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U R @: Education Center : Understanding the Fine Print : Good Credit Cards
GOOD CREDIT CARDS
What is a good credit card? For starters, a good credit card is one that offers competitive interest rates, no annual fee rewards, and quality customer service. As the financial crisis has deepened, both the quality and the quantity of good credit cards has decreased. Many major credit card companies have cut back on the length of 0% introductory rates, raised interest rates (even as the Prime Rate as decreased) and dramatically reduced rewards programs.
Fortunately, a number of very good credit cards still exist. Unfortunately, the best credit cards are ultimately reserved for applicants with the highest credit scores. However, it is still possible to get a good credit card with a 0% APR for up to 1 year and no fee cashback or airline rewards.
One approach to finding a good credit card is to seek out one from the best credit card companies, as ranked by J.D. Power. For the last two years, American Express and Discover have ranked first and second in their annual customer satisfaction poll. Of the two companies, Discover stands out as the one with the least negative recent news. However, individuals with excellent credit can still get good credit cards from American Express.
Below you can compare the best credit card offers from Discover and American Express. For complete terms and to apply online, simply click apply to access the SSL encrypted application.
DISCOVER® MORE® CARD - BEST CREDIT CARD COMPANY |
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- 0% APR on Balance Transfers for a FULL 12 months
- 0% APR on Purchases for a FULL 6 months
- Editor's Note: Discover is our top pick amongst credit card companies because they have proven to be the most customer friendly credit card company during the past two years. Unlike most major credit card companies, Discover did not dramatically raise interest rates on their customers in 2009 and generated virtually no negative feedback in the past year.
- 5% Cashback Bonus® in categories that change like travel, gas, groceries, restaurants and more
- Up to 1% unlimited Cashback Bonus on all other purchases automatically
- Turn your Cashback Bonus into bigger rewards by redeeming for gift cards from over 100 brand-name Partners
- Instant Response within 60 seconds
- No Annual Fee
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Intro on Purchases
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Intro APR Period
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Regular APR
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Annual Fee
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Credit Needed
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0% *
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12 Months *
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As Low As 11.99% Variable *
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None *
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Excellent
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CITI® PLATINUM SELECT® CARD |
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- 0% APR* on balance transfers and purchases for up to 12 months
- Editor's Tip: See application for complete terms and conditions on 0% rates
- No annual fee
- Citi® Identity Theft Solutions
- $0 Liability on unauthorized purchases
- Secure, free online account management
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Intro on Purchases
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Intro APR Period
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Regular APR
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Annual Fee
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Credit Needed
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0% *
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up to 12 Months *
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As Low as 11.99% Variable *
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None *
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Good
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STARWOOD PREFERRED GUEST(R) CREDIT CARD FROM AMERICAN EXPRESS |
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- Earn up to 25,000 Starpoints (R) - enough for up to 6 free nights at a category 1 or 2 hotel.
- Use Starpoints(R) for free nights and upgrades at participating Starwood hotels and resorts in 95 countries including Sheraton, W Hotels, Westin and more with no blackout dates
- No annual fee for the first year and $45 thereafter
- Transfer Starpoints(R) - almost always on a 1:1 basis - to the frequent flyer programs of over 30 major airlines
- Earn one Starpoint(R) for every dollar you spend and double Starpoints(R) at participating Starwood properties and retail partners
- Express Approval. Get a decision in less than 60 seconds.
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Intro on Purchases
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Intro APR Period
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Regular APR
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Annual Fee
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Credit Needed
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See Terms* *
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See Terms* *
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15.24% *
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See Terms* *
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Excellent
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PLATINUM DELTA SKYMILES(R) CREDIT CARD FROM AMERICAN EXPRESS |
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- Earn 20,000 bonus SkyMiles(R) (including 5,000 Medallion Qualification Miles) after first purchase and another 2,500 for adding an Additional Cardmember
- Earn one companion Coach Class ticket each year upon renewal
- Earn at least 1 mile for every eligible dollar spent
- Miles never expire and there is no cap on the miles you can earn
- Pay with Miles: Pay for all or part of your flight with miles - and put the rest on your Card
- Express Approval. Get a decision in less than 60 seconds.
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Intro on Purchases
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Intro APR Period
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Regular APR
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Annual Fee
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Credit Needed
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See Terms* *
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See Terms* *
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14.50% *
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$150 per year *
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Excellent
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MILES BY DISCOVER® CARD |
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Intro on Purchases
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Intro APR Period
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Regular APR
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Annual Fee
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Credit Needed
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0% *
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6 Months *
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as low as 11.99% Variable *
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None *
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Good
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AMERICAN EXPRESS (R) PREFERRED REWARDS GOLD CARD |
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- Earn 10,000 Membership Rewards(R) bonus points when you spend $500 in 3 months - redeemable for a $100 gift card!
- The Membership Rewards(R) program - Earn 1 Membership Rewards(R) point for virtually every dollar you spend and redeem for your choice of travel, shopping, and entertainment rewards.
- Gold Card Events - exclusive access to tickets for select concerts, shows, major sporting events, and more in cities nationwide.
- Express Approval. Get a decision in less than 60 seconds.
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Intro on Purchases
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Intro APR Period
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Regular APR
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Annual Fee
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Credit Needed
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N/A
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N/A
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N/A *
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$125 annual fee *
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Excellent
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To compare additional credit card offers, please navigate via the categories on your left or continue your search in the 0% APR credit card section of Smart Credit Choices.
Read more related articles: Understanding the Fine Print |