Applying | Credit Card Topics

Secured Credit Cards with Low Deposits in 2020

By: Adam West, 11/23/2020

Secured credit cards with low deposits are one of the easiest — and most affordable — ways to build or rebuild your credit score. A secured credit card requires a refundable security deposit for approval. But these cards work just like a traditional credit card. That means you can shop online or in person and pay bills while enjoying the convenience of credit. And since your security deposit backs your account, you may not have to worry about a lender running a credit check... read more »

28 Metal Credit Cards in 2020

By: Ashley Dull, 11/12/2020

Metal credit cards first hit the market in 1999, when the invitation-only Centurion Card from American Express (a.k.a. the Black Card) was introduced. Invitees were required to pay a $7,500 initiation fee and a $2,500 annual fee to add the ultra-premium card to their wallets. The Black Card still ranks among the world's most exclusive credit cards, if not the most exclusive credit card to this day. Just about every other card issuer today has followed suit by ditching the plastic... read more »

Post-Bankruptcy Credit Cards for 2020

By: Dan Miller, 11/11/2020

Post-bankruptcy credit cards are a subset of the overall credit card market. If you have completed a bankruptcy filing and are looking to get a new credit card, you are likely to find that many credit cards are not available to you. These post-bankruptcy credit cards are specifically targeted toward those whose credit and credit card debt history is less than ideal. Some post-bankruptcy cards are unsecured while others require a security deposit upon approval. So, if you have... read more »

Ollo Credit Card Review & 5 Best Alternatives

By: Adam West, 11/4/2020

If you're interested in reading an Ollo credit card review, chances are you have received an invitation in the mail to apply for the card. Or maybe you want to figure out how you can get one of those invitations. Either way, you should know a few things about Ollo's pair of credit cards before you pull the trigger. This card may not be a winner if you are looking for a long-term, everyday use credit card. But you may find some utility with this card if you want to earn some quick... read more »

Visa® Black Card Requirements (And 5 Other High-Limit Cards)

By: Linsey Knerl, 10/27/2020

If you're looking for information on Visa Black Card requirements, you've come to the right place — but the card switched networks a few years ago and is now issued by Mastercard. Keep reading for more information on this elite card. Long gone are the days when having a gold card was the sign of elite credit-worthiness. Nowadays, black is the new gold, and most major netowrks have their own version, the most well-known of which may be Amex's Centurion card, with the Visa Black... read more »

How to Get a “Black Card” – American Express® Requirements

By: Linsey Knerl, 10/17/2020

If you’ve heard the buzz surrounding the American Express® “Black Card”, you already know that it’s the velvet rope of consumer credit options. This invite-only charge card, technically named the Centurion® Card from American Express, has been used to proclaim status, both in spending and in credit-worthiness. With all the hype, you may be wondering how to get a Black Card for yourself. But what is a Black Card? And what does it take to get an invite to this... read more »

2020 Secured Mastercard® from Capital One Review & Deposit Requirements

By: Eric Bank, 9/3/2020

Capital One achieves top ratings in our Secured Mastercard® from Capital One review & deposit requirements overview. For a consumer with a troubled or scant credit history, the biggest challenge is obtaining a credit card. From the issuer’s point of view, credit card products are an exercise in risk management -- the risk of losing money. Issuers worry about cardholders failing to make the minimum payments or spending beyond the card’s credit limit. Secured cards neatly... read more »

Do You Need a Good Credit Score for the Chase Sapphire Reserve®?

By: Eric Bank, 8/12/2020

The answer to “Do you need a good credit score for the Chase Sapphire Reserve®?” is an emphatic yes -- most approved holders of the Chase Sapphire Reserve® have a very good to excellent credit score. If you want to get your hands on this prestigious card, we’ve got a lot more to say about qualifying for this popular card from Chase, and we provide alternatives if your credit isn't quite up to par. Applying | Alternatives | FAQs Most Approved Applicants Have... read more »

10 Same-Day Credit Cards for Poor Credit

By: Eric Bank, 3/18/2020

In the third decade of the 21st century, waiting is not an option. Amazon can deliver some orders in four hours, and you take your life in your hands if you get between that Grubhub guy and a hungry customer. We are nothing if not attuned to the current vibe, which is why we are reviewing same-day credit cards for poor credit. If you want your credit card fast and your approval even faster, keep reading for the 411 on these speedy cards. Same-Day Cards | Next-Day Loans | FAQs ... read more »

12 Instant-Approval Credit Cards

By: Adam West, 3/16/2020

American cooks ran to stores in the early 1950s to snatch up boxes of instant mashed potatoes, the latest kitchen craze in many households. But some felt deceived when they opened the box to find freeze-dried potato flakes and filler. Similar confusion can occur in the credit card world, where many issuers throw around terms such as “instant” and “guaranteed” to a point where consumers often feel confused. While most online credit card applications now offer consumers... read more »

5 American Express “Black Card” Alternatives

By: Eric Bank, 3/12/2020

You must be invited to get your hands on the Centurion® Card from American Express, known widely as the “Black Card.” You also better be rich -- the card requires a $10,000 initiation fee and a $5,000 annual fee. Frankly, I get a nosebleed just reading this card’s terms and conditions. Happily, we’ve identified five American Express Black Card alternatives that mere mortals can own. If life has been kind to you, treat yourself to one or more of these premium cards that... read more »

5 Best Credit Cards for Authorized Users

By: Adam West, 3/11/2020

Whether you’re looking to build your credit history, help a loved one build theirs, or add an employee to your credit account, the best credit cards for authorized users can help you achieve that goal. Authorized users are issued their own credit card with access to your existing line of credit. The authorized user will see an improved credit score -- assuming the account is managed responsibly -- and the primary cardholder earns rewards for the authorized user’s purchases. ... read more »

10 Easiest Credit Cards to Get Approved For

By: Eric Bank, 2/27/2020

You’re approved! Doesn’t that have a nice ring to it? Qualifying for a credit card is one of life’s little victories. To help you achieve that triumphant feeling, we’ve identified the 10 easiest credit cards to get approved for. These cards offer you your best shot at approval, whether your credit is fair, bad, or non-existent. If you’d like to establish or build your credit, one of these cards may be the perfect answer to your credit needs. Bad Credit | Students |... read more »

33 Best Credit Card Offers Right Now

By: Eric Bank, 2/25/2020

I don’t think I could face the day without my visit to Starbucks. It’s not that I just want “coffee” — there are dozens of drinks I can order, but I’m quite particular about my go-to beverage. It’s the same with credit cards — a category of products with a rich variety of choices. Our mission in this article is to name the best credit card offers right now so that you, dear consumer, can get the card that precisely fits your lifestyle, just like a quad extra-hot... read more »

12 Best Credit Cards for Doctors

By: Eric Bank, 2/17/2020

Physicians have interesting financial profiles. New doctors usually carry substantial student debt. Many doctors maintain their own practices, which makes them businessmen as well as healers. And doctors frequently travel to professional venues such as medical conventions and conferences. Couple that with well-earned vacations that may include travel to distant locales, and it’s obvious why there is considerable interest in the best credit cards for doctors. Physicians, treat... read more »

21 Credit Cards with Instant Approval by Category

By: Eric Bank, 1/29/2020

Here is our roundup of credit cards with instant approval by category. It turns out that most credit cards can give you an instant approval decision when you apply online. Sometimes, they will tell you that they need more information and will send a decision soon — in a matter of hours or days. Of course, sometimes the issuer will decline your application, but may offer an alternative card that better suits you. Bad Credit | Fair Credit | Cash Back | Miles | Balance Transfer |... read more »

10 Credit Cards without SSN Requirements

By: Anna Baluch, 1/28/2020

If you’re a new immigrant to the U.S, an international student, or other noncitizen, you may be on the lookout for credit cards without Social Security number (SSN) requirements. While these cards aren’t widely available, they do exist. They can allow you to spend easily, earn rewards, build credit, protect against fraud, and enjoy several other perks. Let’s dive deeper into nine credit cards without SSN requirements that are sure to make your financial life easier. Consumers... read more »

12 Credit Cards with Expedited Shipping

By: Eric Bank, 1/27/2020

Amazon.com has spoiled us. It habituated us to fast shipping, something it had to do to compete with brick-and-mortar retail shopping. Now we expect everything we order to arrive at our door fast. You’d think that the credit card industry was just as prompt, but typical shipment times are a glacial seven to 10 days to receive a new card, and three to seven days for a replacement. However, it's only the major issuers that offer credit cards with expedited shipping of one to two... read more »

10 Best Credit Cards with No Bank Account Needed

By: Eric Bank, 1/23/2020

The FDIC reports that, as of 2017, 8.4 million U.S. households are unbanked, meaning they have no checking or savings accounts within the banking system. Of these, 30.2% say they don’t trust banks, and 29.9% say bank fees are too high. If you count yourself among the ranks of the unbanked, read on to learn about the 10 best credit cards with no bank account needed. You’ll see that you’ve got options, whether you have bad or no credit, are a student, or want a secured or... read more »

Capital One Platinum Credit Card: Credit Score Needed for Approval

By: Adam West, 1/8/2020

The dilemma for people with average credit or those just starting out is that most of the credit cards you qualify for are expensive and not very good at helping you build your score. That’s because most of them offer a very small initial credit limit, and then deduct an annual fee from that. Because of the low spending limits, using the card is likely to result in a high credit utilization rate, which can damage your credit score. But the Capital One Platinum Credit Card is... read more »

9 Best Fixed-APR Credit Cards and Alternatives

By: Adam West, 1/6/2020

If you can remember when credit card issuers regularly offered fixed interest rates on at least some of their cards, chances are you’re not a millennial. So, what happened to fixed-rate credit cards? Simply put, the Credit CARD Act of 2009 happened, but more on that in a little bit. For now, you may be glad to hear there are still places you can find the best fixed-APR credit cards, even these days. Fixed APR | Low APR | 0% APR Fixed-APR Cards Can Be Found at Select Credit... read more »

6 Best Credit Cards for Gamers

By: Adam West, 12/24/2019

Video games have come a long way. Once considered a recreation for kids, video games are now a billion-dollar industry that drives much of the world’s entertainment economy. And our list of the best credit cards for gamers shows the financial industry wants to tap into that market, too. Entertainment is a big part of what these cards reward. Whether it’s cash back for your purchases or bonus points for category spending, these cards show that Mario isn’t the only person in the... read more »

7 Best Credit Cards for Single Parents

By: Matt Walker, 12/23/2019

Being a parent is hard; being a single parent is one of the most challenging tasks anyone could ever undertake. And, as any single parent will tell you, a little extra help now and then is always welcome. Often, that help comes in the form of a piece of plastic you can rely on when finances are tight. But identifying the best credit cards for single parents is not always easy. Choosing a credit card should be based on your own unique needs, financial circumstances, and lifestyle.... read more »

9 Best Credit Cards for Walmart Shopping

By: Eric Bank, 12/18/2019

Attention Walmart shoppers! Are you earning all the rewards you should for spending your hard-earned dollars at Walmart? You may be surprised to learn that the best credit cards for Walmart shopping extend beyond the co-branded cards issued by Walmart. Read on to learn who gives you the best deal on your Walmart purchases. Walmart Card | Cash Back | Travel | Bad Credit | FAQs Let’s First Look at Walmart’s Co-Branded Cards Walmart recently introduced a new credit card, the... read more »

8 Best Credit Cards for PayPal

By: Adam West, 12/13/2019

PayPal started as the preferred payment option for the auction website eBay but has grown over the years into one of the most popular ways to pay for just about any online purchase. But before you send money to a merchant or loved one using the service, make sure you do it with one of the best credit cards for PayPal transactions. That’s because the right card can net you rewards for your purchases, while still giving you the peace of mind that comes with PayPal’s buyer... read more »

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