Category: Credit Cards

  • This Card is Giving Away $100 Bonus and Double Cash Back – Here’s How to Get Yours

    How to Save Big for Your Family with Discover’s Cashback Match and 5% Bonus Categories

    If you’re looking for a simple and rewarding way to save money for your family, you might want to check out the Discover it Cash Back card. This card offers a generous cash back program that can help you earn more on your everyday purchases. Plus, it has a unique feature called Cashback Match that doubles your rewards at the end of your first year. Here’s how it works and why it’s one of the best cards to have.

    Earn 5% Cash Back on Groceries, Gas, and Dining

    The Discover it Cash Back card lets you earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.

    That means you can earn cash back on the things you buy the most for your family, such as groceries, gas, and dining out. For example, if you spend $500 a month on groceries, $200 a month on gas, and $100 a month on dining, you can earn $480 in cash back in a year (assuming you activate the 5% categories each quarter).

    With the current quarter you can earn 5% back this quarter on up to $1,500 in purchases at Restaurants and Wholesale Clubs. The next quarter that starts in June will be 5% on Gas purchases. Earlier this year they gave us 5% back on Groceries and Drug Store purchases which we maxed out easily.

    Get Double Cash Back at the End of Your First Year

    But that’s not all. The Discover it Cash Back card also has a feature called Cashback Match that matches all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. You don’t need to sign up for this feature or pay any annual fee. You just need to use your card for purchases and earn cash back rewards. At the end of your first year, Discover will match the amount of cash back you’ve earned and add it to your account.

    That means you can double your rewards without any extra effort. For example, if you earn $480 in cash back in your first year, Discover will match it and give you another $480. That’s a total of $960 in cash back for your first year!

    Go here to apply and start earning double (plus the $100 Bonus!).

    Redeem Your Cash Back Easily and Flexibly

    One of the best things about the Discover it®Cash Back card is that redeeming your cash back is easy and flexible. You can redeem your cash back at any time and in any amount. You can choose from several options, such as:

    • Get a statement credit or direct deposit to your bank account
    • Pay with cash back at Amazon.com or PayPal
    • Redeem for gift cards from popular merchants and get an extra $5 added to each card
    • Donate to a charity of your choice

    You can also use your cash back to pay down debt, save for a vacation, or treat yourself to something special. The choice is yours!

    Choose Your Own Card Design

    So many card designs to choose from!

    Another cool feature of the Discover it Cash Back card is that you can choose your own card design. You can pick from over 40 designs, including colors, patterns, and images. You can also change your design as often as you like for free.

    This way, you can personalize your card and make it stand out from the rest. You can also match your card design to your mood, style, or season.

    Some of our favorite Discover Card designs.

    Why It’s One of the Best Cards to Have

    The Discover it Cash Back card is one of the best cards to have for many reasons. Here are some of them:

    • You earn 1-5% Cash Back with no annual fee
    • No foreign transaction fee
    • 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers (then 16.74% to 27.74% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies)
    • Fee access to your FICO Credit Score
    • Free Social Security number alerts and identity theft protection
    • Award-winning U.S.-based customer service
    • High customer satisfaction ratings

    With so many benefits and features, the Discover it Cash Back card is a great choice for moms who want to save money for their families. It offers a generous cash back program that can help you earn more on your everyday purchases. Plus, it has a unique feature that doubles your rewards at the end of your first year. And it lets you redeem your cash back easily and flexibly.

    It’s a no-brainer to save big for your family with Discover’s Cashback Match and 5% bonus categories.

  • Chase to Launch Freedom Rise: A Starter Credit Card for Beginners

    Chase to Launch Freedom Rise: A Starter Credit Card for Beginners

    Do you want to start building your credit history? If so, you might be interested in a new credit card from Chase. It’s called Freedom Rise and it’s part of the Freedom family of cards.

    Chase already has two other Freedom cards: Freedom Flex and Freedom Unlimited. These are great cards that don’t charge you any fees and give you some money back when you sign up. Freedom Flex also lets you earn more money back on different things every three months.

    Freedom Rise is a new card that Chase will launch later this year. It’s designed for people who are new to credit or have bad credit. This means that it might be easier to get approved for this card than for other cards.

    We don’t know much about Freedom Rise yet, but we have seen what it looks like. It has a similar design to the other Freedom cards.

    Possible card rendering of the Freedom Rise.

    Chase mentioned Freedom Rise in a presentation for investors. They said that they will launch the card for new-to-credit customers this year. They also said that they will offer the card in some places first, like their branches. This means that you might have to go to a Chase branch to apply for the card.

    Freedom Rise could be a good option for you if you want to start or improve your credit history. We will update you when we learn more about the card and its features.

    There are not many credit cards for no credit that are similar to the Freedom Rise card, as it is a new product that has not been launched yet. However, based on the limited information we have about Freedom Rise, it seems like it is a card for people with no credit or bad credit that does not require a security deposit and may offer some rewards.

    Some of the current credit card offerings for no credit that are similar to Freedom Rise are:

    • Most Recommended: Capital One Platinum Credit Card: This card has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fee. It does not offer any rewards, but it gives you access to a higher credit line after making your first five monthly payments on time. It does not require a security deposit, but it may require a credit score or a limited credit history.
    • Petal 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa Credit Card: This card has no annual fee, no late fee, no foreign transaction fee and no returned payment fee. It also offers up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases after making 12 on-time monthly payments. It does not require a security deposit or a credit score, but it uses your income and spending habits to evaluate your application. Your credit limit can range from $300 to $10,000.
    • Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card: This card has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fee. It also offers 1.5% cash back on every purchase. It requires a security deposit of $49, $99 or $200, depending on your creditworthiness. Your credit limit will be equal to your deposit amount. You can also access a higher credit line after making your first five monthly payments on time.

    Discover Card also offers cards for those with no credit:

    • Discover it Secured Credit Card: This card requires a security deposit of at least $200, but it offers 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, and 1% cash back on all other purchases. It also matches all the cash back you earn in your first year. It has no annual fee and may review your account for an upgrade to an unsecured card after seven months of responsible use.
    • Discover it Student Cash Back: This card is for students with no credit or limited credit history. It offers 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate, and 1% cash back on all other purchases. It also matches all the cash back you earn in your first year. It has no annual fee and a $20 statement credit each school year your GPA is 3.0 or higher for up to the next five years.

    Our Take

    We love the name of the card indicating credit freedom which is what this website has always been about. The Banklady has helped people with their personal credit since 1999. Unless you are a college student you may not get the opportunity to start building credit if you do not take out an auto loan or are given the opportunity to get your first unsecured credit card. Capital One will normally give non-college students a $300 credit on an unsecured card but now Chase may get into the game with the Freedom Rise Card and that is a great development.

  • TD Bank Launches a Revolutionary Credit Card with a Monthly Fee Instead of Interest

    TD Bank Launches a Revolutionary Credit Card with a Monthly Fee Instead of Interest

    What You Need to Know About the TD Clear Credit Card: The Pros and Cons

    TD Bank has a new credit card called TD Clear that does not charge interest or late fees on your balance. Instead, you pay a monthly fee of $10 for a $1,000 credit line or $20 for a $2,000 credit line. You also have a predictable minimum payment of $45 or $70, depending on your credit limit.

    Someone might need this card if they want to avoid interest charges and have a fixed monthly payment that is easy to budget for. However, this card might not be the best option if you can pay off your balance in full every month or if you have a high balance relative to your credit limit. In that case, you might be better off with a regular credit card that does not charge a monthly fee.

    How it works is that you apply for the card online or in person and choose your credit limit. You can use the card for purchases, balance transfers or cash advances without paying any fees. You just have to pay the monthly fee and the minimum payment by the due date every month. If you want to skip one payment a year, you can do so without penalty if you have had the card for at least six months and are in good standing.

    TD Clear

    This is a credit card and rather than charging interest rates, charges a monthly fee.

    • $10 monthly fee for a $1,000 credit limit
    • $20 monthly fee for a $2,000 credit limit

    This seems to be extremely expensive, representing a 12% APR and that is if you have the card maxed out at all times.

    TD FlexPay

    This card gives cardholders the ability to skip a payment once a year (you still accrue interest). This card offers a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for 18 months and allows you to skip one payment a year without penalty. It also has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees?. This card might be a good option if you want to pay off existing debt or have more flexibility with your payments.

    Enhanced Rewards

    In addition TD has made changes to the following cards:

    • TD Double Up. Cardholders earn 2% back on all purchases (previously needed to deposit rewards into TD bank account)
    • TD Cash. You can now choose your 3% and 2% categories

    Some alternatives to the TD Clear credit card are:

    There are not many credit cards with a monthly fee instead of interest. The TD Clear credit card is a unique product that TD Bank claims to be the first of its kind in the U.S. However, there are some other credit cards that might offer similar benefits, such as:

    • 0% APR credit cards: These are cards that offer a promotional period of no interest on purchases, balance transfers or both. For example, the TD FlexPay Credit Card offers a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for 18 months². These cards can help you save money on interest if you can pay off your balance before the promotional period ends. However, they might charge fees for balance transfers or foreign transactions, and they might have a higher interest rate after the promotional period.
    • Low-interest credit cards: These are cards that offer a low or variable interest rate on your balance. For example, the TD Emerald Flex Rate Visa Card offers a variable interest rate based on your creditworthiness and the prime rate³. These cards can help you save money on interest if you carry a balance from month to month. However, they might charge annual fees or foreign transaction fees, and they might not offer any rewards or benefits.
    • Secured credit cards: These are cards that require a security deposit that matches your credit limit. For example, the TD Cash Secured Credit Card offers a variable interest rate and 3% cash back on dining, 2% cash back on groceries and 1% cash back on everything else³. These cards can help you build or improve your credit score if you make timely payments. However, they might charge annual fees or foreign transaction fees, and they might have a low credit limit.
  • 5% Cash Back Cards: Grocery Purchases, Streaming, Restaurants & Wholesale Clubs

    These credit cards below offer up to 5% cash back on specific categories that rotate each quarter. It takes a little extra attention, but it can add up to hundreds of dollars in additional rewards per year without changing your spending habits. You can also buy gift cards with the 5% back now but spend the gift cards later. New cardmembers may also get an upfront sign-up bonus.

    Chase Freedom – $200 Bonus

    From April 1st through June 30th, you can earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 spent in the following categories:

    • Grocery stores. Walmart and Target are not included.
    • Fitness club and gym memberships.
    • Select Streaming Services. (Recently added) The full list is Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, Sling, Vudu, Fubo TV, Apple Music, SiriusXM, Pandora, Spotify, YouTube TV, and ESPN+.
    • Go here to get a $200 Bonus from Chase Freedom

    Enroll each quarter at ChaseBonus.com. As long as you activate by the end of the quarter the rewards are retroactive. All other purchases earn 1% back, with no tiers or expiration of rewards. Technically, you earn Ultimate Rewards points which can also be converted to airline miles or hotel points instead of cash if you have a Chase Sapphire Preferred or Chase Sapphire Reserve card. Currently, the Chase Freedom card is offering $150 bonus cash back if you sign up and make $500 in purchases in your first three months. No annual fee.

    Discover it Card $50 Bonus + Double Cashback the first year

    Through June 30th, you can earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 spent in the following categories:

    • Gas stations (stand-alone).
    • Uber and Lyft.
    • Wholesale Clubs. Sam’s Club and BJ’s accept Discover
    • Restaurants coming in July
    • Paypal coming in July
    • Amazon is offering 20% off your order (max $50 discount) when you use at least 1 Discover point (cashback bonus) at checkout. Maximum discount of $50 apples. This is seperate from the cashback bonus and you need to sign-up here via Amazon.
    • Get a $50 Statement Credit after you apply and make one purchase

    Enroll after logging into your online account (look on the right-hand side). 5% rewards won’t apply until after you activate your rewards, so it is best to activate now before you forget. No annual fee.

    New cardmember bonus details. If you are a new applicant and sign up via my Discover Card referral link, you will get a $50 Cashback Bonus after your first purchase within 3 months of being approved. You will also get Cashback Match for an entire year – a dollar-for-dollar match of all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year, automatically. During those 12 months, your $50 Cashback Bonus becomes $100, your 5% cash back rewards becomes 10% cash back, and your 1% cash back rewards become 2% cash back. You can verify this on the application by clicking on “See rates, rewards and other info” and searching for “cashback match” and “statement credit offer”:

    Cashback Match: No purchase minimums. After the first 12 consecutive billing periods that your new account is open, we will match all of the cash back rewards you’ve earned and apply them to your account in the following one or two billing periods. If your account is closed or no longer in the cash back reward program at the time we calculate your potential award, your cash back will not be matched. You’ve earned cash back rewards when they have posted to your account by the end of the 12th consecutive billing period. This promotional offer may not be offered in the future. This exclusive offer is available only to new cardmembers.

    TERMS OF STATEMENT CREDIT OFFER: Get a $50 Statement Credit after you make your first purchase within 3 months of being approved. Promotional award will be applied within 8 weeks. The promotional award is in addition to the Cashback Bonus earned on all purchases.

  • Must-Have highest 10% cash back credit card on categories (or 2%) and $50 Bonus

    discover card 23019Discover It Review 2019 – $50 Bonus Referral
    Now’s the best time to apply for a Discover card to earn the extra double cashback your first year! This not only includes double on 5% categories such as dining and gas (which would be 10%) but also double on everything else. You can go here to get a $50 bonus after first purchase plus double cash back. Important: It doesn’t show the $50 bonus at the application page, but rest assured, you will get the $50 bonus since it’s a referral link.

    What does Double Cash Back Mean?
    It means 2% cash back on everyday purchases and a whopping 10% cash back on rotating quarterly categories. You will also receive a $50 cash signup bonus upon approval.

    What’s the Catch?
    Discover It card is one of the most consumer-friendly cards on the market with absolutely no annual fee. They just want to keep you around as a loyal cardholder once you try out the card for a year getting double rewards. Most likely you will because the generous 5% back you’ll be getting for years to come on things such as gas, restaurants, rideshare, and purchases on Amazon will add up.

    5% Cash Back Rewards Categories
    The 5% cash back in select categories such as gas, travel, restaurants, etc, which change throughout the year. You’ll get 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in purchases for each quarter. Anything over the set amount will automatically earn 1%. Here are the Cashback quarterly categories for this 2019 calendar year.

    Quarterly Dates 10% Bonus Category (5% if already a card holder)
    Q1 2019 (Jan. 1 – March 31) Grocery Stores
    Q2 2019 (April 1 – June 30) Gas Stations, Uber, and Lyft
    Q3 2019 (July 1 – Sept. 30) Restaurants
    Q4 2019 (Oct. 1 – Dec. 31) Amazon.com

    All cash back earned from the rotating 5% categories will be doubled in your first year of card ownership, effectively providing 10% cash back.

    Redeeming Your Cash Back
    As you earn cash back, Discover makes it easy to redeem your rewards.

    • Direct Deposit – You can redeem your cash back directly into your bank account.
    • Statement Credit – You can redeem as a credit on your monthly statement.
    • Direct Amazon Purchases – You can purchase items from Amazon and pay using the cash back you have earned.
    • Special Gift Card Redemptions – You can get another 10-25% discount when you redeem your cash back for gift cards from participating retailers through Discover. For example, Discover offers many $25 restaurant gift cards for $20 and offers $30 Staples gift cards for just $25. There are physical and e-gift card options available, and the e-gift options are delivered instantly and available for immediate use.

    Discover it Credit Card Features

    • Fraud Protection – If there are any unknown or wrongful charges on your Discover card, you won’t pay a dime. They take care of everything for you.
    • Free FICO Credit Score – You can now check your real FICO credit score for free each month through your online account, mobile app, or printed monthly statement.
    • Free Credit Monitoring – Free alerts let you know when any new credit card, mortgage, car loan or other account shows up on your Experian® credit report.
    • Free Card Replacement – Receive free overnight shipping when you request a card replacement to any U.S. address.
    • Freeze Your Discover Account – prevent new purchases, cash advances, and balance transfers if your account is compromised. Freeze or unfreeze your account in seconds via the website or mobile app.
    • U.S Based, 24-Hour Customer Support – Call anytime and be able to speak with a real human being. All Discover call centers are in the United States, which means English is the language of choice.

    Discover it Credit Card Fees

    Type of Fee Fee Amount
    Annual Fee $0
    Cash Advance Fee Either $10 or 5% of the amount
    (whichever is greater)
    Balance Transfer Fee 3% of the transfer amount
    Foreign Transaction Fee $0
    First Late Payment $0
    Additional Late Payments up to $37
    Over-the-limit Fee
    (when your purchases exceed your credit limit)
    $0

    Discover it Credit Card Summary

    We have been a strong advocate of Discover Cards since they first appeared and were an innovator of cash back. We’ve earned a significant amount of cash back from the 5% rotating categories over the years and continue to hold two cards each because we normally max out the restaurant category. We have told all of our friends and family to sign up for this card at least for the first year bonus and doubling of rewards.

    The generous cash back, robust features, and excellent fee schedule have made the Discover it Credit Card an outstanding option. If you are interested in applying, you will likely need a credit score greater than 650 to be approved. You can find the complete application and earn a $50 cash bonus when you go here to apply.

    One More Thing
    You will no longer experience the frustration of calling a customer service hotline that you can barely understand with their 100 percent US-based support staff. Many cards outsource their call support to India and such. With no annual fee and a generous cash back rewards program, I personally give the Discover It Card a 5 Stars rating and highly recommend for all my readers to sign-up.