Credit Cards

Read more posts on these cards by clicking on the “credit card posts” tab.

-Point value calculations are my own alone based on redemption value and are not provided by Chase.

Information regarding reconsideration phone numbers, 3 browser-methods, and much more can all be found and discussed by clicking here.

Having problems seeing card offers? Getting a “card not available” or other error message? Read this!

1. Try using another browser (IE, Firefox, or Chrome) to see the offer.

2. You can try deleting your browser’s cache and cookies to see the offers. To do so just hold down the Ctrl, Shift, and Delete buttons on your keyboard and then delete your cache and cookies.

3. You can also try browsing “incognito” or “in-private” to see the offers. In IE and Firefox you can access this mode by holding down Ctrl, Shift, and P buttons on your keyboard. In Chrome you can access this mode by holding down Ctrl, Shift, and N. Then just return to DansDeals.com and click on the card offer you want.

-Just fill out the standard application. Don’t click for the shorter existing cardmember application or you may not get the best offer.

-Per Citibank request, their cards are not included on this page.

Top mileage and points cards:

These cards earn actual miles and/or points that can be converted directly into real airline/hotel points.  The sky is the limit as to the value of these points as they are what you make of them.  When used for last-minute coach travel, or for travel to far-flung places, or especially for travel in business or first class that most people could never otherwise afford, they can literally be worth their weight in gold.  I’ve had redemptions where my miles have been worth over 50 cents each (and there are cards that give as many as 10 real miles per dollar), compare that to your average 1% or even 2% back card!

The values listed below are just my personal values that I use to decide whether it’s worth using miles for a ticket.

1. Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express and Starwood Preferred Guest® Business Credit Card from American Express

Signup Bonus (for each card): Starpoints bonus: earn up to 25K bonus points — 10K with your first purchase and another 15K when you spend $5K within the first 6 months of Cardmembership.

About the currency: Starpoints are the most versatile and valuable of point currencies. Points can transfer into dozens of airlines (Oneworld’s American, British Airways and LAN, Skyteam’s Delta and Flying Blue, Star Alliance’s Air Canada and USAirways, and unaligned carriers like Emirates) with no fees at favorable ratios like 20K to 25K or even 20K to 50K. Points can also be used for hotels worldwide for incredible values with awards like unrestricted nights, 5th night free, cash and points, nights and flights, etc. Starpoints can be transferred to anyone else who lives at your address.

Benefits:

-Double points for spending in Starwood hotels.

-Starwood Gold elite status (for bonus points on paid and award stays/free wifi, room upgrades, and 4pm late checkout) for spending $30K in a year.

-2 Stay and 5 Night Elite status credit per year and 3rd paid night free at Sheratons.

-Includes great American Express benefits like Return Protection, Online Dispute Resolution, Warranty Protection, etc. American Express also offers numerous promotions throughout the year like cash back shopping at small businesses, online stores, etc.

Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $65.

A great card because: Starpoints are just so valuable and versatile which make this a perfect card for general spending where other cards don’t give bonus points and American Express purchase protections are so incredibly valuable and useful that all big-ticket purchases should definitely be made on them.

Cons: Foreign exchange fees, American Express isn’t accepted everywhere, lack of more bonus point categories.

• Starpoints(R) bonus: earn up to 25,000 bonus points: 10,000 after your first purchase and another 15,000 after you spend $5,000 within the first 6 months of Cardmembership
• That’s enough for a weekend getaway to a Category 4 Hotel like the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa, or six free nights at a Category 2 Hotel
• Earn up to 5 Starpoints(R) for each dollar of eligible purchases at participating SPG hotels and resorts – that’s 2 Starpoints for using the Card in addition to the Starpoints you earn as an SPG member. Earn 1 Starpoint for all other purchases.
•Free Hotel Nights: redeem Starpoints at over 1,100 hotels in nearly 100 countries worldwide — with no blackout dates
•Free Flights: redeem Starpoints on over 350 airlines with SPG Flights—with no blackout dates
• Get 5,000 bonus Starpoints after you transfer 20,000 Starpoints to a frequent flyer program with more than 30 airlines
•No limits on the number of Starpoints you can earn
•$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $65
•Terms and Restrictions apply.

———————————————————————————————————————-

2. Chase Sapphire Preferred Visa Signature

Signup Bonus: 40K (which becomes 42,800 with the 7% dividend) bonus Ultimate Rewards points for spending $3,000 within 3 months.

About the currency: Ultimate Rewards points transfer instantly with no fees into United miles, what I consider to be the most valuable airline currency today and into Hyatt points, a very valuable hotel currency. That also transfer into other airlines and hotels like British Airways and Southwest among others. Ultimate Rewards can also be freely transferred to other people.

Value: When using Ultimate Rewards points I aim for a redemption value of about 1.9 cents per point, making the 42.8K signup bonus worth about $813 and spending on the card is worth between 2.033% and 6.099% back after the 7% annual dividend.

Benefits:

-The World Mastercard version gives free CDW coverage on rental cars in Israel.

-Every February you get a 7% bonus on all points earned the previous year, including on top of the signup bonus and on all spending. You will earn 1.07 points per dollar spent, 2.14 points per dollar spent on restaurants, airfare, hotels, car rentals, charges in airports, travel agencies, caterers, timeshares, trains, buses, taxis/limos, ferries, bridges, tolls, and parking, and 3.21 points per dollar if booking travel via the Chase booking tool.

-There is no foreign exchange fee.

-Having this card allows you to transfer points earned from cards like Chase Freedom, Ink Classic, and Ink Cash to airlines/hotels.

Annual fee: No fee first year and then $95.

A great card because: The strong signup bonus and bonus points categories that earn valuable Ultimate Rewards points. This is the perfect card for use when outside the United States due to no foreign exchange fees. Plus this is an awesome looking heavy metal card that is sure to get noticed and a live customer service rep really does answer the phone immediately when you call the number on the back of your card.

Cons: 7% points dividend means that both Starwood and Chase Freedom with Checking beat this card for general purchases.

———————————————————————————————————————-

3. Chase Ink Bold Business Card and Chase Ink Plus Business Card

Signup Bonus: 50K bonus Ultimate Rewards points for spending $5,000.

About the currency: Ultimate Rewards points transfer instantly with no fees into United miles, what I consider to be the most valuable airline currency today and into Hyatt points, a very valuable hotel currency. That also transfer into other airlines and hotels like British Airways and Southwest among others. Ultimate Rewards can also be freely transferred to other people.

Value: When using Ultimate Rewards points I aim for a redemption value of about 1.9 cents per point, making the 50K signup bonus worth about $950 and spending on the card is worth between 1.9% and 9.5% back.

Benefits:

-Earn 5 points for each $1 spent on wireless/telecom, cable and satellite television and radio services, office supply stores, and wholesale distributors of office supplies for up to $50,000 of spending in bonus categories.

-Earn 2 points for each $1 spent at gas stations, hotels and motels, and travel agencies for up to $50,000 of spending in bonus categories.

-There is no foreign exchange fee.

-Having this card allows you to transfer points earned from cards like Freedom, Ink Classic, and Ink Cash to airlines/hotels.

Annual fee: No fee first year and then $95.

A great card because: The strong signup bonus and bonus point categories that earn valuable Ultimate Rewards points. This is the perfect card for use when outside the United States due to no foreign exchange fees.

Cons: Lack of bonus points for general spending.

———————————————————————————————————————-

4. The Business Gold Rewards Card® from American Express OPEN

Signup Bonus: Earn 50K Membership Rewards points when you spend $5,000 during your first three months of Card membership.

About the currency: Membership Rewards points can transfer instantly into several airline and hotel programs and there are frequently bonus offers for transfers. Points can be transferred into anyone’s airline/hotel account.

Benefits: Earn triple points on airfare. You also get 2 points per dollar at gas stations, on shipping, and for advertising.

Annual Fee: Introductory annual fee of $0 for the first year, then $175.

A great card because: Great bonus point categories and a nice signup bonus.

Cons: High annual fee after the first year (though the card can be downgraded to a free card), Foreign exchange fees, American Express isn’t accepted everywhere.
-Earn 50,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $5,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 3 months of Card membership
-Earn points even faster to get more rewards for your business.
-3X points on airfare purchased from airlines. 2X points at US gas stations.
-Up to $100,000 in each category per year, then 1 point.
-Terms and limitations apply.
-Reduce travel costs, show appreciation for employees and clients, and offset everyday expenses by using points to get something back and grow your business.
-$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $175.
-Apply online to qualify for this offer. See offer terms for details

———————————————————————————————————————-

5. American Express® Premier Rewards Gold Card

Signup Bonus: Earn 25K Membership Rewards points when you spend $2,000 during your first three months of Card membership; earn 15K points when you spend $30,000 within one calendar year. Points are earned only on eligible purchases

About the currency: Membership Rewards points can transfer instantly into several airline and hotel programs and there are frequently bonus offers for transfers. Points can be transferred into anyone’s airline/hotel account.

Benefits: Earn triple points on airfare, double points on gasoline at U.S. stand-alone gas stations, double points at U.S. stand-alone supermarkets, and single points on other purchases.

Annual Fee: Introductory annual fee of $0 for the first year, then $175.

A great card because: Great bonus point categories and a nice signup bonus.

Cons: High annual fee after the first year (though the card can be downgraded to a free card), Foreign exchange fees, American Express isn’t accepted everywhere.

•Earn More: earn 25K Membership Rewards(R) points after you spend $2K during your first three months of Card membership; earn 15K points after you spend $30,000 within one calendar year
•Earn Fast: 3X points for flights booked with airlines, 2X points at US gas stations and US supermarkets, 1X points on other purchases. Terms and limitations apply.
•Use points for gift cards for dining, entertainment, and to shop over 300 of some of your favorite brands
•Access to Benefits: Baggage Insurance Plan* when you travel, and shop with confidence with Extended Warranty* and Return
Protection.*Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company
•Book two consecutive hotel nights through American Express Travel and receive $75 back at checkout. Restrictions may apply
•$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $175
•Terms and Restrictions Apply

———————————————————————————————————————-

6. The Platinum Card® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express OPEN

Signup Bonus: Consumer: 25,000 points for spending $2,000. Business: 25,000 points for spending $5,000.

About the currency: Membership Rewards points can transfer instantly into several airline and hotel programs and there are frequently bonus offers for transfers.

Benefits:

-$200 per calendar year airline credit, good for spending on airlines.

-Platinum card and Priority Pass and Regus Lounge access. The Platinum card lounge access lasts for a full 4 years.

-Global Entry/TSA PreCheck membership.

-Automatic Starwood Gold elite status for bonus points on paid and award stays/free wifi, room upgrades, and 4pm late checkout.

-Car rental elite status and special benefits like 4 hour return grace at Hertz with free #1 Gold, free reward days at Avis and elite status with National.

-No Foreign exchange fee.

-This is one of the only cards that will refund you if you lose any item that you purchased (up to $10,000) within 90 days in additional to many other enhanced American Express benefits.

Annual Fee: $450.

A great card because: Incredible benefits just for having the card. No foreign exchange fees.

Cons: High annual fee (though the card can be downgraded to a free card and you’ll get a full or pro-rates refund), American Express isn’t accepted everywhere, and lacking bonus categories.

•Earn 25K Membership Rewards(R) points after you spend $2,000 during your first three months of Card membership
Premium travel benefits: access over 600 lounges worldwide when you enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, no foreign transaction fees.
•Receive up to $200 annually in a statement credit with the airline of your choice to use towards baggage fees, flight-change fees, in-flight food and beverage purchases and more
•24/7 Platinum Card(R) Concierge service for assistance with reservations, travel, gifts, and more
•Entertainment benefits: get Advance Tickets before the public and access once in a lifetime events with By Invitation Only(R)
•Terms and restrictions apply

———————————————————————————————————————-

7. Chase British Airways Visa Signature

Signup Bonus: 50K British Airways Avios for spending $1,000 in 3 months.

About the currency: You can use Avios for short-haul flights starting at just 4,500 Avios. Plus BA doesn’t charge any last minute expedite/close-in fees, doesn’t collect massive fuel surcharges for flights on AA within the Western Hemisphere or on Aer Lingus, Alaska, Air Berlin, LAN worldwide, and only charges $2.50-$10 (just the 9/11 fees) to cancel a domestic award.

Value: When using Avios I aim for a redemption value of about 1.3 cents per point, making the 50K signup bonus worth about $650 and spending on the card is worth between 1.625% and 3.25% back.

Benefits:

-Earn 1.25 Avios per dollar spent everywhere and 2.5 Avios per dollar on BA flights.

-Spend $30K in a year and get a BA companion certificate good on award tickets worldwide on BA flights.

-There is no foreign exchange fee.

Read more info on BA in this post.

Annual fee: $95.

A great card because: The 50K signup bonus and 1.25 Avios per dollar spent everywhere.

Cons: Lack of bonus points beyond the base 1.25.

———————————————————————————————————————-

8. Chase United Explorer Visa Signature

Signup Bonus: 30K United miles for spending $1,000 in 3 months.

About the currency: You can United miles across dozens of partner airlines.

Value: When using United miles I aim for a redemption value of about 1.8 cents per point, making the 30K signup bonus worth about $540 and spending on the card is worth between 1.8% and 3.6% back.

Benefits:

-If you spend $25K in a calendar year you get 10K bonus miles, meaning you’ll have earned 1.4 miles per dollar spent.

-Free checked bag, expedited boarding,

-Primary CDW Rental Car Insurance. Almost all credit cards only offer secondary CDW rental car insurance, the United card offers primary so you don’t need to inform your insurance company.

-Premier members will be eligible for upgrades by being a United cardholder.

-As long as you’re a United cardholder your miles will never expire.

-As long as there’s a seat on the plane you’ll be able to use double miles for it. This level is capacity controlled for general members.

Annual fee: Waived for first year, then $95.

A great card because: United benefits. Primary rental car insurance.

Cons: Lack of bonus points beyond the base point per dollar unless you spend $25K.

———————————————————————————————————————-

9. Chase Ink Cash Business Card

Signup Bonus: 20K bonus Ultimate Rewards points for spending $3,000 within 3 months.

About the currency: Ultimate Rewards. Points can be cashed out at a rate of 10,000 points=$100 cash back but if you (or someone you know) has a Sapphire Preferred or Ink Bold card you can transfer points earned on this card to airlines/hotels where they will be worth more.

Value: When using Ultimate Rewards points I aim for a redemption value of about 1.9 cents per point, making the 20K signup bonus worth about $380 and spending on the card is worth between 1.9% and 9.5% back.

Benefits:

-Earn 5 points for each $1 spent on wireless/telecom, cable and satellite television and radio services, office supply stores, and wholesale distributors of office supplies for up to $25,000 of spending in bonus categories.

-Ink Cash earns 2 points for each $1 spent at gas stations, restaurants, and caterers for up to $25,000 of spending in bonus categories.

-Keeps Ultimate Rewards points from cards like Sapphire Preferred and Ink Bold alive if you decide to cancel those cards to avoid paying an annual fee.

Annual fee: None.

A great card because: Great bonus point categories with no annual fee.

Cons: Foreign exchange fees and the need to have a Sapphire Preferred or Ink Bold to transfer points to airlines/hotels.

———————————————————————————————————————-

10. Chase Freedom Mastercard. and Chase Freedom Visa

Signup Bonus: 10,000 bonus Ultimate Rewards points for spending $500 within 3 months.

About the currency: Ultimate Rewards. Points can be cashed out at a rate of 10,000 points=$100 cash back but if you (or someone you know) has a Sapphire Preferred or Ink Bold card you can transfer points earned on this card to airlines/hotels where they will be worth more.

Value: When using Ultimate Rewards points I aim for a redemption value of about 1.9 cents per point, making the 10K signup bonus worth about $190 and spending on the card is worth varying amounts depending on if you have a Chase checking account and the size of the transaction, but a range of 2.09%-10% back or even as high as 1100% back is possible with Chase checking.

Benefits:

-If you have a Chase Checking account then you will be automatically enrolled (within 6-12 weeks) in Chase Exclusives where you will earn 10 bonus points on every transaction, no matter how small, and 10% bonus points on spending. On small transactions that makes this card extremely lucrative.

-There are quarterly promotions for categories that give 5 points per transaction on spending up to $1,500 per quarter. This is on top of the 10 points per transaction and 10% bonus points.

The 5 point categories for 2013 are as follows (click here to activate them on your account):

Q1, January – March: Gas stations, Drugstores & Starbucks
Q2, April – June: Restaurants & Movie theaters
Q3, July – September: Gas stations, Theme parks & Kohl’s
Q4, October – December: Select department stores & Amazon.com

-Keeps Ultimate Rewards points from cards like Sapphire Preferred and Ink Bold alive if you decide to cancel those cards to avoid paying an annual fee.

-0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers.

Annual fee: No annual fee.

A great card because: The Exclusives program for having this card with a checking account makes purchases of less than $100 very lucrative due to the 10 points+10% bonus. Paying small amounts on this card (like a library fine) can actually be profitable with those bonuses! Plus the 5 point rotating categories are quite lucrative as well. No annual fee makes all that even sweeter.

Cons: Foreign exchange fees, small signup bonus, and the need to have a Sapphire Preferred or Ink Bold to transfer points to airlines/hotels.

———————————————————————————————————————-

11. Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express and Gold Delta SkyMiles® Business Credit Card from American Express

Signup Bonus: 30K bonus Delta miles for spending $500 in 3 months.

About the currency: Delta miles can be difficult to be used at times, although you can use them on Skyteam partners without fuel surcharges from the USA.

Value: When using Delta miles points I aim for a redemption value of about 1.3 cents per point, making the 30K signup bonus worth about $390 and spending on the card is worth between 1.3%-2.6%.

Benefits:

-Double miles for spending on Delta.

-Free checked luggage and priority boarding on Delta

-An annual $99 companion certificate.

-20% off In-flight food, drink, headphone, TV, and movie discounts

Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95.

A great card because: A decent signup bonus, with a nice annual $99 companion cert, and free luggage with priority boarding.

Cons: Foreign exchange fees and spending on everything besides Delta flights are beat by the Starwood card where you will earn 1 Starpoint per dollar (which can transfer into 1.25 Delta miles if you so desire)

• Bonus Miles: Earn 30,000 bonus miles toward Award Travel after you spend $500 on the Card within the first three months of Cardmembership.
• Earn As You Spend: Get 2X miles on Delta purchases and 1X miles for all other eligible dollars spent.
• Check your first bag free on every Delta flight – that’s a savings of up to $200 per round trip for a family of four.
• Premium Travel Perks: Settle in sooner with Priority Boarding, and enjoy the skies with 20% in-flight savings to use toward meals, beverages, and movies awarded as a statement credit.
• $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95.
• Terms and Restrictions Apply.

———————————————————————————————————————-

Other mileage/points cards:

-Barclaycard Arrival World Mastercard
44,000 bonus points, read more here.

-Citi Hilton Reserve
2 free nights at category 1-10 Hilton, Conrad, and Waldorf Astoria hotels worldwide. Read more here.

-Chase Marriott Premier

-Barclay Rewards

-Citi Dividend 5% for Students

-Citi Hilton

-Citi Simplicity

-Citi ThankYou Preferred

-Barclay Rewards

-Barclay Lufthansa

-Barclay USAirways

-Barclay Virgin America

-Chase Sapphire Visa (non-preferred) No annual fee. 10K points for spending $500.

-American Express® Gold Card, Introductory annual fee of $0 for the first year, then $125.

•Access to Exclusive Benefits: Baggage Insurance Plan* when you travel, and shop with confidence with Extended Warranty* and Return Protection
•Use points for gift cards for dining, entertainment, and to shop over 300 of some of your favorite merchants
•Get discounts and low rates at hotels and resorts, plus a $75 hotel credit when you book through Gold Hotel Collection
•$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $125
•Terms and Restrictions Apply

Business Green Rewards Card from American Express OPEN
▪ Receive 5,000 bonus points on your first purchase
▪ No pre-set spending limit* or finance charges
▪ Earn one Membership Rewards® point for every dollar you spend
▪ Redeem points toward top-tier rewards including travel, merchandise, office equipment,
and gift cards for you or your employees
▪ $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95
• Terms & Restrictions Apply.
———————————————————————————————————————-

Non-Mileage Cards:

-Slate Mastercard from Chase, No annual fee. Introductory offer: 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months and no balance transfer fees for 60 days.

-Blue Cash Everyday Card® from American Express,
• Earn 100 Reward Dollars after you make $1,000 in purchases in the first three months of Cardmembership.
• Earn Cash Back: 3% at US supermarkets, up to $6,000 per year in purchases, 2% at US gas stations & select US dept stores, 1% on other purchases. Terms and limitations apply.
• Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
• Simple and Straightforward: With the Blue Cash Everyday Card, you can start earning cash back. No rotating reward categories. No enrollment required.
• No annual fee, 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months. After that, your APR will be a variable rate, currently 12.99%-21.99% with flexibility to pay over time.
• Terms and Restrictions Apply.

-Blue Cash Preferred Card® from American Express,

• Earn 150 Reward Dollars after you make $1,000 in purchases in the first three months of Cardmembership.
• Get 6% cash back at U.S. stand-alone supermarkets, 3% cash back on gasoline at U.S. stand-alone gas stations and select major department stores; 1% cash back on other purchases.
• Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit. Cash back is earned only on eligible purchases.
• The first $6,000 of purchases at U.S. stand-alone supermarkets in a calendar year qualifies for 6% cash back; 1% thereafter.
• Simple and Straightforward: With the Blue Cash Preferred Card, you can start earning cash back. No rotating reward categories. No enrollment required.
• Terms and Restrictions Apply.

Blue Sky from American Express®
•Welcome Bonus: earn 7,500 points when you spend $1,000 within the first 3 months of Cardmembership – redeemable for a $100 statement credit.
•Flexible Ways to Earn: earn 1X points for virtually every dollar you spend.
•Unlimited Travel Choices: redeem for travel rewards with no blackout dates or travel restrictions with any airline, any car rental, and any hotel —anytime.
•Flexible Bill Payments: pay your bill all at once or over time.
•No annual membership fee and 0% intro APR on purchases for the first 12 months, after that, your APR will be a variable rate, currently 17.24%- 22.24%.
•Terms and restrictions apply

-SimplyCash® Business Card from American Express
• With no annual membership fee, it’s a smart choice for your business
• Automatic cash back – cash back is earned on eligible purchases and automatically credited to your statement
• 5% at U.S. office supply stores & on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers
• 3% at U.S. gas stations
• 1% on other purchases
• Up to $12,000 in purchases in each 5% and 3% category per rebate year,
then 1%.
• Terms and limitations apply

TrueEarnings® Card from Costco and American Express
• 3% Cash back at US gas stations and on gasoline at Costco up to $4,000 per year in purchases, then 1%
• 2% cash back at US restaurants; 2% cash back on eligible travel purchases, including at Costco; 1% cash back on other purchases, including at Costco
• Terms and limitations apply; You will receive your cash back annually in the form of a reward coupon
• The Two-In-One Card: it’s an American Express(R) Card and Costco membership card, with no annual fee for Costco members
• Cardmembership offers access to benefits such as Global Assist and Purchase Protection* *Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company
• Terms and restrictions apply.

The Plum Card® from American Express OPEN
• Flexible Payment Options: Get a 1.5% discount for paying early or up to 60 days to pay without interest, or both each month.
• Do Business On Your Terms
• $0 introductory annual fee for your first year, then $250.
• No annual fee for Additional Cards
• Terms & Restrictions Apply).

-Discover it® (18 months), No annual fee. 5% cash back in rotating categories. 6 months 0% APR.

-Discover it® for Students, No annual fee. 5% cash back in rotating categories. 6 months 0% APR.

———————————————————————————————————————-

Canadian non-mileage cards:

-MBNA Best Western No annual fee. Receive 20,000 bonus Best Western Rewards points for spending $1. Earn 1.5 Best Western Rewards points for every $1 spent. Receive a one tier elite status upgrade within the Best Western Rewards program when you spend $6,000 on your card within one year.

-MBNA Platinum, No annual fee. 0% APR for 10 months.

-MBNA Sony No annual fee. Get 2,000 Sony Points for spending $1.

190 Responses to “Credit Cards”

  1. Hershel Says:
    1

    have a amex premier gold card after year wanna get a way with $175 charge is there anyway?
    2. is it worth downgrading to another card and if yes to what card? thanks

    ReplyReply
  2. Dan Says:
    2

    @Hershel:
    You can downgrade or just close it after a year and get it again.

    ReplyReply
  3. Hershel Says:
    3

    thanks but to what card should i downgrade it to and does it keep the mr points?

    ReplyReply
  4. Dan Says:
    4

    @Hershel:
    The $25/year Zync will keep them active until the next time you get a Gold or Platinum card and have the ability to transfer to airlines/hotels once again.

    ReplyReply
  5. Paul Viri Says:
    5

    Hi Dan I know that Onepass Plus offer elite seat upgrade on reward ticket but I don’t see this benefit on MileagePlus Explorer, Can you confirm this.
    Thanks

    ReplyReply
  6. Dan Says:
    6

    @Paul Viri:
    They both do.

    ReplyReply
  7. Lior Says:
    7

    Im having hard time gettimg my first creditcard and im 21 what is a solution for me

    ReplyReply
  8. nina Says:
    8

    Hi Dan:
    I am living in Canada and will soon be relocating to New Jersey. We have a Cad Visa Aerogold and a Costco AMEX – would like to know what card would give us the most benefits in the States – do you suggest the AMEX or the Chase – we are also searching for a bank – any suggestions?
    Many thanks.

    ReplyReply
  9. Mike F Says:
    9

    Dan- If I have the sapphire preferred and got the 50k bonus can I still apply and get the regular sapphire card and its 25k bonus. Also if I have the freedom card for many years but never got a bonus can I apply for a second copy of the card and get the bonus. Thank you

    ReplyReply
  10. Shreck Says:
    10

    Dan, I opened 2 Sapphire cards, one for me and one for my wife, I wan’t to have the same online login for both but to do that I need to add myself to my wife’s card as a “liable” co-owner, authorized users is not enough.

    Will that have any impact on getting the 50k signup points on either card?

    ReplyReply
  11. gord Says:
    11

    are there any cards that i can start without having to write that i earn in the thousands ie that i dont earn alot of money at all? and if i do will it ruin my credit score

    ReplyReply
  12. jonah Says:
    12

    How do you get 1.8 value for Ultimate Rewards?

    ReplyReply
  13. Shlomo Says:
    13

    Can someone please tell me what the minimum amount of money you should spend on credit cards in a given year for it to be beneficial to get into accumulating mileage and points? Are we talking 25K minimum or over 40K?

    thanks

    ReplyReply
  14. Dan Says:
    14

    @Lior:
    Try getting a store card (like GAP) or a secured card, or being added onto a family member’s card that is being used properly (low utilization, etc)

    @nina:
    Starwood American Express is an excellent all-around card.

    @Mike F:
    Yes.

    @Shreck:
    It shouldn’t.

    @gord:
    Try a store card to get started.

    @jonah:
    Very easily. Many times I get a value of 5 or even 10 times that by using points on expensive flights.

    @Shlomo:
    There are plenty of great signups that can get you hundreds of thousands of points without spending much at all.
    And there are services like Amazon payments that let you send money from your credit card for free.

    ReplyReply
  15. Shlomo Says:
    15

    Thanks so much for getting back to me. Looks like amazon payments only allows you to send money to yourself with a cash advance using ur credit card. the only other option is goods/services.

    ReplyReply
  16. Dan Says:
    16

    @Shlomo:
    Have you no friends?

    ReplyReply
  17. Shlomo Says:
    17

    @Dan: ouch. its possible i am not aware of how amazon payments works but after signing up and looking around a bit, if i were to send money to friends i need to do it with a bank account attached (no points there) and they took my ss# for tax purposes. so i still dont want to do anything for goods or services b/c then i have to think about taxes, and the cash advance option is not an option b/c as far as i know credit cards dont give points for cash advances. im still learning. sorry to take so much time. i check your website out always for info, so thanks a lot for everything.

    ReplyReply
  18. Dan Says:
    18

    @Shlomo:
    Nope, nope, and nope.
    I would suggest starting here: http://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=3524

    ReplyReply
  19. New DD'er Says:
    19

    Dan,

    I’m really liking the look of the benefits that come with the Amex Platinum. Just to clarify: is it $450 for the first year, or is it waived for the first year?

    Im fine with downgrading it after a year, but I dont want to pay $450 for the first year!!

    ReplyReply
  20. Dan Says:
    20

    @New DD’er:
    It is $450 even for the first year.
    You can downgrade to a Zync card within 60 days and get a $425 refund or cancel the card outright within 60 days for a $450 refund.
    Or keep it for a year and use the $200 per calendar year in airline fee/gift card reimbursement to get back a total of $400 in your cardmember year. Plus you’ll get $100 reimbursement for Global Entry and get Platinum card+Priority Pass lounge access.

    ReplyReply
  21. Mindy Says:
    21

    Dan,
    I applied for a Chase CC and got declined with a credit score of 726. I believe it is from a home modification error. The bank put my payments into my escrow account each month and put my house into foreclosure. I straightened it out in August of 2011 but it is on my credit report as being delinquent. Any ideas of how to go about this? I rarely use CC until recently when my debit card got hacked and need a CC for fraud protection. Any input would be sincerely appreciated.

    ReplyReply
  22. CCwhat Says:
    22

    Dan,
    I am looking into a credit card to replace my debit card for everyday spending. I am not spending tons of money on a card, lets say its around 2,500 a month. I currently have a chase checking account. i was looking at a few cards: do you think i should I go for the chase sapphire or freedom? I was looking into the american express blue cash preferred as well. I am figuring, i’ll probably benefit most from cash back/perks than mileage on a credit card b/c i don’t spend so much on the card to earn points towards airline travel. do you agree? do you think the citi thank you cards are ok?

    J

    ReplyReply
  23. Mike Says:
    23

    I see there is a Chase/United Mileage Plus CLUB card (vs. the Explorer Card.) Two questions: 1) Does anyone know if this is the same as what used to be the Chase/Continental Presidential Plus?
    2) Does one have to buy a United ticket using the Chase/Mileage Plus CLUB card in order to get Premier Access security gate entry and early aircraft boarding? (The fine print for the MileagePlus EXPLORER card required that you have to buy the ticket with the EXPLORER card to get early but I could not find the same fine print for the CLUB card..)

    ReplyReply
  24. David L. Says:
    24

    For those who are wondering where and how they can spend $5000 a year and really they would not want to or cannot simply afford it, the best thing to do is buying money for money! For example, you can go to a train station and insert your credit card to buy dollar coins and then, use the money to repay your credit card…

    ReplyReply
  25. Sam Says:
    25

    Hi Dan, Just heard about this great site. I have a chase account and a freedom card. How do I get the 10% back?

    ReplyReply
  26. tw Says:
    26

    hi dan can i transfer my skyblue miles to any other program?thanks

    ReplyReply
  27. ron Says:
    27

    just heard about your site will definetly check it out.
    I have a chase account and chase CC also have costco american express looking to get free airling tickets.

    ReplyReply
  28. Joanna Says:
    28

    Hi Dan,

    I have a few credit cards with Chase and Wells Fargo. None of them earn me miles, and i’m a big traveler. I graduated college 2 years ago, and right now I have a couple credit cards maxed out right now. Will that make it harder to get a new credit card? Aside from that, I have good credit.

    I really badly want to go on an international trip, and am wondering if there any credit cards you know of that provide instant bonuses for travel miles. Are there any new cards I can apply for, that will give me instant benefits that I can use to help book an expensive plane ticket?

    Thanks for your help!

    ReplyReply
  29. osher Says:
    29

    I would like to do 2-3 browser method to apply for multiple cards from Citi. Can anyone suggest the 2 or 3 most worthwhile cards to apply for, and what the signup bonuses are on those cards? Thanx!!

    ReplyReply
  30. Reuvn Says:
    30

    Hi Dan,

    I am a student planning on opening up my first card,

    would you advise me to go and add on to any of my parents cards which are the

    1) BankAmericard Power Rewards, Visa Signature

    2) Costco American Express

    or open a seperate account?

    ReplyReply
  31. mike Says:
    31

    this unites mileage plus explorer card offer sounds great! just cunfused about the details. you say that adding another authorized user got you ANOTHER 55k points? it’s just another name on the same acct?

    ReplyReply
  32. bf Says:
    32

    Dan–I applied for SP MC a couple of weeks ago when it was a 50K offer, even though I currently have SP Visa. Chase denied because I “already have the same card.” My call to recon didn’t help. Chase rep said I can’t have both which doesn’t seem to be true based on what others are doing. Any ideas? HUCA? Chase seems to have notes that they look at when I call.

    ReplyReply
  33. bf Says:
    33

    @mike: Adding another user will get you an additional 5K miles, plus the original signup bonus of 50K, for a total of 55K.

    ReplyReply
  34. dave Says:
    34

    whats the deal with Marriott premier. is it a good card?

    ReplyReply
  35. Daniel Says:
    35

    Dan – You’re simply awesome.

    ReplyReply
  36. CC Says:
    36

    I appreciate all of your credit card info. Am interested in the Chase Sapphire Preferred World MC mostly because of no foreign transaction fee. How do I find out if there is car rental coverage on this card? I did not find that info on the Chase website.

    ReplyReply
  37. Avi Says:
    37

    Just got Amex platinum, if I spend the 1k within the 60 days before I either cancel or downgrade the card, will I still get the 50k bonus miles?

    ReplyReply
  38. elki Says:
    38

    can you still get the 25,0000 points on the Starwood card?

    Only shows for the business one. Does not show the one for 10,000 pts and then the additional 15,000 on the personal account

    ReplyReply
  39. Avi Says:
    39

    Which Amex card should I downgrade my Platinum to in order to keep the same value of the MR miles? thanks

    ReplyReply
  40. bf Says:
    40

    @Avi. Amex gold card, PRG, or green card or some of the OPEN business cards would allow you to use MR points for transfer to airlines and GCs. Some of the no annual fee cards only give you MR Express, which can be used for GCs but not transfer to airline miles.

    ReplyReply
  41. yonah Says:
    41

    dan,
    whats your recommendation for a 0% apr balance transfer card that doesnt charge balance transfer fees?
    I financed a motorcycle at a very high rate and owe about 5k?
    Thanks

    ReplyReply
  42. Dan Says:
    42

    @elki:
    Clear your cache/cookies or browse incognito.

    @Avi:
    Zync and reopen a Gold/Plat card to transfer to miles in the future.

    @yonah:
    http://www.dansdeals.com/go/slate/

    ReplyReply
  43. Avi Says:
    43

    To clarify, downgrade my Platinums to Zyncs in order to avoid the $450′s and I still keep my 50k bonus MR which won’t get downgraded? thanks

    ReplyReply
  44. steven Says:
    44

    dan,

    i would like to sign up for 3 chase cards at once. which 3 offer the best signup bonus. i had in mind the united explorer, sapphire and ink- but had a few questions.
    1- can i sign up for the ink business if i dont have a business?
    2- is there a similar bonus for ink personal?
    3- can i sign up for the sapphire master card and visa at the same time as 2 separate applications?
    4- if i am not approved for any of these, what do i tell the reconsideration dept when i call?

    thanks in advance

    ReplyReply
  45. Yossi Says:
    45

    Is it bad to cancel a credit card

    ReplyReply
  46. mendel Says:
    46

    1 hey is it better to sell a 100.000 amex points or to transfer now to british airways and get threr 50 percent bonus 2 how mutch money can i get for 100.000 amex points.

    ReplyReply
  47. jacob Says:
    47

    does anyone have a link for spg nonbusiness card for the 10K + 15k offer??

    ReplyReply
  48. fico Says:
    48

    i applied for the chase saphire preferred,soutwest and united, unfortunately they only approves saphire and southwest, who do i call 3? to see if they can approve me and what do i tell them? i have a good credit score and bh good income,and never had credit cards with chase before. i did the 3 browser method…

    ReplyReply
  49. Bracah Says:
    49

    How often can I apply for credit cards without damaging my credit score? My last application was 03/01/12, and the previous one was 11/30/2011.

    ReplyReply
  50. mendel Says:
    50

    si i got 100000 points but i refund my cARD BUT I SOLD MY POINTS WOULD THEY MAKE ME OWE THEM POINTS

    ReplyReply
  51. Pinjo Says:
    51

    What is the best points/miles business card offer at the moment?

    ReplyReply
  52. Mich Says:
    52

    I’m looking for a card that gives good rewards for gas? Not an AMEX card (nto all gas stations take it)

    ReplyReply
  53. Kadence Says:
    53

    I think this is the most comprehensive listing of credit card benefits I’ve ever seen! I’d love it more if you could add the other hotel cards such as Hilton Amex & Hilton Visa, etc.

    ReplyReply
  54. Goldy Says:
    54

    I want to open a credit card only for a balnce transfer(I want to do some renovations). i don’t intend to use it for purchases at all.Which credit card will give me the least apr/balnce transfer fee and still get some benefits?

    ReplyReply
  55. sam Says:
    55

    hay dan does the Chase Freedom Visa cover me for rental insurance?

    ReplyReply
  56. Ari Says:
    56

    If i buy a ticket with rewards points from a saphire card, do i still get priority bording and free bag of luggage if i have the united explorer card? Or does the ticket have to be purchased with the explorer card?

    ReplyReply
  57. Allen Says:
    57

    I just got approved for the united explorer how do i get the 55k offer?

    ReplyReply
  58. jul Says:
    58

    i just got my united mileage plus card. on the phone twp people said you can not get fee waived. you noted that you need to email but what is the address to email to? i could not find an email on the united site. thanks

    ReplyReply
  59. sl Says:
    59

    i need someone to let me know regarding the amex 200 prepaid card. how can i withdrawal the 200 from any atm and not get charged any fee for it? is there an atm which doesn’t charge?

    please email me back ASAP.
    thank you

    ReplyReply
  60. ike Says:
    60

    how soon can i downgrade sappire preffered to reg to rid myself of annuall fee and is it recoomendeed or not

    ReplyReply
  61. mark Says:
    61

    why doesnt citicards list here

    ReplyReply
  62. Mark Res Says:
    62

    I wanted to know what the going rate is for Chase Marriott Premior card to get cash. Thanks

    ReplyReply
  63. Anonymous Says:
    63

    how many and how often can i apply for chase cards i heard only two for every 30 day period how exactly does this work

    ReplyReply
  64. Michael Says:
    64

    Is Priority Club® Select Visa from Chase good card? Does it have a valuable points? Do you know if points from this cars transfarable to Chase Sapphire card?

    ReplyReply
  65. anonymous Says:
    65

    whats the best card to get for virgin america airlines tickets? is the virgin america card a good one?

    ReplyReply
  66. Ron Says:
    66

    Dan thanks for all the help you provide on the site. Can I transfer AMEX Platinum reward points to another user directly? Or do I have to go through an airline mileage program?

    ReplyReply
  67. Yankel Says:
    67

    I got declined for the citi thank you preferred card, so i called them up for reconsideration and they told me they cant approve a new account for me, but what they can do is they can do a conversion, witch means they converted my american airlines account that i currently had to the thank you preferred card. but the lady told me i would not be receiving the signup bonus of 15000 points. will i not get the bonus by doing this?

    ReplyReply
  68. joel Says:
    68

    WHATS THE BEST OFFER FOR A HILTON HONERS CREDIT CARD?

    ReplyReply
  69. mark Says:
    69

    could you please explain what the 7% dividend on chase sappire is

    ReplyReply
  70. george Says:
    70

    Hi Dan! firstly like to compliment you on your website….I follow it daily. I buy and sell miles, anyway a guy that i sell to claims to be able to get 50k AA now and opens 2 cards at the same time witch gets 100k do u know anything about this offer? i have a lead but i dont want to publish it e-mail me and ill send u the link.

    ReplyReply
  71. Anonymous Says:
    71

    Dan i hit 60k bonus miles with 50$ credit after1$ spending on united explorer
    After sending secure message but for my spg amex they need a inv
    Number for thr 15k after 5k spending do u have 1

    ReplyReply
  72. shmuly Says:
    72

    hi dan i have the chase ink bold and i just got approved to the chase ink classic they said the line from the bold can’t be moved, i wanted to shift it to the classic and closes the bold , is it true or i should call or secure message them?

    ReplyReply
  73. GCLover Says:
    73

    Can I earn 6% cash back with Amex Blue Cash Preferred through buying gift cards from my grocery store?

    ReplyReply
  74. Berel Says:
    74

    I just tried applying for the starwoods business CC, it seems that the offer is over. What do you suggest as the best small business CC?

    ReplyReply
  75. joshua L. Says:
    75

    just got my 1st statement from freedom & therte r no 10 xtra points for purchases for my having achase checking ! i called customer service , they said its a different card!

    ReplyReply
  76. yehudah Says:
    76

    chase closed my united card in april do u think i could re apply & get approved or should wait still?

    ReplyReply
  77. moe Says:
    77

    Hi Dan I never had a CC before and I applied for one of these cards that you get a lot of miles and they decline me because I have no history of credit for the good or the bad what do you suggest I do to get a good credit???

    ReplyReply
  78. moish Says:
    78

    I just canceled my starword amex card about 2 month ago wouls I be able to get this offer again 10000 after $1 spent and 20000 after $5000 within 6 month?

    ReplyReply
  79. yossi Says:
    79

    Dan,
    i have used past 2 years “Business” Amex Primier Gold,
    They are asking certain information which will close the card due to i chose not to answer,
    which business card besides amex should be a grate card to use or which few?

    ReplyReply
  80. moty Says:
    80

    Hi Dan,
    To avoid the annual fee from a AMEX Primier Rewards Gold card and not losing the MR, 1)is it a difference in downgrading it to a Zync or a Blue? I am trying to save the $25 fee, 2)How fast can I open again a Primier Rewards Gold card and not being charged the annual fee?

    ReplyReply
  81. Raver Says:
    81

    Hi What is a good card with no payments due for 12-18 months?

    ReplyReply
  82. elay Says:
    82

    how much would you estimate the value of ba miles?

    ReplyReply
  83. Marty Says:
    83

    Times of Israel website reports that Chase cards are being denied in Israel. Customer service reps. are telling people that Israel is on government OFAC list. Dan, has anybody had any experiences with this? The non-conversion fee benefit will be useless if card can’t be used in Israel.

    ReplyReply
  84. Dan Says:
    84

    @GCLover:
    Sure.

    @Berel:
    Still valid.

    @joshua L.:
    Send a secure message.

    @moty:
    No difference, as soon as you want.

    @Raver:
    http://www.dansdeals.com/go/slate/
    http://www.dansdeals.com/go/simplicity

    @Marty:
    That’s only Chase debit cards, not credit cards.

    ReplyReply
  85. dovPGH Says:
    85

    @dan:
    how do you keep organized with your spending on multiple cards? do you have a spreadsheet that you use? I’ve started using mint.com but find that it doesn’t update new cards well. any ideas?

    ReplyReply
  86. david Says:
    86

    @Dan

    I did the 3tap thing for the credit cards.

    I applied to Amex starwood, Amex Gold Delta and Amex Gold.

    For the starwood I got : “Thank You for applying for the Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card. In order to provide you with an instant decision, we need to speak with you”

    For the Amex Gold : I got it declined and the other one the tab did not load the application :(

    It’s strange because I have a good credit score…

    Do you know what questions will they ask? And what can I do about the Amex Delta that I got declined?

    Thank you for all your help!!

    You are amazing :)

    ReplyReply
  87. Dan Says:
    87

    @david:
    It’s not 3 tabs, it’s 3 separate types of browsers.
    Call them, don’t worry so much.

    ReplyReply
  88. newdanfan Says:
    88

    I just want to clarify something here:

    If I am applying for Chase credit cards, it makes sense for me to apply for as many Chase cards as I can at the same time (to avoid more than one credit card pull)? And on all 3 different browsers at the same time.

    And Chase will approve all of these cards at the same time??

    For example, if I’m applying for Chase, I should/could apply for: 1) Chase Sapphire 2) Chase Freedom and 3) Chase Ink ??

    ReplyReply
  89. newdanfan Says:
    89

    @steven: I have the same question about applying for 3 credit cards at once – did you get an answer?

    ReplyReply
  90. new visitor Says:
    90

    to witch airlines can i transfer Sapphire Preferred points too

    ReplyReply
  91. yisroel Says:
    91

    i received an email offer for an amex business card with a 50000 point sign up bonus. 3qs: first, i am not a business. is this a problem and second if i sign up and go back to my regular amex blue card to avoid yearly fee will this hurt my credit rating? also what happens with my current points? thx so much

    ReplyReply
  92. Yoely Says:
    92

    @yisroel: anything you are doing for living can you call Business – so you can apply for the business card, at the EIN put in your SS number, the business you can name “yisroel’s trading” or anything you do, its great offer

    ReplyReply
  93. David Says:
    93

    Dan, would you say that if my primary interest is to get United points, then the Starwood Amex is no longer desirable? And, if so, which is recommended? Thanks so much for keeping us so well informed.

    ReplyReply
  94. jack Says:
    94

    Dan, AE closed my starwood and platnum card, they said they would allow me to withdraw my points, but need to do it now. Any ideas how i can get the most of it? I would like to use it towards traveling, Any ideas where I should transfer it to?

    ReplyReply
  95. Lisa Says:
    95

    I have an American Express Black Card and an American Express Platinum Card. How does that compare to the Starwood Consumer American Express and Starwood Business American Express? I also have the United Presidential Plus Card. Would you still recommend getting the Starwood Credit card?

    ReplyReply
  96. Shelly Says:
    96

    When I go to the Freedom Card it talks only about the cash back–nothing about the ability to transfer to Ultimate Rewards. Did this card change?

    ReplyReply
  97. yisroel Says:
    97

    where can i get someone to buy chase ur for the most someone reliable

    ReplyReply
  98. yisroel Says:
    98

    @Shelly: must have saphhire preffered to transfer to ultimate rewards

    ReplyReply
  99. Z Says:
    99

    Dan,
    For the Canadian Amex Starwood Preferred Guest, when you click on the link, you will see in the url:http://www.americanexpress.com/canada/en/spg_cons_ff …….
    if you add a y inbetween the ff (fyf), then it will waive the first year’s annual fee. Note: It also works with the business card.

    ReplyReply
  100. chicago Says:
    100

    Hi Dan,

    I’m currently in College with a small part-time job. I’m looking for a credit card so that I can build up credit while earning some miles. I will not be spending a lot of money on it. What card do you suggest I get?

    ReplyReply
  101. albert Says:
    101

    hi dan i have a small buisness i spend about 150000 a year whats the best buisness card for me to get

    ReplyReply
  102. Daniel Says:
    102

    Hi Dan,
    I was told you can open up 2 credit cards on the same day in order for your credit not to decrease too much. Regarding points and mileage, which 2 credit cards do you recommend I open and how do I go about opening 2 in one day? I was told to go with Saphirre and AA citi (I assume this is the starwood)?

    ReplyReply
  103. questioner Says:
    103

    what do you mean dan by redemption value all the time

    ReplyReply
  104. jay degal Says:
    104

    Hi Dan,
    I am a Student at BMG i have no credit card and always get declined. What is the best card to try just to start out and build up my credit.

    ReplyReply
  105. Viki Peterman Says:
    105

    @Hershel: @jay degal:

    Years ago Macys was easy to get your first card – I don’t know if it still is.

    ReplyReply
  106. Miki Says:
    106

    Hi Dan,
    On Starwood Preferred Guest website I see that the ratio to transfer points to miles (Milage Plus program) is 2:1, which means that if I transfer 20,000 points, I get 5000 extra, which then translates to 12,500 Milage Plus points. Am I right? Not sure I understand correctly, because if that’s the case it doesn’t look such a great card for United Milage Plus people. Correct?

    Thanks for all your effort and sharing all the tips!
    Thanks,
    Miki

    ReplyReply
  107. Dan Says:
    107

    @Miki:
    You can transfer to USAirways (20K SPG=25K USAir) who will book you on United.

    ReplyReply
  108. Miki Says:
    108

    Thanks for the quick reply! That means I need to open a new frequent flyer with USAir? (I only have Mileage Plus)? A flight from California to Israel is 80K miles with united, so the calculation is not that great for my case, I guess (80/25…).
    Thanks a lot for your help!!! Miki.

    ReplyReply
  109. student Says:
    109

    I’m a student, never had a credit card before. Curious to know what card you’d recommend more:
    1. Blue Costco AMEX
    2. store card (ex GAP), like you recommended above. If this one is a better option, are there any store cards that are better than others?
    Thanks!

    ReplyReply
  110. David R Says:
    110

    I want to do a Chase 2BM for Sapphire Preferred and United MileagePlus Explorer. What is currently the best offer (most bonus points/miles) for these cards? Do you see a different offer depending on how you link to the application?

    ReplyReply
  111. Danny Says:
    111

    Thanks for all your help always! I am going to EY next week with my $400 ELAL tickets (THANK YOU!) I currently have 3 credit cards, SPG AMEX, CHASE FREEDOM and Citi bank thank you points MC, which is the best cc to use in Israel for all my purchases??

    ReplyReply
  112. hunch Says:
    112

    I’d like to do a 2bm for the IB+IP. I need an excuse to get both approved. Is one a visa and one a MC? Any other ideas?
    thanx

    ReplyReply
  113. Dan Says:
    113

    Ink Bold is a charge card and Ink Plus is a credit card.
    Explain why you want one of each.

    ReplyReply
  114. hunch Says:
    114

    Thanx!

    ReplyReply
  115. mr card Says:
    115

    @Lior: a bank of america secured credit card is how i started

    ReplyReply
  116. shalom Says:
    116

    are yiu sure you could pass security even if you are not flying with chase united milegaplusclub? in chicago airport they didnt know what i am talking about and also when i called the lounge number they said that you cant go passed security unless you are flying! please email me to rrrale1@gmail.com

    ReplyReply
  117. Dan Says:
    117

    @shalom:
    See instructions here:
    http://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=16914

    ReplyReply
  118. shalom Says:
    118

    dan could you send me a exact link to where it says this i dont surf theinternt so well so send a it for dummies
    tyvm

    ReplyReply
  119. chaim Says:
    119

    hi dan i am looking into getting the chevron/texaco credit card they have 10 cents off a gallon do you know anything about that card?
    what other credit cards do you recommend for buying gas?

    ReplyReply
  120. Mendy H. Says:
    120

    Hi Dan,
    i signed up for a amex Premier Rewards Card in July 2011.
    I believe you had posted a 50,000 reward for spending 3,000 within three months. Amex gave me only 10,000 points. When i called them, they said they need some printed info on this promotion.
    Where can i find the info?

    Thanks.

    ReplyReply
  121. shalom Says:
    121

    dan could i get the 200 credit on amex when i purchase a united gift card?

    ReplyReply
  122. Big Boy Says:
    122

    Hey Dan,
    I was wondering what you think about the Marriott card b/c I just got approved for one and if your wondering why I didn’t get a different chase card the answer is b/c I got most of them already.But I wasn’t happy that I couldn’t apply through a link of yours hence you don’t have one.

    ReplyReply
  123. Dan Says:
    123

    @Big Boy:
    I’m not a big fan of Marriott.
    I actually do have a link for it, found here:
    http://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=8028.0

    It’s just not one of my top cards.

    ReplyReply
  124. Big boy Says:
    124

    Thanks Dan,
    I’m still wondering what about mariott you don’t like is it the hotel,the point system,ect. If you can elaborate a littel I would appreciate it.
    Thanks again

    ReplyReply
  125. eli g Says:
    125

    Hi, I think the chase freedom section is out of date, didn’t the exclusives program disappear ? (irony, i only know that bec I read it somewhere else on ur site) thanx dan ur the man

    ReplyReply
  126. hey Says:
    126

    where can i find a link to the SP mastercard?

    ReplyReply
  127. Frayda Says:
    127

    What does churnable mean? I have a sapphire preferred Visa. I tried to get a sapphire preferred mastercard. They wouldn’t let me have both, and to close the visa to get the MC, I would not get the sign-up bonus. They said you can only get it once in a lifetime, for one or the other card,not both.

    ReplyReply
  128. Yaakov Says:
    128

    @Frayda: I called them the other day and they said Sapphire Preferred only comes as Visa

    ReplyReply
  129. shalom Says:
    129

    i received a 50,000 points from chase saphire .is there a penalty if you cancel the card

    ReplyReply
  130. daniel Says:
    130

    Dan,

    You’re the best. Thanks for this website. What rate do you personally shoot for in terms of cents per point for Amex and Starwood points? T/hanks

    ReplyReply
  131. Big boy Says:
    131

    Dan what would you do with 80,000 hilton points?
    I need a good idea

    ReplyReply
  132. elikay Says:
    132

    @shalom:
    you will lose your points as soon as you close so makesure to transfer to an airline b4

    ReplyReply
  133. mordy Says:
    133

    Hey Dan Great post and great reference.
    Any way you can add churn info for each card.
    Perhaps just Churn: Yes/ No + link to info on how to churn the particular card.

    ReplyReply
  134. brian Says:
    134

    Hello, I am new to this post and have heard quite a bit about this website regarding the pros and cons of certain CC’s. I am starting a new business and would like to know which cards you would recommend for a small business and if there are any detrimental effects to personal credit ratings when applying for these cards. Thank you very much for your help.

    ReplyReply
  135. Cheri Says:
    135

    Hi,

    How does AMEX calculate transferred points to ELAL. It says on ELAL website a ratio of 29:1, but that’s not what I got.
    Any advice would be greatly appreciated. thanks

    ReplyReply
  136. Chaim Says:
    136

    Hi Dan, I’m having a very hard time buying vanilla reload cards with a credit card, cvs and wall greens only wants 2sell them 4cash what can I do?

    ReplyReply
  137. Dave Says:
    137

    Dan

    which card would you recommend –

    United Mileage plus or Delta Sky Miles?
    why?

    ReplyReply
  138. Moish Says:
    138

    Hey dan,

    Where is a good place to seek buyers for miles, and is the $1700/1900 worth my 90/10000 UR miles?

    ReplyReply
  139. Dab Says:
    139

    Hi Dan. I’m wondering what the risk is to your credit score as a result of having so many credit cards open. Do you find that this hurts your score?

    ReplyReply
  140. mosh Says:
    140

    whats the best way to apply for chase saaphire preffered and cancel a slate account and still get the 40000 points

    ReplyReply
  141. DealsSeeker Says:
    141

    @Dave: Dan will tell you that United miles are worth much more and availability is much better with them. But it also depends on what kind of bonuses you are talking about.

    ReplyReply
  142. Nase Says:
    142

    Hi Dan I’m a big fan, appreciate all your stuff I was hooked since the ctown days:)
    Anyway. If you can just clarify What exactly is cc churning ? Is it just canceling and re applying? if so after how long to be eligible for bonus? Also if so wouldn’t they flag u if they see 50 canceled cc on acct? What’s their reaction?

    ReplyReply
  143. allen Says:
    143

    Dan
    i need to get a business card for my office and i am confused as to whats the best card to get that has miles for rewards like travel? any way you can help me ?

    ReplyReply
  144. Miriam Says:
    144

    Hi Dan,
    I’m opening a new store and want to make all the purchases and pay the bills on a credit card so I can accumulate miles for travel. There are so many cc options! Can you please help me out here and tell me which card is the best way to go? I’m not using it to buy tickets or gas or eating out so those bonuses don’t apply to me. Thanks so much! Love your site.

    ReplyReply
  145. Dealsdude Says:
    145

    Whats the best card for general spending(tuition,etc)? Thanks Dan

    ReplyReply
  146. Aryeh Says:
    146

    Dan has said he likes SPG since it transfers at 4:5 ratio.

    ReplyReply
  147. Dan L Says:
    147

    Hey Dan, what credit card would be the best for accumulating points for airlines and hotels. And what tricks can one use to rack up those points?

    I understand many questions ate asked and you cant get to them all.

    I think this question is one that everyone is interested in, that’s why I ask.

    ReplyReply
  148. Hershy Says:
    148

    Applied from two different browsers for me and wife and got only one united not the sapphire and wife got nothing, what’s next?

    ReplyReply
  149. Brooke Says:
    149

    How come there arent any of the citi cards on here?

    ReplyReply
  150. Dan Says:
    150

    @Brooke:
    http://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=8028.0

    ReplyReply
  151. Mike Says:
    151

    Dan, how many vanilla reloads are you comfortable buying per day or per week on one card without raising suspicion from credit card company? I believe you have mentioned in one of your posts that American Express in particular picks up on these things with a brand new card?? I do have a long credit history and good credit score.

    ReplyReply
  152. Walter Says:
    152

    What airline cards are issued by someone other than Chase and Citi? Really do not want to deal with them. Thanks Dan!

    ReplyReply
  153. Walter Says:
    153

    @Walter: That should have also said other than American Express.

    ReplyReply
  154. Noam Says:
    154

    walter, you like no banks? maybe open your own bank?

    ReplyReply
  155. Billy Says:
    155

    I had some chargeoffs with credit cards in 2007 and haven’t used them since. I paid someone to clear up my credit report and it’s clear. I have applied for an Amex buissness card with my SS# and was denied. Can someone tell me what i need to do to get one.

    ReplyReply
  156. monkey Says:
    156

    Will i get 10k bonus points for starwood business card if i have an active consumer card?
    (I opened a second consumer card and did not get bonus)
    Thanks dude

    ReplyReply
  157. ed Says:
    157

    What is the best cc to sign up for today , if i plan on selling the points for cash ?

    ReplyReply
  158. ed Says:
    158

    Dan, please respond i need fast cash

    ReplyReply
  159. Chris Says:
    159

    What free card can the Amex PRG be downgraded to? I like the card but am not sure I want to keep paying the AF. Thanks!

    ReplyReply
  160. Chris Says:
    160

    @ed: I’m sure Dan will pipe in but if you get a CSP you’ll get 40,000 points if you charge 3000 in the first 3 months and that would be worth 400 in cash.

    ReplyReply
  161. Mark Says:
    161

    What does it mean that “UR can also be freely transferred to other people.”
    How does one go about transferring to other ppl? Does this mean other people’s frequent flyer airline accounts?

    ReplyReply
  162. mike Says:
    162

    hi dan was wondering if you have any thoughts on the chase ritz carlton card and its annual fee

    ReplyReply
  163. mike Says:
    163

    ws wondering how the fairmont hotel card compares to the hyatt card

    ReplyReply
  164. Ben Says:
    164

    Dan,

    I know that the Capital One Venture Card gives 3 checks with every monthly statements. I know people who use these checks to pay rent, and then receive the miles..

    Is there a way to request these checks from Chase, so I can receive the miles from them?

    Thanks

    ReplyReply
  165. reuvenmn Says:
    165

    Dan, is the best card to get for ba points the chase card with british airways? is there a better card than that that you recommend?

    ReplyReply
  166. Elad Says:
    166

    Dan i have question for you. So i opened up a Chase Sapphire , Amex Starwood and i already had the chase freedom ,amex blue and a few other cards. now my question is i don’t really use all of them i mainly use my Sapphire now and Starwood. Isnt it bad to have to many credit card that are un used? how about my other card that have low limits can i close it ? or will it affect my credit score. i want to get this card cuz of the great promotion. thank you so much

    ReplyReply
  167. rebecca Says:
    167

    i am running out of time, received 95.00 for renewal of united card fsor 95.00, is there anyway to renew and pay less or get some extra miles for it? How do I handle it, orginally received continental card for 40,000 and it rolled into united. United says they are combined and will not do anything, Can you help me?

    ReplyReply
  168. Ben Says:
    168

    hi,
    im undecided between the starwoods and chase saphire prefered. i have the freedom already and im looking for something that will accrue points nicely and are versatile to use as needed. am i better off with the CSP or SW?
    thanks

    ReplyReply
  169. Cindy Says:
    169

    I am looking for a business card – we own a daycamp and would like to know which credit card you would recommend for us – we would like to charge all our expenses to it

    ReplyReply
  170. joel Says:
    170

    Hi Dan

    I have just opened a United Chase card with a link t get 30K points and now i heard that the same card is available with 50K can i do something i should get the 50?

    ReplyReply
  171. Aliza Says:
    171

    In summer 2015 I want to take my family of 5 from NY to Israel for the summer. I need to start earning miles for this trip and I have A LOT of expenses that I can put on a credit card. I read through all your posts and did other research as well and now I am more confused than ever. What is the best card for earning miles for a family of 5 to travel from NYC to Israel.

    Please help us Dan – we can use your insight.
    Aliza

    ReplyReply
  172. stephen Says:
    172

    hi dan,
    a little background. I am 20 years old got my first credit card in october (citi dividend-cash back) and currently a graduate student-no income.I’m thinking of opening up a CC but the question is which? im assuming a card without an annual fee would be best(unless i can get the fee waived), but i want to maximize rewards so i can take a nice vacation when school is done, and continue this throughout my career. I’ve seen a lot about chase and amex written up here but I am still confused. any insight would be great. The question is where do i begin? there are benefits to all cards listed here but not sure where to start…i usually fly elal and jetblue (occasionally delta) never united so maybe a chase card isn’t plausible(also business or consumer?)once i get the initial bonus, is it just a regular card, and have to open up the next one for more rewards-?

    ReplyReply
  173. stephen Says:
    173

    PS i also have a chase checking account

    ReplyReply
  174. Nesanel Moishe Says:
    174

    Wouldn’t then the Chase United card be the best one out there?

    ReplyReply
  175. Stephen Says:
    175

    @nesanel Moishe. Does that let u transfer points if you want to cancel after first year?

    ReplyReply
  176. Stacie Says:
    176

    Ditto to Aliza’s comment/question above (I already have a chase sapphire preferred) what cc will get me the most points for flights to Istael – thanks!

    ReplyReply
  177. yisroel Says:
    177

    I already have the sapphire visa signature how do i get the sapphire master world card?

    ReplyReply
  178. Sarah Says:
    178

    I want my husband to get a credit card that has good miles rewards but he has almost no credit. We live in Israel so one with foreign fees would obviously be a plus. I wanted him to get the Chase Sapphire card but they rejected him due to lack of credit so now we need to build uo credit. Which card can he get that would fit this criteria? Thanks!

    ReplyReply
  179. Hershy Says:
    179

    Hi Dan,

    I love reading your articles here. I read that you have over 300 credit cards. My question is how do you avoid all these annual fees? Do you call in each year that they should waive it for you or you just pay it and make it back in miles? Also, How do you transfer from Vanilla to bluebird?

    ReplyReply
  180. David Says:
    180

    Hi Dan:

    I just received an offer for a Citi Hilton HHonors Visa Signature Card with 50,000 bonus points for spending $1,000 within the first 4 months and no annual fee. Is it worth getting this card? I already have a nice lineup based upon your recommendations, including Chase Saphire Preferred, AMEX Gold, AMEX Blue, AMEX Starwood Points and Southwest Visa Signature. Please let me know what you think about this HHonors Visa.

    Thanks.

    David

    ReplyReply
  181. Jayson Says:
    181

    @David: The HHonors Signature Visa is not worth getting. Hilton just realigned their point structure and it’s pretty lousy. (I think they actually devalued their HHonors points in some instances) Because this card only gets you Silver HHonors status, which is pretty meaningless, you’re better off going for the HHonors Reserve Card from Citibank. Even though this card has a $95.00 annual fee (AF), you’ll have HHonors Gold status and the perks at this tier will offset the AF. (Free breakfast at Hilton Garden Inns for example, deluxe room upgrades at others, etc)

    ReplyReply
  182. yoey Says:
    182

    whats the story with exchange rates when using in other countries i.e. israel

    ReplyReply
  183. mike Says:
    183

    Is there any way to transfer 50k British Avios to us air?
    What is the best way to book with miles to EY?

    ReplyReply
  184. SamF Says:
    184

    How long until Amex will deposit sigup bonus points? I have signed up, Met my spending thresholds on 2 cards, got the statements already, Paid off, but point balance is still 0.
    thanks in advanced

    ReplyReply
  185. nechama Says:
    185

    hi dan,

    any idea how and what is the best way to fix credit history ??? or which cards are a bit easier if u dont have the greatest credit score?

    ReplyReply
  186. ben Says:
    186

    I got declined for a CC @ BARCLAYCARD credit score 702, cuase on report I have high usage and CC account only 18 mths old. which CC will I get accepted?

    ReplyReply
  187. bud Says:
    187

    amex delta reserve
    only First Checked Bag Free (not-Free checked luggage on Delta)
    Benefit is limited to Basic Cardmembers (not Additional Cardmembers) with the Gold, Platinum or Reserve Delta SkyMiles Credit Cards. Fee waiver also available for passengers traveling in the same reservation as the Basic Cardmember. The first checked bag fee waiver will only be applied on flight segments which originate on a Delta or Delta Connection carrier operated flight. Codeshare flights are not eligible.

    ReplyReply
  188. DynamoDave Says:
    188

    Is there a new link for the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express? I don’t see any signup bonus when clicking on the link above.

    ReplyReply
  189. moneyman Says:
    189

    u say u aim for 1.9 on the ultimate rewards case points but all i hear is 1.5 where can i get 1.9?

    ReplyReply
  190. Don Says:
    190

    Dan. What is the current “chase exclusive ”
    program ?

    ReplyReply

Leave a Reply

Please note: Comment moderation is enabled and may delay your comment. There is no need to resubmit your comment.

Switch to our mobile site