Updated October 1, 2024

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: Lyn Mettler

Pros

• No annual fee
• Bonus points on groceries and American Airlines purchases

Cons

• Low sign-up bonus
• Few perks and benefits when flying
• Foreign transaction fees

What you need to know about the American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp®

Let’s review a few things to consider if you’re thinking about applying for the American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp®.

No annual fee

One of the top draws of the American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® is that it comes with no annual fee. That means frequent American Airlines flyers have the opportunity to earn AAdvantage® miles throughout the year at no yearly cost, which can be a smart move for occasional flyers who don’t plan to redeem miles too often.

But this no-annual-fee card doesn’t offer many airline perks. Unlike a few other American Airlines credit cards from Citi, the American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® doesn’t come with boarding benefits or a free checked bag. You will get a 25% discount when you use the card for in-flight food and drink purchases on American Airlines flights, though.

Foreign transaction fees

Unlike many travel credit cards, the American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® comes with a foreign transaction fee of 3% for each transaction. While that fee might not be a problem for flyers who don’t plan to go abroad, it might convince others to get a card that doesn’t carry this extra cost.

Bonus points on grocery purchases

If you buy groceries often, this card could offer excellent value with two miles earned for every $1 spent on eligible purchases at grocery stores. Citi excludes discount stores and warehouse clubs from this bonus rate, but it could still be a good option for shoppers with big families who do most of their cooking at home.

Otherwise, the American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® earns two miles per $1 spent on eligible purchases with American Airlines and one mile for every $1 on all other purchases.

Depending on your spending habits, you may be able to earn miles quickly with this card. As with any rewards program, though, it’s important to consider if the bonus categories and earning rates match up with how you normally spend money. It’s not a good idea to spend more than you can comfortably afford to repay just to earn those points.

Smaller sign-up bonus

The American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® has a relatively low sign-up bonus of 15,000 miles after spending $1,000 on qualifying purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.

That’s far from the most lucrative sign-up bonus you’ll get from an American Airlines credit card.

Ultimately, the quality of this sign-up bonus depends on what you value. If you want to earn some extra bonus miles, then you might like this card. But if you want the most rewards possible or the ability to book a longer rewards flight sooner rather than later, you’ll probably want to look for another card.

Understanding your points and redemption options

The American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® allows travelers to redeem their miles for flights on American Airlines and its oneworld® airlines and partner airlines.

The starting rewards redemption for American Airlines is 7,500 miles per way for destinations in the 48 contiguous U.S. states.

Cardholders can also choose to use their miles to change their seating, book car rentals or buy a membership to American’s Admirals Club.

Who this card is good for

The American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® is a straightforward travel rewards card with no annual fee — but with few perks and benefits offered on eligible purchases made directly with American Airlines. This card may be best for less-frequent flyers who still tend to travel with American Airlines, don’t plan to go overseas and just want a simple way to earn miles.

But if you don’t spend a lot on groceries, you might get more value out of a more flexible travel rewards card with bonus categories that more closely fits your lifestyle.

Frequent American Airlines travelers may also want to consider another co-branded credit card with more perks, like free checked bags or boarding benefits.

Not sure this is the card for you? Consider these alternatives.

• Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®: This card is worth considering for American Airlines flyers who want more perks and benefits.
• Discover it® Miles: This card could be a better pick for people who fly multiple airlines but still want to pay no annual fee.

What you need to know about refinancing a student loan with Laurel Road

Laurel Road offers refinancing for both private and federal student loans. It doesn’t limit the maximum loan amount offered for bachelor’s and graduate degrees and offers a variety of loan terms and the option of a variable or fixed APR. But heads-up: You need to be a U.S. citizen or have a permanent green card — and meet other specific requirements regarding your degree type and school attended — to be eligible.

Here are some key features of a Laurel Road refinance loan.

• Loan amounts from $5,000 and up, with no maximum for most loans
• APRs comparable to some other student loan refinancing companies, though longer loans come with higher rates (with a max of 10% APR)
• Flexible loan terms up to 20 years
• Only U.S. citizens and qualified permanent residents are eligible
• No additional fees
• No prepayment penalties
• Earn money for referrals
• Easy online application
• Can apply for preapproval and see your potential rates in minutes
• Co-signer allowed

No maximum loan amount

Laurel Road offers refinancing on undergraduate or graduate student loan debt of at least $5,000 or higher with no maximum cap — if you meet certain conditions. The only exception is for loans for qualifying associate’s degrees in an eligible healthcare field, which are capped at a maximum of $50,000.

But before you take out a large loan, it’s a good idea to make sure that you have the means to pay it back in full and within the agreed-upon term, which can be as long as up to 20 years with Laurel Road.

Low variable and fixed APRs

Laurel Road offers variable and fixed annual percentage rates, or APRs. Having a loan with a low variable APR can mean lower payments. But a variable APR can change during the life of a loan, which can mean higher payments and more interest if the APR increases. Laurel Road caps its variable APR at 9% if you’re approved for a loan term of five to 10 years, and caps it at 10% if you’re approved for a loan term of more than 10 years.

Laurel Road also offers loans with fixed-rate APRs, which means your monthly payments shouldn’t change over the life of the loan — though fixed APRs start out higher than variable rates. There’s also an option to apply for a loan that is partly fixed and partly variable, which Laurel Road refers to as the “hybrid approach.”

Just keep in mind that there are some lenders out there offering rates similar to what Laurel Road offers. So you may want to consider applying for prequalification with several lenders — if they offer it — to see which lender will offer you the best rates. And your credit scores shouldn’t be affected since prequalification results in a soft credit inquiry.

But remember, prequalification doesn’t mean you’re approved for a loan. It just gives you an idea of what your rates and other terms might be if you are.

No fees

Many loans can come with hidden and hefty fees, like loan-origination fees. But Laurel Road doesn’t charge loan-origination or any other additional fees. And there are no prepayment penalties either, which means you pay the balance of your loan early without being charged a fee to do so.

Flexibility in length of loan

If you need more flexibility in the amount of your payment, you can also spread the amount of your loan over a longer loan term. Laurel Road offers loan terms as long as 20 years.

More details on Laurel Road loans

Laurel Road, which is owned by KeyBank, is primarily a student loan lender, but also offers online personal loans and mortgages.

Here are some important considerations when refinancing a student loan with Laurel Road.

• You can get a discount of 0.25 percentage points off your interest rate if you pay your loan via electronic funds transfer from your bank.
• Parents are also eligible to refinance student loans borrowed on behalf of children who have graduated, with the option of the new loan being in their name or their child’s name.
• Eligible associate’s degree loans, which must be in a qualifying healthcare field, are capped at a maximum of $50,000.
• Flexible loan terms, up to 20 years, can help you spread out payments for a lower monthly payment.

Who a Laurel Road refinance is good for

If you have student loan debt of at least $5,000 and you can meet the lender’s application requirements, then Laurel Road could be an option for you to refinance your student loans. These requirements include remaining employed while you’re in school and holding U.S. citizenship or permanent U.S. residency. And you must be pursuing a four-year undergraduate or graduate degree from a Title IV–accredited school, or be enrolled in your final term of an associate’s degree program in a qualifying healthcare field at a Title IV–eligible school. Medical and dental students are also eligible to refinance student loans once matched to a residency program.

Since Laurel Road doesn’t charge additional fees or have a limit on the maximum loan amount it offers — with the exception of applicants pursuing associate’s degrees — this lender could also be a good option if you can qualify for a lower APR and a loan term that matches your needs.

And parents who financed a student loan for a child who has graduated may also find Laurel Road is a good match for refinancing, whether you want to keep the debt in your name or your child’s.

How to apply for student loan refinancing with Laurel Road

Laurel Road says it allows you to get access to potential APR rates after you apply for prequalification online, which takes about two minutes — without affecting your credit scores.

The online prequalification process is simple and easy to navigate, with just three sections that ask for your personal information, employment and education information, and acceptance of key disclosures and policies.

After completing these sections, the lender runs a soft credit inquiry — with your approval — in order to provide you with conditional rates and loan terms. If you want to officially apply for a loan, you’ll then need to upload supporting documents, including recent pay stubs, current student loan payoff documents and a photo ID. This usually triggers a hard credit inquiry, which can negatively affect your credit scores.

If you’re approved, Laurel Road will give you final rates and terms, after which you’ll need to electronically sign all required documents via Laurel Road’s online dashboard to get the loan funded.

Laurel Road then directly pays your current student loans, with your first payment on your new loan due one month after your disbursement date.

Here’s the information you’ll need to have on hand to apply for a loan with Laurel Road.

• Full name and address
• Length of time at address
• Email address
• Date of birth
• U.S. citizenship status
• Total loan balance to refinance
• Employment status and annual income
• Education level, school attended and graduation date
• Social Security number
• Mortgage payment or total monthly rent

Not sure if a Laurel Road student loan is right for you? Consider this alternative.

• SoFi: SoFi offers additional benefits that include a discount on other loans with the lender and doesn’t cap the maximum amount for associate’s degree loans.

The process for transferring a car title varies by state, but generally involves a handful of steps. You can’t just hand it over.

Let’s take a look at how to transfer a car title, as well as what issues may arise, so you can get it done as quickly and easily as possible.

• What is a car title, and why do you need to transfer it?
• How do you transfer a car title?
• How much does a car title transfer cost?
• Potential challenges with car title transfers

What is a car title, and why do you need to transfer it?

A car title is proof of vehicle ownership. When a car is sold, the new owner needs the car title in order to establish ownership and register the vehicle.

How do you transfer a car title?

The process of transferring a car title varies slightly by state. The American Automobile Association has a handy list of title transfer laws by state, but it’s also a good idea to visit your local DMV or transportation agency website to verify what’s required where you live.

Generally, though, how you start the process can depend on how you go about selling your car, whether to a private party or to a dealer either for cash or as a trade-in.

If a private seller buys your car: You’ll need to fill out a title certificate, which may include listing the odometer reading, disclosing any damage and signing your name.

If you have a loan on your car: Your lender may hold the title, and you may need to contact it about next steps. Typically, once you pay off the loan, the bank will send you the title. Then, the bank will usually need to send your state’s transportation agency (like the Department of Motor Vehicles) a letter showing the loan has been paid and that the lien is satisfied.

Signing and transferring a car title

To transfer a car title to the new owner, you’ll need the physical title document. Then …

Sign the release. You’ll need to sign as instructed on the title as the seller to release ownership of the vehicle. Check to make sure any previous owners have also signed. Your signature may need to be notarized, so be sure to check your state’s requirements. Fill in the purchase date and price you’re selling the car for.

Transfer ownership. To transfer ownership, the buyer will typically need to fill out an application for a title with their state’s transportation agency. The buyer may also need to get a safety and/or emissions certificate.

The new buyer typically has a limited amount of time to transfer the title to their name. For example, in Washington state the title transfer should be completed within 15 days, otherwise the buyer may be charged additional fees.

Other required paperwork

In most cases, once you’ve filled out the title with the appropriate information, you’ll also need a bill of sale listing your vehicle’s sale price, along with the buyer’s title application. Each party can mail their paperwork to the appropriate transportation agency office, but it’ll be faster if you file the paperwork in person.

If you sell your car to a dealership, dealers aren’t required to change the title to the dealer’s name in some states — so the vehicle technically remains in your name until it’s sold to a private individual. In such cases, you may need to file a Vehicle Transfer Notification form with your state’s DMV showing that you’ve sold the vehicle to a dealer.

Transferring it online

In most cases, you’ll be required to either file your paperwork in person at the state’s DMV or mail it.

The state of California allows residents to start the process online at NeedTags.com, but they’ll still need to mail the paperwork.

How much does a car title transfer cost?

The cost to transfer your title varies by state, but here are a few examples: Alaska and Michigan charge a $15 to $16 fee, while Minnesota charges about $8 and Connecticut charges $25. There may also be sales tax.

Additionally, in some states, transferring a title between immediate family members may reduce the fee or exempt you from taxes.

Potential challenges with car title transfers

If you’re buying or selling a car out of state or if you can’t find your original title, you may have to navigate a few more steps to the title transfer process.

For out of state plates, you may need to verify the vehicle’s identification number, or VIN — and fees may be slightly different.

If you can’t find your current title, most states allow you to request a duplicate. Again, though, that’ll probably cost an additional fee.

Keep in mind that if the car title isn’t properly transferred to the buyer’s name, depending on the state, you may be held responsible for any fees or crimes associated with the car, like tolls, tickets and more. The state of Texas recommends going with the buyer to the DMV to ensure the car title is filed properly.

Bottom line

Now that you’ve got all your ducks in a row, you’re ready to head to your local transportation agency with the proper paperwork to make sure you’ve legally and properly handed off your car to its new owner.

Updated September 27, 2024

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: Lyn Mettler

Pros

• No annual fee
• Simple rewards makes planning your purchases less complicated
• Simple redemption options

Cons

• Less generous sign-up bonus compared with other travel cards
• Best for people who fly only once or twice per year

The key features of the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

Simple rewards

Some travel credit cards offer differing amounts of points or miles per $1 spent based on the category of purchase you make, such as travel, dining or gas. But the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card earns a flat 1.25 miles per $1 across every purchase, no matter the category, though you’ll get an additional 5 miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars that you choose to book through Capital One Travel.

The straightforward rewards help to simplify earning miles — plus, you don’t have to track your purchases closely to reap the card’s rewards.

No annual fee

One of the most appealing features of the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is that its travel rewards come with no annual fee.

By comparison, this card’s sibling, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, charges an annual fee of $95.

You get a higher flat rewards rate for that fee — two miles per $1 on all purchases — but that boost won’t be worth the cost for everyone. (The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card also offers five miles per $1 on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars that you book through Capital One Travel.)

Decent sign-up bonus

The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card offers 20,000 bonus miles after spending $500 on purchases in the first 3 months after the account opens. That’s not an especially lucrative offer from a travel card, but keep in mind that you don’t have to pay an annual fee to get this benefit.

By contrast the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months after the account opens. Capital One miles are worth 1 cent each when redeemed for travel, so those 75,000 additional miles come out to roughly another $750 in benefits.

Of course, the lower spending requirement on the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card might be more attractive to someone who doesn’t typically charge around $1,000 in expenses to a credit card each month. While sign-up bonuses can be enticing, you probably don’t want to add unnecessary expenses to your budget just to hit the spending requirement.

Simple rewards redemption

One of the best features of the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is the ease with which you can redeem miles.

Miles can be redeemed at a flat value of 1 cent per mile on travel, including hotels, airfare, car rentals, taxis and more. For example, if you have 20,000 miles, you could redeem that for $200 worth of travel purchases.

The redemption process is as simple as charging the expense to your card. You can then redeem your miles and Capital One will credit your account toward your qualifying purchase. Take note that these requests must be made no later than 90 days after the purchase posts to your account.

You can also get significant value on travel purchases by instead transferring Capital One miles directly to one of its participating airlines.

Other benefits you need to know

The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card comes with a variety of other helpful benefits that can be helpful for travelers.

Here are some of its additional perks.

• Rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
• The card charges no foreign transaction fees, which is handy when traveling internationally.

Understanding your travel redemption options

Redeeming your miles earned with Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is about as easy as a rewards program gets. You can choose one of several ways to redeem your miles.

First, you can simply charge the travel or other qualifying expense to your card. Then, within 90 days of the charge posting to your account, you can request a statement credit for the purchase.

Each mile you redeem for travel or another qualifying expense has a value of 1 cent — for example, to cover a travel purchase of $200, you’d need 20,000 miles. Even if you don’t have enough miles to fully cover a purchase though, you can still redeem some to cover part of the cost.

You can also redeem your rewards by booking your travel directly through CapitalOne.com or calling the Capital One Rewards Center. Both systems allow you to book flights, car rentals or hotels, and use miles to pay for the purchases. Each mile is equal to 1 cent in value for these travel redemptions, too.

Finally, cardholders may choose to transfer their miles directly to select airlines.

If you’re not planning a trip any time soon but still want to get value from your miles, you can redeem them for cash back (via check or account credit), gift cards and more options. Capital One doesn’t promise a consistent value for your points if you choose these options, though, so make sure to consider the available offers before making your decision.

Who this card is good for

The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is a good option for people who want to use travel rewards for simple savings on trips one or two times a year without paying an annual fee.

Also, if you’d rather not keep track of rotating categories or types of purchases that earn differing numbers of points or miles, this card may be a good one for you. It keeps rewards-earning simple with a steady number of miles earned for most purchases.

This card is not ideal for someone who wants more lucrative travel rewards. And those who travel especially infrequently might want to take a look at a cash back rewards card instead.

Not sure this is the card for you? Consider these alternatives.

• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: This card could be a better option for those who travel more frequently.
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: This card is a good option for travelers who typically spend more on dining out and travel.

When it comes to getting to your departing plane more quickly, there are a handful of options to make different parts of the process faster, including Clear. Different than TSA Pre✓®, Clear is a private-company operation, not government-run — and it makes the document-check portion of the TSA security line faster by verifying your identity using fingerprints and an eye scan. Passengers then proceed to the physical check portion of security, where they can use TSA’s standard lines or TSA Pre✓® to move through faster.

We’ll take a look at how Clear works, what to expect when you enter one of its security lines, what it costs and how to save on membership. We’ll also give some tips for deciding if Clear is right for you.

What is Clear?

Clear is a company that has developed a method of verifying your identity without using standard documents like passports and driver’s licenses. Instead, the process verifies who you are through a scan of your fingerprints and a snapshot of your eyes that checks your irises.

Airport security screening involves two parts: a line for checking your identity, and a second line for physical screening and running carry-on items through an X-ray machine.

When using Clear at an airport, you can expedite the first part of the process — the identity check. It’s not a replacement for TSA Pre✓®, but can be an addition to it.

Once you’re in the Clear system, “you simply present your boarding pass to be scanned, then look into the eye scanner and put your fingers on the scanner,” explains Andy Abramson, a Southern California-based communications company CEO and Clear member who travels frequently. “You’re cleared in about five to 10 seconds.”

With your identity verified, a Clear staff member escorts you directly to the physical screening line. If you’re also a TSA Pre✓® member, they’ll take you to the TSA Pre✓® expedited lanes for physical screening. Either way, you’ll need to go through this second part of the screening process.

Where is Clear available?

Be aware that Clear does not yet operate in every airport or in every terminal at its current locations. If you’re a member, you’ll want to check availability before arrival.

Below, you can find a list of the 27 U.S. airports where Clear is currently available. You can also check out the most up-to-date information on availability at Clear’s website.

How much does Clear decrease time in security lines?

Clear can be a good complement to TSA Pre✓® or Global Entry to further reduce time in security lines.

“Being both [TSA Pre✓®] and Clear is like cutting ahead of everyone else in line and saves lots of time, especially in overcrowded airports,” Abramson says.

Clear can also feel like a more exclusive experience. Stephanie Miller, founder of The Scenic Suitcase travel blog, points out that while airport security sometimes may allow people to cut to the front of long lines for physical security check in order to ease wait times, the Clear line is always restricted only to Clear members. This makes Clear lines pretty dependably quick, while TSA Pre✓® can sometimes take longer than expected.

“I’ve breezed through airport security in less than two minutes on a holiday weekend when the regular security line was wrapped through the terminal and down the hall,” Miller says.

How do I apply for Clear?

To enroll in Clear, you must be 18 or older with valid U.S. identification. You can start the registration process online, but then you have to complete it with a five-minute visit to any Clear location (the same sites where you can use the service). For airports, the Clear website notes exactly where you can find the enrollment office. If you can’t or don’t want to do the first part of registration online, you can complete the entire process at the Clear enrollment center.

How much does Clear cost?

The standard cost for Clear is $179 per year. That membership allows you to add up to three family members (aged 18 and older) to your plan for an additional $50 per person per year.

However, there are some ways you can reduce or eliminate the full cost. Delta SkyMiles members have access to reduced or free memberships. Diamond Medallion members receive free membership, while Platinum, Gold and Silver Medallion members can enroll for $79 per year. Delta SkyMiles members who don’t hold elite status can get Clear at a discounted rate of $99 per year.

To receive the Delta SkyMiles discount, start your application at ClearMe.com/Delta or at any Clear enrollment location and have your SkyMiles number available.

Is Clear right for you?

There are a few things to consider when deciding if Clear is a good option for you.

Jacob Fu, co-founder of the Local Adventurer travel blog, advises first ensuring your local airport has Clear. “You should also check to see what terminals they serve,” he says. “Even though they have a presence at the airports here, they don’t necessarily service every terminal.”

If your primary airport doesn’t have Clear, you might want to hold off until it does.

Fu also recommends considering how busy the airports are where you will use Clear most.

Large airports like JFK “have long TSA Pre✓® lines, so [Clear] definitely helps you save time. Small- to midsized airports may not deal with issues of long lines at TSA Pre✓®,” he says.

In other words, Clear may not be as helpful if your primary airport’s security lines are generally not long anyway.

For many people, the biggest downside to Clear is its annual cost of $179. However, if you can reduce or offset the fee through a Delta SkyMiles membership, it could be worth it for frequent travelers.

No one likes to wait at the airport. Not for a delayed flight, not for a long check-in line, and certainly not in a security screening line that stretches farther than you can see.

Enter TSA PreCheck, a system from the U.S. government’s Trusted Traveler Programs that allows prescreened passengers of most major airports and airlines to bypass the standard security line and get in an expedited lane.

What is TSA PreCheck?

TSA PreCheck allows U.S. passengers who have undergone a background check to go through a dedicated security line separate from that of the general public. In fact, according to the TSA, 99% of those holding TSA PreCheck wait less than 10 minutes in the security line.

Travelers in the TSA PreCheck line also don’t have to remove shoes, belts, or light outerwear like sweaters and jackets. Laptops and liquids or gels of 3.4 ounces or less can also stay put during screening. If you travel with only carry-on luggage, the airport experience can be much faster and simpler.

Passengers who are approved for TSA PreCheck are issued a Known Traveler Number good for five years. That number should then be included in any airline reservations to ensure inclusion on the passenger’s boarding pass and admittance to the expedited security lanes. Kids 12 and younger can travel with a parent who has TSA PreCheck without having their own Known Traveler Number.

How to apply and pay for TSA PreCheck

If you’ve decided that TSA PreCheck would be a good addition to your travel plans, you’ll need to go through a series of steps before you’re issued a Known Traveler Number.

First, you’ll need to complete an online application with some basic information. Then, you’ll need to schedule an appointment at a local enrollment center.

At your in-person appointment, which takes about 10 minutes, you’ll have to present some identification documents; get fingerprinted; and pay your $85 fee.

Most applicants are notified of their approval in three to five days, but some applications can take up to 60 days.

How to cover the TSA PreCheck cost

The TSA PreCheck cost is $85 per individual and is good for five years. But you may already have the ability to cover the cost with your existing credit cards and rewards memberships.

Several premium travel credit cards provide a credit for TSA PreCheck for cardholders.

Paying for TSA PreCheck with credit card statement credits

Here are four popular travel credit cards that offer a TSA PreCheck credit, plus some information on how to take advantage of the credit.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

• During enrollment, charge the $85 fee to your Chase Sapphire Reserve® card.
• A statement credit for $85 will be automatically posted to your account within one to two billing cycles, so you’ll see both the charge and the credit.
• You can earn only one Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit once every four years.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

• Use your Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card to pay the $85 TSA PreCheck fee during enrollment.
• The credit will appear on your statement within two billing cycles.
• You can only earn the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit once every four years, and your account must be in good standing.

Platinum Card® from American Express

• Pay your $85 TSA PreCheck enrollment fee with your Platinum Card® from American Express.
• You’ll receive a credit for the charge within eight weeks.
• You can receive one statement credit every four years for Global Entry or every 4.5 years for TSA PreCheck (depending on which you charge to your account first).

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

• Pay your $85 TSA PreCheck enrollment fee with your IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card.
• A statement credit in the amount of the enrollment fee will be posted to your account within one to two billing cycles.
• You may earn one TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or Nexus statement credit every four years.

The official TSA website includes a complete list of travel credit cards that offer a TSA PreCheck statement credit.

Paying for TSA PreCheck with rewards program points

Additionally, if you’re a member of various travel loyalty programs for hotels and airlines, you may be able to use your rewards points to purchase TSA PreCheck.

Here’s one sample loyalty program with guidance on how to redeem your points for TSA PreCheck.

United MileagePlus

• Log in to your MileagePlus account at United.com.
• Navigate to the Security Fees section of the site.
• United MileagePlus members can get TSA PreCheck for 11,000 miles.
• Purchase TSA PreCheck with your miles to receive a payment code.
• Pay with your code at the TSA PreCheck enrollment center.
• You can buy up to 10 codes a year for friends and family.

Bottom line

If a quicker path through the airport would make your travel experience better, consider getting TSA PreCheck for yourself and your loved ones. Before you do, though, see if you can cover the purchase with a rewards credit card or by using miles and points from your favorite travel loyalty program.

Considering a Sears credit card and wondering which is the right one for you?

Both the Sears Card® and the Sears Shop Your Way Mastercard® offer some benefits for Sears and Kmart shoppers — Sears Holdings Corporation is the parent company for both retailers — but there are also downsides that keep us from being able to recommend either as a great option.

We’ll show you exactly what’s beneficial and what to look out for with these department store credit cards, and explain why a more flexible cash back credit card may be a better bet.

• Which Sears credit card has the best rewards program?
• Other Sears credit card benefits
• What to consider when applying for a Sears credit card
• Which card is right for you?

Which Sears credit card has the best rewards program?

Sears and Kmart participate in the Shop Your Way points program, which allows you to earn points on your purchases at a variety of participating retailers, including Sears, Kmart, Lands’ End and MyGofer.com.

With the Shop Your Way program, you’ll earn at least 10 base points for every $1 spent. Points can then be redeemed for items both online and in store at a handful of retailers, including Sears and Kmart. One thousand points equal $1 when you redeem.

Holders of both the Sears Card® and Sears Shop Your Way Mastercard® are automatically enrolled in the Shop Your Way program. But those with the Shop Your Way Mastercard® have the added opportunity of earning additional points for purchases in certain categories, like gas and groceries, though they might be limited by an annual cap.

The points you earn through Shop Your Way can only be used at participating retailers though, like Sears and Kmart. In contrast, flexible cash back cards often allow you to use the cash you earn wherever you want (depending on how you redeem it).

Other Sears credit card benefits

Neither Sears credit card offers great benefits other than occasional deferred-interest promotions, which may give you low interest for your purchases for a set amount of time.

But if you don’t pay off the balance in full by the end of a specified promotional period, all the interest on that purchase could be charged to your account (and these cards charge high interest rates). So you should consider whether it’s worth the risk.

What to consider when applying for a Sears credit card

While these cards may offer deals that sound appealing as you’re standing at the register, you could end up paying more in interest than you bargained for. You’ll also be sacrificing the flexibility that can come with general cash back and rewards cards.

“Store credit cards can be tempting, especially when they come with immediate and sometimes deeper discounts on your purchases,” said Katie Ross, education and development manager for American Consumer Credit Counseling.

But it’s important to consider if a promotional rate is worth the risk of high interest in the event you can’t pay the balance before the promotional window ends.

Along with the high interest rates, you should also consider the potential impact on your credit. Ross warns that credit limits are generally low on retailer credit cards. Coming close to your limit on a card can impact your credit utilization, which is a factor in determining your credit scores.

In Ross’ opinion, “Consumers are better off using a secured card that they may already have instead of a snap decision of applying for a store card to save on that day only.”

Flying in or out of Boston soon? Don’t miss the opportunity to spend your preflight or layover time in a relaxing airport lounge instead of the busy main terminals.

Boston Logan International Airport has three Priority Pass™ lounges, plus two restaurants where you can receive discounts if you have a Priority Pass™ membership: One restaurant is located in Terminal B, one lounge and a restaurant are in Terminal C, and two lounges are in Terminal E (where most international flights arrive).

Things you should know about Priority Pass™ lounges at Boston Logan International Airport

Priority Pass™ lounges and restaurants with discounts for cardholders at the Boston airport include …

• Stephanie’s — Terminal B
• The Lounge — Terminal C
• Jerry Remy’s Sports Bar and Grill — Terminal C
• The Club — Terminal E
• Air France Lounge — Terminal E

Stephanie’s: Terminal B

Terminal B doesn’t have any lounges, but you can use your Priority Pass™ membership to get a discounted meal at Stephanie’s, a restaurant offering “sophisticated comfort food in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere,” according to the Priority Pass™ website.

Priority Pass™ members are welcome to use their discounts at the restaurant, which is open from 4:30 a.m. until closing, which is 30 minutes before the last scheduled flight departure. With your membership card and a same-day boarding pass, you can get $28 off your bill at Stephanie’s, which will count as a single lounge visit. If you bring a guest, you can receive $56 off your bill.

You’ll find Stephanie’s after you pass security on the departures level across from Gate B24. 

The Lounge: Terminal C

If you’re in Terminal C, you can visit a Priority Pass™ lounge that’s called, simply, The Lounge. You’ll find it across from Gate C19 on the concourse level.

The Lounge offers plentiful seating and a number of amenities including …

• Refreshments
• Alcoholic beverages
• Wi-Fi
• TV
• Flight information
• Local faxing

Guests are welcome to bring children two years and younger at no additional cost. This lounge also allows you to use your Priority Pass™ digital membership card to gain access.

The Lounge is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day. If it becomes too busy, you may be denied access, particularly from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Jerry Remy’s Sports Bar and Grill: Terminal C

Before you cross through security at Terminal C, you can use your Priority Pass™ membership to get a discounted meal at Jerry Remy’s Sports Bar and Grill, located on the departures level across from the Alaska Airlines check-in counter.

The restaurant, named after Boston icon Jerry Remy, a commentator for Boston Red Sox broadcasts and former Major League Baseball player, offers classic New England fare. Priority Pass™ members can use their cards to gain access from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

With your membership card (and boarding pass with same-day travel), you can get $28 off your meal and/or drinks at the restaurant — which represents one lounge visit using your membership card. And if you bring one guest, you can get $56 off your final bill.

The Club: Terminal E

The Club, which also accepts the digital membership card, which you can access on the Priority Pass™ app, allows you to bring children 2 years and younger at no additional cost.

The lounge offers a number of amenities including …

• Wi-Fi
• Shower
• Refreshments
• Alcoholic beverages
• TV
• Flight information
• Fax

You’ll find The Club after you’ve gone through security in Terminal E. Turn left, take the elevator down one level and look for the lounge sign. This lounge is open daily from 5:30 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Air France Lounge: Terminal E

Although this lounge is named the Air France Lounge, as long as you hold a Priority Pass™ or Priority Pass™ Select membership, you don’t need to be flying Air France to access the lounge. Simply show your membership card or your digital membership card to be admitted.

Located in Terminal E, you’ll find this lounge by turning right after you pass through security and taking the designated lounge elevator or stairs down to the lounge.

The lounge allows a maximum stay of three hours. Only children younger than 2 are admitted free. Inside, you’ll find plenty of seating along with amenities including …

• Wi-Fi
• Flight information
• Alcoholic drinks
• Refreshments
• TV
• Fax

The Air France lounge is open from 11:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. every day.

How to get Priority Pass™ lounge access

To access one of these relaxing spots in Boston to await your flight, you’ll need to either purchase a membership plan directly with Priority Pass™, which can cost between $99 and $429 annually, or have a premium credit card that offers cardholders Priority Pass™ Select membership.

If you purchase a membership, the plan you choose determines how much you pay when you visit lounges in the network.

• Standard: $99 annual fee; $32 per visit for you and each guest
• Standard plus: $299 annual fee; 10 free visits for you (then $32 per visit), plus $32 per visit for each guest
• Prestige: $429 annual fee; free visits for you, $32 per visit for each guest

Those who hold travel credit cards that offer Priority Pass™ Select membership typically still need to enroll in the Priority Pass™ Select program in order to access the lounges. You can typically activate your membership online or by calling your credit card issuer. Contact your card issuer to find out how to enroll in Priority Pass™ Select membership.

Bottom line

Before you head to Boston Logan International Airport for your next flight, be sure to research the various Priority Pass™ lounges and restaurants available to find the one closest to your departure gate. Having an hour or so to relax in peace and quiet before heading to your destination could be a wonderful treat.

If you’re looking for Priority Pass lounge access at LaGuardia Airport, you’re now out of luck. But the good news is that there are several other airport lounges to choose from when traveling to and from the Big Apple.

The LaGuardia Airport’s new Terminal B features several notable lounges, including the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge and the United Club lounge. And some American Express cardholders can also take advantage of the airport’s complimentary access to the Centurion Lounge.

If you’re looking for a spot to rest and relax at the airport, here are several alternatives to Priority Pass lounges at LaGuardia Airport.

Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounge

Formerly part of the Priority Pass network of lounges, the Maple Leaf Lounge at LaGuardia opened in December 2018 in the airport’s Terminal B concourse. The lounge is on the second level of the concourse near departure gates 49, 50 and 51.

There are a variety of ways to access the lounge. You can get in by purchasing Premium Rouge, Signature or Business Class tickets, holding select elite status with Air Canada or purchasing a day pass (starting at $25 with certain fares). You can also purchase an annual membership starting at $495 CAD per year. Some of the airline’s co-branded credit cards can also grant you access.

Centurion Lounge

American Express has a Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia, which is also in Terminal B. This lounge is located before the security checkpoint, and you’ll find it between Concourses B and C on the third floor.

In this American Express lounge, you can nosh on locally inspired cuisine paired with a cocktail. There’s also Wi-Fi, TVs, workspaces and computers.

Platinum Card® from American Express cardholders can also visit this lounge, though you must be departing from LaGuardia that same day. You can also bring two guests into the lounge with you for no additional fee.

United Club

United Airlines’ United Club, also in LaGuardia’s Terminal B, opened in June 2019 and is situated after security with views of the tarmac.

You can access this lounge by flying business class or first class on United or a Star Alliance member airline. You can also visit if you hold Star Alliance Gold status, purchase a United Club membership ($650 or 85,000 miles for a general membership), or purchase a United Club one-time pass for $59.

Alternatively, you can receive a complimentary United Club membership if you have the United Club℠ Infinite Card, and you get two one-time passes for the United Club with the United℠ Explorer Card.

Delta Sky Club

Delta typically has three Sky Club lounges at LGA, including one in Terminal D (before Gate 2) and two in Terminal C (one across from the food court and one by Gate 28).

Travelers can access a Delta Sky Club by purchasing an annual membership for $545 or 54,500 miles.

If Cambodia, Hong Kong, Bangkok, India or even Vancouver are on your list of must-visit travel destinations, Cathay Pacific may get you there.

The airline introduced its first credit cards for the U.S. market in 2017, including the Cathay Pacific Visa Signature® card. The Asia Miles you can earn with this card can be redeemed for flights on Cathay Pacific or with partner carriers, such as American Airlines, Alaska Airlines and Air China.

The Cathay Pacific Visa Signature® card is currently offering a hefty sign-up bonus. You can earn up to 50,000 bonus Asia Miles: 30,000 after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first 90 days your account is open, and then another 20,000 when you hit the $8,000 mark in purchases within the first six months.

But if you’re considering this card, be aware it doesn’t offer the flexibility and points-earning potential of many flexible travel cards.

• The rundown: Everything we like about the Cathay Pacific Visa Signature® card
• Heads up: What you should consider before applying for the Cathay Pacific Visa Signature® card
• Do the math: Ways to get the most out of the Cathay Pacific Visa Signature® card
• The competition: How does it compare with similar cards?

The rundown: Everything we like about the Cathay Pacific Visa Signature® card

While you will earn two Asia Miles for every $1 spent on eligible travel and in-flight purchases with the airline, a more unusual benefit of the Cathay Pacific Visa Signature® card is that you can earn 1.5 Asia Miles per $1 spent on purchases outside the United States.

The Cathay Pacific Visa Signature® card also earns 1.5 Asia Miles per $1 spent on all dining purchases, whether you’re in the U.S. or abroad.

Another perk is the 12 months of Green membership to the Marco Polo Club, the airline’s loyalty program, which normally costs $100. With club membership, you can …

• Use Asia Miles to book seats with extra legroom
• Enjoy priority boarding for members only (no guests)
• Use Asia Miles to bring extra baggage
• Use Asia Miles to access business class lounges

Finally, the card comes with exclusive opportunities to redeem Asia Miles for discounted awards tickets. You’ll also get a 10% discount on Asia Miles you gift as well as on mileage renewal fees and mileage transfer fees.

Heads up: What you should consider before applying for the Cathay Pacific Visa Signature® card

The Cathay Pacific Visa Signature® card comes with a $95 annual fee.

Another thing to keep in mind is that you’re not eligible to receive the current sign-up bonus if you currently have or have had this card or the Cathay Pacific Visa® card.

Do the math: Ways to get the most out of the Cathay Pacific Visa Signature® card

The card can be valuable for its sign-up bonus and side benefits, like the Marco Polo Club membership. But once you hit the sign-up bonus, consider making your day-to-day purchases with a flexible travel rewards card that earns more points per $1 spent in certain categories instead.

While the Cathay Pacific Visa Signature® card does earn two miles per $1 spent on eligible Cathay Pacific purchases, you could still earn more with other cards. The Citi Prestige® Card, for example, gets you an impressive five ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on air travel and restaurants, and three points per $1 on hotels.

The competition: How does it compare with similar cards?

There are a variety of other travel credit cards that may let you earn or transfer points to Asia Miles or airlines that fly to similar destinations. Several allow you to earn more points per $1 spent on various categories. Some even waive the first year’s annual fee.

Bottom line: Is the Cathay Pacific Visa Signature® card right for you?

Although the card comes with a big sign-up bonus if you hit the spending requirements, you can find other airline cards out there with even better deals.

So if you’re ready to use Asia Miles to hop to Cambodia, Hong Kong, Bangkok or another travel destination, the Cathay Pacific Visa Signature® card might be right for you.

*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.

This offer is no longer available on our site: USAA® Cashback Rewards Plus American Express® Card

If you’re on active-duty status with the military, you could get special credit card perks and benefits.

Qualifying active-duty service members are entitled to certain financial benefits and protections through the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, or SCRA. But beyond that, certain credit card issuers offer other perks you should know about.

Here are Credit Karma’s picks for the best cards for military service members.

• Best for travel rewards: Platinum Card® from American Express
• Best for rewards on base: USAA® Cashback Rewards Plus American Express® Card
• Best for cash back: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
• Best for balance transfers: USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card

Best for travel rewards: Platinum Card® from American Express

Here’s why: This card offers excellent travel perks — but the biggest perk may be that American Express may waive its hefty $695 annual fee for active-duty military members.

In fact, American Express may waive the annual fee for any of its cards for qualifying active-duty military once they’re enrolled and approved for SCRA benefits, which makes this premium card a much less expensive option.

The Platinum Card® from American Express offers many outstanding travel benefits, including …

• Credit of up to $200 per calendar year for baggage fees and other expenses at one qualifying airline
• $15 in Uber credits for U.S. rides or eats orders every month (plus a bonus $20 in December)
• Up to $100 credit every four years for Global Entry application fees — or every 4.5 years for TSA PreCheck application fees
• No foreign transaction fees

You’ll also earn five Membership Rewards points per $1 spent on eligible hotels booked through AmexTravel.com, and five points per $1 spent on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel on up to $500,000 spent per calendar year, then one point per $1.

Read reviews to learn more about the Platinum Card® from American Express.

Best for rewards on base: USAA® Cashback Rewards Plus American Express® Card

Here’s why: The USAA® Cashback Rewards Plus American Express® Card helps military personnel stationed on a military base maximize their cash back benefits.

The USAA® Cashback Rewards Plus American Express® Card offers 5% cash back on your first $3,000 in combined gas and qualifying military base purchases each calendar year. After spending $3,000, you’ll earn 1% back. Qualifying purchases at military bases include those at commissaries, exchanges and shoppettes.

You’ll also earn 2% cash back on the first $3,000 you spend on supermarket purchases each year (then 1% back). On all other purchases, you’ll get 1% cash back.

The card has an annual fee of $0 — and foreign transaction fees? None. But you’ll need to join USAA to be able to apply for the card. Both active-duty and retired service members are eligible to join, among other military-affiliated people and their families.

Find out why we think the USAA® Cashback Rewards Plus American Express® Card is one of the best USAA cards.

Best for cash back: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Here’s why: You can maximize your cash rewards with the everyday bonus categories offered by the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express — and if you’re a qualifying active-duty service member, you might not have to worry about balancing your rewards with the card’s regular annual fee.

That’s because the annual fee ($0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95) may be waived for qualifying active-duty service members who are enrolled and approved for SCRA benefits. With no cost to hold it each year you qualify, any rewards you earn with the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express can go straight into your pocket.

The card offers …

• 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in purchases per year (then 1%)
• 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
• 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit
• 1% cash back on other purchases

You’ll earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first 6 months after account opening.

Take note though, this card has a 2.7% foreign transaction fee.

Check out our full review of Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express for more details.

Best for balance transfers: USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card

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USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card

USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card

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Here’s why: The USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card offers a 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers that post to your account within 90 days of opening. Balance transfers have a fee of 5% of the amount of each Balance Transfer.

After your active duty or balance transfer intro period ends, there will be a variable regular APR of 12.15% - 26.15% for purchases, cash advances and balance transfers.

The card has a $0 annual fee — and its foreign transaction fees? None. Just remember that you need to join USAA to apply — both active-duty and retired service members are eligible, as well as other military-affiliated people and their families.

Check out our review of the USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card for more details.

How we picked these cards

To select these cards, we looked for options that offered the best benefits for active-duty military members. We also considered cards that offer special benefits to military, like waived annual fees or lower interest rates for set periods.

We provided alternatives based on the interests and needs of different cardholders, such as frequent travel, earning cash back, or even making the most of your time on base by earning rewards on your purchases while deployed.

How to make the most of cards for the military

Here are a few tips when it comes to the SCRA and choosing the best credit card for you when you’re in the military.

Apply for SCRA benefits

The SCRA caps the interest that eligible active-duty service members can be charged on credit card debt built up before entering active-duty military service to 6%.

There is an exception — a creditor could ask a court to decide whether your ability to pay a higher interest rate is not materially affected by your military service. But if not covered by that exception, eligible active-duty service members will only have to pay 6% interest on credit card debt they already had before starting military service. To learn more about the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, visit the SCRA website.

Consider your needs

If you travel frequently, you may want to select a card that offers travel benefits like credits for airline or hotel purchases. If you’re working to reduce a balance on a high-interest-rate card, you may want to consider a credit card with an intro APR offer on balance transfers. You can even maximize your spending on base with certain cards that can net you cash back.

Contact your card issuer

Even if you’re not in the market for a new card, check with your current credit card issuers to see if they offer any special benefits to service members. Some credit card companies go above and beyond, offering lower rates and even waived annual fees to eligible active-duty service members.

*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.