Capital One Credit Cards
By Curtis Arnold updated on May 22, 2012

If a Capital One credit card is not in your wallet, here's your chance to change that and learn about some of the best capital one credit cards available.  Capital One is a diversified financial services company offering a broad array of credit cards, savings and loan products in the US, UK, and Canada. They also have retail branch locations. Capital One offers credit cards for people with both excellent and good credit. Some offer reward points like credit cards in their No Hassle and Venture line of credit cards.

Other than those great Viking commercials, why should I choose a Capital One credit card?

If you're searching for the best credit card to fit your finances, chances are you can find what you are looking for from Capital One. Capital One credit cards come in all varieties, whether you have a limited credit history or excellent credit; if you're a student or a small business owner; if you want to take advantage of zero APR credit cards to pay off credit card debt, or if you want to earn rewards points for using credit cards for everyday purchases.

The Capital One commercials sustain one of the most recognized brands in America, but Capital One is also one of the country's top 10 biggest banks (based on deposits) and is a Fortune 500 company with a solid reputation. CEO Richard Fairbank founded the company in 1988 and the company today has more than 45 million customer accounts.

In 2011, Capital One made news by acquiring the credit card division of HSBC Bank, and is in the process of acquiring ING Direct. These acquisitions will make this financial institution the fifth largest in the U.S. in terms of deposits.

What are my options for Capital One credit cards?

You can choose from more than a dozen Capital One credit cards. There are options for people with excellent credit, average credit and those who are working to rebuild their credit. You can choose a card with rewards program, such as the Venture One Rewards card that gives you 1.25 miles for every dollar you spend, or the Cash Reward card that gives you up to 2 percent back on grocery and credit card purchases.

Capital One credit cards

• Low interest rates. If you typically carry a balance from one month to the next, you should look for zero APR credit cards, especially if you anticipate making big purchases in the coming months. The Capital One Venture One Rewards credit card currently has a zero percent APR on purchases for 12 months, no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. Plus, it earns you 1.25 airline miles per dollar on all purchase transactions. You'll need excellent credit to qualify.
• Balance transfer. If you want to pay off your credit card debt over time, the Capital One Platinum Prestige credit card offers zero percent interest on balance transfers for 14 months. While you will be charged a one-time fee of 3 percent for a balance transfer, this card does not have an annual fee.
• Limited credit. If you have lived on a cash-only basis or are new to the United States, no matter how good your finances are, you may not have much of a credit history. Capital One's Cash Rewards for Newcomers is one example of credit cards for limited credit customers. The credit card has no annual fee and pays 2 percent cash back on travel purchases, plus 1 percent cash back on all other purchases.
• Rewards. If you have good or excellent credit and plan to pay off your credit card balance in full each month, you may want to take advantage of a rewards credit card. You can choose between several Capital One rewards cards to find the one that matches your spending habits. For example, the Capital One Cash credit card earns 1 percent cash back on gas and groceries and 1 percent on all other purchases. If you travel, you may want to opt for a rewards card that earns frequent flier miles, like the Capital One Venture One Rewards credit card mentioned above.
• Student. College students need credit cards to pay for concerts, sports events and maybe even books, but not all credit card companies offer a student credit card. The Journey Student Rewards card from Capital One has no annual fee and allows you to set up text messages and email alerts when a payment is due or you are near your spending limit. The credit card is designed to help you build your credit history, plus you can earn 1 percent cash back on all purchases. Each month that you pay your bill on time, you can earn a 25 percent bonus on your cash back.

Does Capital One have credit cards for small businesses?

Yes, Capital One offers a dozen small business credit cards with a variety of rewards programs geared specifically for businesses. That includes such stalwarts as the Capital One Business Platinum with Preferred No Hassle Miles, which is popular for offering three miles for every dollar spent, unlimited miles without that don’t expire and an array of redemption options.

Also the Capital One Venture for Business credit card is one of the best small business credit cards around for business owners who need to travel, because you earn double airline miles on all purchases, 25,000 bonus miles if you spend $1,000 in the first three months, 5,000 bonus miles for each employee credit card you request and Capital One waives your annual fee for the first year.

So, research the choices above, and compare them to other card issuers.  Known for their excellent rewards programs, it's easy to see why so many people find themselves answering "Capital One" when asked to show what's in their wallet.

What is the standard Annual Percentage Rate (APR) on a Capital One credit card?

The APR depends on the individual credit card, but Capital One credit cards can range from an introductory offer of zero percent to 24.9 percent for both purchases and balance transfers. The APR is just one thing to consider when comparing cards--annual fees, rewards and additional benefits can make a difference in the best credit card for you.

Does Capital One charge an annual fee?

Some Capital One credit cards have annual fees and some don't. For example, the Venture Rewards credit card has a $59 annual fee, but it is waived the first year. If you're looking for a Capital One card without an annual fee, typically you need to have excellent credit (a FICO score in the 730-850 range).

What's the best way to apply for a Capital One credit card?

Once you've found the Capital One credit card that best fits your needs, read the review and terms and conditions and apply for a capital one credit card online.