The Ultimate Guide to Credit Cards
Tuesday, March 21, 2023

All articles tagged Applying (191)

12 Easy-Approval Gas Credit Cards

12 Easy-Approval Gas Credit Cards

Gas credit cards are some of the most popular credit cards thanks to how seamless their savings are. If you drive, gas is a common and costly expense in your life.  I know I'm not the only one who will look up the cheapest gas prices and drive the extra mile if it means I can save a few cents per gallon. Fortunately, many credit cards will basically do that for you without any extra work. The cards below offer cash back and other rewards just for paying at the pump. The best... read more »

11 Banks That Offer Secured Credit Cards

11 Banks That Offer Secured Credit Cards

Love ‘em or hate 'em, banks play a vital role in the economy. In addition to paying interest on savings and making loans, banks also issue credit cards. Banks that offer secured credit cards range in size from behemoth to boutique. We've assembled a list of banks in alphabetical order that offer widely available secured cards you may want to consider. When you don't have good credit, secured credit cards provide easier access and lower costs than do their unsecured cousins.  ... read more »

5 Best Credit Cards For a 700 Credit Score

5 Best Credit Cards For a 700 Credit Score

A 700 credit score (or higher) puts you in a great place to get some of the best loans and credit card offers. There are several credit cards for a 700 credit score whether you’re looking for travel rewards, cash back, or other discounts and perks.  A higher credit score can help you get the lowest possible interest rate. As a result, you get to maximize your rewards without added fees or high APRs. Here are some of the best credit cards for a 700 score, including the best... read more »

Merrick Bank Credit Card Application: How to Apply Online

Merrick Bank Credit Card Application: How to Apply Online

Ask your grandparents about the old days when you had to apply for a credit card over the phone or, worse yet, via snail mail. We live in a much more efficient age, one that, for instance, permits us to apply for a Merrick Bank credit card online.  You neither have to speak with a human nor wait for the post office to deliver your application form. Instead, you can choose a card, submit your application, and get approved online in minutes. Alas, you still must wait a week or... read more »

8 Credit Cards With No Security Deposit Required

8 Credit Cards With No Security Deposit Required

Plenty of people have bad credit for all sorts of reasons. It's neither a moral failing nor a permanent condition. Moreover, an extensive industry provides financial products and services to folks with fair or bad credit.  The credit card marketplace is in this vanguard, offering dozens of choices to those with below-average credit. This article reviews credit cards with no security deposit that compete head-to-head with some outstanding secured credit cards for consumers with... read more »

9 Best Visa Signature Cards of 2023

9 Best Visa Signature Cards of 2023

The world is slightly nicer when you have a Visa Signature card in your wallet. This type of credit card provides valuable core benefits and a handsome credit line.  Issuers such as Capital One and Chase enhance their Visa Signature cards with additional perks to create unique blends of relationship rewards, bonuses, and costs. We've evaluated nine of the best — any one of them may be a perfect fit for your lifestyle. Navigate This Article: Rankings ... read more »

A Secured Credit Card You Can Get With a $50 Deposit

A Secured Credit Card You Can Get With a $50 Deposit

To think we'd live to see a $50 deposit secured credit card! Well, besides another cross-off on your bucket list, what is the significance?  The reviewed no-annual-fee credit card requires a small deposit, making it obtainable by just about anybody. Furthermore, you can get it even if your credit is less than perfect — way less than perfect. The card gives you an effective way to build or rebuild credit on the cheap, whether you are a credit newbie or clawing your way out of... read more »

7 Best Credit Cards For Military Personnel

7 Best Credit Cards For Military Personnel

There are plenty of options if you're looking for the best credit cards for military personnel. Serving in the military is an honor that requires a lot of sacrifices and deserves the utmost respect. Many companies offer military discounts and benefits to show respect for those who dedicate their lives to serving.  When it comes to credit cards, there are many benefits you can receive. In 2006, the Military Lending Act (MLA) was established to protect members of the Armed Forces... read more »

Instacart Mastercard® Review: Is It the Best Card For Groceries?

Instacart Mastercard® Review: Is It the Best Card For Groceries?

The appearance of an Instacart credit card was inevitable, given the wild popularity of North America's largest online grocery service. Millions of shoppers turned to Instacart and similar companies during the pandemic to avoid possible infection while keeping the kitchen stocked. Instacart customers can remotely buy and take delivery of 500 million products from 40,000 stores in more than 5,500 cities. Your humble writer enjoyed making Instacart purchases during the worst days of... read more »

Which Credit Card Companies Provide the Best Credit Cards? 

Which Credit Card Companies Provide the Best Credit Cards? 

Choosing a credit card can be a confusing process. Not only are there a huge number of credit cards on the market, but many different companies issue these products. When searching for the card of your dreams, it’s a good idea to know more about the issuing company.  After all, you will be doing business with them, so you will want to go with the right one for you. In fact, by focusing your attention on the company first, you can narrow down your choices to make the decision... read more »

2023’s List of Subprime Credit Cards

2023’s List of Subprime Credit Cards

Our rather long list of subprime credit cards proves that you have many potential shopping partners despite your past financial challenges. Some of these cards may be unfamiliar to the average consumer, but we've also included offerings from major league players such as Citibank, Discover, and Capital One.  These cards build credit when you use them responsibly. Paying your bills on time may help you move up to prime credit cards within a year. This article discusses how (and... read more »

9 Best Credit Cards For Rebuilding Credit

9 Best Credit Cards For Rebuilding Credit

Did you know that besides making purchases, you can use credit cards to rebuild credit? It's been my experience that folks are more familiar with how credit card mistakes can destroy credit rather than help it. But the redemptive powers of credit cards are available to anyone willing and able to pay their bills on time.  Of course, a credit card can't heal your credit history if you don't own one. We've rounded up the best cards you can get even with very poor credit. Use one... read more »

Pre-Approved Credit Cards By Issuer

Pre-Approved Credit Cards By Issuer

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 five major card issuers: Capital One, Chase, Discover, American Express, 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 consumers but... read more »

18 Best Low-Limit Credit Cards in 2023

18 Best Low-Limit Credit Cards in 2023

When it comes to credit cards, bigger isn’t always better. While some consumers may look for flashy cards with bells, whistles, and sky-high credit limits, others may prefer to throttle temptation by maintaining a lower credit limit. With a low-limit credit card, you can rest assured that you’ll have access to credit in case of emergency or necessity (such as when you want to rent a car), but you won’t have the temptation of over-spending yourself into debt. Here are some of... read more »

2023 Luxury Card Review 

2023 Luxury Card Review 

This Luxury Card review is a must-read if you like credit cards that pamper. Not only will you find out how this trio of stunningly beautiful metal cards cushions all the tiresome traveling and shopping your lifestyle demands, but you'll also learn about the premium credit cards competing for your affection.  We'll show you the best since, for some, only the best will do.  Navigate This Article: Best Redemption Rates Best Cost/Benefit... read more »

Mastercard Black Card™ Benefits, Applying & Alternatives

Mastercard Black Card™ Benefits, Applying & Alternatives

The Mastercard Black Card™ began life as a Visa card in 2008 before Black Card LLC reassigned it in 2016. Formally known as the Luxury Card™ Mastercard® Black Card™, it and the Luxury Card™ Mastercard® Gold Card™ and Luxury Card™ Mastercard® Titanium Card™ constitute the Luxury Card collection. Barclays Bank is the card issuer.  The card may be worth the steep annual fee if you like to travel first class. But this Mastercard Black Card review reveals fierce... read more »

How to Get a Credit Card With No Credit 

How to Get a Credit Card With No Credit 

Are you prepared for the conversation with your teenager? No, not that one! I mean the one where they come to you and ask how to get a credit card with no credit history. To spare you embarrassment, we've prepared this article to give you all the information you need for a knowing answer. My, how quickly they grow up. Apply For a Card That Accepts Applicants With No Credit History Step One is to find a credit card that accepts applicants with no credit history. Our review... read more »

Surge® Platinum Mastercard® Reviews

Surge® Platinum Mastercard® Reviews

Surge Mastercard reviews across the web are mixed. The issuer offers the card in secured and unsecured versions for consumers with a limited or poor credit history.  While the unsecured version is a reasonable choice thanks to its generous credit limit, the secured credit card is the real standout. It offers cash back rewards and a fairly low APR to anyone willing to make a deposit at account opening. Surge® Platinum Mastercard® Reviews Around the Web These Surge... read more »

7 Cards For Bad Credit With No Deposit

7 Cards For Bad Credit With No Deposit

If you have bad credit, you may have run into an issue where you’ve been declined for a card when applying. This can be frustrating because having a credit card and using it properly can be a great credit-building tool. It may seem like you are at a loss in your search for a credit card, but don’t worry — options are out there for you. Bad credit scores may hinder your ability to be approved for some unsecured credit cards, but you may still be approved for some cards without... read more »

12 Best Soft-Pull Credit Cards

12 Best Soft-Pull Credit Cards

Credit cards generally will not be issued without a hard credit inquiry, but you can get preapproved for a credit card with only a soft credit pull. Almost every time you apply for new credit, the lender credit check will usually result in a hard inquiry being noted on your reports, which may cause a small ding to your credit score. That's because lenders see an application for new credit as a desire to take on more debt. Doesn't make sense? Think of it this way: if a married person... read more »

Credit Cards For Very Bad Credit

Credit Cards For Very Bad Credit

Some decent credit cards for very bad credit exist, but truthfully, a few of them are stinkers. We've chosen the top cards that cater to consumers who've endured significant credit problems. We also identified a few prepaid debit cards for your consideration. They are compelling alternatives to credit cards for people with abysmal credit since they don't require a credit score, a security deposit, or a bank account. True, prepaid cards often come with many fees, but they are... read more »

12 Credit Cards With No Employment Check

12 Credit Cards With No Employment Check

Most lenders want some sort of proof that you can pay back any loan that you receive. That goes for credit cards, banks, or a cousin who floats you a few bucks until payday. While most credit card applications just want proof of income, some still require proof of employment. We’ve done the work for you and found credit cards with no employment check so you can avoid those applications if you so choose. Also, keep in mind that no-employment-check credit cards aren’t just for... read more »

Best Loans & Credit Cards For a 400 to 450 Credit Score

Best Loans & Credit Cards For a 400 to 450 Credit Score

Although the number of people with sub-500 FICO credit scores has dropped over the last decade, it's still a fairly significant 4.7% of U.S. consumers as of the last update. In contrast, the national average FICO credit score is now 716, according to the credit scoring service. And while having a credit score between 400 and 450 is above the lowest score you can have — FICO scores range from 300 to 850 — it's still a very difficult situation to remedy. That being said, it's not... read more »

12 Instant-Approval Credit Cards

12 Instant-Approval Credit Cards

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 instant... read more »

How to Get a Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

How to Get a Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

You'll learn how to get a Costco Citi Card the first time you walk into the giant warehouse store. A pleasant person will direct you to the customer service desk when you try to enter without a Costco membership card.  Another nice person will sell you a membership, take your photo, and hand you your ID card. You may also receive an offer to apply for a Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi. As it turns out, there are three ways to apply for a Costco credit card: In-person... read more »