

I pay my balance in full at the end of the month. First USA Bank, NA gives a flat 2% back on all purchases on their Visa/Master Card. I didn't see them listed on your site.

I'm looking for the best way to borrow $100k+ for a month. I have the backing for it (via margin at 7.5% in my stock account) and so could have a secured loan though my credit union, but with a couple of disadvantages it has (time to set it up at 1+ week, having to pull shares out of my stock account, and one or two more, but there are advantages too) I am also looking at other options. So, I am looking for a low cash advance rate (money order rate might work too) or a maximum fee of $100 or so. Low annual % would be great too, but not as important (ie most cards charge a cash advance fee of 2.5-3%, whereas 18% APR for one month would be roughly 1.5%. Any suggestions? Of course perks/rewards would be an added bonus, but most of those don't count for cars advances and such (one possiblity is to start the "loan" with a card with a low fee, and then move it over to one with a low %) (Thanks for any info. If it wasn't that I have the $ to back it I would never think of putting it on a CC....but in my situation it looks to be a fairly good method)

Just an added note re paying taxes with a credit card. You do have to weigh the fee charged vs rebate given. But also consider that the amount charged can effectively boost you up the rebate tier schedule. For instance, we break even on our property taxes, but it also gets us to the higher tier more quickly.

3/31/2000

To increase the limit on your credit card, simply call their customer service number and request it. They will investigate your account and payment record and notify you by mail of their action.

The reader who wants to charge taxes in order to get the miles or points is choosing an expensive way to buy them, since unlike merchants who eat the service charge, the government expects to be paid in full and the fee is added to the payment.

To the cash rebate question, use GE platinum. To the car rebate question, use Driver Edge (Citi). Subaru has a card with 5%, $700 for five years.

Someone asked about an affinity MasterCard in the 3/30/2000 Grapevine update. I have the Indiana Wesleyan University VIP Card, which is a Mastercard issued by STAR Financial Bank. It has a flat 1% rebate paid monthly. It has a grace period so you don't pay interest if you pay in full each month. It has no annual fee. To request an application, go to http://www.indwes.edu/wcgi/polyform.exe/AlumniCreditCard and fill out the form. Although it says Alumni Credit Card, you don't have to have any connection to the school. The form offers two options: keep the rebate yourself, or donate it to the school.

RE: I'd like to charge my taxes so I get something miles or points but all I have are Visa cards and the IRS will take Mastercard, Discover, and (I think) amex. Can anyone recommend a good, preferably free, affinity mastercard? I pay in full every statement (even the painful IRS bill) so interest rates are not of concern. Most affinity cards seem to be Visa.

You do realize that you have to pay an extra fee to pay your taxes with a credit card, right? I believe it's 3%, but check the tax information.

This FAR outweighs any cash/points/miles back program for the vast majority of cases. (A newspaper article about this gave some rare situations where one guy ended up getting lots of miles for a vacation, but this wouldn't hit most people.)

I guess I'm a bit of a hypocrite, as I paid a $3 fee to use a credit card to pay for my car registration.. But if you can rationalize the points back as something I would have spent on myself anyway (not necessarily true), then I effectively only paid about $.44 to use the credit card (counting points back and the cost of the stamp to send in a check).. But that's far different from a 3% fee!

3/30/2000

This is not feedback more like a question. I already have a GM Card where I earn the 5% back on purchases. I have already earned my limit of $500 per year which is Oct. I also did it last year I am also one of those who pays off their balance each month. But I only charge about $2,000/mth at the most. I really like the GM card because I have been able to use my earnings and they also send other things for instance when I bought my Tahoe I used my earnings plus they sent me 3 coupons ,if you call them that, one was a $50 savings bond for test driving, $200 toward a purchase of a new vehicle and for the first 3yrs/36K miles all oil changes and basic servie was free (call GM smart care). I have really enjoyed that. I think I have figured out that I got it buy filling out the survey at the end of the call when you call customer service. My other card is the Visa driver edge. It is ok. I think you get 2%. I had it when it started out as Ford Card. But I am not sure, is it for any vehicle now? Like I said it is ok but I am not sure like when I go to buy another vehicle could I combine the two card earnings? Well, if I can't I need another card to earn something with that has no annual fee and a decent precentage earned back. I hardly ever get on an airplane.

i am trying to find out how to go about getting a credit increase on my credit card,is there any way that you can tell me where to go to do this ?

My last message was a bit obtuse,so I thoght I`d try again.Like you,my wife and I pay off our balance every month.I am currently with First USA,but have decided to change.I`m looking for a fee-free platinum Visa that gives escalating cash-back rewards,and we spend 15-20k. per year.Any suggestions?

Many people have mentioned this $25 fee from G.E. Rewards if you don't maintain a balance and pay some finance charge. I've had the card for 2 years and never had that fee applied to my account, nor is it mentioned in my terms of service.

I'd like to charge my taxes so I get something miles or points but all I have are Visa cards and the IRS will take Mastercard, Discover, and (I think) amex. Can anyone recommend a good, preferably free, affinity mastercard? I pay in full every statement (even the painful IRS bill) so interest rates are not of concern. Most affinity cards seem to be Visa.

3/28/2000

The Nextcard stinks! I would not recommend it to anyone! The double points program is a joke. I just canceled my card after they refused to give me my points! I had purchased a Sony Vaio product which I returned, and much to my surprise, Sony credited my card back in less than 15 days. This caused my Nextcard balance to be positive, and as a result, not only did I not receive double points, but no points at all! This is significant because there are nearly 4000 points at stake. I contacted Nextcard customer service and the representative told me that as long as I was willing to pay finance charges on my purchase, I would be awarded the points. I agreed. When I called back two weeks later after not seeing the points on my online statement, I was informed that there would be no adjustment and the previous representative was mistaken. What an exasperating experience! My troubles began when I first obtained the card shortly after having canceled my American Express Platinum Card. After my first business trip, I exceeded the $7000 line of credit that was their "maximum." After endless discussions with Mr. Christopher Tracy, Nextcard's Director of Customer Service, my limit was increased to $11,000. Whoopee, 3 short notice airline tickets to the East coast and I have maxed out my card. Additionally the online redemption site, the only place you can use your points, is constantly down. I finally got two "award certificates" (my 7 year old son could whip up something more official looking) after waiting weeks for the website's maintenance to be complete. I wonder if other card members have had similar frustrating experiences? My advice, skip the Nextcard, because you be looking for your next card after they stiff you.

On your Website, you post: A frequent flier card with no annual fee!! For other deals check out SmartFlier Amex has an optima card called the Sheraton Optima It has no annual fee and lets you get one point per dollar spent These points can be converted, 1 for 1 to frequent flier miles with participating airlines.

But I couldn't find instructions on how to apply for this card. Could you advise?

Any chance you may mention intro. offers? Also I`ve heard that you can get some great deals(free air tickets etc.) If one is prepared to spend a minimum per year. Any knowledge of such an animal?

The Credit Card cash rebate graph (put together by Berkely) is great, but GE Rewards charges a $25 annual fee if a person does not accrue at least that much in finance charges for the year. So their $140 annual rebate for $10000 spend (1.4%) is really $115 (1.15%)

Citgo Preferred Visa earn 1% rebates against new purchase and issued by Associates National Bank. Their website is http://www.anbcards.com/citgo/citgo.htm

3/24/2000

It's not cash, but I've mentioned it before, the Sony Visa.. You can sign up for it at http://www.sony.com . 1 sony point/$1 for all purchases, 2 points/$1 for all Sony purchases (after mailing in receipt & form, tiny expense overall), 3 points/$1 for Sony purchases at some stores [the kinds of stores I already go to -- Fry's, Good Guys, etc]. They have done up to FIVE TIMES for a few months.

1 point == $1 for Sony merchandise. You can either use their catalog (and it's listed online), or you can buy Sony stuff at any of the same stores you'd get 3X points at, and then mail in for a combination credit _and_ points on the purchase you are getting for free.

Beware!! New GM accounts are changing today. No more $3500 off for a sub compact. Representative told me the new rules will not affect vcurrent accounts, only new ones. But if you upgrade to a gold or platinum you lose your old rules!! New accounts get the 5% with no $500 cap but most cars have have $2000 or $2500 max rebate. It is possible to receive $3500 rebate in one year (or less) if you buy the most expensive gm vehicle out there.

RE: Recommend a card:

The card you are looking for is found at http://Pocketcard.com. Online statments, realtime debit card, able to issue to family members and employees, not under FirstUSA, affiliate program pays $5 for referrals.

There is a new credit card calculator online that may help you to decide whether or not to do a balance transfer from one card to another. You enter your current card information along with the rate of the new card. Then you are shown how much you could save in interest and how much faster you can pay it off.

New calculator at http://www.creditcardanalyzer.com/

3/22/2000

Can anyone recommend a cedit card with the following characteristics:

Visa or MC
Good online support (downloadable statements)
Not under the FirstUSA umbrella
Good rewards program (preferably cash)

This common idea that you can pay interest on just a penny by paying everything but that is totally wrong. You will end up paying interest on your average daily balance, which will be MUCH more than a penny, unless you want to start prepaying for your month's purchases in advance. I'd bet you will pay at least $100 in finance charges on purchases of $3000 to get it if you have to carry a balance.

I just got a letter from my Private Issue Discover, (I kept it so I could use it at SAM's Club, the only CC they take), they no longer allow you to get the 1% at Wholesale Clubs like Sam's. Also, they have cheapened or eliminated most of the other benefits. After they scaled back from 2%, it has been downhill from there. Not sure if it is worth keeping anymore. Good while it lasted. Thank God for AM Ex Plat. Rebate!

Please continue to the grapevine archive of this continuing Saga!