The new year is in full swing and must mean people are looking for the hottest credit cards on the market. We are going to take a look at a few cards that may meet your rewarding needs.
The following cards rate high in these three areas for 2013:
· Zero percent intro rate
· Low balance transfer intro rate
· Great rewards
Slate from Chase is an unbeatable deal for those looking at balance transfers. This card wins over other offers because it does not charge a balance transfer fee and has a cool 0% interest rate on balance transfers. This combination saves you from $30 to $50 in transfer fees for every $1,000 transferred from a card bearing a high interest rate. Plus, you have no interest for 15 months, which means further savings of $120 to $230, depending on the interest rate on your present card.
For great rewards, Chase Freedom card is hard to beat, both for incentives and value. Between January 1 and March 31, 2013, you can earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 spent at gas stations, drugstores and Starbucks. The categories rotate every three months, allowing you to receive 5% back for groceries or travel, or even Amazon.com purchases. You get 1% back on all other purchases. There’s no annual fee and credits do not expire. You can also earn $100 bonus cash back after $500 in purchases in the first 3 months after opening an account.
Citibank’s Dividend Platinum Select card has a similar cash back program, but a major difference is that there is a $300 annual cap on cash back rewards, whereas the Chase Freedom has no limit. However, the Dividend Platinum card has a much longer 0% introductory rate for purchases and balance transfers. Thus, it has some “future dividends” that are attractive.
Chase’s Sapphire Preferred card offers commendable travel and airline rewards for those who fly often. This card gives a 40,000 point sign up bonus to new customers, which at a $500 value is one of the highest incentives on the market. These bonus points become available only if you spend $3,000 in the first three months. The card earns 2 points per dollar spent on travel and dining at restaurants, and 1 point on all other purchases. The Ultimate Rewards program offers 20% off airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises. New points from purchases also earn a 7% Annual Points Dividend. There are no foreign transaction fees on the card. Points are redeemed for cash at one cent per point, a great deal.
You can save a lot of money on interest payments by switching credit cards to one with a 0% interest rate. Or, you can earn cash back rewards, or substantial travel or airline rewards. There is not just one best card, so compare options to find one that best suits your needs for 2013!
