Chase Freedom cardholders, particularly those with large gas station bills, will likely be quite pleased with 2012′s Chase Freedom 5% cash back reward categories. While there are a handful of differences between the 2012 schedule and that of last year, 5% cash back categories are probably easier for many to max out this year.

First Quarter: Beginning January 1st and running until March 31st, cardmembers earn 5% at gas stations and on purchases made at Amazon.com. Because 5% cash back can be earned on up to $1,500 of spending, an individual or family that spends $125 a week on gas can max out rewards during this quarter.

Second Quarter:  From April until June 30th, cardmembers earn 5% cash back at grocery stores and movie theaters. This is generally the easiest quarter to max out, as most families can easily spend the $125 a week on groceries (though a couple would need to see about 50 movies during this period to max out earnings on movie theater purchases). Continue Reading »

January typically marks the beginning of balance transfer season for consumers and 2012 looks to be getting off to a good start. Consumers who anticipate needing a significant amount of time to repay their credit cards will find it possible to get a 0% APR balance transfer lasting 21 months, while those who are confident they can repay balances sooner can get a 0% APR for 12 months and pay no balance transfer fees.

The Best Balance Transfer Offers of the Month

Given the availability of both long term 0% APR offers with low 3% fees and shorter term no fee balance transfer cards, selecting the best balance transfer card really comes down to individual needs. Consumers who want to save on upfront fees ($30 for every $1,000 transferred) and are comfortable with only a 12 month 0% balance transfer period are likely best off with the recently released, limited time no fee balance transfer offer from Discover. This card is ideal for consumers who simply need a few months to get caught up on outstanding bills. Continue Reading »

Most credit cards offer some type of rental car coverage. Unfortunately, the terms of these policies are often difficult to find and poorly spelled out. In addition, this coverage contains numerous limitations and exclusions that diminish its value and utility. Thankfully, holders of some credit cards have another option when it comes to rental car coverage. American Express offers an optional, Premium Rental Car Insurance plan. This is a paid plan that all of its card holders are eligible for.

How It Works

Any American Express cardholder can sign up for Premium Rental Card Coverage with no initial fee. Once enrolled, customers who rent a car with their American Express card will automatically be charged a one-time fee of $24.95 per rental of up to 42 consecutive days. California residents are charged only $17.95. Customers will be charged for each rental paid with the enrolled card until they choose to terminate their enrollment. Continue Reading »

The greatest lure of travel reward credit cards is the promise of a free vacation.  While some believe that this dream is unattainable, smart travelers are able to choose the right credit card that can help them realize their ideal trip.

The key to getting the most out of a travel rewards credit card is to choose an airline or hotel you frequent, as opposed to one that offers the largest sign up bonus. This will help out in two ways. First, it will allow you to utilize frequent flyer miles or hotel points that have already been earned in addition to what is gifted as a sign up bonus. Plus, with airline credit cards in particular, choosing a card from a carrier that you fly frequently likely means that you won’t have difficulty finding flights with that airline when planning your trip.

Here are five travel reward credit cards that can go a long way in paying for an upcoming vacation.

1. United Explorer Card From Chase. As it concludes its acquisition of Continental Airlines, United is emerging as a leading international carrier. To offer its customers a competitive travel rewards card, it replaced its existing product with the MileagePlus Explorer Visa card. This card offers new customers a sign up bonus of up to 40,000 miles, more than enough for a free round-trip domestic economy class award. In addition, cardholders will receive priority boarding , checked bag fee waivers, and double miles on United purchases. There is a $95 annual fee that is waived the first year. Continue Reading »

With under two weeks to go, consumers who anticipate needing a new credit card for holiday shopping are quickly running out of time. In the past, it was possible to apply online and get instant credit card approval along with instant access to that card’s credit line. Unfortunately, while some credit card companies still process and instantly approve credit card applications online, it typically takes a minimum of five days for a credit card to arrive in the mail.

Thus, someone who applies and is approved for a card on December 15th could receive their credit card by the 20th or 21st, though this is a best case scenario. Consequently, consumers who need a new credit card for holiday shopping or to cover expenses soon after need to act quickly to have a chance at getting a new card in hand before Christmas or Hanukkah come and go.

Here are some credit cards to consider for last minute shoppers.

Credit Cards That Offer 0% Interest Rates

Consumers who need a credit card and know they will not be able to repay balances immediately are likely best opting for a 0% APR credit card. At present, it is possible to get a 0% APR on new purchases and balance transfers for 21 months from Citibank or 15 months from Discover. The primary benefit these cards offer is an interest free window that provides card-holder’s time to repay credit card debt before interest charges start racking up. A secondary benefit for those who already have credit card debt is the ability to transfer high interest debt via a balance transfer. Continue Reading »

While many consumers may be racking up credit card debt this month, those who are taking the time to assess existing debt will find that 0% APR balance transfer credit card options in December are as good as they were during any month of 2011.

In keeping with long term trends, Citibank continues to offer the longest balance transfer offers. They presently offer three cards with 0% interest rates lasting 21 months on balance transfers as well as new purchases. Discover remains competitive, with two cards offering 0% rates on balance transfers for 15 months or longer. And, for those who want to save on upfront fees and only need a short window to repay credit card debt, the Chase Slate card continues to be the only 0% no fee balance transfer credit card on the market.

December’s Best Balance Transfer Offers

For most consumers, and especially those who foresee the need to make purchases that cannot be immediately repaid, Citibank balance transfer offers are likely the best option. The Citi Platinum Select, Diamond, and Citi Simplicity card all offer a 0% APR on balance transfers and purchases lasting 21 months. These offers are three months longer than the second longest balance transfer promotion and a full six months longer than the second longest 0% APR on purchases promotion. All three cards carry standard 3% balance transfer fees. Continue Reading »

Chase’s Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Plus credit card has undergone a number of makeovers during the past year. The latest rendition of the Southwest credit card provides applicants with a very respectable 25,000 Rapid Rewards point sign up bonus worth slightly more than $400 in Wanna Get Away Fares as well as all the standard reward features consumers have come to expect from airline credit cards.

Southwest Credit Card Benefit Overview

Approved applicants who make a single purchase obtain the aforementioned 25,000 Rapid Rewards point bonus. The points have a value of 1.7 cents each when used for Wanna Get Away fares and can thus be used to purchase a round-trip flight comprised of two one way $200 tickets. Given that it is often possible to get Wanna Get Away fares for as low as $50, these points could theoretically be enough for four flights.

Apart from the sign-up bonus, card-members earn 2 Rapid Rewards points for every dollar spent on Southwest Airlines purchases in addition to rewards earned from flying. Given the value of the points, this equates to a 3.4% discount on Southwest flights. Everyday purchases earn a straight one point per dollar, the equivalent of a 1.7% discount on all purchases. Continue Reading »