Applying | Credit Card Topics

Best Credit Cards For Sports Fans in 2021

By: Marcie Geffner, 7/22/2021

Sports fans are special people. They're loyal and enthusiastic, and they love being associated with a winning team. Whether you're a fan of football, basketball, golf, car racing, or all of the above, there's probably a credit card that can help you show your team spirit and earn rewards whenever you open your wallet and use your card. Here are five of the best credit cards for sports fans: Best Overall: Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit CardBest For Football Fans: NFL... read more »

Pre-Approved Credit Cards By Issuer in 2021

By: Eric Bank, 7/21/2021

In this review of pre-approved credit cards by issuer, we describe how to get a credit card with a minimum of fuss. We look at the pre-approval processes of six major card issuers: Capital One, Chase, Discover, American Express, Bank of America, and Citi. While pre-approval does not guarantee final approval, it’s a pretty good indication that your credit card application will ultimately sail through, barring unexpected problems. Credit card preapproval is a nice feature for all... read more »

Easiest Approval Cards For Fair & Bad Credit of 2021

By: Eric Bank, 7/20/2021

Our review of the easiest approval cards for fair & bad credit should interest any consumer with a less-than-good credit score (i.e., below 670 on the FICO credit score range of 300 to 850). While lower scores certainly make it harder to get the top credit cards, the ones reviewed here should be within reach for most applicants. When comparing these cards against each other, pay attention to their APRs, fees, rewards, and benefits. An imperfect credit history shouldn’t... read more »

Best Credit Card Interest Rates of 2021

By: Eric Bank, 6/7/2021

As we review the best credit card interest rates, remember that you always have a 0% APR available to you -- if you can pay off your entire balance every month. But in the real world, many folks need to finance purchases over several months, and that’s where your card’s interest rate bites into your budget. If you fall into the latter camp, pay close attention to interest rates when you comparison-shop for a new credit card. When your budget is tight, a few percentage points... read more »

Chase Prequalify & Preapproval Credit Cards of 2021

By: Eric Bank, 4/22/2021

The quartet of Chase prequalify and preapproval credit cards require you to have good or excellent credit to get one. In fact, JPMorgan Chase is known for its rigorous approval standards, so any opportunity you can take to check your winning odds is valuable. Chase can make a pre qualified offer or pre approved offer online, in the mail, and at its branches. Prequalify & Apply | Alternatives | FAQs How to Prequalify & Apply You can get a pre qualified offer or pre... read more »

Best Military Credit Cards of 2021

By: Eric Bank, 4/12/2021

The best military credit cards implement the protections of the 2003 Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and the 2006 Military Lending Act (MLA) in significant ways. The Acts protect members of the armed forces during periods of military service. If you serve in the U.S. military, these credit cards will help ease your financial burden when you enter active duty. Best Cards | FAQs Best Military Cards For Active Service Members The cards that follow go beyond the absolute... read more »

Best Credit Cards After Collections or Charge-Offs

By: Adam West, 3/25/2021

If financial mistakes can make a mess of your credit history, then the best credit cards after collections or charge-offs are the ultimate clean-up crew. We’ve compiled our list of the best cards for your unique situation. These cards all consider applications from consumers who have bad credit as well as recent charge-offs or collection accounts. Some will even approve you with a recent bankruptcy. With the right credit card in your wallet, you can begin the process of... read more »

Best Credit Cards With Waived Annual Fees of 2021

By: Ashley Dull, 3/24/2021

No one likes paying fees — and the best credit cards with waived annual fees make it easy to maximize your credit while minimizing your charges. We have you covered no matter where your credit score currently sits. Whether you have good credit, bad credit, no credit, or need to build business credit, we’ve found the best cards with no annual fee to get you going in the right direction. And not only will these cards give you access to a revolving credit line, but some will also... read more »

Best Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses: $200, $300, & $500

By: Eric Bank, 3/23/2021

If you’re planning to get a new credit card, you may as well seek out the best credit card sign-up bonuses. Many of the reward credit cards for consumers with average and better credit offer a sign-up bonus, so you have a wide variety of candidates from which to choose. We’ve organized our review by bonus amounts, which directly correlate to the amount of spending required to earn the bonus. While you may come for the bonus, you’ll stay for the card’s overall benefits. We... read more »

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card Review

By: Eric Bank, 3/17/2021

This Capital One Quicksilver card review makes it clear why many folks name this card when asked, “What’s in your wallet?” In a nutshell, it’s a popular card from a popular card issuer, offering a straightforward rewards scheme and a sign up bonus, all without charging an annual fee. While the card is pitched to consumers with excellent credit, the truth is you can get the card even if your credit score is less than perfect. Rewards | Benefits | Credit Requirements |... read more »

Credit Cards Like Petal in 2021

By: Eric Bank, 3/17/2021

Petal, and credit cards like Petal, address the concerns of consumers who are new to the world of credit. Petal is the card issuer of Petal 1 and Petal 2, which are introductory credit cards that do not require applicants to have a credit history. Instead, the cards use information about your income, spending, and savings to calculate a Cash Score that helps you qualify for a Petal card. There is no doubt that Petal introductory credit cards offer solid benefits to cardmembers,... read more »

Are Preapproved Credit Card Offers Guaranteed?

By: Andrea Woroch, 3/15/2021

Credit card use in America is growing. Americans currently have 511.4 million credit cards, and 61% of U.S. consumers have at least one credit card, with the average person carrying four cards in their wallet, according to The Ascent. With so much love for these plastic payment methods, it’s no surprise credit card companies are constantly trying to win over new cardholders. And one way they do this is by sending out preapproved offers to potential customers. When you get a... read more »

Best Credit Cards By Credit Score Needed in 2021

By: Eric Bank, 2/22/2021

In this article, we review the best credit cards by credit score needed. You’ll find this information useful in two ways. First, you can quickly identify the best candidates for your next card based on your current credit score. But perhaps more importantly, you can also see what you can gain by boosting your credit score up a notch. It’s clear that adopting and maintaining creditworthy behavior allows you to access cards with greater benefits and rewards. Excellent Credit |... read more »

Capital One Cards For Bad & Fair Credit in 2021

By: Ashley Dull, 2/9/2021

Capital One cards for bad and fair credit are a great way to get your foot in the door with one of the biggest card issuers in the world. These cards not only give you access to a revolving credit line, but they’re also a form of dress rehearsal for an eventual upgrade to a more lucrative rewards card. Since Capital One has one of the most robust credit card portfolios in the business, starting your credit building journey with the Virginia-based bank is a smart move. Not only... read more »

Approval Criteria For Credit Cards in 2021

By: Marcie Geffner, 2/1/2021

Whether you want to get your first credit card or your 50th, understanding the approval criteria before you apply can help you: Decide which cards to apply for. Fill out your credit card application correctly. Figure out what you need to do if your application isn't approved right away. For most cards, approval criteria can be divided into three categories: General criteria for most cards Specific criteria based on card type Specific criteria based on the card... read more »

Best Credit Card Signup Bonuses of 2021

By: Eric Bank, 1/25/2021

If you’re about to apply for a new credit card, you’ll do well to familiarize yourself with the best credit card signup bonuses. These bonuses can put money in your pocket quickly, either directly as cash or through money-saving points and miles. The best bonuses can be worth many hundreds of dollars -- all you have to do is meet the card’s introductory spending goal. Signup bonuses are ideal when you’re contemplating a major expense, whether it’s getting new kitchen... read more »

Adverse Action Notices: What They Are & Next Steps

By: John Ulzheimer, 1/21/2021

Have you ever applied for financing, like a credit card or loan, only to have your request for credit denied? If so, you know first-hand just how frustrating a credit denial can be. And you probably didn’t find out that your credit application was denied until you received some sort of communication from the lender. This communication may have come in the form of what’s formally referred to as a Notice of Adverse Action. These adverse action notices are often informally... read more »

Best First Credit Cards of 2021

By: Ashley Dull, 1/18/2021

The best first credit cards can get you started on your credit-building journey and help set you up for a fruitful future. The cards listed below not only consider applications from credit newcomers, but they also may allow you to upgrade your card over time as your credit score improves. With these upgrades, you can access more lucrative rewards, better interest rates, and other perks. Each card reports your payment and balance history to the major credit bureaus — which helps... read more »

Low APR Credit Cards For Bad Credit in 2021

By: Eric Bank, 1/14/2021

Low APR credit cards for bad credit are a real thing. We’ve identified the best secured and unsecured cards offering reasonable interest rates even when your credit score is subpar. If you tend to stretch out your payments over several months, one of these cards may be perfect for you. Best Cards | FAQs Best Cards for Bad Credit With a Low Ongoing APR These seven reviewed cards have low regular APRs, separate and distinct from any 0% intro APR promotions for new cardholders.... read more »

Credit Cards For High Debt-to-Income Ratio in 2021

By: Adam West, 1/7/2021

Searching for credit cards for a high debt-to-income ratio may seem like an impossible task. Fortunately, some banks will consider your application for credit despite your current debt load. These credit cards can give you some spending power to cover an emergency or to pay your bills, but you can expect to pay higher interest rates for the privilege. The card options listed below are all unsecured credit cards, meaning you won’t need a security deposit for approval, but some... read more »

Starter Credit Cards With No Deposit in 2021

By: Ashley Dull, 1/5/2021

Many consumers use starter credit cards with no deposit as a way to build their credit history without the upfront cost of a secured credit card. These cards provide you with a revolving line of credit without needing a refundable security deposit to activate your account. And if you choose an established credit card issuer for your starter credit card, you may eventually qualify for a card upgrade as you progress in your credit-building journey. The best part is that you can... read more »

12 Options for Credit Card Approval With an Old Charge-Off

By: Ashley Dull, 12/29/2020

You may be frustrated if you’re looking for credit card approval with old charge off records lingering on your credit history — but you don’t have to be. Charged-off accounts can hurt your credit score significantly, but that doesn’t mean you can’t qualify for a credit card after a default. When it comes time to choose which card you want to apply for, you should first calculate how old your charge-off is. A new charge-off will put you in bad credit territory, but an older... read more »

Best Credit Cards with Refundable Deposits in 2021

By: Ashley Dull, 12/28/2020

The best credit cards with refundable deposits are a great way to build -- or rebuild -- your credit score. A secured credit card allows you to set your own credit limit, which can help you stick to a budget and improve your credit score along the way. Meanwhile, your refundable security deposit acts as a nest egg that you can crack into if there's an emergency or you need some extra cash. And since your deposit serves as collateral for your account, you can often qualify for a... read more »

Secured Credit Cards With No Annual Fee in 2021

By: Adam West, 12/10/2020

Secured credit cards with no annual fee can give you the best of both worlds. These cards can help you build or rebuild your credit without paying an annual fee for the privilege. And while these cards will still require the upfront cost of a refundable security deposit, you get the flexibility that comes with choosing your credit limit and setting your personal credit card budget. That control is one reason many consumers turn to secured credit cards, and why we put together this... read more »

Best Credit Cards by Credit Score for 2021

By: Eric Bank, 12/7/2020

Whatever your credit profile, you should know the best credit cards by credit score so you can choose the card that's currently right for you -- or the one you can aspire to by improving your credit score. The good news is that there’s a credit card available for any credit score -- and our research indicates that these cards are the very best. Excellent Credit (740+ FICO) | Good Credit (670 - 739) | Fair Credit (580 - 669) | Bad Credit (<579) | Limited/No Credit Score Best... read more »

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