|
Free consumer info. since 1998! As featured by The Wall Street Journal, The NY Times, PBS, etc.
Should I use credit card balance transfer offer or take ThankYou points?
Guest: Polonius SENIOR MEMBER (Member for 2 yrs.+) Post subject: Should I use credit card balance transfer offer or take ThankYou points?Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 3:55 pm It's a fine card, but the 2% ThankYou points for the first year aren't as good as the 0% BT offer for the first year. You can't have both--you'd either have to take the BT offer and not use the card or NOT take the BT offer and use the card. In my situation, the 0% BT will earn me 5% for, say, 90% of the limit of the card in the first year, riskfree. $10,000 limit, $500 interest earned roughly, plus $100 for the first purchase. (Use it the day you get the card at a grocery store, pay it back at once, then do the BT when your payment shows online.) If you spend a lot on purchases each year and DO NOT have a similar card, you might do better simply using it for the rewards and skipipng the BT. I have some 1.5% cash rebate card, though. I figure the gift cards at 80% at face value (because you can get plenty through dealpass at 20% off face). So if I buy $5000 on the card and get 10000 points, that translates to a $100 gift card worth $80 net, roughly 1.6% with some hassles thrown in. Not enough of an advantage for me to give up the 5% cash return! _________________ Polonius "Neither a borrower, nor a lender be; For loan oft loses both itself and friend" Last edited by Polonius on Tue Jul 25, 2006 4:34 pm; edited 1 time in total
CardRatings.com is the most comprehensive source for comparing credit card offers. Please visit CardRatings.com to view the best rated credit cards!
Guest: XeroK00L Credit Expert (100+ Posts) Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 4:28 pm Not all gift cards are created equal. No one is forcing you to redeem for some retail store gift cards that you can get for cheap elsewhere. IMHO the best gift cards to redeem for, if you insist on redeeming for gift cards, are gas cards (everyone drives, right?). The last time I checked, there's no discount on any gas card anywhere, period. So by redeeming TY points for gas cards and using them, you lose just 5% of the face value due to the lost opportunity to use a credit card that gives 5% back. And then again, there are always the two other options detailed above that will give you even better value for the points.
CardRatings.com is the most comprehensive source for comparing credit card offers. Please visit CardRatings.com to view the best rated credit cards!
Guest: quiznut1 Credit Expert (100+ Posts) Posted: Sun Jul 23, 2006 6:51 pm Quote: If you purchase the gift cards from the ty network...it really isnt 2% since you will lose the rebate that you normally get for purchases........if you use it to pay off a student loan...you get the full cash value...so all of you college students... Well, I feel you are only restricted in the fact that you could use cash back for anything you want. Gift cards of course you are locked into the particular merchant. However, being there is a Super Target close to my school, I know I will be spending money there for groceries so it will be fine. Oh, and to the comment earlier, I was saying gift cards were indeed the best way to redeem your points, since 5,000 points equals a $50 gift card, as opposed to a $250 cash rebate at 38,000 points. You'd be able to get almost 8 $50 gift cards with 38,000 points, and 8 x $50 = $400. Anyway, like I said, my goal is to use this card for 1 year, then hopefully ditch it for a better offer. I don't have that long of a credit history, and to guarantee a 2% return, even if it's in gift cards for a full year, I'll take it. Any other comments on this offer and/or my decision to apply for this card?
CardRatings.com is the most comprehensive source for comparing credit card offers. Please visit CardRatings.com to view the best rated credit cards!
Guest: maddybeagle Credit Expert (100+ Posts) Posted: Sun Jul 23, 2006 10:29 pm I dont think the gift card are better than getting cash back (if you can get that with the student loan rebate) with this card....but as discussed in the other thread on 2% cards...this offer is probably the safest bet for a card for 1 year.....you arent really getting 2% back when you buy the gift cards through ty network....if you use your cc at supertarget, you would be getting 5% back....that is lost when you use your reward for the gc's....one of the reasons that the dividend select is the better option (get cash rebate) than other cards that give points to the ty network... 100 bucks earned with the div. select....spend at target and getting 5 more bucks back=105 bucks use 10,000 points and redeem for a gift card is worth 100 bucks. It's even worse comparison if you are able to buy gift cards at a discount for 20% through another program....
CardRatings.com is the most comprehensive source for comparing credit card offers. Please visit CardRatings.com to view the best rated credit cards!
Guest: Polonius SENIOR MEMBER (Member for 2 yrs.+) Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 9:09 am Citibank has many sorts of gift cards/certificates available. I cashed in $700 of rewards for Amazon.com gift certificates and used them all to buy a new Intel-based Apple iMac for my wife this month! (I know Amazon has its own 3%-back card handled through Chase, but I was turned down for it earlier this year.) Quote: The best way to redeem points on this card for me is through gift cards I thought that too. But I've been reading recently that the TY Network has an absolutely phenomenal travel department handled by an outside party that actually sames you a lot of money for tickets, car rentals, and hotels. Fat Wallet has a thread about this recently and I was amazed at some of the savings reported. I saw nothing on the TY Network site to lead me to think the travel service was anything special, but I'll be checking that out the next time I book a trip! _________________ Polonius "Neither a borrower, nor a lender be; For loan oft loses both itself and friend"
CardRatings.com is the most comprehensive source for comparing credit card offers. Please visit CardRatings.com to view the best rated credit cards!
Guest: XeroK00L Credit Expert (100+ Posts) Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 12:26 pm Quote: Citibank has many sorts of gift cards/certificates available. I cashed in $700 of rewards for Amazon.com gift certificates and used them all to buy a new Intel-based Apple iMac for my wife this month! (I know Amazon has its own 3%-back card handled through Chase, but I was turned down for it earlier this year.) Quote: The best way to redeem points on this card for me is through gift cards I thought that too. But I've been reading recently that the TY Network has an absolutely phenomenal travel department handled by an outside party that actually sames you a lot of money for tickets, car rentals, and hotels. Fat Wallet has a thread about this recently and I was amazed at some of the savings reported. I saw nothing on the TY Network site to lead me to think the travel service was anything special, but I'll be checking that out the next time I book a trip! Yup, the point-to-ticket value rate from TY Network is absolutely phenomenal. For this reason alone I would highly recommend this card with the 2% promotion. Also don't forget that with the student loan rebate trick you can get $25 cash back with 2,500 TY points. You just need some guts.
CardRatings.com is the most comprehensive source for comparing credit card offers. Please visit CardRatings.com to view the best rated credit cards!
Airline Miles Rewards vs. Credit Card Cash Back Rewards
Guest: XeroK00L Credit Expert (100+ Posts) Post subject: Airline Miles Rewards vs. Credit Card Cash Back RewardsPosted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 1:39 pm Quote: Quote: "XeroK00L" Quote: I guess it is good I have UNITED & DELTA MILES I guess it is good that you enjoy paying annual fees and being stuck with the choices of the two airlines. FEEL SORRY FOR ME WHEN THAT ANNUAL FEE GETS ME TO HNL I'm not sure what your point is. It's not like TY Network doesn't allow you to redeem points for flights to HNL. Spend just 35,000 TY points for a flight to HNL. From SFO, that would've cost at least $400; from JFK, that would be at least $700. Can you tell us how many United or Delta Miles you have to redeem for a flight to HNL, so that we can make a better redemption efficiency comparison?
CardRatings.com is the most comprehensive source for comparing credit card offers. Please visit CardRatings.com to view the best rated credit cards!
Guest: rain Credit Expert (100+ Posts) Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 3:54 pm I've repeated myself a few times, but here it goes again. Airline miles are normally more valuable than normal cashback or existing credit card reward points only when you redeem for premium class tickets. First class from USA-Asia: ~$10000 per ticket. Nobody really sane buys at those prices. Sometimes you have consolidators, business discounts, whatever, so lets say $8000. It usually takes 120000 miles to redeem for this ticket. That's a 6.6% return. If you're feeling keen, you can figure in the taxes (I believe citi pays your flight taxes for you, but these airline miles don't), the inevitable annual fee, etc. But the approximate 6.6% return will probably not change much. Major airlines also have alliances, and you usually can redeem on their partner airlines at the same rates. You can also factor in a card like starwood amex card, which normally gives a bonus of 5000 miles when you redeem 20000 into many airlines (Not UA though). This is an additional 20% bonus, so 6.6% redemption rate becomes 7.9% redemption (if you fly first). If you fly biz, it may be a 3.5-6% return, depending on what card you use) You can also factor in sign up offers, although those will typicall matter only in year 1. ----------------- For bank reward cards like citi's, the stated value is only for economy ticket. If you want to choose alternate airlines or fly premium, the redemptation rate is going to be reduced drasticlly to ~1%. Can you imagine spending 0.8M points on a first class ticket to asia? ---------------- For me, I just want to maximise the return, and give preference to cash. So I try to put groceries on citi dividend and everything else on starwood, and switch between a few other cards as and when special double points offer start. Ultimately, I still don't spend much. Mostly because I always seem to have too little money, too many bills, be underpaid, blah blah blah. Life sux when parents aren't handing out cash. =( So given my own personal constraints (How much I spend, what I spend on, what I want to redeem for), I chose what I believe was the perfect set of cards for me. 2% is an alright rate. Twice as good as most cards. I'd go for it if they increase the sign up offer to $150 worth. I currently don't do any offers $100 or less
CardRatings.com is the most comprehensive source for comparing credit card offers. Please visit CardRatings.com to view the best rated credit cards!
Guest: XeroK00L Credit Expert (100+ Posts) Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 4:57 pm Thanks for the input, rain. So in conclusion, if you're cheap like me and always fly economy, use TY points-earning cards for free economy class tickets. If you're looking to upgrade tickets you buy on your own, use an airline card.
CardRatings.com is the most comprehensive source for comparing credit card offers. Please visit CardRatings.com to view the best rated credit cards!
Guest: maddybeagle Credit Expert (100+ Posts) Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 10:42 am Quote: Not sure why you're repeating your previous post, mouse. We all know their point-to-cash back conversion rate sucks, but nobody is forcing you to redeem TY points for cash back. As you, Polonius and I pointed out, there are mainly three ways to use the points with nearly, precisely, or above 100% efficiency: a. nearly 100%: like you said, just redeem the points for gift cards. Even though by using gift cards you will lose the opportunity to earn more 5% rewards, the end result at 5% x (100% - 5%) = 4.75% still isn't a bad reward rate at all. b. precisely 100%: be daring like I am, and redeem for student loan rebate checks, with always a 100% conversion rate. Spend just 2,500 points for a $25 check, and deposit it at your local bank's ATM. None of my past 6 student loan rebate checks got rejected so far, and I doubt they ever will be, since chances are Citibank won't ever want to waste their labor on manually verifying that the checks are really cashed by actual student loan programs. deal. I dont know why you are repeating this info. either....My previous post was better.....you are losing more on the gift cards than 5% considering there are numerous gift card buying programs out there with 20% rebates.....Citibank is doing the same...they arent buying the cards at face value....
CardRatings.com is the most comprehensive source for comparing credit card offers. Please visit CardRatings.com to view the best rated credit cards!
Guest: quiznut1 Credit Expert (100+ Posts) Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 2:51 pm I don't have too much else to say, but given the discussion right now, I feel we need to stay on the original topic. The original topic was the Citi Diamond Rewards. Any other thoughts about this card? Is it as good of a deal as they are making it? Will you apply, and if you do, will you ditch the card after 1 year? More input on these questions and other information related to the original topic would be helpful. Thanks.
CardRatings.com is the most comprehensive source for comparing credit card offers. Please visit CardRatings.com to view the best rated credit cards!
Redeeming Credit Card Rewards Points
Guest: mouse SENIOR MEMBER (Member for 2 yrs.+) Post subject: Redeeming Credit Card Rewards PointsPosted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 12:30 pm IS THIS 2% OR IS IT 7/10 of 1% $250 for 38,000 points
CardRatings.com is the most comprehensive source for comparing credit card offers. Please visit CardRatings.com to view the best rated credit cards!
Guest: XeroK00L Credit Expert (100+ Posts) Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 12:46 pm Quote: IS THIS 2% OR IS IT 7/10 of 1% $250 for 38,000 points Not sure why you're repeating your previous post, mouse. We all know their point-to-cash back conversion rate sucks, but nobody is forcing you to redeem TY points for cash back. As you, Polonius and I pointed out, there are mainly three ways to use the points with nearly, precisely, or above 100% efficiency: a. nearly 100%: like you said, just redeem the points for gift cards. Even though by using gift cards you will lose the opportunity to earn more 5% rewards, the end result at 5% x (100% - 5%) = 4.75% still isn't a bad reward rate at all. b. precisely 100%: be daring like I am, and redeem for student loan rebate checks, with always a 100% conversion rate. Spend just 2,500 points for a $25 check, and deposit it at your local bank's ATM. None of my past 6 student loan rebate checks got rejected so far, and I doubt they ever will be, since chances are Citibank won't ever want to waste their labor on manually verifying that the checks are really cashed by actual student loan programs. c. above 100%: redeem for international tickets. Spend just 50,000 points for a ticket from San Francisco to London, which would've cost at least $1,600. TY Network even waives all applicable tax!! Now that is a killer deal.
CardRatings.com is the most comprehensive source for comparing credit card offers. Please visit CardRatings.com to view the best rated credit cards!
Guest: mouse SENIOR MEMBER (Member for 2 yrs.+) Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 12:51 pm Quote: "XeroK00L" Quote: IS THIS 2% OR IS IT 7/10 of 1% $250 for 38,000 points Not sure why you're repeating your previous post, mouse. We all know their point-to-cash back conversion rate sucks, but nobody is forcing you to redeem TY points for cash back. As you, Polonius and I pointed out, there are mainly three ways to use the points with nearly, precisely, or above 100% efficiency: a. nearly 100%: like you said, just redeem the points for gift cards. Even though by using gift cards you will lose the opportunity to earn more 5% rewards, the end result at 5% x (100% - 5%) = 4.75% still isn't a bad reward rate at all. b. precisely 100%: be daring like I am, and redeem for student loan rebate checks, with always a 100% conversion rate. Spend just 2,500 points for a $25 check, and deposit it at your local bank's ATM. None of my past 6 student loan rebate checks got rejected so far, and I doubt they ever will be, since chances are Citibank won't ever want to waste their labor on manually verifying that the checks are really cashed by actual student loan programs. c. above 100%: redeem for international tickets. Spend just 50,000 points for a ticket from San Francisco to London, which would've cost at least $1,600. TY Network even waives all applicable tax!! Now that is a killer deal. never-mind then I guess it is good I have UNITED & DELTA MILES
CardRatings.com is the most comprehensive source for comparing credit card offers. Please visit CardRatings.com to view the best rated credit cards!
Guest: XeroK00L Credit Expert (100+ Posts) Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 12:56 pm Quote: I guess it is good I have UNITED & DELTA MILES I guess it is good that you enjoy paying annual fees and being stuck with the choices of the two airlines.
CardRatings.com is the most comprehensive source for comparing credit card offers. Please visit CardRatings.com to view the best rated credit cards!
Guest: mouse SENIOR MEMBER (Member for 2 yrs.+) Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 1:25 pm Quote: "XeroK00L" Quote: I guess it is good I have UNITED & DELTA MILES I guess it is good that you enjoy paying annual fees and being stuck with the choices of the two airlines. FEEL SORRY FOR ME WHEN THAT ANNUAL FEE GETS ME TO HNL
CardRatings.com is the most comprehensive source for comparing credit card offers. Please visit CardRatings.com to view the best rated credit cards!
Credit Card with Cash Back Offer vs. Gift Card Rewards
Guest: maddybeagle Credit Expert (100+ Posts) Post subject: Credit Card with Cash Back Offer vs. Gift Card RewardsPosted: Sun Jul 23, 2006 5:46 pm I also plan to apply for this card in a few weeks and use as my card for non-gas and grocery purchases....I have a fair amount of stuff that I can use this for....in the next year...I will also be searching for an alt... If you purchase the gift cards from the ty network...it really isnt 2% since you will lose the rebate that you normally get for purchases........if you use it to pay off a student loan...you get the full cash value...so all of you college students...
CardRatings.com is the most comprehensive source for comparing credit card offers. Please visit CardRatings.com to view the best rated credit cards!
Guest: maddybeagle Credit Expert (100+ Posts) Posted: Sun Jul 23, 2006 5:46 pm I also plan to apply for this card in a few weeks and use as my card for non-gas and grocery purchases....I have a fair amount of stuff that I can use this for....in the next year...I will also be searching for an alt... If you purchase the gift cards from the ty network...it really isnt 2% since you will lose the rebate that you normally get for purchases........if you use it to pay off a student loan...you get the full cash value...so all of you college students... Guest: quiznut1 Credit Expert (100+ Posts) Posted: Sun Jul 23, 2006 6:51 pm Quote: If you purchase the gift cards from the ty network...it really isnt 2% since you will lose the rebate that you normally get for purchases........if you use it to pay off a student loan...you get the full cash value...so all of you college students... Well, I feel you are only restricted in the fact that you could use cash back for anything you want. Gift cards of course you are locked into the particular merchant. However, being there is a Super Target close to my school, I know I will be spending money there for groceries so it will be fine. Oh, and to the comment earlier, I was saying gift cards were indeed the best way to redeem your points, since 5,000 points equals a $50 gift card, as opposed to a $250 cash rebate at 38,000 points. You'd be able to get almost 8 $50 gift cards with 38,000 points, and 8 x $50 = $400. Anyway, like I said, my goal is to use this card for 1 year, then hopefully ditch it for a better offer. I don't have that long of a credit history, and to guarantee a 2% return, even if it's in gift cards for a full year, I'll take it. Any other comments on this offer and/or my decision to apply for this card?
CardRatings.com is the most comprehensive source for comparing credit card offers. Please visit CardRatings.com to view the best rated credit cards!
Guest: maddybeagle Credit Expert (100+ Posts) Posted: Sun Jul 23, 2006 10:29 pm I dont think the gift card are better than getting cash back (if you can get that with the student loan rebate) with this card....but as discussed in the other thread on 2% cards...this offer is probably the safest bet for a card for 1 year.....you arent really getting 2% back when you buy the gift cards through ty network....if you use your cc at supertarget, you would be getting 5% back....that is lost when you use your reward for the gc's....one of the reasons that the dividend select is the better option (get cash rebate) than other cards that give points to the ty network... 100 bucks earned with the div. select....spend at target and getting 5 more bucks back=105 bucks use 10,000 points and redeem for a gift card is worth 100 bucks. It's even worse comparison if you are able to buy gift cards at a discount for 20% through another program....
CardRatings.com is the most comprehensive source for comparing credit card offers. Please visit CardRatings.com to view the best rated credit cards!
Guest: Polonius SENIOR MEMBER (Member for 2 yrs.+) Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 9:09 am Citibank has many sorts of gift cards/certificates available. I cashed in $700 of rewards for Amazon.com gift certificates and used them all to buy a new Intel-based Apple iMac for my wife this month! (I know Amazon has its own 3%-back card handled through Chase, but I was turned down for it earlier this year.) Quote: The best way to redeem points on this card for me is through gift cards I thought that too. But I've been reading recently that the TY Network has an absolutely phenomenal travel department handled by an outside party that actually sames you a lot of money for tickets, car rentals, and hotels. Fat Wallet has a thread about this recently and I was amazed at some of the savings reported. I saw nothing on the TY Network site to lead me to think the travel service was anything special, but I'll be checking that out the next time I book a trip! _________________ Polonius "Neither a borrower, nor a lender be; For loan oft loses both itself and friend"
CardRatings.com is the most comprehensive source for comparing credit card offers. Please visit CardRatings.com to view the best rated credit cards!
Guest: XeroK00L Credit Expert (100+ Posts) Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 12:26 pm Quote: Citibank has many sorts of gift cards/certificates available. I cashed in $700 of rewards for Amazon.com gift certificates and used them all to buy a new Intel-based Apple iMac for my wife this month! (I know Amazon has its own 3%-back card handled through Chase, but I was turned down for it earlier this year.) Quote: The best way to redeem points on this card for me is through gift cards I thought that too. But I've been reading recently that the TY Network has an absolutely phenomenal travel department handled by an outside party that actually sames you a lot of money for tickets, car rentals, and hotels. Fat Wallet has a thread about this recently and I was amazed at some of the savings reported. I saw nothing on the TY Network site to lead me to think the travel service was anything special, but I'll be checking that out the next time I book a trip! Yup, the point-to-ticket value rate from TY Network is absolutely phenomenal. For this reason alone I would highly recommend this card with the 2% promotion. Also don't forget that with the student loan rebate trick you can get $25 cash back with 2,500 TY points. You just need some guts.
CardRatings.com is the most comprehensive source for comparing credit card offers. Please visit CardRatings.com to view the best rated credit cards!
Citi Diamond Preferred Rewards Credit Card Offer
Guest: quiznut1 Credit Expert (100+ Posts) Post subject: Citi Diamond Preferred Rewards Credit Card OfferPosted: Sun Jul 23, 2006 2:02 pm Hi everyone, I know this move will raise some eyebrows by some (considering the Fidelity 529 card is already 2% cash back), but I decided to apply for the Citi Diamond Preferred Rewards card under offer code F1G7. Here are the details: Citi Diamond Preferred Rewards (Offer Code F1G7) - 2 Thank You points per dollar on every purchase for 1 year (1 point thereafter) - 0% on Balance Transfers till August 2007, and no balance transfer fee with application (doesn't apply to me, but worth mentioning) - 10,000 bonus points with first purchase, redeemable for $100 gift card (or what they won't tell you, redeemable for two $50 gift cards for 2 different merchants if you like). - Apply via apply.citicards.com, or call 1-800-491-0848 by 9/15/06. The best way to redeem points on this card for me is through gift cards, since the top cash rebate is $250 for 38,000 points (not good at all). I shop at Target often, and Target gift cards are available on the Thank You Network. There are others, such as Best Buy, Circuit City, Shell, Exxon Mobil, Applebees, TGI Fridays, and others. Since 5,000 points equals a $50 gift card, that means spending $2,500 at 2 points per dollar will get you a $50 gift card (2%). Also, I already have the Citi MtvU Visa card, which has Thank You points. As a result, I found out that should I get this Diamond card, I can use combine both card's Thank You point balance into one bucket basically, and get the rewards quicker. Bottom Line: I applied for this card since Bank Of America phased out the Power Rewards 1.5% and 2% cash back options. I fully expect another credit card to come out in the future that offers the opportunity to earn 2% without having to jump through a ton of hoops like I feel the Fidelity 529 card is. Until then, I will likely use this card for 1 year, cancel it, and apply for another one that offers more than 1% back.
CardRatings.com is the most comprehensive source for comparing credit card offers. Please visit CardRatings.com to view the best rated credit cards!
Guest: JaneiR36 Credit Expert (100+ Posts) Posted: Sun Jul 23, 2006 2:39 pm For some reason, I can't really think of many of my purchases that fall outside of gas and groceries. Maybe air tickets?
CardRatings.com is the most comprehensive source for comparing credit card offers. Please visit CardRatings.com to view the best rated credit cards!
Guest: phantomega1 Posted: Sun Jul 23, 2006 4:40 pm I just got those two cards as well. The Diamond Preferred Rewards and MTVu will add up to about 5 points everywhere. I can't wait til the cards get here! _________________ I can't commit. I don't even know if I like Pepsi or Coke. Caffeine is my lifeblood.
CardRatings.com is the most comprehensive source for comparing credit card offers. Please visit CardRatings.com to view the best rated credit cards!
Guest: mouse SENIOR MEMBER (Member for 2 yrs.+) Posted: Sun Jul 23, 2006 4:44 pm Quote: "JaneiR36" For some reason, I can't really think of many of my purchases that fall outside of gas and groceries. Maybe air tickets? HUHHH??? "IF" I BUY IT...IT IS ON A CREDIT CARD Guest: mouse SENIOR MEMBER (Member for 2 yrs.+) Posted: Sun Jul 23, 2006 5:09 pm Quote: "quiznut1" Hi everyone, I know this move will raise some eyebrows by some (considering the Fidelity 529 card is already 2% cash back), but I decided to apply for the Citi Diamond Preferred Rewards card under offer code F1G7. Here are the details: Citi Diamond Preferred Rewards (Offer Code F1G7) - 2 Thank You points per dollar on every purchase for 1 year (1 point thereafter) - 0% on Balance Transfers till August 2007, and no balance transfer fee with application (doesn't apply to me, but worth mentioning) - 10,000 bonus points with first purchase, redeemable for $100 gift card (or what they won't tell you, redeemable for two $50 gift cards for 2 different merchants if you like). - Apply via apply.citicards.com, or call 1-800-491-0848 by 9/15/06. The best way to redeem points on this card for me is through gift cards, since the top cash rebate is $250 for 38,000 points (not good at all). I shop at Target often, and Target gift cards are available on the Thank You Network. There are others, such as Best Buy, Circuit City, Shell, Exxon Mobil, Applebees, TGI Fridays, and others. Since 5,000 points equals a $50 gift card, that means spending $2,500 at 2 points per dollar will get you a $50 gift card (2%). Also, I already have the Citi MtvU Visa card, which has Thank You points. As a result, I found out that should I get this Diamond card, I can use combine both card's Thank You point balance into one bucket basically, and get the rewards quicker. Bottom Line: I applied for this card since Bank Of America phased out the Power Rewards 1.5% and 2% cash back options. I fully expect another credit card to come out in the future that offers the opportunity to earn 2% without having to jump through a ton of hoops like I feel the Fidelity 529 card is. Until then, I will likely use this card for 1 year, cancel it, and apply for another one that offers more than 1% back. The best way to redeem points on this card for me is through gift cards, since the top cash rebate is $250 for 38,000 points (not good at all). I shop at Target often, and Target gift cards are available on the Thank You Network. There are others, such as Best Buy, Circuit City, Shell, Exxon Mobil, Applebees, TGI Fridays, and others. IS THIS 2% OR IS IT 7/10 of 1%
CardRatings.com is the most comprehensive source for comparing credit card offers. Please visit CardRatings.com to view the best rated credit cards!
Capital One Cash Rewards Credit Card Offer
Guest: nobodyyouknow Post subject: Capital One Cash Rewards Credit Card OfferPosted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 5:50 pm i applied for their "no hassles cash reward" card solely because they have no foreign currency conversion fee. I'm well aware of all the stuff about them not reporting credit limits, etc. so anyway, the online app doesn't let you specify a generational identifier (Jr, III, IV, etc.). Speaking as someone who has one, i gotta say it's a major deal, & everyone i know who has one feels the same way about it. I like to say, "i'm not xxxxxx. He died in 1982." It's as much a part of my identity as my surname. I once had to apply for a name change at a university because their system wasn't geared to deal with them. I also have a name variation listed on my credit reports with the identifier appended to my surname, because it was the only way a creditor could handle it.. but I will not take a card without it. i got a msg. saying i'd get the card in 7-10 days. Then i called about the name, and the woman told me they couldn't change that before the card got printed... i'll have to wait to get the card and then call & change my name and get a replacement. "No hassle" my *****! and then today i get an automated call from them on my home phone (which nobody has, except i'm sure all these data warehousers) asking me to punch in the last 4 digits of my SSN. I never put down my landline on the app; i put my mobile as my home phone. It's all I use, and i know it's listed on at least a couple of the credit bureaus' records, while my home phone is not listed with anyone. Well, i don't care how convincing a call sounds, any call where any bit of my personal info gets disclosed is going to be initiated by me. So i waited for the # to call and then looked on their website. It was the same... so i called. then i asked them to make sure i was on their most stringent privacy settings, since i was remiss in not reading their privacy policy until after I'd applied. They'll pretty much share your info with anyone who has either a pulse and/or a business license, and that's a lot of sleaze. Theirs seems to be about as liberal as any i've seen. "Oh, we cannot do that until after you have the account info." I wonder if they'll get it on out there in the meantime... i'm on the DNC list, opted out thru the credit bureaus (for not just insurance/CCs, but also direct mail), the DMA's opt-out lists, and am set up with the strictest sharing policies with everyone. I just don't get junk mail or junk calls. Am i going to find myself suddenly getting lots of **** from their 'partners'? i'm beginning to think maybe i should've just applied for a card from a bank with a better rep that only passes on the 1% from Visa/MC....
CardRatings.com is the most comprehensive source for comparing credit card offers. Please visit CardRatings.com to view the best rated credit cards!
Help Selecting First Credit Card
Guest: AznDragon533 Post subject: Help Selecting First Credit CardPosted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 9:19 pm Hi, I just turned 18 and was wondering which credit cards should I get? I'll will be attending College in the falls, and i also happen to have a checking account under my mom's title for about 2 years now, eh i have a family share phone plan with my sister, but i only pay 10$ a month so dont think that will count for anything, also Co title on car/insurance for it. And i have a steady job for about a year now. http://www.creditcards.com/reward.php Things im looking for: *low interest rate* *no Annual Fee* *cash back rewards* *0 Liability on unauthorized purchases* *doesn't have to pay full payment in 1 month* *doesn't need travel rewards or dining rewards* Things wanted to buy: *laptop for college *books *clothes *Television
CardRatings.com is the most comprehensive source for comparing credit card offers. Please visit CardRatings.com to view the best rated credit cards!
Board Monitor Board Monitor/ Administrator Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2006 8:27 am Greetings and welcome to the board! Check out our ratings of student cards here: http://www.cardratings.com/studentcreditcards.html Good luck and let us know how things turn out! _________________ Regards, Curtis Arnold Board Monitor http://www.CardRatings.com 20K+ Credit Card Reviews Sign up for our free monthly e-mail newsletter!
CardRatings.com is the most comprehensive source for comparing credit card offers. Please visit CardRatings.com to view the best rated credit cards!
Why was I declined for a Sears credit card?
Guest: TomfromCT Credit Expert (100+ Posts) Post subject: Why was I declined for a Sears credit card?Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 7:22 am I think we would need alot more info to really give you a better idea. But what are the reasons listed by Sears/CB as to why they rejected you? Having the card is nice too becasue you get special offers in the mail for sales. As for Mouse and the 21% thing. That only makes a difference if you don't PIF. My HOME DESPOT card has a really high rate but I PIF so it doesn't matter. But I get nice offers from them that I wouldn;t otherwise get. _________________ Humor free posting since June, 2006 Avg FICO 738 2 reports full of perfection 1 report with 1 derog.
CardRatings.com is the most comprehensive source for comparing credit card offers. Please visit CardRatings.com to view the best rated credit cards!
Guest: JaneiR36 Credit Expert (100+ Posts) Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2006 2:36 pm Their reasons are of the vague, worthless variety. I'll see if they say anything new this time around. I tried to get the card with the larger sign on bonus, and at the time that was the Sears Mastercard with $15 as against the Sears store card with $10 or 0% APR for 6 months.
CardRatings.com is the most comprehensive source for comparing credit card offers. Please visit CardRatings.com to view the best rated credit cards!
Sears Credit Card vs. Gift Card
Guest: JoyJoy Credit Expert (100+ Posts) Post subject: Sears Credit Card vs. Gift CardPosted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 12:07 am Jane, I wonder if you contact Citibank and tell them you want a Sears card if that will help? You have four cards with them....seems like it shouldn't be a problem. I would approve you if I was Citibank. _________________ J~J "You may never know what results come from your action. But if you do nothing, there will be no result." Mahatma Gandhi
CardRatings.com is the most comprehensive source for comparing credit card offers. Please visit CardRatings.com to view the best rated credit cards!
Guest: mouse SENIOR MEMBER (Member for 2 yrs.+) Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 12:17 am I only use mine for 10% OFF DAYS and 0.00% FOR 12 MONTHS (major purchase)
CardRatings.com is the most comprehensive source for comparing credit card offers. Please visit CardRatings.com to view the best rated credit cards!
Guest: Polonius SENIOR MEMBER (Member for 2 yrs.+) Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 8:59 am Which card are we talking about here? Sears has its own in-store card which can only be used there. It also offers a standard MasterCard with its name on, processed through Citibank. I can buy the Sears gift cards through various sources for a 20% discount. Sears owns Orchard Supply Hardware (OSH--great source for home improvement stuff, like Home Depot), so those Sears gift cards can be used there as well! I just use my Sears MasterCard for balance transfers when there's a good offer... _________________ Polonius "Neither a borrower, nor a lender be; For loan oft loses both itself and friend"
CardRatings.com is the most comprehensive source for comparing credit card offers. Please visit CardRatings.com to view the best rated credit cards!
Guest: JaneiR36 Credit Expert (100+ Posts) Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 4:20 pm I think I better get a Sears gift card whenever I need to fix my car and quit the whining The sad part is, these are usually impulse purchases while I'm waiting to get my car serviced.
CardRatings.com is the most comprehensive source for comparing credit card offers. Please visit CardRatings.com to view the best rated credit cards!
Approved for Credit Card After Previously Denied
Guest: maddybeagle Credit Expert (100+ Posts) Post subject: Approved for Credit Card After Previously DeniedPosted: Sun Jul 23, 2006 5:54 pm you can easily purchase sears gift cards through cardavenue....they arent very hot sellers....can easily snag for 80-85 cents on the dollar....who needs their credit card....
CardRatings.com is the most comprehensive source for comparing credit card offers. Please visit CardRatings.com to view the best rated credit cards!
Guest: JoyJoy Credit Expert (100+ Posts) Posted: Sun Jul 23, 2006 10:05 pm You aren't the only one who has had trouble getting credit with Sears. I had tried for many years before I became ill and I had perfect credit when I tried. My sister who did not work, but was on SSI, received a credit card from Sears the first time she applied! I inquired as to why I kept getting rejected and the salesperson told me some days people are approved and some days they aren't! He told me even doctors got rejected!! One day I was asked if I wanted a card because of a discount being offered and I told the salesperson I would be rejected. He said, "Let me run it through" and presto I was approved for $1,800.00. I have since closed the Sears account because they reported me as owing when my account was PIF and I had a time with Sears before they finally reported to TU that I indeed was paid in full. Mouse is right about Sears belonging to Citibank now. I have two Citibank accounts but don't want Sears back because their interest is 21%! _________________ J~J "You may never know what results come from your action. But if you do nothing, there will be no result." Mahatma Gandhi
CardRatings.com is the most comprehensive source for comparing credit card offers. Please visit CardRatings.com to view the best rated credit cards!
Guest: mouse SENIOR MEMBER (Member for 2 yrs.+) Posted: Sun Jul 23, 2006 11:03 pm Quote: "JoyJoy" You aren't the only one who has had trouble getting credit with Sears. I had tried for many years before I became ill and I had perfect credit when I tried. My sister who did not work, but was on SSI, received a credit card from Sears the first time she applied! I inquired as to why I kept getting rejected and the salesperson told me some days people are approved and some days they aren't! He told me even doctors got rejected!! One day I was asked if I wanted a card because of a discount being offered and I told the salesperson I would be rejected. He said, "Let me run it through" and presto I was approved for $1,800.00. I have since closed the Sears account because they reported me as owing when my account was PIF and I had a time with Sears before they finally reported to TU that I indeed was paid in full. Mouse is right about Sears belonging to Citibank now. I have two Citibank accounts but don't want Sears back because their interest is 21%! I won't pay over 5.90% (CAPITAL ONE) WHY WOULD I PAY 21%
CardRatings.com is the most comprehensive source for comparing credit card offers. Please visit CardRatings.com to view the best rated credit cards!
Guest: JaneiR36 Credit Expert (100+ Posts) Posted: Sun Jul 23, 2006 11:41 pm Hi all! Thanks for the suggestions I don't pay in full before the statement date. My bill actually gets pretty large some months and I pay it using MBNA mastercard. Citibank? I have four cards with them! They always approve me whenever I apply so I don't know what's going on here! I'll probably get that Sears' gift card... will I get any discounts in the store as if it were a regular card? Nice! I do remember, though, one time they gave me a gift card instead of a refund to my CC, and I kept the card for about 2 years without spending it up completely. That's my only thing with gift cards, if you don't shop in that area often, you may never cash the entire amount!
CardRatings.com is the most comprehensive source for comparing credit card offers. Please visit CardRatings.com to view the best rated credit cards!
Declined for Sears Credit Card Offer
Guest: JaneiR36 Credit Expert (100+ Posts) Post subject: Declined for Sears Credit Card OfferPosted: Sun Jul 23, 2006 2:37 pm I've tried twice now to get their card, because I get work done on my car as well as do a little light shopping there every now and then. Why do they keep declining me?!? I guess I'm a big fan of just keep it moving if one company doesn't approve you," but it must be easier said than done! They keep dangling that $15 off your first purchase if approved in front of me but whenever I apply I get knocked down! I feel kind of stupid continuing to give them my business when they won't give me the card so I can get discounts. My guess is they can see I don't carry a balance from month to month. I will actually call and ask the next time my rejection letter comes in the mail. WTH?!?! If that doesn't happen, I'll at least consider having my Mom make me an authorized user of her card so I can get any periodical discounts for current card holders (which I do not see too many of those, mostly that first time discount).
CardRatings.com is the most comprehensive source for comparing credit card offers. Please visit CardRatings.com to view the best rated credit cards!
Guest: mouse SENIOR MEMBER (Member for 2 yrs.+) Posted: Sun Jul 23, 2006 4:58 pm Quote: "JaneiR36" I've tried twice now to get their card, because I get work done on my car as well as do a little light shopping there every now and then. Why do they keep declining me?!? I guess I'm a big fan of just keep it moving if one company doesn't approve you," but it must be easier said than done! They keep dangling that $15 off your first purchase if approved in front of me but whenever I apply I get knocked down! I feel kind of stupid continuing to give them my business when they won't give me the card so I can get discounts. My guess is they can see I don't carry a balance from month to month. I will actually call and ask the next time my rejection letter comes in the mail. WTH?!?! If that doesn't happen, I'll at least consider having my Mom make me an authorized user of her card so I can get any periodical discounts for current card holders (which I do not see too many of those, mostly that first time discount). DON'T PIF BEFORE THE STATEMENT DATE!!! Leave $10 or $20 It will start to report something month after month and not look like you NEVER USE YOUR CREDIT CARDS I'm not saying pay interest...just change when you pay the account in full PAYING BEFORE THE STATEMENT DATE HAS IT'S DOWN-SIDE (I'm assuming you are doing the PIF before the statement date deal--many do)
CardRatings.com is the most comprehensive source for comparing credit card offers. Please visit CardRatings.com to view the best rated credit cards!
Guest: davensd Posted: Sun Jul 23, 2006 5:39 pm [quote="JaneiR36"]I've tried twice now to get their card, because I get work done on my car as well as do a little light shopping there every now and then. Why do they keep declining me?!? I guess I'm a big fan of just keep it moving if one company doesn't approve you," but it must be easier said than done! They keep dangling that $15 off your first purchase if approved in front of me but whenever I apply I get knocked down! I feel kind of stupid continuing to give them my business when they won't give me the card so I can get discounts. My guess is they can see I don't carry a balance from month to month. I will actually call and ask the next time my rejection letter comes in the mail. WTH?!?! If that doesn't happen, I'll at least consider having my Mom make me an authorized user of her card so I can get any periodical discounts for current card holders (which I do not see too many of those, mostly that first time discount).[/quote] Every credit card company has an address to write to if you feel you have been denied cred it in error. If you really feel put down by Sears for not sending you a credit card, I would write to the address given to you on the denial letter and state your case. If you are responsible, prove it to them
CardRatings.com is the most comprehensive source for comparing credit card offers. Please visit CardRatings.com to view the best rated credit cards!
Guest: mouse SENIOR MEMBER (Member for 2 yrs.+) Posted: Sun Jul 23, 2006 5:41 pm Do you have any issues with CITIBANK???? SEARS does not issue the cards Last edited by mouse on Sun Jul 23, 2006 6:57 pm; edited 1 time in total
CardRatings.com is the most comprehensive source for comparing credit card offers. Please visit CardRatings.com to view the best rated credit cards!
|
