It is not realistic to imagine oil prices will ever return to the level where Americans can buy gasoline for $1 per gallon. This reality has compelled many to purchase more fuel efficient vehicles while trying to find cash back credit cards that offer savings on fuel. The Pentagon Federal Credit Union Platinum Cash Rewards card gives customers unprecedented savings on fuel, and some cash back on all other purchases.

For each dollar spent on most purchases, customers will receive one percent cash back, with an incredible 5% cash back on gasoline purchases that are paid at the pump. New cardholders can also take advantage of a 4.99% promotional APR on balance transfers, with no fee, that is valid for two years. After that, interest will accrue at a rate equal to the Prime Rate plus 10.74%. That is also the rate that will apply to all purchases that are not paid in full before the due date. There is no annual fee for this card, no over the limit fee, and no foreign transaction fees. (more…)

Banks have always tried to capture the young adult market since they represent the next generation of high value consumers. To do so, they can offer rewards credit cards affiliated with popular brands such as MTV or Best Buy, while others feature exclusive access to sporting and concert event tickets. American Express offers its Zync card to students and young adults who want the opportunity to tailor their credit card to their individual needs.

For each dollar spent with this card, customers will earn a single point in American Express’s Membership Rewards Express program. Cardholders can also choose to add on different “Packs” to their card at additional costs. For example, The “GO” Pack adds $20 a year to the cardholder’s annual fee, while offering double points for airfare ticket purchases, as well as other travel discounts. Additional packs include the ECO Pack, the CONNECT Pack, and the RESTAURANT Pack which offer additional points for environmentally conscious purchases, telecommunications expenses, and food spending respectively. (more…)

Having acquired Northwest Airlines, Delta is now a dominant force among the remaining legacy carriers in the United States. Delta also enjoys an extremely close relationship with one of the major issuers of credit cards, American Express. Through this partnership, they offer five different credit cards for consumers, and three for small businesses. Of all of these products, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card may represent the best value for the average consumer.

New customers are immediately rewarded with 20,000 bonus miles after their first purchase, 5,000 of which count towards Medallion status. A further 5,000 miles can be earned if cardholders choose to add two additional authorized cardholders to their account. One mile is earned for each dollar spent on most purchases, with two miles being received for each dollar spent with Delta. Cardholders can earn an additional 10,000 Medallion qualifying miles when they spend $25,000 in a calendar year and another 10,000 when they reach $50,000 in charges. This card is also on the forefront of the trend to add additional non-mileage benefits to airline credit cards. (more…)

In a world of complex credit cards, Americans yearn for simple products without harsh penalties and conditions. In response, many banks have begun offering at least one card without the large menu of fees and penalties that commonly appear on the disclosure statements of their other products. American Express offers its Clear card for those who value simplicity, but still want to earn some credit card rewards.

How This Card Works

For each dollar spent, cardholders will receive one cent in their Automatic Rewards program. This program is extraordinarily simple; cardholders will receive a $25 American Express shopping card for each $2,500 in spending. Additionally, new customers will be offered a 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first 12 months after opening an account. Subsequently, interest on both purchases and balance transfers will be incurred at the standard rates, which are equal to the Prime Rate plus 13.99%, 16.99%, or 18.99%, depending on the applicant’s credit worthiness. There is no annual fee, no late fees, no balance transfer fees, no over-limit fees, and no cash advance fees with the Clear Card. Unfortunately, American Express is still charging a 2.7% credit card foreign transaction fee on all charges processed outside the United States. (more…)

If someone made a movie about Hawaiian Airlines, the voiceover for the preview would go something like this, “In a world where major airlines have joined together in global alliances to dominate the planet, one carrier has chosen to go it alone.” That pretty much tells the story of this little airline that has learned how to thrive by connecting its small, but popular state to the rest of the world. Like nearly all other airlines, Hawaiian also has its own frequent flier program and co-branded airline miles credit card. The Hawaiian Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America is marketed to Hawaiians and mainlanders who wish to earn miles towards free travel on their airline and a few select partners. For Hawaiians in particular, this is one of the best credit cards to have.

Overview

Cardholders will earn up to 35,000 miles as a sign up bonus when they open an account. 20,000 miles are earned after their first purchase, with another 15,000 being awarded when customers spend $1,000 within 120 days of opening their account. Subsequently, cardholders will earn a single mile in the HawaiianMiles program for each dollar spent, with two miles per dollar being earned for spending with Hawaiian Airlines. Other benefits include a 25% discount on travel between the mainland United States and Hawaii for the cardholder and a single companion. The card features a variable interest rate equal to the Prime Rate plus 11.99%. There is a $79 annual fee, although cardholders do receive a 2,000 mile bonus each year when they renew their card. Finally, there is a 3% foreign transaction fee on all purchases processed outside of the United States.

Benefits

People do not want to earn award travel to relatively unexciting destinations, and free travel to Hawaii is a very alluring proposition. Although Hawaiian Airlines is not a member of a particular airline alliance, they are still partners with Delta, Continental, Virgin Atlantic, and Korean Air. Another interesting feature of their program is that cardholders can combine mileage balances between family members, allowing them to exercise additional flexibility as they pool miles for awards.

Drawbacks

This card’s annual fee of $79 is rather high, and its foreign transaction fees make it a poor choice for use outside of the United States.

Conclusions

With continuing service to several destinations in Asia and Australia, this is a great card for those who wish to travel to Hawaii and beyond. By combining a generous sign up bonus with some great aspirational award possibilities, Bank of America has produced a product worthy of the scrappy little carrier that bears its name.