What credit cards are you actually keeping long-term, and why?
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Best credit cards for 800+ credit scores?
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Do store cards make good beginner credit cards?
A store card can help you build credit, but this type of card often has higher interest rates than general-use credit cards. The Amazon Prime Secured Card* could be worth considering for those who often shop at Amazon.com. It earns 2% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh and more for eligible Prime members, non members do not currently earn rewards with this card. It also has a lower-than-average 10.00% fixed rate APR on purchases.
What’s the difference between a beginner card and a card for bad credit?
While a beginner credit card is designed for people new to credit, a credit card for bad credit is tailored to those with damaged credit scores looking to rebuild. Cards for those with bad credit (under 580 in the FICO scoring model), tend to have less favorable terms and rewards than starter credit cards. While both types of cards can help you build credit, a beginner card should be your preferred choice if you don’t have a negative credit history that could stand in the way of your approval.
Why is it important to establish credit?
Using a credit card responsibly is one of the best ways to build a positive credit history and boost your credit score. The higher your credit score, the more you can save on various products and services, including credit cards, lines of credit, car loans and mortgages.
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I feel like I’m always switching cards chasing points, cash back, or sign-up bonuses, but I’m wondering, what cards do people actually stick with for years?
For context, I travel a couple times a year, like some dining perks, and care about no foreign transaction fees. I’ve tried a few premium rewards cards, but I often end up not using all the perks.
Which cards have you found worth holding onto, even after the initial bonuses are gone? What makes them worth it for you?
I need help figuring out what credit card works best for me and my situation. I don't have much knowledge when it comes to credit cards. I tend to look for advice on different cards then get overwhelmed and end up not applying at all.
Some background info: I am 23 years old, work full-time, and am debt-free. I currently live at home (pay no rent), only pay the phone bill, and travel about 2-3 times a year (hoping to do it more often). I live in a small town. I have a bank account through my local bank and savings through Discover. I have a large amount saved in my savings account (if that plays into my income). I applied for a rewards credit card through my bank in April and was declined. I don't mind paying a credit card annual fee if I get good enough rewards.
Current cards:
Visa Platinum College Real Rewards Card $1000 (I was approved of a credit limit increase as of 12/1 after updating my income), August 2020
FICO Score: 728
Oldest account age: 4 years and 3 months
Chase 5/24 status: 0/24
Income: 80,000 (gross) and 58,000 (net)
Average monthly spend and categories:
dining $200-400
groceries: $300 (I tend to shop at Walmart and Hy-vee)
gas: $60
travel: $50-100
shopping: $500
pet bills: $60
phone bill: $100
Open to Business Cards: e.g. No
What's the purpose of your next card? Travel, Cashback
Capital One Venture Rewards or Capital One Venture X
Chase Freedom Unlimited
Chase Sapphire Preferred
American Express Gold Card
Are you OK with category spending or do you want a general spending card? I would want a general spending card. I want to transition from using my debit card to using a credit card for its perks.
I am open to hearing any thoughts on my situation and would be grateful for any recommendations! TYIA!
Edit:
Capital One: pre-approved for Quicksilver Rewards, Savor Rewards, Venture Rewards, VentureOne Rewards, Platinum Mastercard, and Venture X.
Chase: pre-approved for Chase Freedom Flex, Chase Freedom Unlimited, Chase Slate Edge, Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus, and United Explorer Card.
American Express: pre-approved for American Express Gold.
I’ve been using the same credit card since I started building credit. I’ve always paid it off monthly, so having a particularly “good” card has never really mattered to me.
I’m solidly into the 800s now, and I’m curious if getting a better card would do anything for me. Is it worth looking into getting something different?
Eta: I still plan on using it only for petty purchases and paying it off monthly. Also annual fees are gonna be a pretty hard no for me