If you’re searching for the best credit cards to have in 2018, you’re in the right place.
Did you know we tend to spend more (in one go) with a credit card than we are a debit card by approximately 39%?
In light of this, we want to make sure you reap as many benefits as you possibly can when you use your card!
So without further ado let’s dive into our five favorite credit cards.
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FIRST PROGRESS PLATINUM SELECT MASTERCARD® SECURED CREDIT CARD
- Receive Your Card More Quickly with New Expedited Processing Option.
- No Credit History or Minimum Credit Score Required for Approval.
*See Card Terms.Show more APPLY NOWIssuer Synovus BankRegular APRAnnual FeeCredit LineCredit Recommended14.74%$39$2,000Damaged/Fair
1.) Chase Sapphire Preferred
If you’re into traveling, then this is the credit card for you. There are so many reasons why we love this card!
Firstly, it comes with a sign-up bonus of 50,000 points (after you’ve spent $4,000 over three months).
There are several ways you can redeem these points.
You can either access the points through Chase’s travel portal and spend $625 on the travel industry
Alternatively, you can redeem your 50,000 points and claim $500 in statement credits or gift cards.
Plus, the annual fee is undeniably reasonable.
Also, you can double your points when you spend money on Chase’s travel and dining partners. Here are some of the travel partners Chase works alongside:
- United
- Southwest Airlines
- British Airways Avios
- Hyatt
- Marriott
Plus, if you add another user to your account you’ll earn an extra 5,000 points (after they’ve purchased within the same three month period).
In light of all the above information, you can see why we rave about the Chase Sapphire reserve card. It certainly isn’t surprising why we think this is one of the best credit cards to have!
2.) Discover It(R) Cashback Match(Tm)
At the time of writing, this card offers some of the highest cashback rates within the credit card industry.
However, don’t get caught out, because this card doesn’t always include all purchases made in one go. Plus, you have to remember to activate these offers via your online account.
All that aside, you can earn 5% cash back from different merchants each quarter.
Examples of limited-time partners/industries include:
- Gas stations
- Supermarkets
- Eateries
- Amazon
- Wholesale stores
We love that there’s no annual fee! Plus, Discover offers 1% cash back on every purchase beyond the listed seasonal specials.
However, its the first-year bonus which users can’t get enough of. This is how it works when the year ends; Discover It Card will match the total amount of cash back you earned!
This means for the first year you hold this card you’ll receive a minimum of 2% cash back, as well as the 10% on specialized seasonal purchases- all of which is doubled at the end of the year.
At present, no other card offers that kind of cash back return!
3.) Blue Cash Preferred(R) from American Express
Several things make this card stand out. Firstly, you get $200 worth of statement credit when you spend $1,000 within the first three months of receiving your card.
You’ll also get 6% cash back when you use your card in U.S. supermarkets (however, the limit is $6,000 per year, then it drops down to 1%). So, if you spend $60 a week in supermarkets, you’ll earn $180 back annually!
Plus, this card boasts 3% cash back when you use your card in U.S. gas stations and 1% when you shop in listed US department stores.
Also, there’s a super low introductory APR offer of 0%. This lasts for your first year of purchases and balance transfers. After that, the rate will vary.
If that doesn’t get you excited, you’ll be pleased to hear that American Express is continually expanding the merchants they take on.
Last year over one million places in America started accepting American Express Blue Cash cards.
Finally, you can also get cash back in the form of Reward Dollars. You can redeem these dollars in the way of statement credits, gift cards, or, merchandise.
All in all, this is certainly one of the best credit cards to have.
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BONSAI FINANCE
Our take:Online marketplace that searches through lenders to find the best offer for your personal situationShow more APPLY NOWCredit ScoreLoan Size/AmountLoan TermAPROrigination FeeAll can apply$100 – $15,0001 – 604.99% – 1,386%Varies by lender
4.) Citi(R) Double Cash Card
With this card, you can earn cash back on every purchase. You’ll receive unlimited 1% cash back when you buy something and another 1% when you pay off your credit card balance.
However, balance transfers don’t earn you cash back- so don’t get caught out by that!
As an introductory offer, Citi Double Cash allows 0% APR on balance transfers for the first 18 months. After that, you’ll have to pay a variable APR, depending on your credit score.
Plus, there are no categories to track or an annual fee to pay- what’s not to love about that?!
5.) U.S. Bank Cash+(Tm) Visa Signature(R) Card
There are numerous benefits to taking out this credit card. When you sign up, you’ll get $150 after you’ve spent $500 in eligible net purchases (within the first three months of receiving your card).
Plus, you’re able to earn 5% cash back when you spend $2,000 on eligible net purchases per quarter (across your chosen two categories from U.S Bank’s list).
You’ll also receive 2% cash back on your choice of everyday category. For example gas or groceries. As well as 1% cash back on all other eligible (net) purchases.
However, the best thing about this card is that there isn’t a limit on the total amount of cash back you can earn!
Plus, you don’t pay APR on any balance transfers during your first 12 billing cycles, and there’s no annual fee!
After that, you’ll have to pay a variable rate.
If that wasn’t enough for you, U.S Bank was named the most ethical company by the Ethisphere Institute in March 2017- way to go U.S Bank!
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