New Citi Merchant Offers for Credit Cards

by Cory Santos
new-citi-merchant-offers-for-credit-cards

Last updated on March 18th, 2024

Citi has an exciting new feature for credit cardholders. The Citi Merchant Offers marketplace provides discounts on select shopping, dining, and other categories. Here is what you need to know about them, and which Citi credit cards are eligible for this benefit.

This post may contain links from partner offers, and we may receive compensation when you click on links to these offers. Please see our advertiser and editorial disclosures above for more information. Citi is an advertising partner.

What are Citi Merchant Offers?

Citi Merchant Offers is a new deals program that provides statement credits or bonus ThankYou points when making eligible purchases with a Citi credit card. The Merchant Offers program is similar to other offers programs from big banks, such as Amex Offers or Chase Offers, and provides dozens of special, variable offers for Citi cardholders.

On average, cardmembers can save 15% with these offers and eligible cardmembers may see up to 200 Merchant Offers on their page, across a large variety of categories including Travel, Dining and Entertainment, Shopping, Health and Wellness, and more. Since launching the pilot for Merchant Offers in 2020, consumer interest continues to grow, with the four most popular redemption categories being Grocery, Retail, Travel, and Fuel.  

Where to Find Them

Finding Citi Merchant Offers is simple. You can locate Merchant Offers through the Citi website or via the Citi mobile banking app. The offers are located within the “Services” section of the mobile app.

After clicking “Services” on the app home page, select “Products & Offers” and scroll to the bottom. Towards the bottom of the page is “Merchant Offers.” Click on “See all” to view offers on your eligible Citi cards. If you have multiple Citi cards, you can cycle through eligible offers for each card on this page.

Who Is Eligible?

Anyone with a Citi credit card is eligible. Like other merchant programs from other banks, such as Amex Offers or Chase Offers, Citi Merchant Offers are available to any Citi credit card.

That doesn’t mean that every Citi cardmember will receive every offer. Nor does it mean that every merchant offer applies to every card member. If you have an eligible Citi credit card and received a Citi welcome email or letter (as shown below), you are likely eligible for Merchant Offers. Here is a list of cards eligible to take part in the program: 

Citi Custom Cash℠ Card Citi® Double Cash Card Citi Rewards+® Card Citi Premier® Card
Citi Prestige® Card AT&T Points Plus Card from Citi Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi Citi® AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Card
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® American Airlines AAdvantage® Mile Up® Card AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® Citi Dividend Platinum Select Card

To check if your Citi credit card is eligible for the Merchant Offers feature, log in to your Citi account, or click this link.

Related Article: What are Your Credit Card Points Worth?

How Do Citi Merchant Offers Work?

Merchant Offers works by first providing select offers to eligible cardmembers, as mentioned above. Once you spot an offer that appeals to you, add it to your Citi card and make the eligible purchase as outlined in the terms and conditions.

Once the offer is added to the card and the purchase made, the cash back or ThankYou point bonus will be added to your card account, typically within the same billing cycle. Occasionally, offers may take up to six weeks to apply to card statements.

Some Citi Merchant Offers provide more than one cash back or ThankYou Points bonus. While many offers expire after a single transaction, others are valid for multiple transactions.

How can cardmembers access Merchant Offers? Here is how Citi Merchant Offers works:

① Log on to Citi through Citi.com or the Citi mobile app
② Navigate to the “Citi Offers For You” page to see the full list of eligible Merchant Offers
③ Select an offer to see more details and to add the offer to the account
④ Continue to spend normally! Cash back will be reflected on the account within a few days of the purchase

Types of Offers

There are currently five types of Merchant Offers:

Travel Dining Entertainment
Shopping Health Wellness

Can You Stack Deals with Citi Merchant Offers?

Citi Merchant Offers should be stackable with the various shopping portals available. Since you add the offer to the card and are only required to use the card — not follow a specific link like some Amex offers — you should be able to double-dip offers.

Often, shopping online makes stacking coupons much more manageable. Online shopping portals are an excellent resource for combining offers and ensuring you get the best value on purchasing items. Often, shopping online makes stacking coupons much more manageable. Online shopping portals are an excellent resource for combining offers and ensuring you get the best value on purchasing items.

Related Article: How to Save Money Online with Coupon Stacking

FAQs About Citi Merchant Offers

Here are some answers to other commonly asked questions about Citi Merchant Offers:

  • There isn’t a known cap on the number of offers you can add, but with programs like Amex Offers the limit is usually around 100 offers per card at one time.
  • The Citi Merchant Offers fine print states that if the credit card is enrolled in “another program” it may be removed from that “other program”. This implies that trying to stack offers from dining programs with Merchant Offers will not work. 
  • Try BestCards Membership today. The members-only shopping portal is free to join and features hundreds of thousands of deals from over 10,000 merchants. 

Featured photo by Thom Bradley  / Burst

Citi Custom Cash℠ Card, Chase Freedom Flex, or Discover it®: Read This Before Applying

by Cory Santos
citi-custom-cash℠-card-chase-freedom-flex-or-discover-it-read-this-before-applying

Last updated on November 8th, 2023

Finding the right credit card can be challenging at the best of times. When comparing three exceptional card offers, such as the Chase Freedom Flex,  Citi Custom Cash℠ Card, and Discover It® Cash Back, however, it gets a whole lot more difficult. Never fear – the BestCards team is here to breakdown these cash back behemoths and help you find your Best Card:

Table of Contents

Citi Custom Cash℠ Card, Chase Freedom Flex, or Discover it®: Which Is Right for You?

Before deciding which credit card is right for you, here is a detailed breakdown of the three cards, their features, and their suitability:

Pre-Qualification Before Applying

Applying for a credit card requires a credit check. Often, these credit checks (or credit inquiries) are known as “hard inquiries,” meaning the bank pulls your full credit report before approving (or denying) your credit card application. If you apply for a credit card and are declined, your credit score will likely take a minor hit. One way to avoid a negative impact on your credit score before getting a new credit card is by pre-qualifying before you apply.

Pre-qualification for credit cards is safe, fast, and effective. Citi, Chase, and Discover all offer online pre-qualification before applying, so seeing if you qualify for a lucrative cash back card has never been easier. 

Related Article: How to Pre-Qualify for a Credit Card

Credit Score Needed

The Discover It, Chase Freedom Flex, and Citi Custom Cash rewards cards require a “good” or “excellent” credit score, meaning a FICO Score of 670+ is the minimum you should expect to have before applying. For versatile, no annual fee rewards cards, however, a credit score of 700+ is likely needed.

However, keep in mind that your credit score is only one part of the equation. Banks also consider other factors, including how your income compares to your debt obligations and your overall ability to make your monthly credit card payments.

How to Apply

Most credit card applications from major issuers are similar. Here is what you can expect from the application process with all three cards – including what information is needed:

  • Full name (middle name and suffix optional)
  • Social Security Number
  • Birthdate
  • Citizenship
  • Phone number
  • Email address
  • Income
  • Monthly rent/mortgage expenses

Annual Fee

All three cash back cards feature no annual fee. This lack of a yearly charge is excellent, meaning there is no overhead charge before you can begin earning your accelerated rewards.

Introductory APR

Like the annual fee, all three card options also feature lengthy 0% intro APR periods. New accounts enjoy 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers with the Custom Cash, Freedom Flex, or Discover It, making them all versatile rewards cards that can also handle emergency expenses or pay down existing balances.

Before conducting a balance transfer, consider the additional fees that occur from the process – the balance transfer fee. All three cards feature a fee of 3% of the transfer amount (or $5, whichever is greater).  

Related Article: What is the Longest 0% APR Credit Card?

How to Earn Rewards

Rewards are the main selling point with all three credit cards – and with up to 5% back on select purchases, it is easy to see why. However, the three cards under inspection aren’t entirely similar regarding rewards.

Earning Rewards with the Chase Fredom Flex

Both the Chase Freedom Flex and the Discover It are rotating cash back credit cards. This distinction means the Flex and It earn 5% cash back on purchases in select categories that rotate quarterly.

Here are the Chase Freedom 5% rotating categories for 2023:

Date 5% Cash Back Category
Q1 January – March 2024 Grocery stores (excluding Walmart), self-care and spa services, plus fitness and gym memberships
Q2 April – June 2024 Restaurants, hotels, and Amazon.com and Whole Foods purchases
Q3 July – September 2024 Gas, EV charging, select live entertainment, and movie theatres
Q4 October – December 2024 PayPal, McDonald’s, pet shops and veterinary services, plus select charities

The Freedom Flex card also earns 5% back on travel purchases made through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, including vacation and car rental bookings. Cardholders also receive  3% back on dining and restaurant purchases, which also includes takeout orders and deliveries through eligible services, like Grubhub and Uber Eats. That 3% back also applies to drugstore purchases (think Rite Aid, Walgreens, CVS, etc.), which is a really nice bonus.

Earning Rewards with Discover It

Like the Flex, the Discover It Cash Back Card earns 5% cash back on purchases in select categories that rotate quarterly, and 1% back on all other purchases. Unlike the Flex, there are no additional bonus categories – just the 5% back categories, which include the following for 2023:

Date 5% Cash Back Category
Q1 January – March 2023 Grocery stores, drug stores, and select streaming services
Q2 April – June 2023 Restaurants and wholesale clubs
Q3 July – September 2023 Gas stations and digital wallets
Q4 October – December 2023 Amazon.com and Target

Discover matches the rewards earned for the first year with their Cashback Match, meaning they’ll double the total cash back – earn $500 back during the year, and Discover will make it $1,000 automatically.

Earning Rewards with the Custom Cash

In contrast to the two rotating cash back cards, the Citi Custom Cash provides up to 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, and 1% cash back thereafter. Plus, you’ll earn 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically.

Here are the 5% back categories in which Custom Cash cardmembers can earn 5% back on the first $500 spent every billing period:

Dining Fitness clubs Grocery stores
Drugstores Gas stations Home improvement stores
Travel & transit (select) Live entertainment Streaming service (select)

It’s worth noting that you must pay attention to the merchant’s category code (MCC) when shopping to ensure your purchases fit into your chosen categories. For example, Citi classifies the following as eligible streaming services: 

Amazon Music Fubo TV MLB.tv Prime Video
Apple Music HBO Max NBA League Pass Showtime
Apple TV+ YouTube (Music/TV) Netflix Sling TV
Audible Hulu NHL.tv SiriusXM
DirecTV Stream iHeartRadio Pandora Spotify
Disney+ Kindle Unlimited Paramount+ Sticher
ESPN+ Luminary Peacock TIDAL

How to Redeem Rewards

Earning up to 5% cash back is great, but how can you convert those rewards into awards?

How to Redeem Rewards with Citi

While the Custom Cash is theoretically cash back rewards credit cards, there is a great deal of versatility in redeeming rewards. These options include statement credits, direct deposits, or a check.

Cardholders can also automatically convert their cash back towards Citi ThankYou® points. Citi ThankYou® points are the currency of the Citi ThankYou® Rewards Program, with an estimated value of one cent per point. ThankYou® points are applicable towards a wide variety of redemptions, including:

  • Gift cards, including 15% more value when redeeming ThankYou points for gift cards from Wayfair®, Sephora®, and Grubhub.
  • Merchandise through participating retailers
  • Travel
  • Charity
  • Citi loan payments (mortgages, student loans, etc.)

Citibank offers point transfers to nearly 20 airline and hotel partners:

Wyndham Rewards Aeromexico ALL – Accor Live Limitless Flying Blue JetBlue TrueBlue Qantas Frequent Flyer
Avianca LifeMiles Cathay Pacific Choice Privileges Qatar Privilege Club Shop Your Way Singapore Airlines
Emirates Skywards Etihad Guest EVA Air Thai Royal Orchid Plus Turkish Airlines Miles&Miles Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

How to Redeem Rewards with Chase

Chase Freedom Flex cardmembers can opt to redeem their rewards through Ultimate Rewards at a rate of 1% cash back to one Ultimate Rewards point. Cardmembers that choose to earn points instead of cash back can enjoy even more rewards when pairing their Chase Freedom Flex with a Sapphire Reserve or Preferred Card – both of which enjoy enhanced redemption rates through Ultimate Rewards.

Like Citi, Chase offers numerous transfer partners through the Ultimate Rewards program. These programs include:

Aer Lingus (AerClub) Air France/KLM (Flying Blue) Emirates (Skywards)
Air Canada (Aeroplan) British Airways (Executive Club) Iberia Plus
JetBlue (TrueBlue) Southwest (Rapid Rewards) Singapore Airlines (KrisFlyer)
Virgin Atlantic (Flying Club) United Airlines (MileagePlus) IHG Rewards
Marriott Bonvoy World of Hyatt

Redeeming Rewards with Discover

As with other Discover It credit cards, the Discover it Cash Back offers an easy and straightforward way to redeem the cash back you earn. Cardholders can claim their cash back through statement credits to help pay down balances on their Discover credit cards, or as a deposit into a checking or savings account that they link to their Discover account. There are also other redemption options, including gift cards from major brands, using points to pay for purchases with PayPal or Amazon, and more.

Other Features

Both the Citi Custom Cash Card and the Chase Freedom Flex are Mastercard products. This means cardholders can expect the following basic Mastercard protections:

Zero Liability Protection Mastercard Global Services ID Theft Protection

In addition to these basic protections, cardholders may also have access to World Elite Mastercard features, including Luxury Hotels Collection access, Mastercard’s Hotel Stay Guarantee, Priceless Experiences, and more. 

The Discover It also provides comprehensive security and fraud protection for cardholders:

Fraud Protection Freeze It credit lock Cardmember Inquiry Services
No annual fee No foreign transaction fees No over-the-limit fees

Recap

Rotating categories are equally frustrating and exciting. They offer the chance to earn enhanced cash back on purchases in categories you love, but for only one quarter each year and up to the quarterly maximum of $2,500). For the rest of the year, you’ll only earn 1% cash back on everyday purchases.

Cards like the Custom Cash make sense as a solution to these types of rotating cards – providing the same versatility of rewards, but with the ability to alter where you earn each billing period. 

Here is a quick recap of all the features of all three card offers:

Citi Custom Cash℠ Chase Freedom Flex Discover It
Annual fee $0 $0 $0
Rewards Earn 5% on purchases on your highest eligible spend category each billing cycle up to $500 spent Earn 5% on up to $1,500 on combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate Earn 5% on up to $1,500 on combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate
Intro APR 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers

Related Article: Fight Inflation with Cash Back Credit Cards

Tandym Offers Store Card Innovation for Brands

by Cory Santos
tandym credit card

Last updated on June 13th, 2022

Tandym is a Chicago-based private-label credit card issuer seeking to disrupt the store credit card market. The firm, launched earlier this month and backed by $60 million in venture capital funding, helps brands recoup the costs of accepting credit cards by funding merchant-specific loyalty programs.

Tandym Seeks to Streamline Brand Loyalty

The costs of offering a store card look set to decrease, thanks to a new approach from fintech Tandym. Tandym is a Chicago private-label credit card issuer that partners with e-commerce brands making under $1 billion in revenue and helps them offer credit to their customers. The startup enables online merchants to instantly issue virtual credit cards to customers who may earn 5% in rewards on future purchases, the company announced. The concept addresses the common merchant complaint that the interchange fees that credit card networks collect typically go toward funding banks’ card rewards programs instead of retailers’ own rewards programs. The startup officially launched its platform at the end of May with $60 million in seed funding from Google’s AI-focused venture fund, Gradient Ventures. Some of Tandym’s e-commerce partners include  Jennifer Bradley Cosmetics, The Wellness Enterprise (a structured water device company), and PerioSciences, which offers a line of antioxidant-infused dental rinses and gel products.

“Democratizing” Credit Card Access

“Gradient also invested in our pre-seed round, and they have been fantastic partners to work with. They are strategic, thoughtful, and act as true partners,” Jennifer Glaspie-Lundstrom, CEO and co-founder of Tandym, told Built In Chicago, a tech website. “We’ve been uniquely impressed by the operating resources that they bring to bear.” “Tandym democratizes access to private label card programs — which were previously only available for the nation’s largest retailers. This enables merchants of any size to save money and grow their businesses,” added Glaspie-Lundstro. “Tandym essentially redistributes wealth back to and empowers merchants via their own loyalty programs, allowing them to deepen their connections to the consumers they serve.” Related Article: What are Your Credit Card Points Worth?
Featured image by Tandym

★ No annual fee

★ Zero Fraud Liability

★ Citi® Entertainment

★ Citi Mobile® App

Chase, United MileagePlus Bonus for Pride Month

by Cory Santos
Chase, United MileagePlus Bonus for Pride Month

Last updated on June 13th, 2022

Chase, United Airlines, and Visa are teaming up to reward United MileagePlus® cardmembers for supporting select non-profits during Pride Month 2022. Through the end of June, Chase United MileagePlus® cardmembers earn 5X miles for every dollar spent on donations to three charities. Here are all the details of Chase and United’s Prime Month promotion:

United, Chase, and Visa Celebrate Pride Month with Special Offer

United Airlines strives to “recognize, embrace and celebrate the differences that make its customers and employees unique.” As a part of this mission, United believes it’s essential to support the LGBTQ+ community by upholding inclusive policies and practices, partnering with LGBTQ+ organizations, and hosting programs and engagement events to honor the LGBTQ+ community.

This Pride Month, United Airlines is teaming with JP Morgan Chase and Visa to reward cardmembers who donate to select non-profit organizations that celebrate and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. From June 1 through June 30, 2022, United MileagePlus® Cardmembers will earn five total miles for every dollar (up to $1,000 per eligible card*) donated to the following organizations: 

  • The Trevor Project: The world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning young people. 
  • The Human Rights Campaign: The largest LGBTQ+ advocacy and civil rights organization in the United States, the Human Rights Campaign envisions a world where LGBTQ+ people areensured equality and are embraced as full members of society in every environment.  
  • StartOut: A non-profit organization founded in 2009, dedicated to increasing the number, diversity, and impact of LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs while amplifying their stories to drive community economic empowerment.  

Eligible United Airlines Credit Cards

Chase and United currently offer six co-branded airline rewards credit cards – including four cards for personal use and two options for businesses. Here are  the current Chase/United co-branded airline cards:

wpDataTable with provided ID not found!

Official Terms & Conditions

*5 miles total on donations to select charities through 06/30/2022: You will earn 5 miles total for each $1 spent on purchases of donations to The Trevor Project, Human Rights Campaign, and StartOut on up to $1,000 in total combined purchases from 06/01/2022 to 06/30/2022 per eligible credit card (defined below). That’s 3.5 miles or 4 miles on top of the 1.5 miles or 1 mile you already earn on those purchases with your card. To ensure your purchase is eligible, please donate directly to the charity’s parent organization. Local chapters may not be eligible. Purchases posted to your account with a transaction date during the offer period are eligible for this offer. Delays by the merchant could extend the transaction date beyond the offer period. Please allow up to 8 weeks after qualifying purchases post to your account for miles to post to your account. (“Purchases” do not include balance transfers, cash advances, travelers checks, foreign currency, money orders, wire transfers or similar cash-like transactions, lottery tickets, casino gaming chips, race track wagers or similar betting transactions, any checks that access your account, interest, unauthorized or fraudulent charges, and fees of any kind, including an annual fee, if applicable.) Chase and United cannot provide tax advice regarding your donation or its tax deductibility. Please consult your personal tax advisor with questions about how this may affect your tax return. To qualify for this bonus offer, account must be open and not in default at the time of fulfillment. This bonus offer is non-transferable and applies only to the account of the primary cardmember referenced in this offer. Eligible credit cards: United Gateway℠ Visa Card, United℠ Explorer Visa Card, United Quest℠ Visa Card, United Club℠ Infinite Visa Card, United℠ Business Visa Card and United Club℠ Business Visa Card.

For more information and complete terms & conditions, please visit United’s dedicated Pride page.

Related Article: New Sapphire Reserve Food Truck w/ Chef Dominique Ansel

Featured image by United Airlines
  • Earn 2 miles for each $1 spent on purchases from United
  • Earn 2 miles for each $1 spent at gas stations
  • Earn 2 miles for each $1 spent on local transit and commuting, including ride share services, taxicabs, train tickets, tolls, and mass transit
  • Earn 1 mile for each $1 spent on all other purchases
  • 25% back on United inflight purchases

Citi Simplicity® Card Vs Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card: Read This Before Applying

by Cory Santos
citi-simplicity-card-vs-citi-diamond-preferred-card-read-this-before-applying

Last updated on April 26th, 2023

Citibank offers several credit cards designed to streamline your spending and pay down debt. These options include two credit cards that avoid rewards and instead focus on an exceptionally-long intro APR: the Citi Simplicity® Card and Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card. But which card is right for you?

At a Glance

Citi Simplicity® Card or Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card: Which Is Right for You?

Before deciding which Citi credit card is right for you, here is a detailed breakdown of both cards, their features, and their suitability:

Pre-Qualification Before Applying

Applying for a credit card requires a credit check. Often, these credit checks (or credit inquiries) are known as “hard inquiries,” meaning the bank pulls your full credit report before approving (or denying) your credit card application. If you apply for a credit card and are declined, your credit score will likely take a minor hit. One way to avoid a negative impact on your credit score before getting a new credit card is by pre-qualifying before you apply.

Does Citi Offer Online Pre-Qualification Before Applying?

Yes. Citibank provides an online pre-screening for several of its proprietary credit cards. Currently, only four cards apply for this pre-screening process: the Citi Simplicity® Card, Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card, the Citi Custom Cash℠ Card, and the Citi® Double Cash Card.

To get started with the Citi “pre-approval” process, follow the “Apply Now” button on the relevant Citi credit card review. Hover over the “Credit Cards” tab on the top of the credit card landing page and select “See if You Are Pre-Selected.”

Here is the information you will need to get pre-qualified offers from Citibank:

  • Full name
  • Email address
  • Last four digits of your SSN
  • Current address

Related Article: How to Pre-Qualify for a Credit Card

Credit Score Needed

Citi provides credit cards to fit a huge number of credit profiles. Both Citi rewards cards require a “good” or “excellent” credit score, meaning a FICO Score of 670+ is the minimum you should expect to have before applying. For versatile, no annual fee credit cards like the Simplicity and Diamond Preferred; however, a credit score of 700+ is likely needed.

However, keep in mind that your credit score is only one part of the equation. Citi also considers other factors, including how your income compares to your debt obligations and your overall ability to make your monthly credit card payments.

How to Apply

Here is the information you’ll need to have handy before you apply for a Citi credit card:

  • Full name (middle name and suffix optional)
  • Social Security Number
  • Birthdate
  • Citizenship
  • Phone number
  • Email address
  • Income
  • Monthly rent/mortgage expenses

Citi will also ask you for a security word and hint during the initial application process. This information helps reference the application should you need to exit and return later. Additionally, this code can help you access your application if there is a pending decision.

Annual Fee

Both cards feature no annual fee. This lack of a yearly charge is excellent (but common with balance transfer cards), meaning there is no overhead charge before you can begin paying down your existing balances.

Introductory APR

Low-rate credit cards often feature introductory APR as a welcome offer – and the two Citi balance transfer credit cards are no different.

Cards that offer a 0% intro APR on balance transfers or purchases are specially designed to attract those who want to pay off their existing credit card balances quickly – and at a lower interest rate. This process works by combining two (or more) credit card balances into one. The cardholder can then pay down both balances with one payment.

Credit cards that offer smaller introductory periods are great for those with lower balances. Those with more significant balances – or those who want to finance a substantial purchase – will benefit more from a card that offers a year (or more) of introductory APR.

Do the Citi low-rate credit cards offer intro APR on purchases?

Yes. Both the Citi Simplicity and the Citi Diamond Preferred cards offer 12 months of 0% intro APR on purchases. Enjoying a full year with no interest charges on purchases is an exceptional offer for anyone either planning a significant purchase in the coming months or simply looking to bolster their emergency spending power.

The 12-month intro APR period with the Citi credit cards is less than the 18-month intro period with the Chase Slate Edge. Fortunately, both the Simplicity and Diamond Preferred to offer a lower regular APR versus many rivals, making them a potentially better fit in the long-term.

Do the Citi low-rate credit cards offer intro APR on balance transfers?

Both Simplicity and Diamond Preferred also offer introductory APR on balance transfers. Both credit cards provide 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 21 months from the date of the first transfer – so long as the transfer is completed in the first four months from account opening.

A lengthy intro APR on BTs Is an exceptional feature – and it is here where both the Simplicity Card and the Diamond Preferred Card shine. Here are the current longest 0% introductory APR periods on credit cards from the leading banks, showing how impressive the balance transfer intro APR with both citi credit cards is:

Credit Card Purchase Intro APR Balance Transfer Intro APR
Citi Simplicity® Card 0% for 12 months 0% for 21 months
BankAmericard® 0% for 21 months 0% for 21 months
Chase Slate Edge 0% for the first 18 months from account opening date 0% for the first 18 months from account opening date
U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card 0% for 21 months from account opening date 0% for 21 months on balances transferred within 60 days from account opening
Wells Fargo Reflect Card 0% for 21 months 0% for 21 months

Everyday APR

The Simplicity and Diamond Preferred are very similar credit cards. Both cards offer up to 21 months of 0% intro APR, with 12 months of 0% intro APR on purchases and a whopping 21 months of introductory interest on balance transfers.

So, how does the Diamond Preferred credit card differ from the Citi Simplicity? The most significant difference is the regular APR, but that variation is modest. The Diamond Preferred features a standard APR one percentage point lower than the Simplicity.

Rewards

Neither the Diamond Preferred nor the Simplicity offer rewards such as cash back or ThankYou Rewards points. Anyone interesting in a rewards credit card from Citi should consider the Citi Custom Cash℠ Card or the Citi® Double Cash Card.

While the Simplicity and Diamond Preferred credit cards don’t offer rewards, both cards are eligible for Citi Merchant Offers. Citi Merchant Offers is a deals program that provides statement credits or bonus ThankYou points when making eligible purchases with a Citi credit card. The Citi Merchant Offers marketplace provides discounts on select shopping, dining, and other categories.

Recap

Here is a quick recap of all the features of both cards:

Citi Simplicity® Card Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card
Intro APR on purchases 0% Intro APR for 12 months on purchases from date of account opening 0% Intro APR for 12 months on purchases from date of account opening
Intro APR on balance transfers 0% Intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers from date of first transfer 0% Intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers from date of first transfer
Annual Fee No annual fee No annual fee

Related Article: The Best No Annual Fee Credit Cards

Featured image by Gam-Ol  / PixaBay

The information related to Citi Double Cash Card, Citi Custom Cash Card, Citi Simplicity Card, and Citi Diamond Preferred Card has been collected by BestCards.com and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of this product or service.

New Sapphire Reserve Food Truck w/ Chef Dominique Ansel

by Cory Santos
New Chase Sapphire Reserve Food Truck with Chef Dominique Ansel

Chase Sapphire is introducing a first-ever Sapphire Reserve Food Truck – a limited-time pop-up with exclusive treats for Sapphire Reserve cardmembers. Here are all the details of Chase’s NYC pop-up – and how to enjoy the culinary experience outside of New York:

Chase Introduces Sapphire Reserve Food Truck for Limited-Time-Only

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is one of the premier ultra-premium credit cards on the market. The card’s popularity is thanks to the extraordinary redemption value it provides through Ultimate Rewards – although the lounge access and travel statement credits don’t hurt either.

Now, Chase is adding a new, limited-time-only perk for Sapphire Reserve cardmembers. Chase Sapphire is introducing a first-ever Sapphire Reserve Food Truck featuring Chef Dominique Ansel from June 10 – 12, 2022. The food truck will operate from 11 am until 2 pm EST (or until the treats run out).

Here are the Sapphire Reserve Food Truck locations:

  • 6/10 – Seaport Vicinity, The Seaport
  • 6/11 – The Met (E. 82nd Street, between 5th Ave. and Madison Ave.)
  • 6/12 – Meatpacking District (14th Street, between 9th Ave and 10th Ave.)

How to Score Treats Outside NYC

Sapphire Reserve cardmembers in the area will get the chance to enjoy the brand NEW Cronut and Cookie Shot flavors, not available anywhere else, from one of the most well-known and well-respected pastry chefs.

Sapphire Reserve cardmembers who can’t experience the food truck in New York City can still taste this one-of-a-kind experience at home by purchasing limited-time, curated kits available through Chase Dining beginning June 14. Each curated kit will include:

  • Sapphire Exclusive: Black Truffle & Caramel Popcorn Cronut® pastries (4)
  • DKA (Dominique’s Kouign Amann) 4pc Gift Box
  • Caramelia Chocolate Clusters
  • 10pc Gift Box of Snickerdoodle Cookies

About Dominique Ansel

Dominique Ansel is a French pastry chef and owner of Dominique Ansel Bakery in New York City. Chef Ansel is responsible for creating some of the most celebrated pastry creations, including the Cronut® (named one of TIME Magazine’s “25 Best inventions of 2013”), The Cookie Shot, Frozen S’more, Blossoming Hot Chocolate, and more.

You can find more info at www.Chase.com/ReservedbySapphire.

Related Article: Citi Custom Cash℠ Card Vs Citi® Double Cash Card: Read This Before Applying

Featured image by SplendidTable.org

Klarna Card Launches in the U.S.

by Cory Santos
klarna visa credit card BNPL

Last updated on July 31st, 2023

Klarna, one of the world’s largest Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) service providers, has introduced its Klarna Visa Card credit card to its suite of U.S. payment products. The Swedish firm is the latest BNPL to move into credit cards, following Bread’s new Amex card earlier this year.

Klarna Visa Credit Card Launches in the U.S.

Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) firm Klarna has launched its U.S. credit card. The new Klarna Card balances the best of the BNPL experience with the global purchasing power of the Visa payment network, providing cardholders an easier way to buy the things they want now, and pay them off over time.

The Klarna Card empowers consumers to pay over time in four interest-free payments with no down payment for any store or online purchase, offering a welcome and sustainable alternative to high-cost credit cards. It features a host of powerful money management tools to help consumers stay on top of their Klarna purchases and keep full control of their finances. A new service, “Financial Overview,” is now available in the Klarna App with the card’s launch.

Offered by WebBank, the Klarna Card features no interest or APR. Instead, Klarna charges a $3.99 a month membership fee – equal to an annual fee of around $50. Fortunately, Klarna waives those charges for the first year after activation, enabling new cardholders to try it out at no cost.

Putting Consumers “In the Driver’s Seat of Their Financial Future”

“The fact that over 1 million U.S. consumers signed up to our waitlist in a matter of weeks demonstrates the incredible demand for a fair and transparent alternative to conventional credit cards,” said Sebastian Siemiatkowski, Co-Founder and CEO of Klarna in a statement. “By placing the power of our’ Pay in 4’ service in consumers’ pockets, the Klarna Card lets them experience the convenience, flexibility, and control of interest-free shopping wherever they go. In combination with our new, intuitive Financial Overview dashboard in the Klarna App, we make it easier than ever for consumers to understand their spending habits and manage their budget, placing them in the driver’s seat of their financial future.”

About Klarna

Klarna is a Sweden-based BNPL firm that lets consumers BNPL to get what they love today. Over 250,000 retail partners, including H&M, IKEA, Expedia Group, Samsung, ASOS, Peloton, Abercrombie & Fitch, and more, use Klarna’s payments, social shopping, and personal finance solutions.

Related Article: BNPL Loans May Soon Count Towards Credit Scores

Featured image by Klarna

Citi Custom Cash℠ Card vs Citi® Double Cash Card: Read This Before Applying

by Cory Santos
citi-custom-cash℠-card-vs-citi-double-cash-card-read-this-before-applying

Last updated on March 8th, 2023

Citibank offers several credit cards designed to streamline your spending and simplify rewards. These options include two credit cards that avoid complicated rewards programs and quarterly categories requiring activation: the Citi Custom Cash℠ Card and Citi® Double Cash Card. But which card is right for you?

At a Glance

Citi Custom Cash℠ Card or Citi® Double Cash Card: Which Is Right for You?

Before deciding which Citi credit card is right for you, here is a detailed breakdown of both cards, their features, and their suitability:

Pre-Qualification Before Applying

Applying for a credit card requires a credit check. Often, these credit checks (or credit inquiries) are known as “hard inquiries,” meaning the bank pulls your full credit report before approving (or denying) your credit card application. If you apply for a credit card and are declined, your credit score will likely take a minor hit. One way to avoid a negative impact on your credit score before getting a new credit card is by pre-qualifying before you apply.

Does Citi Offer Online Pre-Qualification Before Applying?

Yes. Citibank provides an online pre-screening for several of its proprietary credit cards. Currently, only four cards apply for this pre-screening process: the Citi Simplicity® Card, Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card, the Citi Custom Cash℠ Card, and the Citi® Double Cash Card.

To get started with the Citi “pre-approval” process, follow the “Apply Now” button on the relevant Citi credit card review. Hover over the “Credit Cards” tab on the top of the credit card landing page and select “See if You Are Pre-Selected.”

Here is the information you will need to get pre-qualified offers from Citibank:

  • Full name
  • Email address
  • Last four digits of your SSN
  • Current address

Related Article: How to Pre-Qualify for a Credit Card

Credit Score Needed

Citi provides credit cards to fit a huge number of credit profiles. Both Citi rewards cards require a “good” or “excellent” credit score, meaning a FICO Score of 670+ is the minimum you should expect to have before applying. For versatile, no annual fee rewards cards like the Double Cash and Custom Cash; however, a credit score of 700+ is likely needed.

However, keep in mind that your credit score is only one part of the equation. Citi also considers other factors, including how your income compares to your debt obligations and your overall ability to make your monthly credit card payments.

How to Apply

Here is the information you’ll need to have handy before you apply for either the Citi Double Cash or the Custom Cash Mastercard:

  • Full name (middle name and suffix optional)
  • Social Security Number
  • Birthdate
  • Citizenship
  • Phone number
  • Email address
  • Income
  • Monthly rent/mortgage expenses

Citi will also ask you for a security word and hint during the initial application process. This information helps reference the application should you need to exit and return later. Additionally, this code can help you access your application if there is a pending decision.

Annual Fee

Both cards feature no annual fee. This lack of a yearly charge is excellent, meaning there is no overhead charge before you can begin earning your accelerated rewards.

How to Earn Rewards

Here is a breakdown of how each Citi credit card earns rewards:

Earning Rewards with the Custom Cash

The Citi Custom Cash isn’t like most other 5% back cards. Unlike the Discover It or Chase Freedom Flex, which earns 5% back on rotating categories each quarter, the Custom Cash earns 5% back on your highest spending category each billing period.

What are the 5% back categories? Cardholders can earn the maximum rewards with purchases in the following 5% eligible categories:

Dining Fitness clubs Grocery stores
Drugstores Gas stations Home improvement stores
Travel & transit (select) Live entertainment Streaming service (select)

Remember that the 5% bonus categories are limited to $500 spent every billing period, and any rewards earned after that threshold will be 1% back. All other card purchases earn unlimited 1% cash back, with no caps on that earning.

Earning Rewards with the Double Cash

Unlike the Custom Cash, every Citi Double Cash Card purchase earns 2% back. This 2% back works out as follows: 1% back when you make an eligible purchase with the card and an additional 1% back when you pay off the corresponding balance. There is no limit to the amount of cash back earned.

The 2% back with the Double Cash is on par with the TD Double Up and Wells Fargo Active Cash – but provides a substantially longer intro APR period for new accounts – 18 months of 0% intro APR on balance transfers.

Do Rewards Expire?

Citi cash back rewards and ThankYou Points do not expire as long as the cardholder’s account is open, active, and in good standing. Should the account close, the former accountholder will have three years to use their rewards before they expire.

How to Redeem Rewards

While the Custom Cash and Double Cash cards are theoretically cash back rewards credit cards, there is a great deal of versatility in redeeming rewards. These options include statement credits, direct deposits, or a check.

Cardholders can also automatically convert their cash back towards Citi ThankYou® points. Citi ThankYou® points are the currency of the Citi ThankYou® Rewards Program, with an estimated value of one cent per point. ThankYou® points are applicable towards a wide variety of redemptions, including:

Gift cards, including 15% more value when redeeming ThankYou points for gift cards from Wayfair®, Sephora®, and Grubhub.

  • Merchandise through participating retailers
  • Travel
  • Charity
  • Citi loan payments (mortgages, student loans, etc.)

Citibank offers point transfers to 17 airline and hotel partners. Many of these point transfer partners are at a 1:1 ratio, making them a great value for those who are also a member of the frequent flyer program of an associate carrier. The following are Citi ThankYou transfer partners:

Wyndham Rewards Aeromexico ALL – Accor Live Limitless Flying Blue JetBlue TrueBlue Qantas Frequent Flyer
Avianca LifeMiles Cathay Pacific Choice Privileges Qatar Privilege Club Shop Your Way Singapore Airlines
Emirates Skywards Etihad Guest EVA Air Thai Royal Orchid Plus Turkish Airlines Miles&Miles Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

Recap

Here is a quick recap of all the features of both cards:

Citi Custom Cash℠ Card Citi® Double Cash Card
Cash back rewards 5% on top eligible spend category per billing cycle (up to $500) and 1% on all other purchases 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay your bill)
Introductory APR offer 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for 18 months
Sign-up bonus $200 cash back after spending $750 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening N/A
Foreign transaction fee 3%
Annual fee No annual fee

Related Article: The Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards

The information related to Citi Double Cash Card, Citi Custom Cash Card, Citi Simplicity Card, and Citi Diamond Preferred Card has been collected by BestCards.com and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of this product or service.

Featured image by Gam-Ol  / PixaBay

REMINDER: Walmart Announces Exclusive Walmart+ Weekend Event

by Cory Santos

Walmart is launching a new special savings event – exclusively for Walmart+ members. The new online savings event will stretch for three days this June. It will offer deep discounts and access to score popular items like PlayStation 5 consoles. Here’s everything you need to know about Walmart+ Weekend:

Walmart Announces Walmart+ Weekend Promotion

Walmart announced the arrival of Walmart+ Weekend, an online savings event exclusively for Walmart+ members that stretches over three days. The fun begins on Walmart.com at 12 p.m. PT/3 p.m. ET on Thursday, June 2, with the deals ending at 4 p.m. PT/7 p.m. ET on Sunday, June 5.

Only Walmert+ members will be able to access the deepest discounts on thousands of the hottest summer items, including hard-to-get items, like PlayStation 5 consoles. New Walmart+ members who sign-up at a Walmart store will also receive a $20 promo code off their next online purchase.

Here is an example of some of the deals you can expect during Walmart+ Weekend:

walmart moneycard deals

About Walmart+

Walmart+ is the brand’s portal for exclusive savings, discounts, and more. The Walmart+ app provides access to more than 4,700 stores, including 2,700 stores that offer same-day delivery. Members will receive unlimited free delivery from stores, fuel discounts, and access to tools that do shopping faster for families. Walmart+ costs $98 a year or $12.95 a month and includes a 15-day free trial period.

“Our Walmart+ members loved early access to our Black Friday events, so we were inspired to create an entire weekend dedicated to the best deals,” said Chris Cracchiolo, senior vice president, and general manager at Walmart, in a statement. “Giving members more of what they want with exclusive, unprecedented Black Friday-like savings allows us to celebrate our members fun, new way.”

Save Even More with a Walmart Card

The announcement of Walmart+ Weekend is great news for Platinum Card from American Express cardmembers. The steep $695 annual fee with the card is offset by several statement credits, including one for Walmart+ membership. Cardholders receive a $12.95 statement credit when using the Platinum Card to purchase a Walmart+ subscription.

The new Walmart+ promotion is also good news for Walmart-branded credit and debit cardholders. Capital One issues a co-branded credit card with Walmart: the Capital One® Walmart Rewards™ Card. The bank also issues a debit card through GO2Bank (formerly Green Dot): the Walmart MoneyCard (available as both a Visa and Mastercard).

The co-branded Walmart credit and debit cards do not offer complimentary Walmart+ membership, but they do offer exceptional savings with the brand. Here is how the rewards work with both cards:

walmart moneycard debit card

Walmart MoneyCard

3% back at Walmart.com

2% back at Walmart fuel stations

1% back in-store at Walmart locations

Read Review
capital one walmart rewards card

Capital One® Walmart Rewards™ Card

5% back at Walmart.com

2% back at Walmart stores and at Walmart and Murphy USA Fuel Stations, plus dining and travel

1% back everywhere else

Read Review

Related Article: The Best No Annual Fee Credit Cards

Featured image by Walmart

Save Money with the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA)

by Cory Santos
save-money-w-the-servicemembers-civil-relief-act-scra

Last updated on April 2nd, 2024

Serving your country is one of the bravest – and most selfless – things you can do for your nation. Because our active-duty military personnel risk so much to protect our freedoms, they are provided with financial benefits to make their deployment a little less stressful for themselves and their family. The SCRA and MLA provide relief for credit card interest and fees, but how do they work?

This post may contain links from partner offers, and we may receive compensation when you click on links to these offers. Please see our advertiser and editorial disclosures above for more information. Citi is an advertising partner.

What are the SCRA and the MLA?

Active, on-duty military personnel are protected from excessive fees and charges through the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and the Military Lending Act (MLA). SCRA is a program that provides certain protections in lending for servicemembers on Active Duty. The MLA, on the other hand, protects active-duty members of the military, their spouses, and their dependents from certain lending practices, including loan rollovers and refinancing.

Servicemembers Civil Relief Act

The SCRA is a federal law that restricts or limits actions against military personnel serving on active duty. Congress enacted the law in 2003 (formerly known as the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Act), to ease active-duty service members’ financial burdens. The SCRA applies to active active-duty service personnel, active reservists, and active National Guard members — especially those who are deployed.

Eligibility for SCRA benefits begins on the date an eligible active-duty servicemember receive active-duty orders. SCRA coverage lasts until 30 to 90 days after the date of discharge from active duty.

How to Claim SCRA Benefits

To receive benefits under the SCRA, eligible servicemembers must request relief on paper and verify their active-duty military status. A letter containing the following information is typically enough to qualify for SCRA relief:

  • Account number
  • Start date of active-duty service
  • An SCRA request for a reduction in interest rate
  • A copy of active-duty orders.

The total time for SCRA relief varies by lender and credit card issuer. Some banks may request relevant information immediately, while other lenders may provide a window of up to 180 days for supplying relevant information.

Military Lending Act

The MLA applies to active-duty service members (including those on active Guard or active Reserve duty), spouses, and certain dependents. It limits the interest rates that may be charged on many types of consumer loans to no more than 36% and provides other key protections.

The MLA limit on interest rates is also known as MAPR (Military Annual Percentage Rate). The MAPR covers additional fees and charges, such as:

  • Insurance premiums and fees
  • Debt cancellation contract fees
  • Debt suspensions fees
  • Other ancillary product fees

What Benefits do the SCRA and MLA Provide to Credit Cardholders?

Almost all banks and credit card issuers adhere to SCRA and MLA guidelines as required by law. Major lenders, like American Express, Chase, and Citibank are particularly favored amongst military families, thanks to the waiving of annual fees, other fees, and APR reductions on some of the most popular cards from these banks. Here are some of the best benefits of the SCRA and MLA for active-duty service personnel:

No Interest

One of the best features of credit cards for active-duty military personnel is the chance to reduce your credit card interest rate significantly. The SCRA places a cap on the rate of interest or fees your bank can charge active military personnel and their immediate families.

The SCRA caps charges at 6%, which applies to interest and other fees. This protection applies to the following financial loans and products:

  • Student loans
  • Credit cards
  • Car loans
  • Mortgage loans
  • Medical bills
  • Installment loans
  • Title loans

Citi, for instance, offers 0% APR on its credit cards for eligible active-duty military members. This feature means that you’ll pay no interest on any balances accrued before your deployment if you are active-duty military. Remember that SCRA interest and fee relief only applies to debt incurred before active duty begins.

The benefits of a low interest rate on your credit cards are apparent. After all, who wants to pay interest on purchases, especially if you are about to get deployed overseas. A low APR – and especially one capped as low as 6% can help family members pay down credit card debt while you are away, without the fear of significant interest accruing.

No Fees

As mentioned, the 6% cap on interest through the SCRA also applies to fees. This benefit is very straightforward and provides exceptional value for servicemembers and their eligible family.

Because Citi adheres to (and often goes above and beyond) SCRA and MLA guidelines, eligible active-duty military personnel can enjoy no fees of any kind in various key transactions – including foreign transaction fees.

Use the SCRA/MLA to Pay down Your Balances - Fast!

Perhaps the best use of waiving fees through military service is refinancing existing balances through a balance transfer. Using a Citi balance transfer credit card to pay down debt and enjoy a 0% intro APR is an excellent way to reduce monthly payments while eliminating existing debt.

Even better, cardmembers might avoid the regular balance transfer fee of $5 or 5%, whichever is greater. For example, a $2,500 balance transfer would incur a $125 fee. Eliminating this extra fee can save you some serious money – now and into the future.

Using cards like the Citi Simplicity® Card or Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card, the bank’s two balance transfer credit cards, can help military families pay down debt while enjoying an exceptionally-low APR (and not just during active deployment).

The cards are popular thanks to their exceptionally low APR, lengthy intro APR periods – currently an entire year on purchases, and an industry-leading 21 months of 0% intro APR on balance transfers. Also, no balance transfer fees and eliminating debt became that much easier (with financial responsibility and a good repayment gameplan, of course).

Related Article: What is the Longest 0% APR Credit Card?

Featured image by  ArmyAmber/Pixabay

Earn 75,000 Bonus Points with Southwest Cards from Chase

by Cory Santos
earn-75000-bonus-points-w-southwest-cards-from-chase

Last updated on March 1st, 2023

Chase and Southwest Airlines have an enticing welcome offer for potential new Rapid Rewards applicants: 75,000 bonus points. The new 75,000-point bonus is one of the most lucrative sign-up bonuses in recent history, providing an excellent platform for reaching Southwest’s coveted Companion Pass.

Chase Introduces New 75,000-Point Welcome Bonus on Southwest Cards

Chase and Southwest are looking to help you make the most of your summer travels with a new welcome bonus on select Southwest® Rapid Rewards® credit cards. Effective May 26, Chase’s select Southwest® Rapid Rewards® credit cards offer an impressive 75,000 Rapid Rewards points welcome bonus.

New cardmembers earn 75,000 Rapid Rewards points after spending $5,000 on qualifying purchases in the first three months from account opening. This new welcome offer is nearly double the previous sign-up bonus of 40,000 points and runs for a limited time.

Here are the eligible Chase/Southwest personal credit cards:

Points Qualify Towards a Companion Pass

One of the most impressive features of Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program is the Companion Pass. The Companion Pass allows a companion to fly with a traveler for just the cost of taxes and fees.

The Companion Pass is highly coveted and only achievable by making Southwest a regular part of your travel plans. Members must complete at least 100 qualifying one-way trips with Southwest in a calendar year to earn a pass – no mean feat. The only other way to obtain this pass is by accumulating 110,000 points.

Fortunately, all points earned with the co-branded Southwest credit cards from Chase, including the new, 75,000-point introductory bonus, count toward the coveted Companion Pass®.

Additionally, Southwest cardmembers have more opportunities to earn even greater rewards, thanks to a slew of new card benefits introduced late last year. These new features include earning 2X points on local transit and commuting purchases (including rideshares), internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming purchases.

Related Article: The Best Travel Card Statement Credits of 2022

Featured image by mimoulamiou/PixaBay

Sam’s Club Mastercard Vs BJ’s Perks Elite Mastercard: Read This Before Applying

by Cory Santos
Sam’s Club® Mastercard® or BJ's Perks Elite® Mastercard®

Last updated on March 8th, 2023

Wholesale clubs offer exceptional value for members. These members-only stores provide significant savings on big-ticket items like TVs, computers, furniture, and bulk grocery items. BJ’s and Sam’s Club are two of the better-known clubs out there – and both issue co-branded credit cards that provide savings on everyday purchases. But which card is right for you – the Sam’s Club® Mastercard® or the  BJ’s Perks Elite® Mastercard®?

Sam’s Club® Mastercard® or BJ's Perks Elite® Mastercard®: Which Is Right for You?

BJ’s issues two credit cards through Comenity: the BJ’s Perks Plus® Mastercard® and the BJ’s Perks Elite® Mastercard®. Both cards feature no annual fee, but the Plus version most closely resembles the Sam’s Club® Mastercard®, which gets its best value with the higher tier Sam’s Club Plus membership.

Both the Sam’s Club and BJ’s Mastercards enjoy popularity among fans of stocking up their pantries, saving in bulk, and earning rewards while filing up, but which one is right for you? Here is the breakdown of the cards over crucial categories:

Pre-Qualification Before Applying

Applying for a credit card requires a credit check. Often, these credit checks (or credit inquiries) are known as “hard inquiries,” meaning the bank pulls your full credit report before approving (or denying) your credit card application. If you apply for a credit card and are declined, your credit score will likely take a minor hit.

One way to avoid a negative impact on your credit score before getting a new credit card is by pre-qualifying before you apply. Though they may sound similar, pre-qualification and pre-approval are not the same things.  

A pre-approval means that a lender has analyzed your credit profile based on existing credit information it holds, offering a product you will likely be approved for. On the other hand, pre-qualification means the lender has reviewed financial information from a credit profile and believes you may be a good fit for the credit card product. Pre-qualifications are also known as “soft inquiries,” as they have no impact on your credit score.

Related Article: How to Pre-Qualify for a Credit Card

Does the Sam’s Club Mastercard Let You Pre-Qualify?

Yes, the Sam’s Club Mastercard does provide a quick, easy online pre-qualification process. Potential applicants can see their approval odds before applying without impacting their credit score. The BJ’s Perks Elite does not offer a pre-qualification online.

Credit Score Needed

Since both credit card options are retail credit cards, they are intended for consumers with “good” or “excellent” credit.

How to Apply

Both cards require similar information to apply. Here are the types of information you can expect to provide before applying for either the Sam’s Club Mastercard or the BJ’s Perks Elite Mastercard:

  • Name
  • Address (including email address)
  • Phone number
  • BJ’s/Sam’s Club membership number
  • Social Security Number
  • Annual income

Annual Fee

As stated, both cards feature no annual fee. However, that doesn’t mean there are no costs associated with opening (and maintaining) an account.

Sam’s Club offers two tiers of membership: standard Club membership and Plus membership. Club membership is $45 per year, with the ability to add up to 8 additional member accounts for just $40 each. Sam’s Club Plus membership costs $100 per year (although Sam’s sometimes offers a one-time price of $40 to join), with up to 16 additional accounts addable for $40 each.

With BJ’s, the costs are very similar. The company offers two personal membership levels and one business membership.

Inner Circle is the basic BJ’s membership level and costs $55 per year to join. BJ’s Inner Circle provides a lower level of rewards. It is most closely associated with the BJ’s Perks Plus version of the credit card. BJ’s Perks Rewards is the premium tier, offering up to 2% cash back on BJ’s purchases for a $110/year annual fee.

Both cards serve as membership cards, saving the cardholder space in their wallet and time when checking out at the register.

Where Can You Use It?

Both credit cards feature the Mastercard payment network. Mastercard is currently accepted in 212 countries worldwide. As such, both cards can be used practically anywhere you want to spend – or earn rewards.

Earning Cash Back Rewards

Both versions of the BJ’s Mastercard and the Sam’s Club Mastercard are exceptional gas rewards credit cards. Beyond just gas, however, both cards also provide quality rewards on dining and purchases made at the respective warehouse clubs.

Here’s how the cash back rewards breakdown with the two credit cards:

Savings on Gas

As mentioned, both cards provide their greatest value at the pump. The Sam’s Club Mastercard lets cardmembers earn 5% cash back on gas purchases anywhere Mastercard is accepted. While that 5% back is capped on the first $6,000 per year in spending (after that, 1% back on all gas station purchases), that total amounts to $500 per month.

In contrast, the BJ’s Elite Mastercard offers 10¢ off per gallon at BJ’s Gas, plus 2% cash back on purchases at gas stations not associated with BJ’s. According to statistics, the average American fills up their car at least twice per month, with the average fuel tank around 14 gallons in size. Based on those statistics, this would represent around $3 in savings each month, or $36 per year.

Savings at the Wholesale Club

The Sam’s Club® Mastercard® also earns accelerated cash back on purchases at the wholesale club. The card earns 3% back on Sam’s Club purchases for Plus members, with regular members earning 1% back on Sam’s Club purchases. That 3% back takes the form of the 1% all Sam’s Club members earn on purchases and the additional 2% Plus members earn on qualifying in-club and Pickup purchases.

In comparison, the BJ’s Elite Card offers 5% cash back on BJ’s purchases. The Plus Card, which works with BJ’s Circle membership, offers 3% back on purchases made with the wholesale giant.

Other Ways to Earn Rewards

Both versions of the BJ’s Mastercard offer 2% cash back on dining and 1% back on all other purchases. With the Sam’s Club Mastercard, Sam’s Club members earn 3% cash back on dining and takeout and 1% back anywhere else Mastercard is accepted worldwide.

Do Rewards Expire?

Rewards with the BJ’s Mastercard expire after six months, while Sam’s Club rewards do not expire (provided the account is open and in good standing).

Recap

Here is a quick recap of all the features of both cards:

Sam's Club® Mastercard®

Sam's Club Mastercard

5% cash back on gas anywhere Mastercard is accepted (on first $6,000 per year, then 1%)

3% cash back on Sam’s Club purchases for Plus members. Club members earn 1% cash back

3% cash back on dining and takeout

1% cash back on other purchases

No annual fee

Read Review

BJ'S PERKS PLUS MASTERCARD

Save 10¢ off per gallon at BJ’s Gas®

5% cash back on most BJ’s purchases

2% cash back on dining and non-BJ’s gas stations

1% cash back for everything else

No annual fee

Read Review

Related Article: The Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Featured image by Gam-Ol  / PixaBay

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.