The Best Overlooked Airline Credit Cards

by Cory Santos
What are the best under-the-radar airline credit cards to consider applying for?

Last updated on August 24th, 2023

In a world where jet-setting dreams and travel aspirations are constantly blasted at us, separating the good from the great can be tough. But just beyond the glitzy online ads, a realm of hidden gems awaits, with exceptional credit card offerings for travelers to nearly every continent. Here are some of our favorite picks for overlooked and under-the-radar airline cards:

At a Glance


LATAM Airlines World Elite Mastercard
Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard®
Free Spirit® Points Plus Mastercard®
Frontier Airlines World Mastercard®

What Are the Most Overlooked Airline Credit Cards?

Finding the best credit card for your needs and wants is not always a straightforward process, especially with new cards launching more frequently. And yet, the same rewards credit cards are frequently chosen for “best of” lists – but we propose an alternative. Here are some interesting, under-the-radar airline credit cards you should consider if you’re shopping around for a new one.

LATAM Airlines World Elite Mastercard

LATAM Airlines World Elite Mastercard
Visit Card Site Terms & Conditions
Excellent-Good
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Excellent / Good
Mastercard Processing Network
$99 Annual Fee

LATAM Airlines World Elite Mastercard

  • 21.24% to 31.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR

At a Glance

The LATAM Airlines World Elite Mastercard hits many of the right notes thanks to an impressive welcome bonus, no hidden fees, and up to 4X miles on purchases. The card also benefits from lounge access, complimentary upgrades, and more – for a $99 annual fee.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Earn 40,000 miles after spending $2,500 in purchases in the first three months
  • Earn 4X miles on LATAM purchases
  • Earn 3X miles on dining, plus rideshares, taxis, and public transit
  • Earn 1X miles on all other purchases
  • Two complimentary LATAM lounge passes each year
  • Earn three complimentary upgrades after you pay your $99 annual fee every year
  • Regular Purchase APR: 21.24% to 31.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
  • Annual Fee: $99
  • You travel to South America often
  • You prefer to fly with LATAM Airlines
  • You want access to premium perks like airport lounges and upgrades
  • You plan to spend at least $2,500 in the first three months
LATAM Airlines World Elite Mastercard

LATAM Airlines World Elite Mastercard

Terms & Conditions
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The LATAM Airlines World Elite Mastercard is a premium airline card from digital-first fintech, Cardless, and LATAM Airlines – one of the leading carriers within South and Central America. The $99 annual fee card provides the usual perks you’d expect from a premium airline card: there are two complimentary LATAM lounge passes each year, for example, plus three complimentary upgrades after you pay your annual fee each year. These two simple perks combine for more than enough value to easily recoup the annual fee – and that’s without talking about points.

Beyond a lucrative (and variable, based on time of application) welcome offer worth around $500 for meeting minimum spending requirements in the first few months of opening an account, cardholders can earn the following rewards with the card:

  • 4X miles on LATAM purchases
  • 3X miles on dining, plus select transit purchases
  • 1X miles on all other purchases

One disadvantage of the LATAM credit card is the fact that miles earned in the LATAM Pass loyalty program expire after 36 months, with no option to extend that value. Fortunately, there are plenty of great award options, so you shouldn’t have trouble booking free flights – and especially if you frequently hop between North and South America.

The LATAM Pass rewards program is among the richest in the Americas thanks to its partnerships with Delta and the SkyTeam Alliance. Points apply to travel with LATAM, LATAM subsidiaries, and LATAM codeshare partners, including their new partnership with Delta – the world’s largest carrier. Points also apply to seat upgrades, additional baggage allowances, and other travel costs with LATAM and LATAM partners. Additionally, miles apply to hotel stays with partners, including Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, IHG Rewards, World of Hyatt, and more.

The other airline card option from Cardless is the no annual fee LATAM Airlines Mastercard. This card charges no membership fee but doesn’t offer any lounge or upgrade certificates – instead offering rewards miles one point below the World Elite-version (3X, 2X, 1X on bonus categories instead of 4X,3X,1X).

Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard®

Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard®
Visit Card Site Terms & Conditions
Excellent-Good
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Excellent / Good
Mastercard Processing Network
$89 Annual Fee

Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard®

  • 20.24% to 28.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
  • 20.24% to 28.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
  • 23.24% to 30.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR

At a Glance

Designed for avid travelers, the Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard® rewards generously for flight purchases and offers versatility when it’s time to redeem your earnings.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • 3X miles per $1 spent directly on purchases with Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, and SkyTeam member carriers
  • 1.5X miles per $1 on all other purchases
  • Earn 70,000 bonus miles and $100 statement credit after making $2,000 in purchases within 90 days
  • 5,000 miles anniversary bonus after spending $50 in purchases within anniversary year
  • 20 XP every account anniversary with additional 40 XP after spending $15,000 or more per year
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Regular Purchase APR: 20.24% to 28.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
  • Balance Transfer APR: 20.24% to 28.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
  • Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: $10 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
  • Cash Advance APR: 23.24% to 30.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
  • Cash Advance Transaction Fee: $10 or 3% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
  • Penalty APR: Up to 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
  • Annual Fee: $89
  • Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
  • Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $29
  • You travel often, whether for business or pleasure
  • You’re a member of the Flying Blue loyalty program
  • You want flexibility when redeeming your accumulated miles and the ability to choose from multiple airlines for flight awards
  • You’re planning to use a credit card for purchases abroad or in foreign currencies
Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard®

Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard®

Terms & Conditions
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We’re big fans of the Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard® from Bank of America because it combines a comfortable ($89) annual fee with a lucrative welcome offer, solid miles, and great award flexibility through Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Flying Blue, or any of the other SkyTeam Alliance carrier.

The card earns 3X miles on purchases made directly on purchases with Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, and SkyTeam member carriers, which is much more lucrative than it seems. That’s because over two dozen carriers qualify for maximum points, including major names like Delta, Aeromexico, Virgin Atlantic, Korean Air, and more.

But the 3X miles apply to even more, meaning they’ll also earn the maximum points with other Flying Blue partners, like the following:

Le Club Accor Hotels Budget Rental Cars IHG Rewards My Boutique Hotel
Hilton Honors Driving Blue taxi Service Thrifty Car Rental Radisson Hotels
Marriot Bonvoy Enterprise Rent-A-Car World Hotels Collection Shangri-La Hotels
Avis Rental Cars Europcar Rental Cars Yotel Hotels Sixt Ren-A-Car
Batavia Stad Fashion Outlet Golden Tulip Hotels Radisson The Bicester Village Shopping Collection
Best Western World of Hyatt

All other Air France/ KLM Mastercard purchases earn an elevated 1.5X miles per $1 spent, with miles expiring after two years. But, unlike LATAM Pass, Air France miles never expire if the member travels at least once every two years on an eligible flight with Air France, KLM, or one of the partner airlines, or if they are a Silver, Gold, or Platinum elite status member.

And, like the LATAM Mastercard, there is a huge range of award options to choose from – if you can dream it, you can probably book an award flight there using the Air France Mastercard. If the card had a shortcoming, it would be the lack of lounge access – even a complimentary voucher once per year. Still, the miles on offer are more than enough to satisfy the avid traveler.

Related Article: Maximize Rewards with the Air France Mastercard

Free Spirit® Points Plus Mastercard®

Free Spirit® Points Plus Mastercard®
Visit Card Site Terms & Conditions
Good-Fair
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Good / Fair
Mastercard Processing Network
$0 to $79 Annual Fee

Free Spirit® Points Plus Mastercard®

  • 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
  • 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
  • 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR

At a Glance

The Free Spirit® Points Plus Mastercard® is a premium, invite-only airline rewards credit card from Mercury Financial. The card features 3X points on Spirit flights and purchases, 2X on dining and groceries, a decent signup bonus, and no foreign transaction fees – all for an annual fee of $79.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • Earn 3x Free Spirit Points per $1 on Spirit purchases
  • Earn 2x Free Spirit Points per $1 on grocery and dining purchases
  • Earn 1x Free Spirit Points per $1 on all other purchases
  • Invitation required to apply
  • Regular Purchase APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
  • Balance Transfer APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
  • Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 4% of the amount of each Balance Transfer, whichever is greater
  • Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
  • Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each Cash Advance, whichever is greater
  • Annual Fee: $0 to $79
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: 0% or 3% of each Purchase in U.S. dollars
  • Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
  • Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
  • Minimum Deposit Required: n/a
  • You have average credit but want an airline rewards card
  • You have a pre-approval mail offer from Mercury
  • You fly with Spirit or travel occasionally
Free Spirit® Points Plus Mastercard®

Free Spirit® Points Plus Mastercard®

Terms & Conditions
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The Free Spirit loyalty program from Spirit Airlines offers tons of value for domestic or Caribbean-rim travelers, and the carrier’s Bank of America credit cards are great options for frequent flyers with good or excellent credit scores. But what if you don’t have excellent credit and still want to earn points toward free flights with Spirit? Mercury Financial has you covered.

The Free Spirit® Points Plus Mastercard® is an airline rewards card targeted towards those who might not typically qualify for a travel rewards card: those with near-prime credit scores. Unfortunately, Points Plus is only available by invitation. Invite-only means potential applicants need a Mercury Financial reservation code to apply.

But for those invited to apply, the card offers exceptional value for the annual fee, which starts at $0 ($0 to $79 is the full range), and earns up to 3X points per $1 spent on eligible purchases. Cardholders earn the following rewards with the Points Plus:

  • Earn 3X Free Spirit Points on Spirit purchases
  • 2X on grocery and dining purchases
  • 1X on all other purchases

Cardholders also receive an annual $100 Companion Flight Voucher each year after spending $5,000 on purchases before their anniversary date. The card can help members achieve Free Spirit Silver and Gold Status, as credit cardholders will earn one status qualifying point (SQP) for every $10 spent on purchases.

The Points Plus also offers a selection of Free Spirit perks, including in-flight savings, priority boarding, and more. Points Plus credit cardholders traveling Spirit Airlines also receive a 25% rebate on in-flight food and beverage purchases when using their card, Zone 2 early boarding, and point-pooling with up to eight additional Free Spirit members – ideal for families traveling together.

Now that sounds like a pretty rewarding way to enjoy your credit-building process.  

Frontier Airlines World Mastercard®

Frontier Airlines World Mastercard®
Visit Card Site Terms & Conditions
Excellent-Good
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Excellent / Good
Mastercard Processing Network
$89 Annual Fee

Frontier Airlines World Mastercard®

  • 21.24%, 25.24% or 30.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
  • 21.24%, 25.24% or 30.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
  • 30.49% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR

At a Glance

The Frontier Airlines World Mastercard® is a co-branded airline reward credit card from Frontier Airlines and Barclays US. Cardholders earn 5X Frontier miles when booking through flyfrontier.com, 3X miles when dining out, and 1X miles everywhere else Mastercard is accepted. New cardholders can also earn 50,000 bonus miles when they make over $500 in purchases within the first 90 of their account – good for up to 2 round-trip flights with Frontier.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $500 on purchases in the first 90 days
  • 5X miles for every dollar spent at flyfrontier.com
  • 3X miles for every dollar spent at restaurants
  • 1X miles for every dollar you spend on all other purchases
  • Regular Purchase APR: 21.24%, 25.24% or 30.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
  • Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 15 months on transfers made within 45 days from account opening date
  • Balance Transfer APR: 21.24%, 25.24% or 30.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
  • Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
  • Cash Advance APR: 30.49% variable based on the Prime Rate
  • Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
  • Annual Fee: $89
  • Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
  • Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
  • Minimum Deposit Required: N/A
  • You frequently fly with Frontier Airlines and want to earn and redeem miles to book an award ticket
  • You’re looking for an impressive introductory mile offer
  • You want no foreign transaction fees
  • You like to pool miles with friends and family to reach bigger rewards faster
Frontier Airlines World Mastercard®

Frontier Airlines World Mastercard®

Terms & Conditions
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Frontier might not rank highly in customer satisfaction, but it does so in the category of value – the airline makes no qualms about its ultra-low-cost stance. With Frontier, if it is not explicitly spelled out in the terms of the fare, you can expect to pay for it – including baggage. But if you follow the baggage and check-in time rules carefully, you will be pleasantly surprised with what you find.

Frontier often surprises customers with unique sales and special savings, including its impressive GoWild! Pass. Frontier offers several all-you-can-fly plans, including seasonal, yearly, or even month-to-month, with the first month free of charge with the payment of a $49 enrollment fee. The pass provides an unlimited number of flights, with bookings the day before flight departure for domestic travel and starting ten days before flight departure for international travel.

The Frontier Airlines World Mastercard® is the $89 annual fee card from the carrier and issued by Barclays Bank. The card features an impressive welcome bonus, no foreign transaction fees, and up to 5X pointer per dollar spent on purchases:

  • Earn 5X miles at flyfrontier.com
  • 3X at restaurants
  • 1X miles on all other purchases

Beyond booking flights with Frontier, miles earned are applicable towards stays with select hotel partners (including Marriott Bonvoy, Radisson, Wyndham, and more); when renting cars with Avis, Hertz, Budget, and other leading companies; or for other goods and services from Frontier partners.

If you are happy squeezing into Frontier’s planes to save some money, this card might be your new best friend.

Sun Country Airlines® Visa Signature® Card

Sun Country Airlines® Visa Signature® Card
Visit Card Site Terms & Conditions
Excellent-Good
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Excellent / Good
Visa Processing Network
$69 Annual Fee

Sun Country Airlines® Visa Signature® Card

  • 20.24% to 28.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
  • 20.24% to 28.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
  • 29.74% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR

At a Glance

The Sun Country Airlines® Visa Signature® Card is a dependable airline credit card ideal for those who primarily travel to and from major U.S. cities or whose international travels fall during the popular travel seasons.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • 3 points per $1 spent on Sun Country purchases
  • 2 points per $1 spent on gas & groceries
  • 1 point per $1 spent everywhere else
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Regular Purchase APR: 20.24% to 28.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
  • Balance Transfer APR: 20.24% to 28.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
  • Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
  • Cash Advance APR: 29.74% variable based on the Prime Rate
  • Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $15 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
  • Annual Fee: $69
  • Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
  • Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $35
  • You primarily travel to and from major U.S. cities
  • You plan on visiting in Mexico, Central America, or the Caribbean during peak travel season
  • You will spend $1,500 within the first 3 months and take advantage of the 35,000 sign up bonus points ($350 value)
  • You will spend $10,000 per year to take advantage of the 10,000 bonus points ($100 value)
Sun Country Airlines® Visa Signature® Card

Sun Country Airlines® Visa Signature® Card

Terms & Conditions
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Another great, overlooked airline card from a low-cost carrier is the Sun Country Airlines® Visa Signature® Card. Issued by FNBO (First National Bank of Omaha), the card features a similar annual fee to the Frontier Mastercard ($69 vs $89 with Frontier) while retaining a similar rewards structure. Sun Country Visa cardholders earn up to 3X points per $1 spent, with those bonus categories breaking down as follows:

  • Earn 3X on Sun Country purchases
  • 2X on gas and groceries
  • 1X on all other purchases

Sun Country Rewards points are redeemable for flights, checked baggage, vacations, and more. You can also donate points to the Make-a-Wish Foundation. There’s no cap to the total number of points earnable, but points expire after 36 months, which is less than desirable. One benefit of the program is that there are no blackout dates when booking an award flight. This is a great feature for cardholders – especially for anyone who travels to the Caribbean for work or pleasure.

Fortunately, the slim redemption options make the card a useful tool for the dedicated Sun Country traveler. Sun Country is based out of Minneapolis/St. Paul, making the card a great option for Midwesterners in the Chicago, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and similar areas. But the carrier flies to a far broader range of destinations, including stops in American hubs like Seattle, San Fransisco, Las Vegas, Los Angelas, Denver, Dallas, New York, Tampa, and more. Sun Country even has extensive routes into Central America and the Caribbean, making the card a great choice for people looking to escape the cold and warm up on the sandy beaches in “sun country.”

Hawaiian Airlines® Business Mastercard®

Hawaiian Airlines® Business Mastercard®
Visit Card Site Terms & Conditions
Excellent-Good
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Excellent / Good
Mastercard Processing Network
$99 Annual Fee

Hawaiian Airlines® Business Mastercard®

  • 21.24% or 30.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
  • 21.24% or 30.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
  • 30.49% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR

At a Glance

The Hawaiian Airlines® Business Mastercard® is a co-branded airline rewards card from Hawaiian Airlines and Barclays US. The card offers impressive benefits designed for companies that frequently travel across the Pacific. The card features no foreign transaction fees, complimentary employee cards, and a generous introductory offer. New accounts can earn as much as 90,000 miles when making qualifying purchases within the first 90 days.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • 3X miles on Hawaiian Airlines purchases
  • 2X miles on gas, office supply and restaurant purchases
  • 1X miles on all other purchases
  • One-time 50% off campanion discount
  • Free additional employee cards
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Regular Purchase APR: 21.24% or 30.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
  • Balance Transfer APR: 21.24% or 30.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
  • Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
  • Cash Advance APR: 30.49% variable based on the Prime Rate
  • Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 3% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
  • Annual Fee: $99
  • Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $39
  • Return Payment Penalty Fee: $39
  • You frequently travel with Hawaiian Airlines
  • You want a credit card that earns rewards for everyday business purchases
  • You don’t want to pay foreign transaction fees.
  • You want extra employee cards at no additional cost
Hawaiian Airlines® Business Mastercard®

Hawaiian Airlines® Business Mastercard®

Terms & Conditions
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If your company requires frequent travels across the Pacific for business, a versatile airline business card is a great way to streamline spending and maximize rewards towards free flights. The Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Business Mastercard® is a strong, yet often overlooked, credit card option for companies planning to issue multiple employee cards and frequently put employees on flights.

The card offers valuable HawaiianMiles on every eligible purchase. Cardholders earn accelerated rewards in the following bonus categories:

  • 3X miles on Hawaiian Airlines purchases
  • 2X on gas, office supply, and restaurant purchases
  • 1X on all other purchases

Those lucrative categories are in addition to a generous welcome offer which regularly values around $750 to $1,000 – just for meeting modest spending requirements in the first months of account opening. There’s even an annual spending bonus of up to 40,000 miles if your company spends $100,000 or more in annual purchases with the card.

Hawaiian Airlines flies to over 30 international destinations – not just in the Pacific Rim. Beyond the typical destinations like Honolulu, Tokyo, Auckland, Sydney, Taipei, Beijing, and Seoul, Hawaiian Airlines also flies to decidedly non-Pacific stops like Boston, Austin, and Las Vegas. Even if you don’t exclusively rely on Hawaiian Airlines, the Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Business Mastercard® is a great option thanks to its solid codeshare agreements:

Hawaiian Airlines Codeshare Partners:
China Airlines Japan Airlines JetBlue Korean Air Virgin Australia
In addition, several airlines place their marketing code on Hawaiian-operated flights*:
Air China American Airlines China Airlines Delta Air Lines Japan Airlines
JetBlue Korean Air Philippine Airlines Turkish Airlines United Airlines
*See Details

Other features of this business rewards card from Bank of America include no foreign transaction fees, those previously mentioned free employee cards, and a one-time 50%-off companion discount for roundtrip coach travel between Hawaii and North America on Hawaiian Airlines.

Check out more

Travel Rewards Credit Cards

Featured image by Rudy and Peter Skitterians from Pixabay

Open Loop vs Closed Loop Store Credit Cards

by Cory Santos
closed-loop-vs-open-loop-store-credit-cards

Last updated on April 3rd, 2024

Thanks to their specialized rewards, discounts, and lower credit qualification requirements, retail and store credit cards are popular options for consumers. But store cards come in two distinct varieties: closed loop, and open loop. What does that mean, and which should you select? Here’s everything you need to know about open loop and closed loop credit cards:

At a Glance

  • Open loop credit cards feature a payment network, like Visa or Mastercard – meaning the cardholder can use the card to make purchases wherever those networks are accepted.
  • Closed loop credit cards only work at the issuing retailer or on the retailer’s website.
  • Closed loop credit cards are great for the brand-loyal shopper and anyone looking to build credit because they tend to have slightly lower credit requirements.
  • Open loop credit cards offer greater versatility and rewards, but may feature annual fees.

What is a Closed Loop Credit Card?

When people think about a store credit card, they probably think about a “closed loop” card. A closed loop card is a type of credit card you can use to make purchases at one retailer on group of stores only. Another term for a closed loop credit card is a single-purpose credit card.

Single-purpose/closed loop cards will feature the name and logo of the store where they can be used but will not have a payment network logo on them. If your retail card doesn’t have the Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express logo on it, chances are it is closed loop. Closed loop credit cards can only be used at the issuing retailer or its associated partners.

Common Features of Store Cards That are Closed Loop

Because they lack a broad payment network, closed loop cards have very limited acceptance versus a traditional credit card from Visa or Mastercard, for example. Closed loop credit cards are accepted only at the retailer or retailers for which they were issued.

Additionally, these cards are often co-branded in partnership with the retailer and feature unique rewards, discounts, or promotional offers tied to the brand. These perks can include exclusive discounts, early access to sales, or loyalty points that can be redeemed for store merchandise.

Other notable features of closed loop store credit cards include:

  • Lower Credit Limits: Store credit cards are often marketed to individuals with varying levels of credit history, including those who might be new to credit or have lower credit scores. Issuers may set lower credit limits to manage risk and ensure responsible borrowing for these customers. To mitigate potential losses from defaults, these issuing banks may offer lower initial credit limits until a cardholder’s payment behavior and good creditworthiness are established.
  • Higher Interest Rates and Fees: Closed loop cards typically have higher interest rates than traditional credit cards, thanks to many of the factors mentioned in the previous point.
  • No Annual Fees: Most store cards feature no annual fee. The lack of a membership charge, reasonable credit limits, niche-focused rewards, and easier credit qualifications make closed loop store cards a great option for building credit.

Examples of Closed Loop Store Cards

Just like there are thousands of chain stores and brands in the United States, so are there many single-purpose, closed loop store cards. Comenity Bank (Bread Financial)and Synchrony are two of the largest issuers of store cards, with notable examples including:


Target RedCard™
Amazon Secured Store Card
ExxonMobil™ Smart Card

Merchandise cards are another example of a type of closed loop card. These are not credit cards, but they provide a line of unsecured credit at an individual online store or online catalog. There are several merchandise cards on the market today. Depending on the card’s issuing institution, these cards offer different benefits to account holders.


Group One Platinum
Boost Platinum
NetFirst Platinum

Freedom Gold
Buy On Trust Lending
Unique Platinum

Who Should Consider Applying for a Store Card?

Closed loop credit cards are designed with specific types of consumers in mind:

  • Frequent Shoppers: Customers loyal to a specific retailer or brand and wishing to access exclusive deals and rewards can find value in closed loop credit cards. Individuals who frequently shop at a particular retailer can benefit from closed loop credit cards’ specialized discounts and rewards. These cards can help loyal customers save money on their purchases.
  • Credit Builders: Closed loop credit cards can be an entry point for those new to credit or looking to build or rebuild their credit history. Retailers may offer these cards to individuals with limited credit history or lower credit scores. Plus, since closed loop cards often have more lenient approval criteria, they can be a starting point for individuals without strong credit profiles.
  • Occasional Users: Closed loop credit cards are suitable for consumers who primarily shop at that retailer or within the affiliated brand network. These cards may not be ideal for consumers seeking a more versatile payment option.

What is an Open Loop Credit Card?

So, if a closed loop card can only be used at one retailer or brand, an open loop card can be used at almost every retailer, right? Right!

An open loop credit card is a type of payment card that is issued by a financial institution, such as a bank or credit union. As previously mentioned, an open loop card is a traditional credit card, meaning it is part of a larger payment network and features well-known names like Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover. These cards are designed to be widely accepted by a vast network of merchants, both online and in physical stores, making them versatile tools for making purchases, paying bills, and accessing credit.

Common Features of Open Loop Credit Cards

Since open loop credit cards are essentially what you think of when you imagine a credit card, you are likely already familiar with many of their common features:

  • Wide Acceptance: Open loop credit cards can be used at various businesses, including retail stores, restaurants, travel services, online retailers, and more. They can be used at most locations where the card’s payment network is accepted. As an example, currently merchants in over 200 countries around the world accept both Visa and Mastercard.
  • Issuer: Open loop credit cards are issued by financial institutions such as banks or credit unions. These issuers extend a line of credit to cardholders, allowing them to make purchases on credit up to a predetermined limit. Store and closed loop cards, on the other hand, can be issued by financial companies other than banks or credit unions.
  • Revolving Credit: Open loop credit cards offer revolving credit, which means cardholders can carry a balance from month to month, paying at least a minimum payment or the full balance by the due date to avoid interest charges. The only exception to this is charge cards, also known as pay-in-full credit cards, which require the balance to be paid in full monthly. These types of cards, however, are no longer very common.

Examples of Open Loop Cards

Like closed loop cards, there is a vast variety of open loop store cards. Here are some of the more popular retail cards available today:


Bilt Mastercard
Sam's Club® Mastercard®
OpenSky® Plus Secured Visa®
BankAmericard® Credit Card

Ideal Candidates for Open Loop Credit Cards

Because they are the essence of a credit card, open loop credit cards are ideal for almost any type of consumer. These individuals (and groups) include students, business travelers, crypto enthusiasts, the brand loyal shoppers, and those looking for a quick route to rebuilding their credit.

Summing It Up

So, should you apply for a closed loop store credit card or one that you can use in more than one place? The best option for you depends on what you want in a credit card. A closed loop card is an excellent option if you plan to monitor your spending or only have one main retailer in mind. Making a furniture purchase, for example, and paying it down over time, is an excellent use for a store-only single-purpose credit card.

Using a single-purpose card to rebuild your credit is another good strategy. Because store cards typically accept applications from those with fair credit, they are easier to get than many open loop credit cards. A closed loop card, like the Group One Platinum, can help you monitor your spending and access an unsecured line of credit. The only caveat is ensuring that you pay at least your minimum due balance on time every month.

Conversely, an open loop credit card is a better bet if you want a credit card that earns points toward your favorite store. Cards like the Prime Visa offer savings at additional Amazon brands – like Whole Foods – and are accepted at over 40 million merchants worldwide. Additionally, open loop cards provide greater protections, including $0 fraud liability against unauthorized charges, car rental insurance, extended warranty protection, and more. 

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Credit Cards

Trend: Gen Z Navigates Credit Markets with Confidence

by Jeannyn Gomez
Trend Gen Z Navigates Credit Markets with Confidence

Last updated on August 23rd, 2023

Despite recent economic changes like inflation and the tightening of underwriting by lenders, Gen Z continues to navigate the markets confidently. According to a new TransUnion report, Gen Z is displaying maturity in navigating the credit markets and proving upward changes year-over-year (YoY.) Here’s what you need to know.

Gen Z Trends Exhibit Financial Confidence in the Credit Market

The TransUnion Consumer Pulse Study US Q2 2023 found that over half of Americans (57%) feel confident about their household finances. Out of those feeling optimistic, 51% feel this way because they expect an income increase in the next 12 months – leading the pack are the Millenials at 68% and Gen Z at 66%. Compared to the older generation, 46% of Gen X and 27% of Baby Boomers feel the same way. However, Gen Z shows the most overall optimism regardless of income increases. Gen Z (73%) and Millenials (69%) felt the most optimistic when compared to Gen X (51%) and Baby Boomers (41%).

Roughly a third (32%) of consumers have plans to apply for new credit or refinance existing credit. Among the various types of credit products, 53% of consumers planned to use credit cards, and 27% looked forward to using personal loans. Although inflation impacts the pockets of many Americans, Baby Boomers (30%) and Gen X (30%) deem inflation as one of their top financial concerns. In comparison, nearly a quarter (26%) of Millenials and 14% of Gen Z considers inflation a top concern.

A Lack of Concern for Inflation

Gen Z’s lack of concern with inflation may stem from the absence of experience. Many of the other generations lived through a period of financial crisis like inflation or a recession. Today, the oldest Gen Zer is 28 years old (born between 1995 – 2005), meaning that during the Great Recession of 2008, they were about 13 years of age. While the 2008 recession may have indirectly affected Gen Z, their older siblings, and parents may have fresh memory of their finances during this time.

Nonetheless, Gen Z (98%) recognizes the importance of credit, followed by 96% of Millenials, 91% of Gen X, and 74% of Baby Boomers. However, only 35% of Gen Z agreed they have adequate access to credit. In comparison, 54% of Millenials, 51% of Gen X, and 70% of Baby Boomers feel they have sufficient access.

Due to Gen Z’s newer credit history, it’s possible they may have limited access to credit. In contrast, the other generations have had some time to establish positive credit. As a result, lenders and card issuers most likely see mature credit reports as less of a risk when approving loans.

Gen Z’s Financial Plan for Credit

Either way, Gen Z is ready to navigate the credit markets, as the report found 50% of Gen Z consumers have plans to apply for new credit or refinance existing debt like student loans, car loans/leases, and more. To compare, 32% of the entire population have plans to take action on new credit cards and personal loans.

“It makes sense to see Gen Z consumers’ use of credit cards and personal loans increase relative to consumers as a whole as they age into financial independence,” said Michele Raneri, vice president of U.S. research and consulting at TransUnion. “Like the overall population, many Gen Z borrowers are facing the same financial challenges brought on by high-interest rates and inflation. As a result, they are tapping into these available credit products to help them cope with rising expenses and the tightening of their monthly budgets.”

Related Article: Fight Inflation with Cash Back Credit Cards

Featured image by Davide Zanin Photography/ Canva

Enjoy 0% APR with Amazon Pay and Chase

by Cory Santos
Launch of Equal Monthly Payments for Prime Visa & Amazon Visa with Amazon Pay

Last updated on September 6th, 2023

Amazon and Chase are making the Amazon Visa and Prime Visa credit cards even more rewarding. The two popular retail cards now enjoy the option of Equal Monthly Payments when using Amazon Pay during checkout at tens of thousands of participating online retail sites. Here’s everything you need to know about this appealing new Amazon Pay promotion:

Mobile Wallets Offer Greater Security & More

Mobile wallets are a secure third-party payment solution that allows consumers to save vulnerable data, like credit card information, with third-party companies to streamline the purchasing process at millions of retailers worldwide. These mobile wallets offer a more secure, faster way to make purchases without the need to provide credit card numbers, CVV codes, or expiration dates to foreign sellers or merchants you are unfamiliar with and may not trust with those details.

Examples of popular third-party payment services include options like PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay (formerly Android Pay). Another popular option growing in scale is Amazon Pay, a mobile wallet that works under the Amazon umbrella. And now Amazon Pay is becoming even more rewarding for eligible Amazon credit cardmembers.

Amazon Visa Credit Cards Now Enjoy Broader 0% APR Offers

Amazon Pay will now offer shoppers the convenience of equal monthly payment options on eligible purchases of $50 or more, regardless of where they make their purchases. You can take advantage of 0% APR financing for 6 or 12 months at thousands of retailers when you select Amazon Pay and use your Amazon Visa or Prime Visa credit card from Chase at checkout.

In addition to the equal monthly payment options you get as an Amazon Visa or Prime Visa cardmember, you’ll also have the convenience of Amazon Pay when you shop at thousands of online retailers. With Amazon Pay, your payment and shipping information remain securely stored, allowing you easy, secure checkout without extra forms to fill out or additional accounts to create. Plus, your purchases are protected by Amazon Pay’s A-to-Z Guarantee.

Where is Amazon Pay accepted?

While Amazon Pay might not be as universal as Apple Pay, Google Pay, or the ever-popular PayPal, the service is still expanding, with over 10,000 retailers accepting the mobile wallet service as of July 2023.  Here is a brief mention of some of the more noteworthy brands taking part in the new 0% APR promotion with Amazon Pay:

Allbirds Bombas Coach Dyson
Huel Hulu Lacoste Lenovo
Lovesac Ralph Lauren Senville Shopify
Tool Lots Uber Viori Zappos

The list above is simply illustrative, and over 10,000+ brands currently offer Amazon Pay access. Visit Amazon’s dedicated service page for more information on the service and eligible retailers.

Which Amazon Credit Cards are Eligible?

As mentioned, the new Amazon Pay 0% APR promotional financing applies to Chase co-branded Amazon credit cards. There are currently two consumer credit cards from Amazon and Chase, both of which also earn impressive rewards at Whole Foods Markets, Amazon Fresh, Kindle, and more.

Here’s how Chase’s two Amazon credit cards measure up:

Prime Visa Amazon Visa
Amazon Prime membership required? Yes No
Rewards Earn 5% back on Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market purchases Earn 3% back on Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market purchases
Earn 5% back on purchases made through Chase Travel Earn 3% back on purchases made through Chase Travel
Earn 3% back on purchases at restaurants, gas stations, and drug stores Earn 2% back on purchases at restaurants, gas stations, and drug stores
Earn 2% back on local transit and commuting, including rideshares Earn 2% back on local transit and commuting, including rideshares
Earn 1% back on all other purchases Earn 1% back on all other purchases
Annual fee No annual fee No annual fee

“Offering More Choice and Convenience”

Both Chase and Amazon quickly praised the latest developments with Amazon Pay and Chase credit cards, highlighting the impressive value proposition the new offers add to the already exciting Amazon credit cards.

“Amazon is always looking to offer customers more choice and convenience when it comes to paying for their order,” said Omar Soudodi, Director of Amazon Pay. “We’re excited to offer the millions of Prime Visa and Amazon Visa cardmembers the option to split their payments across six or 12 months at 0% interest when shopping with Amazon Pay. What’s more, Amazon Pay merchants now have yet another way to seamlessly reach new customers, offering them more choice and convenience in how they pay.”

“This expansion of our work with Amazon allows Prime Visa and Amazon Visa cardmembers to use their existing card features in a new way,” added William Mahoney, General Manager of Amazon Visa cards at Chase. “We’re excited cardmembers will now be able to utilize 0% APR equal monthly payment options on purchases at a range of retailers, made possible by this advancement from Amazon Pay.”

Related Article: The Best Credit Cards for Amazon Prime Day

Featured image by Sarah Pflug /Burst

The Best Overlooked Secured Credit Cards

by Jeannyn Gomez
The Best Overlooked Secured Credit Cards

Last updated on January 3rd, 2024

Secured credit cards are excellent financial tools for building a positive credit history. If you have little to no credit, a secured card may be the answer to establishing good credit. We have rounded up the best overlooked secured credit cards that we think can help you build a better financial future.

At A Glance


First Latitude Platinum Mastercard® Secured Credit Card
First Progress Platinum Elite Mastercard® Secured Credit Card
Merrick Bank Secured Credit Card
OpenSky Plus Secured Visa Credit Card

What Are the Most Overlooked Secured Credit Cards?

If you research, you will find that many major banks offer some version of a secured credit card. The same goes for credit unions. While these may be the most common places to start the hunt for a secured card, there are a few cards we believe are often overlooked. Some may offer to double your credit limits, graduate you with an unsecured card, provide low rates, and more. Discover our top picks below.

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Imagine paying your bills on time, getting rewarded for it, and at the same time strengthening your credit score. The First Latitude Platinum Mastercard® Secured Credit Card can do that exactly and can be a handy tool for a responsible user. And credit-building is not its only strength; it has a few other features that make it stand out.

To begin with, the First Latitude Platinum is a secured card that earns cash back rewards – a rare feature to find among other secured credit cards. You can earn 1% cash back when you pay your bill each month, and alongside earning free money, the convenience of earning rewards for your monthly payments lies in its straightforward process. The card has no spend categories to track – simply stick to your budget and you can still get rewarded at the end of every month for making a bill payment.

Your rewards are then redeemable via the card’s mobile app. Enrollment is automatic after you open your account, so there is no extra work you have to put in when you’re ready to reap your rewards. And if you don’t want to use the rewards instantly, it’s no problem because they do not expire as long as you remain a cardholder. Let your cash back stack up and cash out when you’re ready.

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The First Progress Platinum Elite Mastercard® Secured Credit Card, issued by Synovus Bank, is an uncomplicated card to qualify for. It’s simple yet effective, and a perfect credit score is not required to qualify. Like any other secured card, the Platinum Elite requires a security deposit. The good news is that the security deposit minimums start at a reasonable $200 – in other words, not enough to break your bank.

If you’re on the lookout for a secured credit card, it’s most likely for credit-building reasons. The First Progress Platinum Elite card reports card activity monthly to the credit bureaus. You can use your credit limit to set manageable payments for your everyday purchases, as well as paying off bills essential to modern living, like a cell phone bill, utilities, insurance, car notes, etc – a.k.a. your non-negotiable bills.

The Platinum Elite Mastercard has two other sister cards: The First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card and the First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard Secured Credit Card. The Elite shares the lowest annual fee of the three, followed by the Platinum Select, and lastly the Platinum Prestige. However, the Platinum Elite does have the highest interest rate out of the three cards. If you prefer a lower rate, you can opt for the Select, or if you prefer to earn cash back and have the lowest rate, you may want to consider the Platinum Prestige.

Merrick Bank Secured Credit Card

Merrick Bank Secured Credit Card
Apply Now Terms & Conditions
Good-Fair-Poor
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Good / Fair / Poor
Mastercard Processing Network
$36 for first year. Billed $3 per month thereafter Annual Fee

Merrick Bank Secured Credit Card

  • 21.95% Variable Regular Purchase APR
  • 26.95% Variable Cash Advance APR

At a Glance

The Merrick Bank Secured Credit Card is an effective tool for boosting your credit score. The card features a very competitive APR on purchases, a modest annual fee of $36, and the chance at credit limit increases – without the need for any additional cash deposits.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • Choose your own credit line based on how much money you want to put down as a security deposit
  • Initial deposits can be from $200 to $3,000. You can increase your credit line at any time by adding additional money to your security deposit, up to $3,000
  • After 9 months, we review your account for a credit line increase. No additional deposit required!
  • Secured Credit Cards are great for people looking to build or rebuild credit and are available to people with all kinds of credit backgrounds
  • Unlike a debit card or a pre-paid card, it helps build your credit history. We report your payment history to all three major credit-reporting agencies
  • Get your FICO® Credit Score for free each month
  • Fraud coverage if your card is lost or stolen. Access your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Get help staying on track with available Auto Pay and account alerts
  • Card issued by Merrick Bank, Member FDIC
  • Regular Purchase APR: 21.95% Variable
  • Cash Advance APR: 26.95% Variable
  • Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 4% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
  • Annual Fee: $36 for first year. Billed $3 per month thereafter
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: 2% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
  • Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
  • Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
  • Minimum Deposit Required: $200
  • You're looking to establish credit for the first time
  • You have credit problems and need to bounce back with a secured card
  • You want the chance of additional credit lines with an extra deposit
Merrick Bank Secured Credit Card

Merrick Bank Secured Credit Card

Terms & Conditions
Apply Now Terms & Conditions

The Merrick Bank Secured Credit Card can lead you to an unsecured credit line – if you play your cards right. Like most secured credit cards, the Merrick Bank Secured card has a $200 minimum security deposit requirement. However, if cardholders use the card responsibly, Merrick Bank will review your account periodically after your first year, which can result in a credit line increase. If you qualify for the higher credit line, it comes with no strings attached, as cardholders are not required to provide an additional deposit for the increase.

The Merrick Bank Secured might appeal best to anyone seeking a card with a higher credit limit of up to $3,000. Similar to other cards on our list, the Merrick Bank secured shares an affordable annual fee. The annual fee is charged in its entirety for the first year. After the first year, the fee gets split into a couple of dollars per month instead of one lump sum.

The Merrick Bank Secured Credit Card may be a better option if you seek a higher credit limit and hope to work towards an unsecured credit card with responsible use of your secured card. Remember, the initial deposit can be anywhere between $200 to $3,000. If you have $3,000 in your savings account that you don’t mind using as a credit limit, then the Merrick Bank Secured Credit Card could help you reach your spending goals.

opensky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card

opensky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card
Apply Now Terms & Conditions
Fair-Poor-No Credit Required
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Fair / Poor / No Credit Required
Visa Processing Network
$0 Annual Fee

opensky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card

  • 28.24% (Variable) Regular Purchase APR
  • 28.24% (Variable) Cash Advance APR

At a Glance

Building credit without hidden fees is a breeze with the opensky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card. You can build credit, graduate to unsecured credit, and boost your financial knowledge base while paying $0 in annual fees.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • No annual fee – keep more money in your pocket!
  • No credit check required – 89% approval rate with zero credit risk to apply!
  • Earn up to 10% cash back on everyday purchases
  • Boost your credit score fast—2 out of 3 opensky® cardholders see an average increase of 47 points after 6 months
  • Track your progress with free access to your FICO® score in our mobile app
  • Build your credit history with reporting to all three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion
  • Seamless payments—add your card to Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay
  • Start with as little as $300 – Secure your line with a refundable security deposit
  • Fast and easy application—apply in minutes with our mobile-first experience
  • Flexible payment options—pick a due date that works for you
  • More time to fund—spread your security deposit over 60 days with layaway
  • Join 1.6 million+ cardholders who have used opensky® to build better credit!
  • Regular Purchase APR: 28.24% (Variable)
  • Cash Advance APR: 28.24% (Variable)
  • Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 3% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
  • Annual Fee: $0
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
  • Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
  • Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
  • Minimum Deposit Required: $300
  • You want a secured credit card but don't want to pay an annual fee
  • You have at least $300 available for a security deposit (up to $3,000)
  • You are serious about building credit and plan to pay on-time each month
  • You want to graduate to unsecured credit
opensky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card

opensky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card

Terms & Conditions
Apply Now Terms & Conditions

With the OpenSky Plus Secured Visa Credit Card, you may be able to improve your credit without an annual fee. The minimum security deposit is not as low as the other cards on our list, but it is doable. The OpenSky Plus requires a $300 minimum deposit and offers similar rates to that of popular unsecured credit cards.

If you require credit-building tools, that means your credit score may not be at its best. The convenience of the OpenSky Plus is that credit checks are not required, and the card reports your monthly payments to the three major credit bureaus. OpenSky also offers a traditional secured credit card: the OpenSky® Secured Visa®.

The major difference between the two is that the basic secured card has an annual fee, and the OpenSky Plus does not. However, both offer a chance to upgrade to an OpenSky Gold Unsecured Card after six months of responsible use.

Applied Bank® Secured Visa® Gold Preferred® Credit Card

Applied Bank® Secured Visa® Gold Preferred® Credit Card
Apply Now Terms & Conditions
Fair-Poor
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Fair / Poor
Visa Processing Network
$48 Annual Fee

Applied Bank® Secured Visa® Gold Preferred® Credit Card

  • 9.99% Fixed Rate Regular Purchase APR
  • 9.99% Fixed Rate Cash Advance APR

At a Glance

The Applied Bank® Secured Visa® Gold Preferred® Card offers those with limited credit history or a poor credit score the chance to receive a full-fledged Visa card without the need for a credit check. The card also boasts and impressively low fixed APR on purchases and cash advances – all for the modest annual fee of $48.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • Better than Prepaid...Go with a Secured Card! Load One Time - Keep On Using
  • Absolutely No Credit Check or Minimum Credit Score Required
  • Automatic Reporting to All Three National Credit Bureaus
  • 9.99% Low Fixed APR - Your Rate Won’t Go Up Even if You Are Late
  • Activate Today with a $200 Minimum Deposit - Maximum $1,000
  • Increase Your Credit Limit up to $5,000 by Adding Additional Deposits Anytime
  • Regular Purchase APR: 9.99% Fixed Rate
  • Cash Advance APR: 9.99% Fixed Rate
  • Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
  • Annual Fee: $48
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
  • Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $38
  • Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $38
  • Minimum Deposit Required: $200
  • You have bad credit, limited credit, or no credit history at all
  • You want a card that automatically reports to all the major credit bureaus
  • You are tired of spending money on reloadable prepaid cards
  • You can make a minimum deposit of at least $200
Applied Bank® Secured Visa® Gold Preferred® Credit Card

Applied Bank® Secured Visa® Gold Preferred® Credit Card

Terms & Conditions
Apply Now Terms & Conditions

The Applied Bank Secured Visa Gold Preferred Mastercard has the highest credit limit on our list, coming in at a minimum of $200 to $5,000. The higher credit limit offers the possibility of making a more influential positive impact on your credit score with responsible use of the card. It can also considerably increase your credit utilization ratio, which is an important factor in calculating your credit score. The secured card does have a modest annual fee, but it also has one of the lowest fixed rates on our list.

Once your credit has improved, you can move up and apply for the Applied Bank® Unsecured Classic Visa® Card. It has a $300 unsecured credit line, which makes for an easy-to-manage credit card account – especially if you struggle with overspending. A smaller budget, with a $300 unsecured credit card, may be a better choice for your finances.

Final tip: Always keep credit utilization in mind. If you have a $300 credit on any credit card, you should only use up to 30% of your credit limit. In this example, 30% of $300 is equal to $90. You can use the Applied Bank Secured Visa Gold Preferred Mastercard – or any of the other picks on this list – as a stepping stone to the higher-end credit cards you look forward to having.

Related Article: Why Secured Credit Cards Help Build Credit

How To Use Your Credit Card Like A Debit Card

by Jeannyn Gomez
How To Use Your Credit Card Like a Debit Card

Last updated on September 19th, 2023

Using a debit card for your purchases has its benefits. Similarly, using a credit card for purchases also has helpful features. To get the best of both worlds, it would be a wise move to consider using your credit card like a debit card. Here’s how.

Use Your Credit Card Like A Debit Card

A credit card can be a useful financial tool if used responsibly. For example, a credit card can help you build credit. It can also help you finance large purchases and earn rewards for making those purchases. A credit card may help your finances when used correctly.

In contrast, careless use of a credit card can greatly damage your financial status. Regularly missing credit card payments or habitually carrying over a balance would be just as bad as piling on more credit card debt. In these ways, a credit card can become your worst financial enemy if you’re not careful. If you’re looking to take advantage of credit card benefits, then it would be wise to treat it like a debit card.

Why Use a Debit Card?

Using a debit card has its own set of benefits. When you use a debit card to make a transaction you don’t have to worry about paying interest. There is no interest to pay because a debit card uses funds directly from your checking account. There is also no payoff because all your transactions are paid off in real time.

The amount of money in your checking account is also the funds available to spend. With many debit cards, you can set spending limits through your bank’s online account or app. It’s always a smart move to set spending limits on your debit card usage as this will help you avoid any overdraft fees. As a result, using a debit card forces you to stick to your budget.

Why Use a Credit Card as a Debit Card?

  • It can help you build credit
  • You can earn rewards
  • An additional layer of security
  • Less likely to overspend

How to Use A Credit Card like a Debit Card?

Using a credit card like a debit card is simple. When you use your credit card to make a purchase, the card issuer pays for the transaction. You then pay the issuer back later. To treat your credit card like a debit card you must pay your balance in full to avoid paying any interest. Most importantly, you must be disciplined and not spend over your budget. Only spend based on what you have in your checking account.

In addition to avoiding interest charges, fees, and overspending, you can get started on maximizing your rewards. Using the right rewards credit card for your shopping habits is essential to earning the most miles, points, or cash back on your purchases. Do your research and really consider what kind of rewards credit card fits your lifestyle. Credit cards have many reward categories such as gas, groceries, travel, streaming services, and more. Consider the rewards category you do most of your spending on and choose a credit card that will reward your spending habits.

An advantage you will have when using your credit card as your debit card is building credit and fraud protection. Credit cards have built-in added security features that will guarantee your money back if you fall victim to credit card fraud. Additionally, paying off your balance in full and on time will help build you a stronger credit score. Make sure to keep your credit utilization in mind when building credit too.

Tips in Summary

  • Don’t spend more than you can afford.
  • Don’t make a purchase if you don’t have sufficient funds in your bank account to pay for it.
  • Always pay your bill on time.
  • Always pay your full statement balance.
  • Understand your credit card APR and card-associated fees.
  • Use a credit card for online purchases to take advantage of stronger fraud protection.

Related Article: The Ultimate Guide to Credit Cards for Groceries & Delivery Services

Featured image by Bulatovic/Getty Images

The Best Back-to-School Credit Cards for Teachers

by Cory Santos
best teachers credit cards

Last updated on April 3rd, 2024

Teachers help build the future of our country, often at their own expense. But while teachers are forced to rely on their own resources in an era of big bank and airline bailouts, there are practical steps they can take to maximize their savings for things like back-to-school shopping. Here are some of our top picks for best credit cards for teachers and aides doing back-to-school shopping.

At a Glance


Prime Visa
Bilt Mastercard
Simon® American Express® Credit Card
Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa®

Why Opt for Cash Back?

In many instances, teachers will find their best value in a cash back credit card. Cash back is one of the best credit card rewards thanks to its versatility – be it statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, travel, or even as a deposit into an eligible deposit account. 

Here are a few tricks to finding your ideal cash back credit card:

The Most Important Things to Look for:
Rewards categories Just as you wouldn’t wear clothing in a size that’s not your own, you want to find the cash back rewards categories that fit you best. If you have an extended commute around the city that includes going to work, running errands, and picking the kids up from practice, a card that grants cash back on gas will likely earn you lots of cash back.
Redemption options Statement credits are a popular option, as are gift cards to big chain retailers and supermarkets, or a direct deposit into your bank account. Some cards give you the option of having a physical check mailed back to you if you want a paper trail of your rewards payouts, whereas others may give you the option to pay the funds forward to the charity of your choice.
APR The introductory interest rates offered by some cards are often a big selling point to new applicants. Once that period is over, though, the card’s regular APR may be too high to handle if you regularly carry over balances between billing cycles. You can offset this by paying off your balance in full each month or signing up for a credit card that has an APR that your budget can afford.
Annual fee It’s fairly common to find a cash back credit card that doesn’t charge an annual fee, but it may be tougher to find one with benefits as good as one that does. If you don’t want to pay too high of an annual fee or miss out on benefits that serve you best, the trick is to find a card with perks that outweigh the cost. Always check the annual fee and don’t get saddled with a card that won’t offer you enough value.

The Best Back-to-School Shopping Credit Cards for Teachers

So, what are the best credit card options for teachers looking to maximize their savings when back-to-school shopping? Here are some of our favorite options:

Prime Visa

Prime Visa
Learn more about the Prime Visa Terms & Conditions
Excellent-Good
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Excellent / Good
Visa Processing Network
None Annual Fee

Prime Visa

  • 18.74% to 26.74% variable Regular Purchase APR
  • 18.74% to 26.74% variable Balance Transfer APR
  • 29.49% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR

At a Glance

The Prime Visa offers cardholders impressive rewards on all Amazon.com and Whole Foods purchases, as well as elevated cash back at gas stations, drug stores, restaurants, transit, commuting, and more.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • Instant Amazon.com gift card on approval
  • Earn 5% Back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership, plus 5% Back on purchases made through Chase Travel.
  • Earn 2% Back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores, plus 2% Back on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
  • Earn 1% Back on all other purchases
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • No annual fee
  • Regular Purchase APR: 18.74% to 26.74% variable
  • Intro Balance Transfer APR: N/A
  • Balance Transfer APR: 18.74% to 26.74% variable
  • Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
  • Cash Advance APR: 29.49% variable based on the Prime Rate
  • Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
  • Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $39
  • Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $39
  • Minimum Deposit Required: N/A
  • You frequently shop at Amazon or Whole Foods
  • You have an existing Amazon Prime membership
  • You want a card with no foreign transaction fees and Visa concierge services for your travel plans
  • You want a flexible rewards program, including savings at gas stations dining
  • You want the excellent customer service Amazon is known for
Prime Visa

Prime Visa

Terms & Conditions
Learn more about the Prime Visa Terms & Conditions

When it comes to buying the types of supplies teachers need, there are few retailers better suited for the job than Amazon. In a SheerID study, 39% of K-12 teachers cited Amazon as their preferred shop for everything they need for the classroom. That’s because there seemingly isn’t anything you can’t find on Amazon, often with free same or next-day shipping on orders over $25.

The Prime Visa credit card from Chase is an excellent option should you be looking for a new credit card for your back-to-school shopping. The card charges no annual fee but does require an Amazon Prime subscription to get the maximum rewards. That annual cost is $139 per year ($14.99 per month), but it provides many bonus features, including access to Prime Music, Prime Books, Prime Video services, Amazon Fresh groceries, free shipping, and more.

An active Prime membership also entitles you to more rewards on eligible purchases. Here is how the Amazon Prime Visa compares with the Amazon Visa, which does not require a Prime subscription:

Prime Visa Amazon Visa
Amazon Prime membership required? Yes No
Rewards Earn 5% back on Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market purchases Earn 3% back on Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market purchases
Earn 5% back on purchases made through Chase Travel Earn 3% back on purchases made through Chase Travel
Earn 3% back on purchases at restaurants, gas stations, and drug stores Earn 2% back on purchases at restaurants, gas stations, and drug stores
Earn 2% back on local transit and commuting, including rideshares Earn 2% back on local transit and commuting, including rideshares
Earn 1% back on all other purchases Earn 1% back on all other purchases
Annual fee No annual fee No annual fee

What makes the Prime Visa such a great back-to-school shopping option is the welcome bonus of an Amazon gift card upon approval. New accounts earn a $100 Amazon.com gift card on approval – perfect for adding a little more spending power to your classroom budget.

Bilt Mastercard

Bilt Mastercard
Apply Now Terms & Conditions
Excellent-Good
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Excellent / Good
Mastercard Processing Network
None Annual Fee

Bilt Mastercard

  • 21.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
  • 21.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
  • 29.24% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR

At a Glance

The Bilt World Elite Mastercard is a unique rewards credit card from Wells Fargo that lets users earn 1X on monthly rent payments, 3X on travel, 2X on dining, and offers impressive perks including Lyft and DoorDash statement credits – all for no annual fee.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • No annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Earn 1X points on rent payments (up to 50,000 points each calendar year)
  • Earn 2X points on travel
  • Earn 3X points on dining
  • Regular Purchase APR: 21.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
  • Balance Transfer APR: 21.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
  • Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Introductory fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater, for 120 days from account opening. After that, up to 5% for each balance transfer, with a minimum of $5
  • Cash Advance APR: 29.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
  • Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each advance, whichever is greater
  • Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
  • You rent and want to earn rewards on your monthly rental payments
  • You’re a member of Bilt Rewards
  • You don’t want to pay an annual fee
Bilt Mastercard

Bilt Mastercard

Terms & Conditions
Apply Now Terms & Conditions

There aren’t any teacher-centric categories with the Bilt Mastercard from Wells Fargo, but the card still provides teachers with plenty of incentives for using this rewards card for back-to-school shopping. The Bilt Mastercard is the world’s first “rent credit card,” meaning teachers (or anyone) can earn points that they can apply towards their rent, towards a future down payment, or for the usual awards like travel booking, statement credits, and more.

The Bilt Mastercard earns the following rewards on purchases:

  • 1X points per $1 on rent payments (up to 50,000 points each calendar year)
  • 2X points per $1 on travel
  • 3X points per $1 on dining

Given how much the average teacher must outlay to equip their classrooms, a card like Bilt offers a great way to pay yourself back for spending your hard-earned money on your students. Bilt even lets you pay rent if the Blackstone Group, the parent company of Bilt Rewards, doesn’t operate your apartment or landlord. If your apartment doesn’t accept credit cards or you rent outside the Bilt Rewards Alliance of landlords, simply pay through Bilt’s mobile app, and the company will mail a physical check to your landlord.

Finally, Bilt’s Rent Day makes saving even more of a breeze. On the first of every month, Bilt Members can maximize their earnings and rewards in various ways as part of Bilt’s Rent Day Offers, including double points on all eligible purchases (including rent).

Related Article: The Ultimate Guide to Bilt Rent Day

TD Double Up Card

TD Double Up Card
Visit Card Site Terms & Conditions
Excellent-Good
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Excellent / Good
Visa Processing Network
None Annual Fee

TD Double Up Card

  • 19.99%, 24.99% or 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
  • 19.99%, 24.99% or 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
  • 30.24% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR

At a Glance

The TD Double Up Visa Card is a no-annual-fee 2% cash back card from TD Bank. The card also offers an introductory 0% APR on balance transfers, a $150 statement credit bonus after meeting minimum spend requirements, and more.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • No annual fee
  • Earn up to 2% cash back on all purchases
  • 0% APR for 15 months on balance transfers
  • Regular Purchase APR: 19.99%, 24.99% or 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
  • Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 15 months from account opening date
  • Balance Transfer APR: 19.99%, 24.99% or 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
  • Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
  • Cash Advance APR: 30.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
  • Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
  • Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
  • Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
  • You already bank with TD Bank
  • You prefer statement credits to travel or merchandise awards
  • You don’t want to pay an annual fee
  • You’re looking for a credit card that can earn additional cash back
TD Double Up Card

TD Double Up Card

Terms & Conditions
Visit Card Site Terms & Conditions

Sometimes all you need to maximize your rewards is an unlimited cash back card, like the TD Double Up. The card earns an unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases with no annual fee. The Double Up removes the concerns for confusing merchant category codes (MCCs), instead offering straight cash back on all purchases with no hassles.

New accounts can also take advantage of two simple-yet-fantastic welcome offers:

  • Earn $100 Cash Back in the form of a statement credit when you spend $1,000 within the first 90 days after account opening, and
  • Enjoy 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles after account opening, with a variable APR afterward.

If there was a drawback to the Double Up, it’s the limited reach of the bank. TD Bank primarily operates in the Eastern United States and does not allow applications outside its “footprint,” which covers the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Metropolitan D.C., Carolinas, and Florida areas. In these areas, cards like the Chase Freedom Unlimited® (unlimited 1.5% back and more) or  Citi® Double Cash Card (1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases) might make more sense.

Simon® American Express® Credit Card

Simon® American Express® Credit Card
Visit Card Site Terms & Conditions
Excellent-Good
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Excellent / Good
American Express Processing Network
None Annual Fee

Simon® American Express® Credit Card

  • 21.24% to 31.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR

At a Glance

The Simon® American Express® Credit Card is a unique retail credit card that lets you maximize your rewards at the mall and anywhere else Amex is accepted. The card, from digital-first fintech Cardless, earns up to 5% cash back on all Simon Mall purchases – all for no annual fee.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • No annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Earn 5% at any Simon Mall, Mills, or Premium Outlet in the U.S.
  • Earn 1% on all your other card purchases
  • Regular Purchase APR: 21.24% to 31.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
  • You love to shop – either in-person or online – for a wide variety of products
  • You’re brand-loyal to the type of stores you find in the mall
  • You prefer card rewards in the form of statement credits
  • You do’t want to pay an annual fee
Simon® American Express® Credit Card

Simon® American Express® Credit Card

Terms & Conditions
Visit Card Site Terms & Conditions

Back-to-school shopping concerns more than just pens, pencils, erasers, and books. Teachers must also prep their outfits for the upcoming school year – especially as lesson plans and grading can take up significant time. The Simon® American Express® Card from Cardless is a unique retail credit card if you want to maximize your savings at the mall without limiting your options.

Cardholders earn up to 5% cash back rewards by shopping at participating merchants at Simon Mall properties. Interestingly, this 5% category isn’t just on in-store purchases but also applies to online shopping with the following brands:

Aeropostale Brooks Brothers Eddie Bauer Forever 21
Reebok JCPenney Nautica Lucky Brand

Cardholders also earn 3% back on in-store purchases at other retailers found at Simon Mall, with the 3% and 5% back categories capped at the first $10,000 in combined spending per calendar year. They also earn 1.5% back on mobile wallet purchases (Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.), in-person gift card purchases at a Simon Center, and 1% back on all other purchases. These categories include clothing stores, department stores, luxury goods, furniture, and electronics.

Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa®

Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa®
Apply Now Terms & Conditions
Excellent-Good-Fair
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Excellent / Good / Fair
Visa Processing Network
None Annual Fee

Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa®

  • 14.99% to 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
  • 14.99% to 29.99% Balance Transfer APR

At a Glance

The Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa® offers no fees, low rates, cash back, and credit lines up to $25,000 in one unique package. The card provides the flexibility and predictability consumers need to pay down balances and get debt-free quickly.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • $200 bonus after opening a Rewards Checking Preferred account and making 3 debit card transactions*
  • 3% unlimited cash back on every purchase in Home, Health, and Auto categories
  • No annual fee
  • Enjoy Visa Signature benefits, like Roadside Dispatch, Price Protection, Extended Warranty and more
  • Shop smarter with Upgrade Shopping! Get exclusive savings at stores, restaurants, and more
  • No touch payments with contactless technology built in
  • See if you qualify in seconds with no impact to your credit score
  • Great for large purchases with predictable payments you can budget for
  • Mobile app to access your account anytime, anywhere
  • Use your card anywhere Visa is accepted
  • Relax knowing that you are protected in case of unauthorized transactions with Visa’s Zero Liability Policy
  • Regular Purchase APR: 14.99% to 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
  • Balance Transfer APR: 14.99% to 29.99%
  • Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Up to 5%
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: Up to 3%
  • Late Payment Penalty Fee: May apply
  • You struggle to pay off your credit card balances
  • You want to earn up to 3% cash back on purchases
  • You can reliably pay off your statement balances to earn cash back for your purchases
  • You have a desire to get debt-free quickly
  • You don’t want to pay an annual fee
Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa®

Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa®

Terms & Conditions
Apply Now Terms & Conditions

The Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa® is great if you really are looking to maximize rewards in set categories, including your everyday life. The Triple Cash allows cardholders to earn up to 3% back on purchases in select categories, namely “Home,” “Auto,” and “Health” categories, with an unlimited 1% back on all other purchases.

Those “Home” categories include various eligible charges, including A/C repair, upholstery cleaning, furniture, appliances, home supplies, and more. And, since “Health” includes things like shopping at Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid, you can be sure you are getting your best rewards when buying supplies for back-to-school.

Like its sibling, the Upgrade Visa® credit card, the cash back rewards program with the Triple Cash Rewards Visa is slightly different from that of other issuers, meaning you’ll get your rewards when you pay off those purchases each month. This condition ensures that you remain responsible for paying off your debt, which can go a long way toward developing healthy money habits.

Check out more

Rewards Credit Cards

Featured image by WOKANDAPIX/PixaBay

The Best Overlooked Debit Cards

by Jeannyn Gomez
The Best Overlooked Debit Cards

Last updated on January 31st, 2024

It may not be a common thought to think, “What is the best debit card available for my money?” Who can blame you? There are so many debit cards to choose from, so the thought might quickly become obsolete. But we have rounded up what we consider some of the best-overlooked debit cards you can find on the market.

At A Glance


Yotta Debit Card
Extra Debit Card
GO2bank Visa® Debit Card
Albert Mastercard®

What Are the Most Overlooked Debit Cards?

When you think of debit cards, which ones come to mind? Possibly, you start going through all major banks like Bank of America, Chase, or Wells Fargo. However, there are so many other options out there, like debit cards available through credit unions and online banking. Although major banks offer basic checking and savings account essentials, their debit cards may not necessarily be the best ones for you. There are other lesser-known products that we think are just as good, if not better. On that note, take a look at a few debit cards you may have missed. 

Yotta Debit Card

Yotta Debit Card
Visit Card Site Terms & Conditions
No Credit Required
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: No Credit Required
Mastercard Processing Network
None Annual Fee

Yotta Debit Card

At a Glance

With the Yotta Debit Card, you can be a winner. It can help you save money the fun way, with prizes and sweepstakes. The card operates like any other debit card except with winning potential and no fees. Earn 10% of your purchases back in the form of tickets for prize sweepstakes, with prizes ranging from 10 cents to $10 million. Additionally, with every debit card swipe, you get a chance to win a paid purchase by Yotta.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • Win up to $10M every week saving money in an FDIC-insured account with a base savings reward of 0.20% APY
  • The only debit card that could literally make someone a millionaire including odds up to 1 in 100 Yotta will cover your entire purchase
  • Earn 10% of your purchase amount back in the form of tickets into the following week's sweepstakes
  • Get paid up to 2 days early when you use your Yotta account as your direct deposit/paycheck destination
  • Direct deposit users also receive 1-in-150 Lucky Swipe odds
  • Every paycheck earns 5% extra bonus tickets
  • You're a fan of using mobile banking
  • You're looking to open an FDIC-insured savings account
  • You're interested in getting direct deposit two days in advance
  • You want to use your debit card abroad with no fees or hassles
  • You would enjoy prize drawings and sweepstakes as a benefit
  • You would like a chance to win paid-for purchases with Lucky Swipes
Yotta Debit Card

Yotta Debit Card

Terms & Conditions
Visit Card Site Terms & Conditions

The Yotta Debit Card is not your average debit card. Saving money with Yotta earns depositors a chance to win up to $1 million – not a common brag you might hear about other debit cards. Yotta Debit banking services are provided by Evolve Bank & Trust, and the card can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted. While the card may not be a household name, it has a variety of benefits for anyone looking to save and spend money the fun way. 

With Yotta, your next debit card purchase may be free, and that is part of the fun. Through prizes and sweepstakes, cardholders get a chance to be winners when they save money or make purchases. Yotta Debit earns you tickets for specific actions like deposits, your savings amount, and more. The tickets work toward raffle prizes and sweepstakes, which happen daily. Prizes can include free cash, a covered purchase transaction, and more. 

The more tickets you earn, the bigger chance you have at winning. The card also features no foreign transaction fees and an opportunity to earn Bonus Tickets when you spend $2,000 in the first four months of opening an account. If you’re worried about how you will access your cash, there’s no need to. Yotta has a network of over 55,000 fee-free ATMs.

Extra Debit Card

Extra Debit Card
Apply Now Terms & Conditions
No Credit Required
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: No Credit Required
Mastercard Processing Network
See Terms Annual Fee

Extra Debit Card

At a Glance

The Extra Debit Card* is a credit builder debit card that offers rewards and more. The card is ideal for anyone newer to credit that doesn’t want the negative impact from a hard credit inquiry but still wants to earn rewards.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • Every purchase can help build your credit1. At the end of every month, purchases made with the Extra Debit Card are tallied up and reported to credit bureaus • 0% interest • Connects with your bank account2 • Earn rewards points everywhere. Earn up to 1% in points for everyday purchases like rideshares, coffees and your phone bills • Current pricing is $20/month or $149/year for Credit Building. $25/month or $199/year for Credit Building + Rewards
  • Annual Fee: See Terms
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: See Terms
  • Late Payment Penalty Fee: See Terms
  • Minimum Deposit Required: See Terms
  • You don’t want a credit check when looking for a new card
  • You want a debit card that reports to Experian and Equifax every month
Extra Debit Card

Extra Debit Card

Terms & Conditions
Apply Now Terms & Conditions

The Extra Debit Card is a hidden gem for anyone with a financial goal in mind to build credit. Typically, a credit card is the way to go if you’re working on establishing yourself with a noteworthy credit report. However, the Extra Debit Card offers unique credit-building abilities not often seen in other debit card products. Extra doesn’t only help to build credit; it also earns cardholders rewards points for purchases, and it’s compatible with over 10,000 banks in the U.S.

There is a catch, however. To enjoy the benefit of earning reward points, cardholders must upgrade their subscriptions to include this option. Otherwise, if earning points on your debit card is not a priority, you can always stick to just building credit. The monthly subscription for a credit-building account is $20 per month or $25 for a rewards + credit-building account.

The reason why Extra Debit can build credit is because it uses your monthly transactions for reporting. At the end of each month, Extra adds up all your transactions and payments and reports them to the credit bureaus to help you build credit. Keep in mind, the best way to shape a strong credit score is with responsible use. Although the Extra Debit card is not a credit card, it will report your transactions, including on-time and late payments – which can impact your credit score both ways – so be sure to use it wisely, as you would any other payment card.

GO2bank Visa® Debit Card

GO2bank Visa® Debit Card
Apply Now Terms & Conditions
No Credit Required
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: No Credit Required
Visa Processing Network
None Annual Fee

GO2bank Visa® Debit Card

At a Glance

GO2bank is the destination for simple, seamless mobile banking designed to help people save time and money. The GO2bank high-yield account and Visa® Debit Card provide the ideal platform for building savings and offering a headache-free banking experience – all with no hidden fees.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • Overdraft protection up to $200 with opt-in and eligible direct deposit • Get your pay up to 2 days early with direct deposit • Free nationwide ATM network Refer a friend, and you both get $50 • *See additional terms and conditions at GO2bank.com
  • Over Limit Penalty Fee: No monthly fees with eligible direct deposit, otherwise $5 per month
  • You want a high-yield account 10X the national average
  • You plan to have your paychecks directly deposited into your account
  • You want the freedom to deposit checks at hundreds of retail locations nationwide
  • You don’t want to pay any additional fees
GO2bank Visa® Debit Card

GO2bank Visa® Debit Card

Terms & Conditions
Apply Now Terms & Conditions

The GO2bank Visa® Debit Card is another gateway debit card to building credit. It features a low monthly fee and has overdraft protection for peace of mind. However, the monthly fee gets waived if you set up your account with an eligible direct deposit. 

The GO2bank debit card includes a high-yield savings account and it earns 4.50% APY (paid quarterly) on up to $5,000. Therefore, your savings can grow on their own. The banking app has many convenient tools that work hand-in-hand with your debit card, like cashing checks with a picture on your cell phone and locking and unlocking your card from the app if you lose it. 

Signing up for the GO2bank Visa® Debit Card is a qualifying factor for anyone interested in applying for the GO2bank Secured Visa® Credit Card. With a secured credit card, debit cardholders can begin building credit. In addition to opening access to the secured credit card version, the GO2bank Visa Debit also earns up to 7% cash back. However, the cash back can only be earned when you purchase e-gift cards through the GO2bank app.

Albert Mastercard®

Albert Mastercard®
Visit Card Site Terms & Conditions
No Credit Required
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: No Credit Required
Mastercard Processing Network
See Terms Annual Fee

Albert Mastercard®

At a Glance

Albert Mastercard® is a no-annual-fee debit card from the investment and savings platform, Albert. The card, a Mastercard debit card, earns up to 20% cash back on select merchant offers and provides access to a suite of premium investment features for a modest, “pay-what’s-fair” monthly fee.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • Earn $150 when you receive a qualifying direct deposit and use your Albert debit card
  • Get your paycheck up to 2 days early with direct deposit with Albert Cash
  • Earn cash back rewards when you buy groceries, gas, food and more with your Albert debit card
  • No hidden fees ($0 minimum balance requirements, no maintenance fees and no instant fees)
  • Genius subscribers can withdraw cash fee-free at 55,000+ ATMs
  • Albert Cash and Albert Savings accounts are FDIC-Insured
  • Annual Fee: See Terms
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: See Terms
  • Late Payment Penalty Fee: See Terms
  • Over Limit Penalty Fee: See Terms
  • Minimum Deposit Required: See Terms
  • You already use Albert for investing or are interested in joining via the mobile app
  • You're new to investing (or just want simple automation)
  • You want to choose your monthly fee (if applicable)
Albert Mastercard®

Albert Mastercard®

Terms & Conditions
Visit Card Site Terms & Conditions

Do not overlook the Albert Mastercard® if your priorities are budgeting, savings, and investments. The Albert Mastercard® is a debit card that provides its cardholders the tools and platforms needed to get organized with their money. With Albert debit, you can confidently set up a direct deposit account and get paid early without worry of overdrafts or minimums. 

Furthermore, the Albert card grants cardholders access to a tool that may help ease the stress of budgeting and saving. With the Albert Genius tool, your income and spending get analyzed and in return it finds extra dollars to automate your savings. Albert Genius will automatically set aside small amounts of cash weekly to help you reach your financial goals without the added pressure of budgeting. 

If banking and savings weren’t enough, the Albert Mastercard® also provides access to an investing platform so you can start building a portfolio with as little as $1. It’s a guided investing app, so you don’t have to be an experienced investor to start. Similar to its automated savings tool, investing can be automated too. Simply set up your automatic investments on a recurring schedule that best suits your needs.

Walmart MoneyCard®

Walmart MoneyCard®
Apply Now Terms & Conditions
No Credit Required
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: No Credit Required
Mastercard Processing Network
None. $5.94 monthly fee Annual Fee

Walmart MoneyCard®

At a Glance

The Walmart MoneyCard® is a debit card from Walmart that offers cash back rewards on select purchases, access to a full selection of checking and savings features, and more.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • Waive your monthly fee when you direct deposit $500+ in previous monthly period. Otherwise, $5.94 a month.*
  • Earn 3% cash back at Walmart.com, 2% cash back at Walmart fuel stations, & 1% cash back at Walmart stores, up to $75 each year.*
  • Earn 2% interest rate on up to $1,000 balance in your savings account. Plus, get chances to win cash prizes each month!*
  • Get peace of mind with three coverage levels, up to $200, for purchase transactions with opt-in & eligible direct deposit.*
  • *Please see site for full terms and conditions.
  • Annual Fee: None. $5.94 monthly fee
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
  • Minimum Deposit Required: See Terms
  • You frequently shop at Walmart
  • You frequently purchase gasoline at eligible Walmart stores
  • You get your groceries delivered from Walmart
  • You want a small savings account that earns up to 2% APY
  • You plan to add accounts for family members
Walmart MoneyCard®

Walmart MoneyCard®

Terms & Conditions
Apply Now Terms & Conditions

The last card on our list might only appeal to you if you are a habitual Walmart shopper. The Walmart MoneyCard® is a debit card ideal for Walmart fans interested in earning cash back for their purchases and trips to the gas station. Additionally, when you have a Walmart MoneyCard®, you can earn 2% APY on your savings. 

There is no monthly fee with the Walmart MoneyCard® when you set up direct deposit for the account. Otherwise, it is $5.94 per month ($71.28 per year.) However, if you plan to make Walmart purchases and fill up your gas tank every month, you might earn enough cash back to cover the monthly fee. The card has a cash back limit of $75 per year, which gets credited back at the end of the year. Cardholders earn 3% cash back at Walmart.com, 2% cash back at Walmart gas stations, and 1% cash back at Walmart stores. 

Debit Cards for Kids

If you’re a parent, there are debit cards for kids you may have never noticed. Teaching your children financial literacy, like money management and budgeting with a debit card, may be a convenient tool in today’s modern society. There are debit cards with features that cater to both parent and child for things like supplying allowances or depositing a teen’s first check. Overall, debit cards have more to offer than what they are given credit for, and it’s usually the ones that go unnoticed that have the it-factor you may be looking for.

Related Article: Kids’ Cards: Pros & Cons of Debit vs Credit Education

New Chase Aeroplan Bonus 100,000 Point Offer

by Cory Santos
chase aeroplan signup bonus

Last updated on March 20th, 2025

Chase and Air Canada are relaunching one of the best welcome offers on the Aeroplan® World Elite Mastercard®. For a limited time, new Aeroplan cardmembers can earn up to 100,000 Aeroplan points within the first 12 months from opening an account – that’s enough miles to get you from NYC to Europe in business class. Here’s everything you need to know:

New 100,000 Bonus Points Welcome Offer

The Chase Aeroplan® Credit Card is a versatile airline rewards card for the Air Canada traveler. The card offers plenty of bang for your buck, with the $95 annual fee more than justified by the miles and perks included for that price – including benefits like no foreign transaction fees, a first checked bag free on Air Canada flights, priority boarding, and more. And now there is an enhanced welcome offer to match those everyday travel perks.

Effective yesterday, Thursday, August 10, new cardmembers applying for the Chase Aeroplan Card can earn up to 100,000 Aeroplan points within the first 12 months from becoming cardholders. The 100,000 point bonus breaks down as follows:

  • Cardmembers can earn 75,000 Aeroplan points after spending $4,000 in the first three months.
  • An additional 25,000 Aeroplan points can be earned after spending $20,000 total in the first 12 months from account opening.

And for even more flexibility, cardmembers can also take advantage of the Pay Yourself Back feature and redeem Aeroplan points for travel purchases made on their Aeroplan Card within 90 days. This new feature applies to everything from airfare (even flights operated by other airlines) and hotels to taxis and trains. This new welcome offer is worth up to $1,250 in travel value when using this benefit.

Use Bonus Miles to See the World

To provide some inspiration for prospective applicants, Chase has offered some helpful redemption examples using the 100,000 Aeroplan points:

  • New York to Rome: For as little as 40,000 points, venture around the ancient ruins of the Pantheon and the Colosseum or take in the beauty of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. Upgrade to Business Class for only 30,000 more points to experience fine cuisine and lie-flat beds for added comfort.
  • Chicago to Dubai: Leave Chicago for 55,000 points and take advantage of all the luxury shopping Dubai offers, or head to the top of the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, for an unforgettable experience. Not ready to go home? Keep the travel going with a pitstop in Istanbul for as little as 5,000 points.
  • Miami to Bogota: Book a last-minute business class flight from Miami to Bogota and get lost in the historic streets of La Candelaria or take in breathtaking views at the top of Monserrate for the cost of just one Flight Certificate (50,000 points) and have an extra certificate to spare or bring along a friend!
  • Los Angeles to Honolulu: Fly Los Angeles to Honolulu for as little as 12,500 points. Swim through the crystal-clear waters of Waikiki Beach or quickly hike to check out the beautiful Manoa Waterfall.

About the Aeroplan® World Elite Mastercard®

With everyday use, the Chase Aeroplan Mastercard earns enhanced rewards in the following categories:

  • 3X points for every dollar spent on dining, takeout, and eligible delivery services
  • 3X points for every dollar spent at grocery stores
  • 3X points for each dollar spent directly with Air Canada

All other purchases with the card earn 1X points per dollar spent. Additionally, cardholders can earn a bonus of 500 points for every $2,000 spent in a calendar month (up to a maximum of 1,500 points per calendar month).

Chase and Aeroplan also state that the card provides “unprecedented access to Aeroplan travel benefits,” and it’s easy to see why. The card offers the following Air Canada perks:

  • Free first checked bags on Air Canada flights: one free checked bag for the primary cardmember and up to eight other travelers on the same itinerary.
  • Automatically receive Aeroplan 25K Elite Status for the remainder of the first calendar year, plus the following calendar year, allowing primary cardmembers to enjoy benefits such as priority check-in, early boarding, upgrades, and more on Air Canada flights. Cardmembers can requalify as follows:
    • Earn 25K Status through the next year after spending $15,000 in a calendar year.
    • Existing status holders earn a one-level status boost to 35K Status or higher for the next year after spending $50,000 in a calendar year.
    • Additional spending thresholds starting at $100,000 of spend in a calendar year will unlock unprecedented Aeroplan redemption benefits, including 50% off Priority Rewards and companion benefits.

The Aeroplan Credit Card also enjoys Mastercard World Elite benefits and protections, including:

Zero Liability Protection Airport Concierge Cell Phone Protection
Mastercard Global Services Priceless Experiences Lyft Credits
ID Theft Protection Priceless Golf Mastercard Travel Services
Mastercard Hotel Stay Guarantee

Finally, cardmembers enjoy the other usual benefits you can expect from a versatile airline credit card, such as $100 in TSA PreCheck enrollment credits every four years, for instance.

Related Article: Best Canadian Aeroplan credit cards

Featured image by Nel_Botha-NZ/PixaBay

Shopify Enters the Fintech Space with Card Launch

by Jeannyn Gomez
Shopify Enters the Fintech Space with Card Launch

Last updated on September 6th, 2023

Shopify has announced its new business credit card for merchants. The company has entered the fintech credit card space with a product that offers cash back rewards, no fees, and more. Here’s what you need to know about the launch.

Shopify Launches Its New Business Credit Card

Shopify is an e-commerce company that provides a platform for online stores and retail point-of-sale (POS) systems. Merchants that use Shopify can access tools for website building, sales management, and more. It’s no surprise, then, that the e-commerce company has expanded its products with a new credit card, as it shows trending growth in revenue. Shopify reported a revenue increase of 31% in its second quarter, equal to $1.7 billion compared to its previous year. The business anticipates further revenue growth in the low-twenties percentage rate for Q3.

What’s New With Shopify?

Before announcing its new business credit card, in May of 2023, Shopify launched its new merchant debit card for Shopify Balance accounts – a merchant account with no fees and no minimum balances. Similarly, the new Shopify Credit product is a business credit card created solely for Shopify merchants. It is the company’s first pay-in-full credit card, meaning cardholders must pay off their balance in full each month – comparable to a charge card. However, with Shopify Credit, cardholders also get an additional 25 days to pay, totaling up to 56 before needing to make a payment.

Shopify Credit is a Celtic Bank-issued credit card, and it can be used anywhere Visa cards are accepted. It is powered by Stripe, a software company providing API services for web payments, sending out payouts, and more. Shopify and Stripe are no strangers. The two have been partners for over a decade for services like Shopify Payments and Shopify Balance.

“Entrepreneur in Mind”

“We designed Credit with the reality of an entrepreneur in mind. We recognized that having smooth cash flow is important for business owners, and as a business matures, entrepreneurs may find themselves looking for a credit line to maximize their working capital for expected (and unexpected) expenses,” said Shopify President Harley Finkelstein to TechCrunch.com.

The application process for Shopify merchants considers many factors. For example, instead of performing credit checks, Shopify evaluates sales performance. Merchants must also be on the Shopify Payments service and must be U.S.-based with sales on Shopify. Shopify Credit earns up to 3% cash back on eligible spend categories, has no fees, tailored credit limits, and more. New cardholders can also take advantage of a limited-time welcome bonus, and the rewards get applied as monthly statement credits.

Related Article: The Best Subprime Business Credit Cards

Featured image by Shopify and BestCards

Balance Transfers Vs Personal Loans: Which Is Right for You?

by Cory Santos
Balance Transfer Vs Personal Loan

Last updated on April 3rd, 2024

In today’s complex and ever-changing financial landscape, it’s vital to understand the various options available for managing debts clearly. Two popular choices are balance transfers and personal loans. While both can be effective tools for consolidating debt or financing a large purchase, getting the right loan product for your needs is essential.

What is a Balance Transfer?

A balance transfer is when you transfer an existing credit card debt to another credit card account. Typically, a balance transfer happens in the pursuit of a lower interest rate. With a lower interest rate on an existing credit card debt, the debtholder has a better chance of chipping away faster at the balance and paying less interest, potentially saving hundreds of dollars in the long run. For example, you can transfer your debt from a credit card with a high APR (annual percentage rate) to a lower interest rate, like a 0% intro APR credit card.

Benefits of Balance Transfers

As mentioned, balance transfers are a common method used to reduce the interest rate on a debt. When you are burdened with a high interest rate, a significant portion of your payment goes towards interest charges, making it difficult to see any progress in paying off that debt. However, the option of transferring that debt to a lower interest rate can bring a sense of relief, as it could reduce the overall amount you pay while repaying the balance, which can help you get out of debt faster.

In many instances, a balance transfer involves moving a debt to a credit card that offers a promotional interest rate. This can include transferring the balance from a high-rate installment loan or from another credit card to the new credit card, effectively lowering the interest rate you are currently paying. The beauty of balance transfers is that they are not limited to credit card debt. You may also be able to transfer multiple smaller balances from other credit card accounts, providing you with even more flexibility and control in managing your debts.

Potential Drawbacks of Balance Transfers

While balance transfers can be useful for managing debt, it’s important to know the potential downsides. One such downside is the balance transfer fee, typically a percentage of the amount transferred. Additionally, paying off the transferred balance within the introductory period is crucial to avoid being subject to a higher interest rate. Failing to do so could negatively affect the benefits of the transfer and cost you money in the long run.

What is a Personal Loan?

Personal loans are lines of credit that typically have a fixed interest rate and are repaid in installments over a period of time, either short-term or long-term. Approval for a personal loan usually depends on the applicant’s credit score and debt-to-income (DTI) ratio.

A personal loan is not a way to shift your debt to a new creditor; it is a new debt. You can use a personal loan to consolidate your debts, bringing them together in one place and potentially obtaining a lower interest rate. For some individuals, a personal loan can result in lower monthly payments and help them pay off their debt faster.

Benefits of Personal Loans

Personal loans have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. One of the main benefits is their flexibility. Unlike balance transfers, which are limited to credit card debt, personal loans can be used for various purposes. Whether you need to consolidate debt, finance a major purchase, or cover unexpected expenses, a personal loan can provide the necessary funds.

Additionally, personal loans often come with fixed interest rates, ensuring that your monthly payments remain the same throughout the loan’s duration. This feature makes budgeting easier and provides peace of mind, knowing your payments won’t increase over time.

Potential Drawbacks of Personal Loans

However, it’s important to note that personal loans may have loan origination fees, which are upfront costs associated with processing the loan. Additionally, you may be subject to higher interest rates if you have a less-than-perfect credit score, making the loan more expensive overall. Finally, personal loans don’t feature any of the promotional financing you might find with balance transfer credit cards, such as 0% introductory APR.

Tips for Selecting the Best Option for Your Debt

The right option for you depends on your financial needs and goals. If you have high-interest credit card debt that you want to consolidate, a balance transfer may be the most cost-effective option. However, if you need funds for a major purchase or have various financial needs, a personal loan may provide the flexibility you want. It’s important to carefully evaluate your financial situation, consider the pros and cons of each option, and weigh the interest rates and fees associated with each choice.

Here are some important things to consider:

How Much Interest Will You Need to Repay?

Probably the most important consideration you’ll need to make is how much interest you’ll need to repay with both loan options. Many balance transfer cards offer an introductory balance transfer APR for transferred balances. On the other hand, personal loans generally do not offer a promotional interest rate period, but their interest rates may be significantly lower than those of credit cards.

If you plan on repaying the entire outstanding balance before any promotional APR period expires on a balance transfer credit card, that might be the right option. Conversely, if you expect to make payments for years, a personal loan may make more sense as you can expect a significantly lower interest rate than a card.

What’s Your Credit Score?

While balance transfer cards can be a great option for many, not everyone is eligible for a balance transfer credit card. If your credit score is poor or average, it may be challenging to get approved for one. Typically, you’ll need good or excellent credit to qualify for a balance transfer offer.

On the other hand, personal loans are more accessible to applicants with average credit. While the very best loan terms require good or excellent credit scores, several lenders, including secured loans, offer loans to applicants with near-prime or subprime credit scores. These subprime loans feature significantly higher interest terms than offers for prime and super-prime applicants, but they still provide an option.

What are the Fees?

Regardless of the loan option, fees apply to financing the debt. Personal loans typically have an origination fee ranging from 1% to 8% of the borrowed amount. Additional charges, such as application and prepayment penalty fees, vary depending on the loan provider and selected product.

For balance transfer cards, a fee of 3% to 5% of the transferred amount is usually charged, with a minimum fee of $5 to $10. However, some banks may waive or reduce these fees during promotional periods, typically within the first 60 days after account opening. Late payment fees and penalty APRs may also apply if a payment is missed, while annual fees are typically associated with rewards credit cards only.

Conclusion

When managing debt, it’s crucial to consider the choice between balance transfers and personal loans carefully. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to assess your financial situation and goals before making a decision. Remember, navigating the complex world of finance may seem overwhelming. Still, with the right knowledge and strategy, you can take charge of your finances and establish a solid foundation for a secure future.

Related Article: Can You Negotiate Credit Card Debt?

Featured image by Milkos /Getty Images

The Ultimate Gambling Credit Cards Guide

by Cory Santos
Can you use a credit card for gambling? Here is everything you need to know about online gaming, gambling, lottery tickets, and more with casino and gaming credit cards.

Last updated on April 2nd, 2024

Co-branded credit cards exist for grocery stores, gas stations, game consoles, and even casinos. But there are strict laws regarding credit cards – especially when funding gambling purchases like buying lottery tickets, poker chips, or even making a cash advance at a casino. If you are looking for a new credit card to take to Las Vegas, or are just wondering about the legality of credit cards at casinos, here is everything you need to know about gambling, online gaming, and credit cards:

Table of Contents

At a Glance

  • The use of credit cards for online casinos is fully legalized in Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
  • Sports betting is legal in 25 states.
  • Most banks and card issuers don’t allow credit cards to be used for gambling.
  • Cash advances are sometimes a workaround, but those come with higher interest rates and additional fees.
  • Some co-branded resort credit cards offer benefits for use at their casinos.

Credit Cards and Gambling

Credit cards are everywhere and can be used for almost any purchase or transaction, but are there limits to what you can use your credit card for? What are the rules and regulations concerning credit cards and gambling, and how do these laws differ from state to state and by banks, card issuers, and even casinos themselves?

Is Online Gaming Legal?

The Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act covers online gaming at the federal level. This consumer protection prohibits any person engaged in the business of betting, as defined, from knowingly accepting credit, electronic fund transfers, checks, or any other payment involving a financial institution to settle unlawful internet gambling debts.

Online gambling is growing in popularity, but there is a long way to go regarding the full freedom of online gaming in the United States. In fact, very few states have fully legalized online gaming of any type, with seven states – Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia – allowing online gambling, and another five – California, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, and New York – expected to follow suit in the coming years.

Online Casinos Vs. Sports Betting

According to the United States state and federal governments, online gambling takes on two distinct forms: online casinos and sports betting. Each gambling style differs considerably, and each type enjoys different legal protections across the United States.

Online Casinos

Online casinos are likely the first thing that comes to mind when you imagine gambling and the internet. These online casinos are digital versions of the real thing, with different games, varying buy-ins, and accelerator bonuses. Put simply, an online casino is a real casino – just virtual instead of in-person. You can expect all the same types of games, including table games (roulette, blackjack, poker), video slot machines, keno, and more.

Where is online gambling legal?

Only seven states allow online casino gambling: Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

Where is online gambling illegal?

Online casinos are against the law in 39 states, though California, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, and New York plan to legalize online gaming soon. Here is where online casinos are illegal as of March 2023:

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas
Colorado District of Columbia Florida Georgia
Hawaii Idaho Iowa Kansas
Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland
Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana
Nebraska New Hampshire New Mexico North Carolina
North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon
Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee
Texas Utah Vermont Virginia
Washington Wisconsin Wyoming

Sports Betting

Sports betting, also known as a “sports book,” is another type of online gaming. Sports betting is a wagering event where gamblers place bets on the outcome of a sporting event. It is also one of the ways sports fans show their passion for, and knowledge of, a particular sport. Undoubtedly, it’s interesting to watch the game you love and have a winning ticket to show for your efforts.

Where is sports betting legal?

Sports betting is legal in 25 states and territories, with the status of Maine currently unclarified as of March 2023:

Arizona Arkansas Colorado Connecticut
District of Columbia Illinois Indiana Iowa
Kansas Louisiana Maryland Massachusetts
New Hampshire Ohio Rhode Island Tenessee
Virginia Wisconsin Florida

Where is sports betting illegal?

Sports betting is currently illegal in these 24 states:

Alabama Alaska Delaware Georgia
Hawaii Idaho Kentucky Minnesota
Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska
New Mexico North Carolina North Dakota Oklahoma
South Carolina South Dakota Texas Utah
Vermont Washington Wyoming

Other Important Regulations

Many states require online gambling platforms to promote responsible gambling practices. These include setting deposit limits, self-exclusion options, and resources for problematic gambling and addiction assistance.

Can You Use a Credit Card to Gamble?

How exactly do these rules and regulations affect your wallet? Can you use your credit card to gamble? Sort of.

Currently, 8 U.S. states permit the use of credit cards for gambling. Here are the nuances regarding the legality of gambling in credit cards in these states:

  • Delaware: Permits using credit cards for gambling activities within its borders, including online gambling.
  • Iowa: Has a regulated gambling industry and allows credit cards for gambling.
  • Nevada: Is well-known for its extensive gambling industry, including Las Vegas, and allows using credit cards for gambling purposes.
  • New Hampshire: Permits the use of credit cards for certain types of gambling, including charitable gaming.
  • New Jersey: Has a robust gambling industry, including online gambling, and credit card use for gambling is permitted in the state.
  • Michigan: Has authorized online gambling and allows the use of credit cards for gambling transactions within the state.
  • Pennsylvania: Allows using credit cards for gambling at land-based casinos and online gambling activities.
  • West Virginia: Permits credit card use at its licensed casinos and online gambling within the state.

Remember that gambling laws can (and often do) change that credit cards for gambling may have additional adverse effects, like interest charges and fees, so it’s crucial to consider all aspects before engaging in any gambling activities with credit cards.

Cash Advances

Even in states where gambling is allowed, most credit card issuers prohibit using a credit card to obtain a cash advance for gambling purposes. That said, even though there are regulations against such practices, a cash advance may be your only option for using a credit card for gambling. Sometimes, your card issuer may allow the transaction since each has its own policies regarding these types of exchanges.

Credit card companies often treat cash advances from credit cards as high-risk transactions, and using credit cards for gambling might fall into this category. Additionally, cash advances carry steeper interest rates and often come with a fee of around $10 or 5% of the advance amount, whichever is greater.

Related Article: How to Request a Cash Advance

At the Casino

In-person gambling at casinos is also restrictive when it comes to credit cards. Here cash advances are, again, the only option, with even more limitations depending on your card issuer and the state in which you gamble.

States like New Jersey allow limited use of credit cards to purchase things like poker chips, but casinos (and banks) may block these transactions. Purchases with credit cards come with a slew of consumer protections, including purchase protection and $0 fraud liability. Because of these protections, many casinos are hesitant to accept credit cards for funding of gambling – just in case an unscrupulous cardholder decides to try and bilk the system.

Lottery Tickets

Lottery tickets are another popular form of gambling. Lotteries offer huge prizes for a relatively small buy-in – and even smaller odds of winning. You can purchase lottery tickets at various locations, including online at state lottery websites, or in-person at gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores, and other locations.

Currently, 21 states allow consumers to purchase lottery tickets with a credit card:

Arizona California Colorado Delaware
Indiana Idaho Illinois Kansas
Kentucky Lousiana Maine Michigan
Missouri Nebraska New York Ohio
Oregon Rhode Island South Dakota Vermont
Washington

It’s worth noting that even though some states allow you to purchase lottery tickets with credit cards, your bank or payment network may not. Additionally, merchants can block these transactions should they wish. Retailers and merchants can set their own rules regarding what types of payment to accept.

Are There Casino or Gaming Credit Cards?

While rules governing gambling are varied, one place where you can find value for a casino or hotel credit card is in Las Vegas, Nevada. These cards typically come with lucrative sign-up bonuses, which offer comped services or events, cash back statement credits, or special discounts in Las Vegas or at other associated resorts worldwide. Other features include complimentary upgrades, statement credits, and even airport and travel perks.

Here is a selection of co-branded resort and casino credit cards currently available to new applicants:

Caesars Rewards Visa®

Caesars Rewards Visa®
Visit Card Site Terms & Conditions
Good
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Good
Visa Processing Network
None Annual Fee

Caesars Rewards Visa®

  • 23.24%, 27.24%, or 32.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
  • 26.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
  • 33.24% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR

At a Glance

Earn up to 5X Reward Credits with the Caesars Rewards Visa and redeem towards discounted (or complimentary) shopping, dining, and more. Enjoy fast-tracked spending to Platinum status within the Caesars Rewards program along with exclusive VIP perks only available to cardholders.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • 5X Reward Credits for every $1 spent at Caesars Rewards resorts and casinos
  • 3X Reward Credits for dining at any of the 11,000 participating restaurants
  • 2X Reward Credits for every $1 spent on airlines, gas, and groceries
  • 1X Reward Credits for every $1 spent everywhere else
  • One buffet pass (valid for 6 months)
  • Earn 10,000 bonus points after spending $750 within 90 days
  • Receive VIP Access Pass in Las Vegas for spending $10,000 within calendar year
  • Regular Purchase APR: 23.24%, 27.24%, or 32.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
  • Balance Transfer APR: 26.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
  • Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of the balance transfer, whichever is greater
  • Cash Advance APR: 33.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
  • Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
  • Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
  • Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
  • You have an upcoming trip to Las Vegas or other U.S-based Caesar property
  • You will spend $750 within the first 90 days of owning the card
  • You would use this card at least once every 6 months
  • You typically spend $1,000 or more in entertainment or amenities at Caesar venues
Caesars Rewards Visa®

Caesars Rewards Visa®

Terms & Conditions
Visit Card Site Terms & Conditions

Caesars Entertainment (now known as Caesars Entertainment, Inc.) has a co-branded credit card called the Caesars Rewards Visa®. The card allows you to earn rewards on purchases that could be redeemed at Caesars properties, including Caesars Palace, Harrah’s, and Bally’s.

The card earns the following Caesars Rewards credits on purchases:

Credits How to earn
5X Caesars Rewards resorts and casinos and sport, concert, and show tickets purchased through Caesars Rewards Live Events
3X Dining at participating restaurants in the Caesars Rewards Dining program
2X Airlines, gas stations, and groceries store purchases
1X All other purchases

Rewards are redeemable for a huge number of Caesar’s perks at the 53 properties around the world, along with over 200 nightlife venues and 300 dining outlets within the program:

Free plays Hotel bookings Hotel check-out WSOP buy-in
Shopping Dining Show tickets Spa access
Bonus cash at Caesars Sportsbook Caesars eCatalog Caesars Rewards live events Transfer to Wyndham Rewards

The Caesars credit card also makes reaching the premier tiers in the Caesars Rewards program easier. Cardholders reach Platinum status after spending $5,000 on the card in a calendar year. Platinum status entitles the customer to shopping discounts, monthly online sportsbook bonuses, additional rewards and credits on purchases, discounted or free stays, VIP parking, and more.

MGM Rewards Mastercard®

MGM Rewards Mastercard®
Visit Card Site Terms & Conditions
Excellent-Good
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Excellent / Good
Mastercard Processing Network
None Annual Fee

MGM Rewards Mastercard®

  • 24.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
  • 24.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
  • 24.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR

At a Glance

Fans of MGM Resorts and casinos will be lining up to apply for the MGM Rewards Mastercard®, which allows you to turn everyday purchases into MGM Rewards Points that can be redeemed for use on hotel room stays, dining and entertainment at participating MGM Resorts. Earn up to 3x points and Tier Credits for every dollar you spend with your card, and enjoy an introductory bonus of 10,000 points when you make qualifying purchases.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • Earn 10,000 points when you spend $1,000 in the first 3 billing cycles
  • 3X points and tier credits per $1 spent at M life Rewards Destinations
  • 2X points and tier credits per $1 spent on gas and supermarket purchases, 1x points and tier credits per $1 spent everywhere else
  • Automatic upgrade to Pearl Level status, priority hotel check-in at M life Resorts, and more
  • Regular Purchase APR: 24.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
  • Balance Transfer APR: 24.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
  • Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
  • Cash Advance APR: 24.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
  • Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $15 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
  • Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
  • Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $35
  • You will spend $1,000 in the first three billing cycles after opening an account to earn an introductory bonus
  • You want a card with no annual fees and no foreign transaction fees
  • You will take advantage of benefits like priority hotel check-in, automatic Pearl Level Status
  • You’re fans of MGM Resorts and MGM Resorts and plan to book stays frequently
MGM Rewards Mastercard®

MGM Rewards Mastercard®

Terms & Conditions
Visit Card Site Terms & Conditions

MGM Resorts International offers the MGM Rewards Mastercard® in partnership with First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO). Cardholders can earn points on purchases that can be redeemed for rewards at MGM properties, including The Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, and more.

This no annual fee credit card earns MGM Rewards points and tier credits with eligible purchases. Here are the bonus reward categories with the card:

  • 3X Points and Tier Credits per $1 spent at MGM Rewards Destinations
  • 2X Points and Tier Credits per $1 spent on gas and supermarket purchases
  • 1X Point and Tier Credit per $1 spent everywhere else

Points are redeemed for FREEPLAY and Express Comps for use on rooms, dining, and entertainment. FREEPLAY promotions allow you to play the slot machines for free – it’s like electronic cash that you can use to play the slots you love. Express Comps allows you to redeem your points for complimentary hotel accommodation, dining and entertainment, MGM Rewards Moments, and more at any MGM Rewards destination.

Cardholders also enjoy Pearl status in the MGM Rewards loyalty program. This tier provides a selection of perks, including members-only discounts and offers for MGM, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity Cruises, a 10% slot and video poker bonus, 15% off member’s rates on MGM hotels, Avis rental cars, complimentary self-parking at Las Vegas resorts, a buffet line pass at Las Vegas Resorts, and more.

Royal Caribbean® Visa Signature® Credit Card

Royal Caribbean® Visa Signature® Credit Card
Visit Card Site Terms & Conditions
Good
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Good
Visa Processing Network
None Annual Fee

Royal Caribbean® Visa Signature® Credit Card

  • 18.24% to 28.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
  • 18.24% to 28.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
  • 21.24% to 30.24% variable based on creditworthiness and Prime Rate Cash Advance APR

At a Glance

The Royal Caribbean® Visa Signature® Credit Card is a travel rewards credit card that makes it easy and rewarding to book your next voyage by granting you MyCruise® Points with every purchase. The card is also notable for its introductory bonus points offer.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • 2X MyCruise® points per dollar on purchases with Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Azamara Club Cruises
  • 1X MyCruise® points per dollar spent on all other purchases
  • $50 Discount on Air2Sea program after spending $3,500 within the first 90 days
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • No annual fee
  • Regular Purchase APR: 18.24% to 28.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
  • Balance Transfer APR: 18.24% to 28.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
  • Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 3% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater
  • Cash Advance APR: 21.24% to 30.24% variable based on creditworthiness and Prime Rate
  • Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 3% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
  • Penalty APR: Up to 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness the Prime Rate
  • Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
  • You often travel with Royal Caribbean®
  • You want to quickly earn MyCruise® points by making purchases – both exceptional and everyday
  • You are looking for a travel credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Royal Caribbean® Visa Signature® Credit Card

Royal Caribbean® Visa Signature® Credit Card

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You might not think of Royal Caribbean as a “gambling” brand. While not a traditional casino/resort, Royal Caribbean International – a popular cruise line with casinos onboard – has a co-branded credit card with Bank of America. The Royal Caribbean® Visa Signature® offers rewards and benefits for cruise-related expenses, including onboard casino spending.

The card earns 2X MyCruise® points per dollar on purchases with Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Azamara Club Cruises, and 1X on all other purchases. You can redeem those points toward cruise upgrades, discounts, and onboard credits to use any way you’d like – specialty restaurants, shore excursions, casinos, in the shops, or at the spa.

Other Cruise Ship Credit Cards


Carnival® World Mastercard®
Princess Cruises Rewards Visa®
Norwegian Cruise Line® World Mastercard®

Are Casino or Gaming Credit Cards Worth It?

Credit cards for brands like Caesars, MGM, or other loyalty programs can be very lucrative if you know how to use them correctly. These cards, however, only make sense if you plan to regularly visit an eligible resort.

Here’s a list of all eligible Caesars Rewards hotel locations:

Bally’s Caesars Palace The Cromwell Flamingo Harrah’s
The LINQ Nobu Hotel Paris Las Vegas Planet Hollywood Hyatt

But there are far more properties in the portfolio than just Vegas resorts. The Rewards program also applies to more than three-dozen elite properties across the United States:

Belle of Baton Rouge – Baton Rouge, LA Caesars – Atlantic City, NJ, New Orleans, LA Caesars Republic – Scottsdale, AZ Caesars Southern Indiana – Elizabeth, IN
Circus Circus – Reno, NV Eldorado Resort Casino – Reno, NV Eldorado Scioto Downs – Columbus, OH Grand Victoria Casino – Elgin, IL
Harrah’s (NJ, NC, IA, IL, MO, NV) Harrah’s Ak-Chin – Maricopa, AZ Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River – Murphy, NC Harrah’s Gulf Coast – Biloxi, MS
Harrah’s Hoosier Park – Anderson, IN Harrah’s Louisiana Downs – Bossier City, LA Harrah’s Northern California – Ione, CA Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino and Racetrack – Philadelphia, PA
Harrah’s Resort Southern California – Funner, California Harvey’s – Lake Tahoe, NV Horseshoe (MD, LA, IA, IN) Horseshoe Tunica – Tunica Resorts, MS
Indiana Grand – Shelbyville, IN Isle Casino – Pompano, Florida Isle Casino Hotel (IA, CO) Isle of Capri – Lula, MS
Isle of Capri Casino Hotel – Boonville, MO Isle of Capri Lake Charles – Westlake, LA Lady Luck Casino – Black Hawk, CO Lumière Place Casino and Hotel – St. Louis, MO
Mid-America Center – Council Bluffs, IA Montbleu Casino Resort and Spa – Lake Tahoe, NV Silver Legacy Resort Casino – Reno, NV Trop – Greenville, MS
Tropicana – Atlantic City, NJ, Evansville, IN, Laughlin, NV

There are also international destinations, including seven casinos throughout the United Kingdom, three in the United Arab Emirates, and one in Egypt. 

And here are the eligible MGM resorts and casinos:

Mirage Bellagio Aria Vdara
Park MGM New York, New York T-Mobile Arena MGM Grand
Excalibur Luxor Mandalay Bay Cosmopolitan

Like Caesars, MGM also features several more locations across the United States:

Borgata – Atlantic City, NJ Yonkers Raceway & Empire City Casino – Yonkers, NY MGM Northfield Park – Northfield, OH MGM Springfield – Springfield, MA
MGM National Harbor – National Harbor, MD MGM Grand Detroit – Detroit, MI Beau Rivage – Biloxi, MS Gold Strike Casino Resort – Tunica Resorts, MS

MGM also operates seven properties in China, including Shanghai, Macau, Hangzhou, and Chengdu.

Quick Recap: The Pros (and Cons) of Using a Credit Card to Gamble

Using your credit card for gambling, particularly in states where some form of online gambling is legal, comes with its own benefits and drawbacks. It’s essential to understand these aspects before deciding whether to use a credit card for such activities.

Pros of Gambling with a Credit Cards

Credit cards offer a few essential benefits when it comes to gaming. First, using a credit card for online gambling offers convenience, as it allows for quick and easy transactions. You don’t need to have cash on hand or visit a physical casino, making it a hassle-free way to gamble on your own schedule.

Safety and protection are another key benefit for using a credit card for gambling purchases, where applicable by law. Credit cards often come with built-in fraud protection and dispute resolution mechanisms from the card’s payment network. These benefits can help insulate you, should something go wrong at the casino and you need to dispute something.

Finally, rewards are probably the main reason why people use credit cards to make gambling purchases. Many credit cards offer rewards programs or cashback incentives for certain purchases, including online transactions. If your credit card offers these benefits, you may earn rewards or cash back for using it for gambling activities.

Cons of Credit Cards and Gambling

Despite the good, there are reasons why you might avoid using a credit card for gambling purchases or transactions.

If you carry a balance on your credit card after gambling, you will be subject to high interest rates. These charges can quickly accumulate, leading to substantial debts if not managed responsibly. This is even more dangerous because of the temptation to use it for impulsive decisions, which can lead to serious financial difficulties.

There’s also the issue of additional fees. Some credit card issuers may charge extra fees for cash advances or transactions related to gambling. These fees can add to the overall cost of gambling with credit cards.

Finally, make sure you fully understand the legality surrounding credit cards in your state. While some states allow certain forms of online gambling, the legal landscape can change, and not all forms of gambling may be legal in your specific state. Using a credit card for illegal gambling activities could lead to legal consequences.

Bottom Line

Gambling and using a credit card are possible, but only if you live within specific states and follow specific rules. Ultimately, gambling with a credit card may not be the most easily recommended idea – especially when cash advance fees, high interest, and potential headaches from casinos and banks may exist.

That said, a credit card from a resort brand that operates casinos is a great way to maximize your rewards legally. These cards, like the MGM Rewards and Caesars Rewards cards, allow you to take advantage of resort perks and bonuses without an annual fee. If you plan to visit Las Vegas, Reno, Atlantic City, or anywhere else that features a casino or resort under the MGM or Caesars umbrella, these cards can save you significant money by earning additional points on rooms, meals, shows, and more.

Remember, however, that redemption options with these casino credit cards are much more restrictive than with an airline, hotel, or even cash back credit card. But if you don’t mind being limited to redeeming your points for comps and purchases with one set of properties, there is plenty of value to be found.

Advertiser Disclosure

BestCards is an independent, Florida-based credit card comparison platform. Many of the card offers that appear on this site are from companies from which BestCards receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). BestCards does not include all card companies or all card offers available in the marketplace.