Heather Swick – Intuit Credit Karma https://www.creditkarma.com Free Credit Score & Free Credit Reports With Monitoring Fri, 10 Jan 2025 21:53:47 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.2 138066937 Best Western Rewards® Mastercard® vs. Best Western Rewards® Premium Mastercard®: Which is right for you? https://www.creditkarma.com/credit-cards/i/best-western-credit-cards Wed, 10 Jul 2019 23:47:49 +0000 https://www.creditkarma.com/?p=41281 Mom and dad checking into a hotel with their two children

Best Western Rewards® Mastercard® vs. Best Western Rewards® Premium Mastercard®


What you need to know about each card

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of these cards, you should understand what you’d be getting with the Best Western Rewards® program.

If you want more flexibility in how you redeem your points, you might want to compare offers for travel cards on Credit Karma. But if you’re happy to collect and redeem your points through Best Western Rewards, then one of these cards might work out for you.

What to consider when applying for a hotel credit card

The most important factor in considering a hotel-specific card like these two Best Western credit cards is whether it’s worthwhile to stick to one brand.

Do you travel frequently enough, staying at the same hotels, for it to be cost-effective? How desirable are the perks and bonuses that come along with it?

Look at your preferences when you travel. If you like more freedom, a travel card with more general rewards would probably be a better fit. But a Best Western Rewards® card could suit you if you’re a frequent traveler who doesn’t want to stray from the chain.


About the author: Heather Swick is a freelance writer who specializes in credit cards, mortgages and personal finance. She has a bachelor’s degree in communication, journalism and related programs from Bradley University. Heather alway… Read more.
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Credit cards for small-business owners with poor credit: Know your options https://www.creditkarma.com/credit-cards/i/business-credit-card-bad-credit Mon, 19 Nov 2018 21:26:21 +0000 https://www.creditkarma.com/?p=26149 business-credit-card-bad-credit

This offer is no longer available on our site: Capital One Spark Classic for Business

Starting a business means taking risks, making changes and building from the ground up. Every small-business owner has a story. And if your story includes navigating rough financial waters (or just barely getting your feet wet), it can be difficult to access a line of credit.

We’ve rounded up three of our favorite cards for small-business owners with poor credit. While you’re busy building your empire, these cards will help you build your credit, without necessarily sacrificing features you’ll see on more-exclusive cards.



Capital One Spark Classic for Business

From our partner

Capital One Spark Classic for Business

4.5 out of 5

From cardholders in the last year

Who’s it for?

The Capital One Spark Classic for Business card is a solid choice for the small-business owner who wants a low-maintenance card that will help build credit.

Why we like it

This card is nothing flashy, but it gets the job done. It’s an unsecured card for users with “fair” credit. By Capital One’s standards, “fair credit” could mean you’ve defaulted on a loan sometime in the past five years or that your credit history is very limited.

We like that this card is simple to use with limited fees.

  • Annual fee: $0
  • Foreign transaction fee: None
  • Fee to add additional employee cards: $0

You’ll also receive 1% cash back on all eligible purchases — with no sign-up or activations required, and the rewards are unlimited and won’t expire while your account is open.

Watch out for

Capital One reports business card activity to the business credit bureaus, but it may report to the three major consumer credit bureaus as well. So be aware that how you use Capital One Spark Classic for Business could affect both your personal and business credit. But paying your card balance off in full and on time every month can help you build your business credit (and maybe your personal credit, too).

How to use it

The Capital One Spark Classic for Business works great for building credit, and that’s what it should be used for. If you’ve got your eye on the rewards and perks that come with business cards reserved for those with excellent credit, the Capital One Spark Classic for Business could be a stepping stone to help you get there.

Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit

From our partner

Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit

See details, rates & fees

Who’s it for?

While not a business credit card, the Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit can still be helpful for small-business owners by helping you build your personal credit. Lenders may check your personal credit along with your business credit when deciding whether to approve you for a business card. So building your personal credit first, with positive personal credit card use, could potentially help you get approved for a business credit card in the long run.

Why we like it

Your unsecured options may be limited if your credit has taken a dive, but the Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit card is just that. If you apply on Credit One’s site, you’ll find out if you prequalify in less than a minute (without dinging your credit scores).

We like that this credit-building card doesn’t skip out on rewards. You’ll earn 1% cash back, in the form of statement credit, on eligible purchases in the following categories:

  • Gas
  • Groceries
  • Internet
  • Mobile phone service
  • Cable and satellite TV services

You’ll also be able to monitor your credit health with free monthly access to your credit score and credit report summary. And you’ll be automatically reviewed for credit line increases with this card. That’s helpful for a growing business (and a busy entrepreneur).

Watch out for

Credit cards intended for users with poor credit are taking on higher risk, so they can come with higher fees. The annual fee for the Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit card is $75 for the first year, $99 thereafter (billed at $8.25 per month) (you might see different terms on Credit Karma).

How to use it

If you’re intending to use the Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit card for business, keep your personal expenses on a separate card. Pay off your statement balance in full and on time every month, while keeping a close watch on your credit limit — and you’ll be on your way to better credit and, hopefully, some business credit card options. 


Bottom line

If you struggle with credit, growing your business can feel like an uphill climb. But there are cards intended to help you steadily build your credit. Despite high fees or deposits, these cards can help you work on your credit health if you use them responsibly.

Choose a card with features that matter most to you and offer an opportunity to grow, and soon you’ll be applying for a business credit card that better suits you and your work.


About the author: Heather Swick is a freelance writer who specializes in credit cards, mortgages and personal finance. She has a bachelor’s degree in communication, journalism and related programs from Bradley University. Heather alway… Read more.
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What is credit card APR? https://www.creditkarma.com/credit-cards/i/what-is-credit-card-apr Thu, 30 Aug 2018 18:27:14 +0000 https://www.creditkarma.com/?p=22518 Smiling man sitting in cafe, holding a credit card and typing on a laptop.

What does APR mean?

APR stands for “annual percentage rate” and is a yearly representation of the costs involved in borrowing money.

You can run into APRs in the terms of your mortgage, car and personal loans. When you take out one of these loans, the APR typically includes fees and other expenses associated with borrowing money. But the APRs you see on your credit card agreement can be a little different.



APR vs. interest rate

Your credit card’s interest rate and APR for purchases are one and the same. There are other APRs and fees associated with credit cards, like annual fees or balance transfer fees, but those are not factored into the purchase APR. That’s because not every cardholder is going to incur fees.

Fixed vs. variable

When you’re shopping around for a new credit card, you may see APRs listed as fixed or variable. While many credit cards offer variable APRs, you may come across one that offers fixed.

  • Variable APR means that a card’s interest rate can change over time. Variable APRs change based on an index interest rate, such as the prime rate published in the Wall Street Journal. When the prevailing prime rate changes, it can directly affect the variable interest rates on credit cards.
  • Fixed APR generally stays the same. This means that the card’s rate is not tied to an index. But that doesn’t mean your rate will never change — it just means the issuer will likely need to contact you before raising the rate.

Different APRs for credit cards

There can be several types of APRs associated with any given card. It’s important to familiarize yourself with what they mean so that you understand what interest costs you could be charged with each card.

  • Purchase APR is the interest rate charged on purchases when you don’t pay off the card’s balance in full and on time each month. (Keep in mind that many cards have a grace period.)
  • Penalty APR is usually triggered by spending beyond your credit limit or making a late payment. This is a higher APR that may be applied if you make a payment that’s more than 60 days late. If you make the minimum payment on time for six months in a row after the penalty APR kicked in, you can get your original interest rate reinstated.
  • Introductory APR is a special temporary rate that credit card companies may offer as a perk for signing up with a specific card. Some offer 0% introductory rates for a certain period on purchases, balance transfers or both. That could be an attractive feature, but just make sure you’re familiar with when, and how much, the APR will jump after that intro period.
  • Balance transfer APR is the interest rate charged on balances moved from one card to another. Some cards offer an intro 0% balance transfer APR for a set period of time, which could be worth looking into if you need to pay off credit card debt. You’ll be charged interest on any remaining balance after the intro period, so make sure you know when the introductory period ends. 

How APRs are calculated for credit cards

A credit card has different APRs, and each is decided using different factors. When an issuer approves you for a card, it offers you certain terms based on your creditworthiness, like the purchase APR. Your credit scores can be a key factor in how issuers determine the APR you qualify for. Typically, the higher your credit scores, the greater the chance you’ll qualify for a lower APR. Remember, a credit card’s purchase APR does not factor in additional fees, so read the fine print before deciding whether a card is right for you.

How can you get a good APR?

Working toward (or keeping) healthy credit is a good way to increase your chances of getting a favorable APR when you apply for a credit card. Better credit scores could help you qualify for a lower APR, which could save you money over the long term. If you know you will be applying for a credit card sometime soon, you may benefit by working to boost your overall credit health.

Need a lower interest rate on your credit card? Consider looking for a balance transfer card, which can help you obtain a lower interest rate on your credit card debt. That’s because balance transfer cards allow you to move credit card debt from one card to another, ideally at a better APR. Just watch out for any balance transfer fees associated with the transfer.


Bottom line

Knowing what’s behind an APR is important. It gives you a more complete picture of what you’ll be paying in interest, and it offers you another tool for effective comparison shopping.

As you’re comparing credit cards, pay special attention to the different APRs listed in the cards’ terms and conditions, and whether they’re variable or fixed.

And while APR is important, it’s not the whole picture. Make sure you’re comparing apples to apples, and looking at any fees associated with the card. Consider the total package before applying for a credit card.


About the author: Heather Swick is a freelance writer who specializes in credit cards, mortgages and personal finance. She has a bachelor’s degree in communication, journalism and related programs from Bradley University. Heather alway… Read more.
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The essential guide to LAS Priority Pass™ lounges https://www.creditkarma.com/advice/i/priority-pass-las-vegas Fri, 20 Jul 2018 23:00:08 +0000 https://www.creditkarma.com/?p=20168 Businessman using mobile phone in Priority Pass lounge at LAS airport

If you fly through McCarran International Airport on a regular basis, a Priority Pass™ membership could make the busy Las Vegas airport feel more like home.

There are two Priority Pass™ lounges at LAS, one located in Terminal 1 and the other in Terminal 3. They’re run by the same company.

If you fly often, you know how important it can be to have access to a shower or a place to hop on a call when business demands. And if that’s the case, more-exclusive access to airport lounges may be a necessity. Here’s a rundown of what you’ll find at the two LAS Priority Pass™ lounges.


What you should know about the Priority Pass™ lounges at LAS

With a Priority Pass™ lounge in each LAS terminal, you’ll be able to access a lounge no matter which terminal you’re flying out of.

The lounges are very similar — they’re both called The Club at LAS — but they have slightly different hours. The Terminal 1 lounge stays open until 12:30 a.m. (half an hour later than the one in Terminal 3).

The Club at LAS (Terminal 1)

You can find The Club at LAS in Terminal 1. It’s located airside on the second level in Concourse D, on the left above the red line train station.

It’s open daily from 5 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.

You’ll find amenities including …

  • Complimentary snacks and refreshments
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Entertainment options (like TV or magazines)
  • Showers

And if you need to get some work done, you can use the club’s Wi-Fi, PCs or printer.

The Club at LAS (Terminal 3)

The Terminal 3 Club is located airside, just across from Gate E2. Here you’ll find many of the same amenities that you get in the Terminal 1 location, including …

  • Complimentary snacks and beverages, including certain alcoholic beverages
  • Wi-Fi
  • PCs and printers
  • Showers

The operating hours are also slightly different. The Terminal 3 lounge is open from 5 a.m. to midnight daily.

How to get Priority Pass™ lounge access

Priority Pass™ lounges are available to travelers who buy a membership or who have Priority Pass™ Select through their credit card.

A Priority Pass™ membership grants you access to the more than 1,200 lounges in their program all over the world. You’ve got five different options to access the Priority Pass™ lounges at LAS.

  • Day passes: $40 at each lounge
  • Standard Priority Pass™ membership: $99 annual fee; $32 per visit for you and each guest
  • Standard Plus Priority Pass™ membership: $299 annual fee; 10 free visits for you (then $32 per visit), and $32 per visit for each guest
  • Prestige Priority Pass™ membership: $429 annual fee; free unlimited visits for you, and $32 per visit for each guest
  • Priority Pass™ Select: Available to travelers with certain credit cards that include the program as a perk

Bottom line

If you travel through McCarran International Airport frequently and need a reliable place to get some work done or grab a bite, it’s worth looking into your access options for the LAS Priority Pass™ lounges.

If you travel for work or are always planning your next trip, check out a credit card that offers complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership. If you’re not scared off by the annual fees, any of these cards could be a helpful companion on upcoming adventures.


About the author: Heather Swick is a freelance writer who specializes in credit cards, mortgages and personal finance. She has a bachelor’s degree in communication, journalism and related programs from Bradley University. Heather alway… Read more.
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Expedia®+ Card from Citi Vs. Expedia®+ Voyager Card from Citi: For the discount-savvy traveler https://www.creditkarma.com/credit-cards/i/expedia-credit-cards Mon, 09 Apr 2018 20:13:47 +0000 https://www.creditkarma.com/?p=15931 Father and his little girl paddling a packraft together on a river in a tropical environment

These offers are no longer available on our site: Expedia®+ Card from Citi, Expedia®+ Voyager Card from Citi

The Expedia®+ Card from Citi and Expedia®+ Voyager Card from Citi are no longer available. For other options, check out our list of the best travel credit cards for each type of traveler.

Good news for Expedia-savvy travelers: The Expedia®+ Card from Citi and the Expedia®+ Voyager Card from Citi offer substantial perks for your loyalty.

If you use Expedia enough to consider one of its travel rewards credit cards, there may be a clear upside to the Expedia®+ Voyager Card from Citi. Don’t be scared off by the $95 annual fee, because the other benefits may even that out for you.

Take a look at the breakdown to see why the Expedia®+ Voyager Card from Citi could be better for you.

  1. The winner: Why we prefer Expedia®+ Voyager Card from Citi
  2. Counterpoint: Why you might want Expedia®+ Card from Citi instead
  3. Heads up: What to consider when applying for an Expedia credit card
  4. Bottom line: Is the Expedia®+ Voyager Card from Citi right for you?

The winner: Why we prefer Expedia®+ Voyager Card from Citi

The difference is simple. The Expedia®+ Voyager Card from Citi is very like the Expedia®+ Card from Citi, though it offers better rewards and comes with an annual fee.

This card does not skimp on points. You can earn Expedia®+ points with the sign-up bonus, qualified Expedia® purchases, dining out or buying tickets for events, and even everyday expenses.

If you open an Expedia®+ Voyager Card from Citi and you earn 25,000 Expedia®+ bonus points for spending $2,000 on purchases within your first 3 months of account opening, those points may be redeemable for $350 toward a +VIP Access™ hotel.

You can rack up four bonus points per $1 on eligible Expedia® purchases, two bonus points for every $1 spent on purchases for entertainment and at restaurants, and one bonus point per $1 for other purchases.

You will also enjoy automatic Expedia®+ gold status for every year you’re a card member. Expedia®+ gold status comes with upgrades such as dedicated customer service agents and room upgrades at +VIP Access™ hotels.

Other highlights include the 5,000 anniversary Expedia®+ bonus points (after spending $10,000 in purchases the year before) and no foreign transaction fees.

There is a $95 annual fee, which might sway some people toward the Expedia®+ Card from Citi. But that cost is balanced by the annual $100 air travel fee credit, which can cover incidental air travel costs such as checked bag fees or in-flight Wi-Fi on qualifying airlines. It also helps cover Global Entry or TSA Precheck application fees.

If you’re someone who could put that $100 air travel credit to use, or if you use Expedia often, this card could well be worth its annual fee.

Counterpoint: Why you might want Expedia®+ Card from Citi instead

The Expedia®+ Card from Citi is the pared down version of the Expedia®+ Voyager Card from Citi.

This card can earn you 15,000 Expedia®+ bonus points if you spend $1,000 within 3 months of opening your account. Translated, that’s $200 to spend at a +VIP Access™ hotel.

You’ll also gain three Expedia®+ bonus points for every $1 you spend on eligible Expedia purchases, which includes flights, hotels, activities and travel packages. You’ll earn one Expedia®+ bonus point per $1 spent on your other purchases.

If you get approved for this card, you’ll automatically become an Expedia®+ silver status user. Expedia®+ silver members enjoy perks such as exclusive travel offers, priority customer care, and 10% bonus points on point eligible purchases.

Unlike the Expedia®+ Voyager Card from Citi, the Expedia®+ Card from Citi has a $0 annual fee. If you’re nervous about the Expedia®+ Voyager Card from Citi’s annual fee but still want to earn Expedia®+ points, this option is fine.

However, in terms of your points earning potential, the Expedia®+ Voyager Card from Citi takes you further.

Heads up: What to consider when applying for an Expedia®+ card

The Expedia® credit cards are not right for every traveler. If you want total freedom and some cash back when you book your trips, you might have better luck with other options.

These cards from Citi will specifically benefit the consistent Expedia® user who plans to travel every year. Your points do not expire as long as you make a qualifying purchase or redeem points at least once every 18 months. But to make the Expedia®+ Voyager Card from Citi annual fee worthwhile, you should try to use the $100 air travel credit.

It’s important to note that both Expedia® credit cards are restrictive in how you can redeem your points. You will be disappointed if you’re looking for complete travel rewards flexibility.

You have to use your points on Expedia; there are no gift cards or cash back selections. Even more specifically, the categories in which you can use your points may be limited. For example, you can’t just book any hotel on Expedia using your points. You can only choose hotels that Expedia has negotiated a special price with, known as Expedia rate hotels — there are a number of hotels on that list, but it’s still a restriction.

If you’re willing to play by Expedia’s rules, you should have plenty of variety available when you book a trip. But if you prefer a wider range of rewards opportunities, a general travel rewards card might suit you better.


Bottom line: Is the Expedia®+ Voyager Card from Citi right for you?

If you’re going to choose any Expedia® credit card, we recommend the Expedia®+ Voyager Card from Citi. The rewards are generous, the redemption options are numerous, and the $100 air travel credit sweetens the deal.

Loyal Expedia® members will find they can get a lot of bang for their buck with this card. If you can manage the cost, the $95 annual fee brings steep rewards upgrades from the Expedia®+ Card from Citi.


About the author: Heather Swick is a freelance writer who specializes in credit cards, mortgages and personal finance. She has a bachelor’s degree in communication, journalism and related programs from Bradley University. Heather alway… Read more.
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Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One® review https://www.creditkarma.com/credit-cards/i/journey-student-rewards-capital-one-review Thu, 02 Nov 2017 01:06:52 +0000 https://www.creditkarma.com/?p=8812 Journey Student Rewards from Capital One cardholder smiling in the grass

These offers are no longer available on our site: Expedia®+ Card from Citi, Expedia®+ Voyager Card from Citi

The Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One® credit card is no longer available. For other options, check out student credit cards on Credit Karma.

Updated June 8, 2023

This date may not reflect recent changes in individual terms.

Editorial Note: Intuit Credit Karma receives compensation from third-party advertisers, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our third-party advertisers don’t review, approve or endorse our editorial content. Information about financial products not offered on Credit Karma is collected independently. Our content is accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted.

Written by: Heather Swick

Pros

  • No annual fee
  • 1% cash back on net purchases
  • Additional 0.25% cash back for on-time payments for each month you pay on time

Cons

  • 28.49% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
  • Late payment fee of up to $40

The rundown

Building credit is important, even as a student. Having healthy credit can make it easier for you to secure post-graduate essentials, like an apartment or a new car.

Students and other folks new to credit might feel as if it’s a Catch-22 because it can be challenging to get a credit card when you’ve never had one before. Enter the Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One®, a card specifically for students.

No annual fee

If you’re scraping by already, you probably don’t want to tack on an annual fee with your credit card. The Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One® doesn’t have an annual fee, so that’s one less expense you need to worry about.

Rewards for smart credit use

The Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One® can help you build and use credit positively. Something that makes this card unique is that you’ll actually be rewarded for paying your credit card bill on time. You get 1% cash back on all of your purchases already. But if you make your payment on time, you’ll get an additional 0.25% back for that month, for a total of 1.25% cash back in the form of a statement credit or a check.

Want to make sure you get that bonus? This card has an autopay option, so you can make sure you pay your bill every month, even if your brain is fried from finals.

High variable APR

You have to watch out for the variable 28.49% APR on purchases. If you miss a payment or carry a balance, you’re going to pay for it in interest. Many cards, including this one, have a grace period. If you pay off your card in full by the bill’s due date, you won’t have to pay any interest on purchases. So stay on top of your payments and avoid building up debt on your card over time.

Proof of income

If you’re going to apply for this card, know that you’ll have to prove your monthly income is at least $425 per month — and that’s after your rent or mortgage payment. So if your income is unpredictable or you don’t have any, you may not be able to qualify for the Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One®. And Capital One specifies that income isn’t only what you get paid from a job, so it can also include money regularly deposited into an eligible account.

Extra credit: Features to know 

You’ll make the most of your Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One® if you know exactly what comes along with it. Study up on its additional rewards, rules and fees.

  • If your card is lost or stolen, you won’t be liable for fraudulent purchases.
  • Late payment fees of up to $40 apply, so pay your bill on time, every time.
  • There are no foreign transaction fees, which is a helpful perk for studying abroad.

Who this card is good for

A student who wants to build credit and earn a little cash back will appreciate the features that come with this card. No annual fee and extra cash back for on-time payments make it a user-friendly card with low-maintenance perks.

It could be a good fit for you if you have limited credit and you’re seeking a starter card. But if you’ve had the opportunity to build up some credit already, you may be able to qualify for cards that net you better rewards than the Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One®.


About the author: Heather Swick is a freelance writer who specializes in credit cards, mortgages and personal finance. She has a bachelor’s degree in communication, journalism and related programs from Bradley University. Heather alway… Read more.
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The best credit cards for families https://www.creditkarma.com/credit-cards/i/best-credit-cards-for-new-parents Fri, 29 Sep 2017 00:55:22 +0000 https://www.creditkarma.com/?p=6764 New dad holding his infant, wondering what the best credit card is for him

These offers are no longer available on our site: Expedia®+ Card from Citi, Expedia®+ Voyager Card from Citi

When you have kids, you might find yourself spending money in ways you never imagined.

Instead of drinks and at-a-whim getaways, it’s diapers, school supplies and family road trips. If your credit cards are leftovers from your single days, it might be time to look at more family-friendly cards.


How we picked these cards

When picking the best credit cards for families, we focused on what families value most — maximum savings with minimal hassle. Managing a family can be stressful enough, so we considered user-friendly card features to be a big plus.

It was also important to note where and how parents shop, and what they need at each stage of parenting. For example, new and seasoned parents alike might appreciate a one-stop-shop like Amazon, while parents looking toward their children’s future might like the simplicity of a card that allows for straightforward college savings.

How to make the most of credit cards for families

Parenthood can be overwhelming in so many ways, so you may find it helpful to choose a credit card that will do most of the work for you. Before making any choices, you should consider your lifestyle when you’re analyzing the value of a credit card.

For instance, if you were a frequent traveler before kids but are less certain about travel now that you’re a parent, a cash back card might be a better fit. Or, as your kids get older, you might find you can take advantage of more travel rewards features. Continue to think about your family’s growing needs and look for a card that works with those needs.

Once you decide on the kind of card that’s best for you, it might be easier to settle on a specific choice. If you spend a lot at certain places like grocery stores or gas stations, then a cash back or travel card with a high rewards-earning rate in those areas might be your best choice. Similarly, if your priority is simple rewards or a way to save for your kids’ college, then more straightforward cards might be better.

*Approval Odds are not a guarantee of approval. Credit Karma determines Approval Odds by comparing your credit profile to other Credit Karma members who were approved for the card shown, or whether you meet certain criteria determined by the lender. Of course, there’s no such thing as a sure thing, but knowing your Approval Odds may help you narrow down your choices. For example, you may not be approved because you don’t meet the lender’s “ability to pay standard” after they verify your income and employment; or, you already have the maximum number of accounts with that specific lender.


About the author: Heather Swick is a freelance writer who specializes in credit cards, mortgages and personal finance. She has a bachelor’s degree in communication, journalism and related programs from Bradley University. Heather alway… Read more.
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The 6 best Capital One credit cards of 2020 https://www.creditkarma.com/credit-cards/i/best-capital-one-credit-cards Wed, 21 Jun 2017 18:14:01 +0000 https://www.creditkarma.com/?p=2071 Young woman on a wooden boat in southeast Asia, contemplating what is the best Capital One credit card

These offers are no longer available on our site: Expedia®+ Card from Citi, Expedia®+ Voyager Card from Citi, Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card, Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One®, Capital One Spark Cash Select for Good Credit

We’ve rounded up the best credit cards that Capital One has to offer and uncovered what makes each one wallet-worthy.

One big plus of all Capital One cards is that there are no foreign transaction fees, making them all decent choices for using abroad. But from there, Capital One cards come with a wide variety of rewards, features and perks. Here are our picks for the best Capital One credit cards of 2020.


 

Best for rewards: Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card

Here’s why: Our top rewards pick is the Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card for its serious cash back potential — as long as you’re willing to pay attention to spending categories.

If dinner and a movie is your ideal weekend night, you stand to earn quite a bit with this card. Or maybe you’re more of a café-and-a-play type of person. Either way, you’ll get …

  • Unlimited 4% cash back on dining and entertainment
  • 2% cash back at grocery stores
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases

There’s also a cash bonus of $300 if you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of your account opening.

But be aware that there’s an annual fee of $0 intro, $95 after first year. If you want cash back capability without an annual fee, take a look at the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card .

If you can’t decide, check out reviews from Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card cardholders.

Best for flat-rate cash back: Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

From our partner

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

See details, rates & fees

Here’s why: The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card earns you a flat-rate 1.5% cash back on every purchase. This card is a standout because it’s so easy to use, making it a good fit if you want rewards without extra work.

In addition to the cash back, you’ll also score $200 as a sign-up bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from opening your account. That’s one of the larger sign-up bonuses we’ve seen out there for cash back cards.

And if you’re looking to pay down debt or make a big purchase, the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card comes with a 0% intro APR for both purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from your account opening. But there are some things you should know:

  • After the 15 months, there’s a variable APR of 19.24% - 29.24%.
  • You’ll be charged a fee of 3% for the first 15 months; 4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time on balances transferred.

Learn more with our review of the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card.

Best for travel: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

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Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

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Here’s why: Frequent travelers who aren’t interested in juggling complicated travel rewards will appreciate the flexible, easily redeemable rewards.

With the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, you’ll earn two miles for every $1 you spend on purchases. You can easily redeem these online for an account credit in the amount of your travel purchases.

Those no-fuss rewards can add up. And the sign-up bonus stacks up pretty well against the best sign-up bonuses out there: 75,000 miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of opening your account, worth $500 in travel.

One potential drawback is the annual fee of $95. Weigh that against your travel spending and potential rewards to see if it’s worth the extra cost. There are other options out there if you’re looking for a travel card with no annual fee.

Keep reading to learn how to maximize the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.

Best card for students: Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One®

Here’s why: With a rewards boost for paying your bill on time, Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One® is designed to help students develop good credit habits.

You’ll get 1% cash back on every purchase you make, plus a 0.25% boost every month you pay your bill on time. Another perk: If you make your payments on time for five months, you might get bumped up to a higher line of credit.

The downside to this card is the high variable APR of 26.99% on purchases and balance transfers. Try setting up an automatic payment through your account to avoid interest charges on your purchases, which could pretty quickly eat into your cash back earnings.

Check out our tips for how to build credit and earn cash back with the Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One® card.

Best card for average credit: Capital One Platinum Credit Card

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Capital One Platinum Credit Card

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Here’s why: It can be daunting to find a decent credit card that will accept a limited or bumpy credit history. The Capital One Platinum Credit Card is meant for people with average credit — in fact, it’s one of our top recommendations for the best unsecured credit cards for building credit.

The features of this card are aimed at helping you build credit, so you won’t find much by way of rewards. But you will get a $0 annual fee, which isn’t always the case for unsecured cards that accept average credit. And if you make your first five monthly payments on time, you can be rewarded with a higher line of credit.

Treat this card as a stepping stone and chance to build your credit, which could you lead you to cards with better rewards in the future.

Learn more with our in-depth review of the Capital One Platinum Credit Card.

Best for business: Capital One Spark Cash Select for Good Credit

Here’s why: You get unlimited 1.5% cash back on all your purchases everywhere. The card also has a $0 annual fee, which means all that cash back you earn with this card goes straight into your pocket. And the flat-rate cash back means you won’t have to mentally juggle which purchases are best for this card. You know you can earn no matter what you buy. It’s a pretty sweet deal, especially when you consider that employee cards also earn cash back.

The card also offers a one-time sign-up cash bonus of $200 once you spend $3,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.

Plus, you’ll have access to an introductory 0% purchase APR for 12 months after opening the card. After that, your variable purchase APR will go to 20.74% - 28.74%, depending on your credit profile. That introductory purchase APR could help you with business startup costs by giving you some breathing room on interest.

If this doesn’t sound like a good fit to you, check out our favorite Capital One business cards.


How we picked these cards

The different Capital One cards come with different consumers in mind. We looked at every card and considered which features set each card apart from the rest. The features we pay closest attention to reflect the categories we feel are of top interest to potential cardholders.

And then we read the fine print. The fees and limitations are important to know upfront, long before a credit card makes it to your wallet. We weighed those against the benefits to select our top picks. Our full reviews dig into the pros and cons, and you should always dig into a card’s fees and terms before deciding it’s a good fit for you.

How to make the most of Capital One credit cards

Capital One covers a lot of ground with its credit cards, which cater to a wide range of customers. But above all, Capital One credit cards travel well. You won’t find a foreign transaction fee in the bunch. This is something that Capital One is known for, and it means that if you use one while you’re abroad, you can avoid that extra ding when you make a purchase.

But each card has other benefits that might make it the best choice for you. If you know your spending habits and where you stand on fees, you’re likely to find a Capital One card that suits your needs.


About the author: Heather Swick is a freelance writer who specializes in credit cards, mortgages and personal finance. She has a bachelor’s degree in communication, journalism and related programs from Bradley University. Heather alway… Read more.
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