Credit card reviews from Smart Balance Transfers focus on helping consumers uncover value. Drawing from our editor’s seven years of experience in the credit card industry, we aim to provide a unique insight into the intricacies of credit card marketing language so our visitors can feel confident in the credit cards they choose to apply for.
The SBT approach to credit card reviews is based on the notion that there is no such thing as a “best credit card.” Every individual has unique credit card needs and we strive to help our visitors find credit cards that provide them with the greatest opportunity to save money with low rates or earn money with credit card rewards.
Most Popular Credit Card Reviews
Chase Slate Review: Chase’s primary value credit card offers a competitive 0% rate that lasts 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. However, the unique benefit of this offer is that the card charges no fees on balance transfers.
Citi Simplicity Review: The Citi Simplicity card offers the longest 0% introductory rates on purchases and balances transfers presently available. It also differs from most credit cards in that it does not charge late fees or penalty rates. These are unique benefits some consumers will find beneficial in the long run.
Chase Freedom Card with $200 Cash Back Bonus: It is hard not to know about the Chase Freedom Visa, as this cash back card has been heavily advertised on television for well over a year. The key benefit offered to consumers is a full 1% cash back on all purchases, plus 5% cash back on up to $1,500 of spending in categories that change every three months. Consumers who max out these categories can earn over $200 in bonus rewards every year. This feature, combined with sign-up bonuses that can be as high as $200, are a primary reason Chase is a dominant force in the cash back segment of the credit card market.
Chase Sapphire Review: Chase offers two versions of their Sapphire card. While both cards offer substantial sign-up bonuses – $250 for the no fee Sapphire and $500 to $625 for the Sapphire Preferred card – there are substantial differences between these cards. Chase Sapphire Preferred is targeted to large spenders and international travelers. It offers a 25% bonus when rewards are used for travel and charges no foreign transaction fees. The no annual fee Sapphire card lacks these features, but offers very competitive value and a sign-up bonus worth considering.
American Express Blue Cash Preferred Review: The Amex Blue Cash Preferred card is a must have for families that pay their balances in full every month, as this card offers a full 6% cash back on groceries year round as well as 3% cash back on gas. While this card does carry a $75 annual fee, it only takes $1,300 of grocery spending to break even, a figure many families spend in less than a month. Unfortunately, this card is not without drawbacks. It carries an above average interest rate that can erase cash back earnings if balances are not paid in full every month.
0% APR Credit Card Reviews
Citi Diamond Preferred MasterCard Review: Citi’s Diamond Preferred card literally offers the exact same benefits as their Platinum Select card. Applicants get a 0% interest rate for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers, plus a similarly low long term interest rate. Ultimately, the primary difference between these two value products is the color of the card.
Discover® More® Card Review: Discover’s flagship cash back credit card is also an extremely competitive 0% APR credit card. At present, Discover offers two variations of this card. One is designed specifically for consumers looking to capitalize on long term 0% balance transfer rates: it offers a 0% APR for 18 months*. However, the standard Discover® More® card is generally a better fit for most consumers, as it provides a balanced 15 month* 0% introductory period that applies to both purchases and balance transfers.
Rewards Credit Card Reviews
Citi Thank You Rewards Card Review: Citi’s Thank You cards are very similar to Chase Sapphire cards. Presently, Citi has multiple versions of this card available. The higher end versions come with larger sign up bonuses, but also carry annual fees. Standard versions offer competitive sign-up bonuses as well as 0% interest rates that last up to 15 months.
United Mileage Plus Explorer Review: The merger of United and Continental has led to a merging of frequent flyer programs and credit cards. Thus, as the Continental credit card gets phased out, the United Card is getting a nice makeover that includes up to 40,000 miles to new customers and a waiver on bag fees for cardholder’s and companions. Like most airline cards, the United card comes with an annual fee. But the money that can be saved on checked bag fees from a single roundtrip flight can more than offset this cost.
Capital One Venture Card Review: The Capital One Venture card is one of the highest yielding rewards cards on the market. Consumers earn two miles for every dollar spent. These miles can be redeemed for statement credits against any travel purchases made, essentially making this a 2% cash back credit card.
