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Best Credit Cards, 2012 Edition


Bonuses, Cash Backs, Free Airline Miles, 0% APRs and More...

The following are the best credit card offers so far this year, which offer hefty cash backs, free airline miles rewards that may be rewarded after only your first purchase, 21 months 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers, 2% rebate on every purchase, 3% cash back on supermarkets and easy to get approved for new comers. Take your time and explore these wonderful credit cards.


Chase Sapphire PreferredSM Card

  • Earn 40,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months – that's $500 toward travel rewards!

  • 2 points per dollar spent on travel and at restaurants & 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases

  • Get 20% off airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises when you book through Ultimate RewardsSM

  • No foreign transaction fees

  • Receive a 7% annual dividend on all new points earned – even on points already redeemed

  • 1:1 point transfer to participating frequent travel programs

  • Direct access to expert service advisors anytime

  • No Annual Fee for your first year - A $95 value

  • Click here for reviews on Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card Apply for Chase Sapphire Preferred Card Online
Intro APR Intro APR Period Regular APR Annual Fee
N/A N/A 15.24% $95, waived first year

United MileagePlus® Explorer Card

  • Earn up to 40,000 bonus miles & first year free, a $95 value*

  • First checked bag is free for you and a companion when you fly United flights, up to a $50 value

  • Board your flight before general boarding with priority boarding privileges

  • Visit the United Club with two complimentary day passes every year, up to a $100 value

  • Earn 2 miles for each $1 spent on airline tickets purchased from United and 1 mile per $1 for everything else

  • Your miles don't expire and there is no limit to the number of miles you can earn

  • Click here for reviews on United MileagePlus Explorer Card

United MileagePlus Explorer Card Apply for United MileagePlus Explorer Card Online
Intro APR Intro APR Period Regular APR Annual Fee
N/A N/A 15.24% variable $95, waived the first year

Blue Cash PreferredSM Card from American Express

  • Earn $150 cash back after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases in the first 3 months of Cardmembership

  • 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months, flexibility to pay over time

  • Get 6% cash back at supermarkets, 3% cash back at gas stations and department stores, and 1% cash back on all other purchases

  • No spend minimum, No enrollment, and No rotating rewards categories

  • Get a $75 Referral Bonus for each friend or family member who is approved for the Card

  • The annual fee pays for itself. With 6% cash back at supermarkets, if you spend just $25 weekly at your supermarket, you can receive over $75 cash back from these purchases alone.

  • Click here for reviews on Blue Cash PreferredSM Card from American Express

Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express Apply for Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express Online
Intro APR Intro APR Period Regular APR Annual Fee
0% on Purchases 12 months 17.24% - 22.24% variable $75

Citi ThankYou® Preferred Rewards Card - $250 in Gift Cards

  • $250 in gift cards - When you redeem the 25,000 bonus ThankYou® Points received after $2,000 in purchases within 4 months of account opening

  • Earn 1 point for every $1 you spend on all purchases

  • Receive an anniversary bonus every year you're a cardmember

  • No expiration and no limit on the points you can earn

  • Redeem ThankYou Points for merchandise, travel rewards, gift cards, cash and more

  • No annual fee*

  • Click here for official application, terms, and details

Citi ThankYou Preferred Rewards Card - $250 in Gift Cards Apply for Citi ThankYou Preferred Rewards Card - $250 in Gift Cards Online
Intro APR Intro APR Period Regular APR Annual Fee
N/A N/A 12.99% - 22.99%* (Variable) None

Capital One® VentureSM Rewards Credit Card

  • 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, every day

  • Money® Magazine's "Most Rewarding Card if you crave free airline flights" – Money Magazine, May 2011

  • Earn 10,000 bonus miles when you spend $1,000 within the first 3 months, equal to $100 in travel

  • Redeem your miles for any travel expense

  • No limit on the miles you can earn and miles don't expire

  • Fly on any airline, any time with no blackout dates

  • No foreign transaction fees

  • $0 intro annual fee for the first year; $59 after that

  • Visa Signature(R) benefits like complimentary concierge and travel upgrades

  • Receive complimentary upgrades and special savings at hotels, resorts and spas with your Visa Signature card

  • Click here for reviews on Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card Apply for Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card Online
Intro APR Intro APR Period Regular APR Annual Fee
N/A N/A 13.9% - 20.9% variable $0 intro for first year; $59 after that

British Airways Visa Signature Card®

  • You will get 50,000 bonus Avios after your first purchase

  • 25,000 bonus Avios after you make $10,000 in purchases within the first year of account opening

  • Plus an additional 25,000 bonus Avios after you make an additional $10,000 in purchases within the first year of account opening

  • That's enough Avios for one roundtrip business class reward ticket

  • New: Smart Chip Technology allows you to use your card for chip based purchases in Europe & beyond, while still giving you the ability to use your card as you do today at home

  • Pay no foreign transaction fees when you travel abroad

  • Earn 2.5 Avios for every $1 spent on British Airways purchases

  • Earn 1.25 Avios for every $1 spent on all other purchases

  • Every year you spend $30,000 on your British Airways Visa card, you'll earn a Travel Together Ticket good for two year

  • Click here for official application, terms, and details

British Airways Visa Signature Card Apply for British Airways Visa Signature Card Online
Intro APR Intro APR Period Regular APR Annual Fee
N/A N/A 15.24% Variable $95

Sapphire PreferredSM MasterCard

  • Earn 40,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months – that's $500 toward travel rewards!

  • 2 points per dollar spent on travel and at restaurants & 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases

  • Get 20% off airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises when you book through Ultimate RewardsSM

  • No foreign transaction fees

  • Receive a 7% annual dividend on all new points earned – even on points already redeemed

  • 1:1 point transfer to participating frequent travel programs

  • Direct access to expert service advisors anytime

  • No Annual Fee for your first year - A $95 value

  • Click here for official application, terms, and details

Sapphire Preferred MasterCard Apply for Sapphire Preferred MasterCard Online
Intro APR Intro APR Period Regular APR Annual Fee
N/A N/A 15.24% $95, waived first year

Citi® Platinum Select® / AAdvantage® Visa Signature® Card

  • Earn 30,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after $1,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of cardmembership*

  • Your first eligible checked bag is free*

  • Priority Boarding* and 25% savings on eligible in-flight purchases*

  • Earn a $100 American Airlines Flight Discount every cardmembership year with qualifying purchases and cardmembership renewal*

  • Double AAdvantage® miles on eligible American Airlines purchases*

  • Earn 10% of your redeemed AAdvantage® miles back - up to 10,000 AAdvantage® miles each calendar year*

  • No mileage cap* and your miles may never expire*

  • Click here for official application, terms, and details

Citi Platinum Select / AAdvantage Visa Signature Card Apply for Citi Platinum Select / AAdvantage Visa Signature Card Online
Intro APR Intro APR Period Regular APR Annual Fee
N/A N/A 15.24% variable* $95, waived for the first 12 months*

Chase Freedom® Visa

  • Earn $100 Bonus Cash Back after you make $500 in purchases in your first 3 months

  • 0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers

  • 5% Cash Back on up to $1,500 spent at grocery stores and movie theaters from 4/1/12 – 6/30/12

  • You'll enjoy new 5% categories every 3 months like gas stations, restaurants and even airlines. It's free and easy to activate your bonus each quarter!

  • Unlimited 1% Cash Back on all other purchases

  • Up to an additional 10% Cash Back when you shop online at select merchants through Chase

  • No annual fee and rewards never expire

  • Click here for reviews on Chase Freedom Visa

Chase Freedom Visa Apply for Chase Freedom Visa Online
Intro APR Intro APR Period Regular APR Annual Fee
0% on Purchases and on Balance Transfers 15 months 12.99% - 22.99% Variable* None

Blue Cash EverydaySM Card from American Express

  • Earn $100 cash back after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases in the first 3 months of Cardmembership

  • 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months, flexibility to pay over time

  • Get 3% cash back at supermarkets, 2% cash back at gas stations and department stores, and 1% cash back on all other purchases

  • No spend minimum, No enrollment, and No rotating rewards categories

  • Get a $25 Referral Bonus for each friend or family member who is approved for the Card

  • No annual fee, flexibility to pay over time

  • Click here for reviews on Blue Cash EverydaySM Card from American Express

Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express Apply for Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express Online
Intro APR Intro APR Period Regular APR Annual Fee
0% on Purchases 12 months 17.24% - 22.24% variable None

Capital One® Cash Rewards - $100 Cash Back Bonus

  • $100 Bonus after you spend $500 in the first 3 months

  • 50% bonus on the cash back you earn every year

  • 1% cash back on all purchases

  • No annual fee

  • Earn unlimited cash back that doesn't expire

  • Redeem cash back anytime for any amount, even set automatic redemptions

  • Personalize your card with an image of your choice

  • 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers until June 2013

  • Click here for reviews on Capital One Cash Rewards

Capital One Cash Rewards - $100 Cash Back Bonus Apply for Capital One Cash Rewards - $100 Cash Back Bonus Online
Intro APR Intro APR Period Regular APR Annual Fee
0% on Purchases and on Balance Transfers until June 2013 12.9% - 20.9% variable None

Citi® Dividend Platinum Select® Visa® Card - $100 Cash Back

  • $100 cash back after $500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening

  • 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers and Purchases for 12 months. After that, the APR will be 12.99%-22.99% variable based on your creditworthiness*

  • Earn 5% cash back at The Home Depot and on Home Furnishing and Home & Garden purchases from 4/1/12 to 6/30/12 when you enroll

  • Each quarter, you can enroll to earn additional cash back in popular categories

  • Full 1% cash back on all other purchases and eligible cash advances

  • No annual fee*

  • Click here for official application, terms, and details

Citi Dividend Platinum Select Visa Card - $100 Cash Back Apply for Citi Dividend Platinum Select Visa Card - $100 Cash Back Online
Intro APR Intro APR Period Regular APR Annual Fee
0% on Purchases and on Balance Transfers* 12 months* 12.99% - 22.99%* (Variable) None

Marriott Rewards® Premier Credit Card

  • Earn 50,000 Bonus Points after your first use

  • Receive 1 free night stay upon account approval and each year upon account anniversary

  • Earn 5 points for every $1 spent at Marriott® locations

  • Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on qualifying airline, dining, and rental car purchases

  • Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on other purchases

  • No foreign transaction fees

  • Cardmembers achieve Silver elite status with 15 nights credit toward Elite status

  • Redeem Marriott Rewards® points at Marriott properties including Renaissance Hotels, Courtyard, Residence Inn, and Fairfield Inn & Suites

  • Click here for reviews on Marriott Rewards Premier Credit Card

Marriott Rewards Premier Credit Card Apply for Marriott Rewards Premier Credit Card Online
Intro APR Intro APR Period Regular APR Annual Fee
N/A N/A 15.24% Variable First Year Free, $85

Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express

  • Starpoints® Bonus: 10K with your first purchase and another 15K when you spend $5k within 6 months - enough for up to 6 free nights at a category 1 or 2 hotel

  • Free nights, free flights: Redeem Starpoints with over 350 airlines through SPG Flights and more than 1,000 hotels and resorts worldwide. No blackout dates.

  • 2011 SmarterTravel® Award for "Best Travel Rewards Card"

  • $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $65

  • Click here for reviews on Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express

Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express Apply for Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express Online
Intro APR Intro APR Period Regular APR Annual Fee
N/A N/A 15.24% - 19.24% variable $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $65

Marriott Rewards® Credit Card

  • Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after your first use, redeemable for up to 4 free nights; plus receive 2 free night stay e-certificates upon account approval, that's enough up to 6 free nights at a category 1 hotel

  • No Annual fee for your first year – that's a $45 value*

  • Earn 3 points for every $1 spent at Marriott® locations

  • Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on other purchases

  • Cardmembers achieve Silver elite status with 10 nights credit toward Elite status

  • Redeem Marriott Rewards® points at Marriott properties including Renaissance Hotels, Courtyard, Residence Inn, and Fairfield Inn & Suites

  • Click here for reviews on Marriott Rewards Credit Card

Marriott Rewards Credit Card Apply for Marriott Rewards Credit Card Online
Intro APR Intro APR Period Regular APR Annual Fee
N/A N/A 14.24% Variable First Year Free, $45

Citi® Hilton HHonors Visa Signature® Card

  • Earn 40,000 Hilton HHonors Bonus Points after spending $1,000 within 4 months of account opening*

  • Earn 6 Hilton HHonors Bonus Points for each $1 spent at a participating hotel within the Hilton Worldwide portfolio*

  • Earn 3 Hilton HHonors Bonus Points for each $1 spent on purchases at supermarkets, drugstores and gas stations.*

  • Earn 2 Hilton HHonors Bonus Points for each $1 spent on all other purchases.*

  • No Annual Fee.*

  • Click here for official application, terms, and details

Citi Hilton HHonors Visa Signature Card Apply for Citi Hilton HHonors Visa Signature Card Online
Intro APR Intro APR Period Regular APR Annual Fee
N/A N/A 14.24% or 16.24%* (Variable) None

Capital One® Cash Rewards for Newcomers

  • A card designed to help those new to the U.S. establish credit and earn cash back

  • Build credit with automatic reporting to the three major credit bureaus

  • Get 2% cash back on travel purchases

  • Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases

  • No foreign transaction fees

  • No annual fee

  • Click here for reviews on Capital One Cash Rewards for Newcomers

Capital One Cash Rewards for Newcomers Apply for Capital One Cash Rewards for Newcomers Online
Intro APR Intro APR Period Regular APR Annual Fee
N/A N/A 24.9% variable None

Citi Forward® Card

  • $100 in gift cards - When you redeem the 10,000 bonus ThankYou® Points received after you make $650 in purchases and sign up for paperless statements within the first 3 months

  • 0% intro APR for 12 months on balance transfers and for 7 months on purchases. After that, 12.99% - 22.99% variable

  • 5 points for every $1 spent at restaurants and on books, movies and music. 1 point for every $1 you spend on all other purchases

  • APR reduction on purchases when using credit wisely

  • No Annual Fee*

  • Click here for official application, terms, and details

Citi Forward Card Apply for Citi Forward Card Online
Intro APR Intro APR Period Regular APR Annual Fee
0%* on Purchases and on Balance Transfers* 12 months on balance transfers* and 7 months on purchases* 12.99% - 22.99%* (Variable) None

Slate® from Chase - No Balance Transfer Fee

  • No Balance Transfer Fee!*

  • 0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers

  • Transfer your higher rate balances during the first 30 days your account is open and you will pay no balance transfer fee!

  • After the first 30 days, the fee for future balance transfers is 3% of the amount transferred with a minimum of $5

  • Avoid interest on everyday purchases

  • Pay down your balance faster

  • Zero liability on unauthorized purchases*

  • No Annual Fee*

  • Click here for reviews on Slate from Chase

Slate from Chase - No Balance Transfer Fee Apply for Slate from Chase - No Balance Transfer Fee Online
Intro APR Intro APR Period Regular APR Annual Fee
0% on Purchases and on Balance Transfers 15 months 11.99% - 21.99% Variable None

Citi Simplicity® Card

  • 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers and Purchases for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 12.99% - 21.99% based on your creditworthiness.

  • Peace of mind through direct access to a service representative, no late fees and no penalty rate

  • No annual fee

  • Click here for official application, terms, and details

Citi Simplicity Card Apply for Citi Simplicity Card Online
Intro APR Intro APR Period Regular APR Annual Fee
0% on Balance Transfers and Purchases* 18 months* 12.99% - 21.99%* (Variable) None

Discover® More® Card

  • 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, then the variable standard purchase APR of 10.99% - 20.99%*

  • 5% Cashback Bonus® in categories that change like gas, restaurants, department stores and more. Limitations apply*

  • Up to 20% Cashback Bonus at popular retailers when you shop online through Discover.com

  • Discover is ranked #1 in customer loyalty - 16 years in a row! (2012 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index report)

  • 24/7 access to a U.S.-based Account Manager within 60 seconds

  • $0 Fraud Liability plus automatic mobile and email fraud alert options

  • Great rewards with no annual fee, no rewards redemption fee, and no additional card fee

  • *Click apply to view rates, fees, rewards, limitations and other important information

  • Click here for official application, terms, and details

Discover More Card Apply for Discover More Card Online
Intro APR Intro APR Period Regular APR Annual Fee
0%* on Purchases and on Balance Transfers 15 months* 10.99% - 20.99% (Variable)* None

Discover® Open Road Card

  • 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, then the variable standard purchase APR of 10.99% - 19.99%*

  • 2% automatically at gas stations and restaurants all year long*

  • Plus, up to 20% Cashback Bonus at popular online retailers when you shop through Discover.com

  • Discover is ranked #1 in customer loyalty - 16 years in a row! (2012 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index report)

  • 24/7 access to a U.S.-based Account Manager within 60 seconds

  • Great rewards with no annual fee, no rewards redemption fee, and no additional card fee

  • *Click apply to view rates, fees, rewards, limitations and other important information

  • Click here for official application, terms, and details

Discover Open Road Card Apply for Discover Open Road Card Online
Intro APR Intro APR Period Regular APR Annual Fee
0% on Purchases and on Balance Transfers* 15 months 10.99% - 19.99% (Variable)* None

Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card

  • Earn 30,000 bonus miles toward Award Travel when you spend $500 on the Card in the first three months from account opening

  • $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95

  • Check your first bag Free - for up to 9 people on your reservation - on every Delta flight

  • Receive double miles on Delta purchases and 1 mile for all other eligible dollars spent

  • Priority Boarding and 20% In-Flight Savings

  • Click here for official application, terms, and details

Gold Delta SkyMiles Credit Card Apply for Gold Delta SkyMiles Credit Card Online
Intro APR Intro APR Period Regular APR Annual Fee
N/A N/A 15.24% - 19.24% Variable $0 intro for first year, then $95

Chase SapphireSM Card

  • Earn 10,000 bonus points after you spend $500 in the first 3 months - that's $100 toward travel or any other reward!

  • 2 points per dollar spent at restaurants & 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases

  • Points never expire and there are no limits on how many points you can earn

  • Redeem points for travel, gift cards, merchandise, cash back and more

  • Direct access to expert service advisors anytime

  • No annual fee!

  • Click here for reviews on Chase Sapphire Card

Chase Sapphire Card Apply for Chase Sapphire Card Online
Intro APR Intro APR Period Regular APR Annual Fee
N/A N/A 15.24% None

SapphireSM MasterCard

  • Earn 10,000 bonus points after you spend $500 in the first 3 months - that's $100 toward travel or any other reward!

  • 2 points per dollar spent at restaurants & 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases

  • Points never expire and there are no limits on how many points you can earn

  • Redeem points for travel, gift cards, merchandise, cash back and more

  • Direct access to expert service advisors anytime

  • No annual fee!

  • Click here for official application, terms, and details

Sapphire MasterCard Apply for Sapphire MasterCard Online
Intro APR Intro APR Period Regular APR Annual Fee
N/A N/A 15.24% None
How to ...
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What is ...
   The history of credit cards
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Credit Card Terminology
     Balance Transfer
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     Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
     Introductory Rates
     Variable Interest Rate
     Prime Rate
     Periodic Rate
     Average Daily Balance
     Credit Limit
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     Minimum Monthly Payment
     Monthly Finance Charge
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     Pre-Approved
     Secured Credit Card
 
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