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Managing your finances can be overwhelming, but having the right credit card can make a big difference. The Citi Double Cash Card offers 2% cash back on all purchases, making it a great option for those who want to earn rewards without any rotating categories.
Cash back rewards can be redeemed for statement credits, checks, or even transferred to popular loyalty programs. The Citi Double Cash Card also offers a 0% introductory APR for 18 months on balance transfers.
The Discover it Cash Back Card offers 5% cash back on various categories throughout the year, such as gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants. This card also has no annual fee and a cash back match at the end of the first year.
If you're looking for a credit card with a low interest rate, the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card is a good option, with a 15.49% - 25.49% (Variable) APR.
Types of Credit Cards
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There are several types of credit cards that can help you manage your finances effectively. Low-interest and balance transfer cards are designed for people who carry debt, and they can save you money by reducing the amount of interest charged on your purchases.
If you pay your credit card bill in full every month, the interest rate on your card doesn't really matter. However, if you can't pay in full, low-interest or 0% cards can be a lifesaver. For example, the Chase Freedom Unlimited offers 0% intro APR on purchases and Balance Transfers for 15 months.
Balance-transfer cards let you move high-interest debt onto a card with a lower interest rate. The Citi Double Cash Card gives new cardholders 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months. To qualify for these cards, you typically need good to excellent credit, a score of at least 690 on the FICO scale.
When to Use Each
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Having multiple credit cards can be confusing, especially when it comes to knowing which one to use for specific purchases. Knowing the rewards rates of each card is key to maximizing rewards.
For example, if you have the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express and the American Express Gold Card, you'll want to use the Blue Cash Preferred Card for groceries since it offers a higher rewards rate of 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases.
You can also use labels on your cards to quickly identify which one to use for specific purchases, such as "gas" or "dining." This can save you time and money by ensuring you're using the right card for the right purchase.
Foreign transaction fees are another thing to watch out for when traveling abroad. If you have both the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and the Chase Freedom Unlimited, for example, you'll want to use the Sapphire Preferred on your overseas trip to avoid incurring a 3% foreign transaction fee.
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Here's a quick reference guide to help you choose the right card for your purchases:
By knowing which card to use for each purchase, you can maximize your rewards and save money on foreign transaction fees.
Low-Interest
Low-interest credit cards are perfect for people who can't pay their credit card bill in full every month. They save you money by reducing the amount of interest charged on your purchases.
If you're carrying debt, low-interest cards can be a lifesaver. Cards like the Chase Freedom Unlimited offer 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months. After that, the ongoing APR is 19.49%-28.24% Variable APR.
Some cards, like the Citi Double Cash Card, offer 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months. This can be a great way to pay off high-interest debt without breaking the bank.
To qualify for these cards, you'll usually need good to excellent credit, with a score of at least 690 on the FICO scale. This is because the best 0% intro APR and balance-transfer card offers are usually reserved for people with good credit.
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Here are some key features to look for in a low-interest credit card:
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers
- Balance transfer fee (usually 3% of the amount transferred)
- Ongoing APR (after the intro period ends)
- Annual fee (some cards have a $0 annual fee)
For example, the PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card offers 0% introductory APR for 12 months on balance transfers made in the first 60 days after account opening. After that, the APR for the unpaid balance and any new balance transfers will be a non-variable rate of 17.99%.
PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card
The PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card offers a generous rewards program. You can earn 5X points on gas purchases at the pump and electrical vehicle charging stations.
The card also rewards purchases at supermarkets, restaurants, and streaming services with 3X points. This is a great option for frequent grocery shoppers or foodies.
One of the best perks of this card is the sign-up bonus. You'll earn 15,000 points when you spend $1,500 in the first 90 days.
The card also offers a 0% introductory APR for 12 months on balance transfers made in the first 60 days after account opening. This can be a huge help if you need to consolidate debt or transfer a balance from a high-interest credit card.
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However, it's worth noting that the APR will jump to 17.99% variable on purchases and 17.99% non-variable on balance transfers after the introductory period ends. There's also a 3% balance transfer fee per transaction.
In terms of fees, there is no annual fee. The credit score required for approval is good to excellent.
Types of Credit Cards
There are several types of credit cards, each with its own unique rewards and benefits. Some credit cards offer cash back rewards, while others offer points or travel rewards.
Cash back rewards are a popular type of credit card benefit, and can be earned at various rates. For example, the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express offers 6% cash back on U.S. supermarkets, while the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card offers up to 5% cash back on two categories you choose each quarter.
Some credit cards also offer bonus rewards for specific purchases, such as groceries or travel. The Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express offers a $250 statement credit, and the American Express Gold Card offers 4X Membership Rewards points per dollar spent at US supermarkets.
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Not all credit cards are created equal, and some may charge foreign transaction fees. If you travel outside the U.S., it's best to use a card that doesn't charge these fees, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card.
To maximize rewards, it's essential to know when to use each card. You can create a note on your phone with the rewards rates of each card or add labels to each card to help you decide. For example, the Blue Cash Preferred Card is the best card for groceries, earning 6% cash back on U.S. supermarkets.
Here are some examples of credit cards with their corresponding rewards rates:
Remember to always choose the card that offers the best rewards for your specific purchases.
Card Options
If you're in the market for a new credit card, there are a few options to consider. The PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card offers 5X points on gas purchases at the pump and electrical vehicle charging stations, as well as 3X points on purchases at the supermarket and restaurants.
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You can earn 15,000 points when you spend $1,500 in the first 90 days, which is a great incentive to start using the card. The card also has a $0 annual fee, making it a cost-effective option.
One feature to keep in mind is the 0% introductory APR for 12 months on balance transfers made in the first 60 days after account opening. However, after that, the APR will be 17.99%, and you'll be charged a 3% balance transfer fee per transaction.
Here are the key details of the PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card:
Managing Your Credit
Managing your credit with three credit cards can be a bit tricky, but with some smart strategies, you can make the most of it. To avoid late payment fees and penalties, it's essential to pay on time, and having multiple cards can make it harder to manage various payment due dates. Call your credit card company and have them reset the billing cycles so that they are identical for all your cards.
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Another factor to consider is your credit utilization rate, which is the amount of money you owe across all of your credit cards. Experts recommend keeping a utilization rate below 30% per card. To find your credit card utilization rate, simply add up your balances across all cards and divide by your total available credit limit.
Here's an example of how having multiple credit cards can affect your utilization rate:
In this example, Millie has four credit cards with a total credit limit of $10,000, while Carole has one card with a total credit limit of $2,000. If they both spend $1,000 each a month, Millie's utilization rate would be 10%, while Carole's would be 50%. This shows that having multiple credit cards can make it easier to maintain a lower utilization rate, but it's still essential to be responsible and not overspend.
How Many is Too Many?
Managing your credit cards can be overwhelming, especially if you have a lot of them. The good news is that having multiple credit cards can actually be beneficial for your credit score, as long as you're using them responsibly.
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Credit expert John Ulzheimer says that if you're responsible about using your cards and never carry a balance, then there's no number of cards that's too many. This means that you can open as many credit cards as you want, as long as you're making payments on time and in full.
However, if you're using your cards as a supplement to your income and you're carrying balances each month, then one card may be too many. This is because having multiple credit cards can give you a lot of buying power, which can tempt you to overspend.
Here's an example of how having multiple credit cards can affect your credit score:
As you can see, having four credit cards can help you maintain a lower credit utilization rate, which can improve your credit score. However, this doesn't mean that you should open a lot of credit cards and start using them without thinking. You should only open credit cards that you need, and make sure you're using them responsibly.
Remember, just because you have lots of credit available to you, that doesn't mean you should use it. You should always prioritize making payments on time and keeping your credit utilization rate low.
Balance Transfer Fee
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When you're considering transferring a balance to a new credit card, there's a fee to be aware of. The balance transfer fee can range from $5 to 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
This fee can add up quickly, especially if you're transferring a large balance. For example, if you transfer $1,000 with a 3% fee, you'll be charged $30.
Some credit cards offer a lower or no balance transfer fee, but this is not always the case. It's essential to review the terms and conditions of the credit card before making a decision.
The balance transfer fee is usually a one-time charge, but it's good to know what you're getting into.
Payment History
Paying your credit card bills on time is crucial for maintaining a good credit score. This is the most important factor, so make it a priority.
Having multiple credit cards can make it harder to keep track of due dates, but there's a simple solution: call your credit card company and ask them to reset your billing cycles so they're identical for all cards. This way, you'll only have to remember one due date.
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You can also change your payment due date in-app or online, which is a convenient option. Many card issuers offer this feature, so check your account settings.
Setting up autopay is another safety measure you can take. This way, you'll never miss a payment, and it takes away some of the stress of juggling multiple due dates.
Tips for Managing Multiple Tasks
Managing Multiple Tasks requires organization and prioritization.
To get as much benefit as possible from your tasks, create a list of all the tasks you need to complete and prioritize them based on importance and urgency.
You can also use a calendar or planner to keep track of deadlines and appointments.
Set reminders and notifications to ensure you stay on top of your tasks and avoid last-minute rushes.
By staying organized and focused, you can manage multiple tasks effectively and achieve your goals.
Improving Your Credit Score
Having multiple credit cards can actually help improve your credit score if you manage them wisely. Paying your entire balance on time every month is a simple yet effective way to build and maintain good credit.
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A low credit utilization ratio is key to a good credit score, and opening a new credit card account can help you achieve this. This is because the extra available credit will automatically lower your credit utilization ratio, so long as you don't significantly increase your overall debt.
Staying below your credit limit is crucial, and having multiple credit cards can actually help you achieve this. By spreading your debt across multiple cards, you can keep your credit utilization ratio low and your credit score high.
Opening a new credit card account can even improve your credit score in some circumstances. This is because the extra available credit will give you a lower credit utilization ratio, which is one of the main factors that determines your credit score.
U.S. Bank Options
U.S. Bank offers a range of rewards credit cards that can help you maximize your earnings.
The U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card offers up to 5% cash back on two categories you choose each quarter. This card is a great option for those who want to earn cash back in specific areas, such as groceries or gas.
U.S. Bank has a variety of rewards credit cards available, including cash back, travel, and points rewards.
Best U.S. Banks for Maximizing Rewards
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If you're looking to maximize your rewards, the U.S. Bank Smartly card is a great option, earning up to 4% cash back on every purchase.
The U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature card offers even more flexibility, with up to 5% cash back on two categories you choose each quarter.
With the U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards Visa Signature card, you'll earn 1X point on all other eligible purchases, in addition to a $15 credit for annual streaming service purchases.
U.S. Bank Interest Rate
U.S. Bank offers a variety of low interest rate credit cards, allowing you to choose a credit card that fits your lifestyle.
You can use the bank's compare tool on their page to learn more about their low interest rate credit cards.
Our Expert Take
The Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express is a low-fee card with generous cash-back rewards and useful ongoing benefits. It's a great option for those who want to save money without breaking the bank.
The card's monthly Disney Bundle credit is a fantastic perk, especially for families who love Disney. Enrollment is required, but it's definitely worth it for the extra savings.
With its low-fee structure, the Blue Cash Preferred Card is a smart choice for those who want to avoid unnecessary expenses.
Factors to Consider
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Having multiple credit cards can be a great way to manage your finances, but it's essential to consider the factors involved.
Missed payments can lead to late fees or a lower credit score, so it's crucial to stay on top of payment due dates, required minimum payments, and account balances.
An easy way to mitigate this risk is by signing up for autopayments.
Debt awareness is also critical, as having multiple credit cards can tempt you to accumulate more debt than you can handle.
The convenience of swiping multiple cards can lead to overspending and high-interest debt, so it's essential to exercise discipline and only charge what you can comfortably pay off.
To make the most of your cards, you need to fully understand and take advantage of their features, including rewards programs, redemption options, and any annual fees associated with the cards.
Here are some key factors to consider:
- Payment Management: Due dates, required minimum payments, and account balances are just a few things to keep track of.
- Debt Awareness: Be mindful of your spending and only charge what you can pay off.
- Rewards Optimization: Understand the benefits of each card, including rewards programs and annual fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use 3 credit cards?
Yes, you can own multiple credit cards, but maintaining a healthy credit utilization rate is crucial to avoid negatively impacting your credit score
Sources
- https://www.cnbc.com/select/how-to-manage-multiple-credit-cards/
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/types-of-credit-cards
- https://www.cnbc.com/select/how-many-credit-cards-you-should-have/
- https://www.usbank.com/credit-cards.html
- https://www.synchrony.com/blog/spending/managing-multiple-credit-cards
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