As a student, I'm always trying to save. And as a student, every penny helps. That's why I spent hours and hours scouring different credit card companies for a good rewards card.
First of all, I am very picky. I need some or all of the following features:
1) Cash-back
2) No annual fee
3) Low interest rate, if possible zero percent interest
Now, I hear a lot of people deciding about Visa vs Mastercard. In this day and age, that is not a deciding factor! Both are ubiquitous with merchants; where there's one, there's bound to be the other (although buying olympic tickets were a notable exception for Visa). Plus, what's stopping you from getting one of each?
I'll explain why I need each of these features.
Cash back: Getting 1% on every purchase adds up. Therefore, I pay for EVERYTHING with the card and hold minimal cash. $1.50 coffee? Throw it on the card. $0.50 stamp? Throw it on the card. With a monthly $500 balance, I get back a couple bucks per month which is nice.
No annual fee: This one is just silly. I'm not a consistent enough or rich enough user that I can make use of this. Most often paid cards will give you premium benefits like better rewards/cash back or lower interest rates. But you'd need to spend a crapload for it to pay off.
Low interest rate or zero interest rate: If I ever miss a bill, I need to be able to know that I can make the minimum payment and NOT get shot in the leg for holding a balance. Most cards charge you 20% which is just stupidly ridiculously high. The best I've seen are 11%, some perhaps even lower. If you are a student or someone else with a Part Time job or uncertain job, then make sure you have a good interest rate on your credit card! It will come in immensely helpful during those months you find yourself out of work.
AND finally, the juicy part, the solution:
Enter MBNA SmartCash Credit Card.
It gives 1% on all purchases, 3% on groceries and gas; and for the first 2 or 3 months, you get an extra 2% on groceries and gas (yes, 5% in total!). Great cash back for buying gas which is through the roof lately, as well as shopping for groceries which are always a necessity when living on your own.
Interest rate, I admit, is terrible (20%) but I think the smart cash makes up for it. Oh, and of course, no annual fee.
I encourage everyone to check it out and sign up for this card simply because it has the best reward out there right now. HOWEVER, I have no experience with their customer service so I can't comment on that. And with credit cards or financials, good CS can be a godsend.
thanks for sharing, long read though..
ReplyDeletecan't say I'm a big fan of credit cards, I stay away from them.
ReplyDeleteI'm also interested in a card with similar benefits as you, however I searched for that card and discovered that it's a UK thing, that's a shame as I live in Australia.
ReplyDeletewell said, although i don't usually make purchases on credit.
ReplyDeleteto bad i am no student
ReplyDeleteBut interest is like the whole business of the credit card...
ReplyDeletei'm in the market for a CC, thanks for the tips
ReplyDeleteA 0 percent interest credit card would be amazing, shame they will never exist :(
ReplyDeleteGreat tips!
ReplyDelete20% interest rate? Sick.
ReplyDeleteGreat tip!!
ReplyDeleteGood advice. I may consider switching.
ReplyDeletecash is the best way, keep your money on you & defend it !
ReplyDeletesounds like a sweet deal!
ReplyDeleteThat intrest rate is off the roof.
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to avoid credit cards for as long as I can, but if (let's be honest, when) I need a little finaincial help later in the course, this'll come in really handy. Nice post!
ReplyDeleteMight keep this in mind if I ever actually use the bloody things.
ReplyDeleteI'll be sure to look into all this.
ReplyDeleteI definitely need a low interest credit card to start building up some credit. But I'll hold off til I get a decent job
ReplyDeleteSounds to good to be true.
ReplyDeletezero interest? Hmm I might have to look into getting one
ReplyDeleteNice read. If I ever need a credit card, I'll be sure to definitely look into that one!
ReplyDeleteI try to avoid credit cards.
ReplyDeleteLots of debit cards give you a percentage back anyway.
You give some good advice.Nice blog, following ;)
ReplyDeleteConsumerist.com had a decent review of credit card options last I was in the market for a new card.
ReplyDeleteI stay away from credit cards at all cost.
ReplyDeleteGreat blog. +Followed!
Remember to return the favor /b/rothers!
http://rumblereport.blogspot.com/
I'm very anti-credit, good read nontheless
ReplyDeleteDoes it have 0% for X months balance transfers?
ReplyDeleteare there really 0% interest CCs?
ReplyDeleteSitting on 20% interest here, sucks if I miss it but I always portion out what i'm going to spend so I make the payments.
ReplyDeleteNEEEEEEED!
ReplyDeleteI'm not really into credit cards. I always use cash. :P
ReplyDeleteyeah, i'm in need of one
ReplyDeleteThe CC companies seem to be competing for business again....cool news
ReplyDeleteokay, i will keep things in mind when i need a new card.
ReplyDeleteawesome tips thanks
ReplyDeleteawesome! I've been looking for a better credit card. Will definitely check it out. Thanks :-)
ReplyDeleteI don't even have a credit card.
ReplyDeleteLooks like either you search better or there's no similarily good offer in my neighbourhood.
ReplyDeleteHmm... I've been looking for a new card after my Amex screwed me (they decided one day to lower my limit to the current balance on it). I'm going to look into this, as just using my debit card doesn't reap any rewards. Following for more advice!
ReplyDeleteI'm still working on climbing out of a hole from this at the moment. but ur post will make me more wise the next time around. :)
ReplyDeleteZero interest you say? That can't quite be right, I find myself very interested.
ReplyDeleteif i ever get a credit card - ill be in tons of debt
ReplyDeleteFuck credit cards, they always make me feel like I can spend more money than I actually have.... leading to debt.
ReplyDeleteso I say, fuck em, no paper trail!
Very Interesting, Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeletefollowed and added to my morning coffee
Looks like a great solution
ReplyDeleteGreat Post!
Just a piece of plastic...
ReplyDeleteNice advice, I'll be sure to follow it when I get a credit card!
ReplyDeletecredic cards are evil XD
ReplyDeleteI actually purchased a birthday gift with my credit card for the first time yesterday. PReviously I've only paid with cash which I've withdrawn from it lol
ReplyDeleteI am completely done with credit cards for the time being. I was royally screwed by Chase bank - they gave me the 'fuck you' trifecta. Lowered my credit limit to within $30 of the balance without saying anything. Exceeded that and incurred a fee. They moved up my payment due date by 3 days. My payment was late - incurred more fees. They raised my interest rate to 29.99% when I had never been late on a payment up to that point. I could no longer afford the payments, and I got screwed. It was the first time in my life I actually truly felt wronged, as though I'd been treated unfairly, and it made me extremely cynical.
ReplyDeleteAs a lowly student myself I may have to give this a look in.
ReplyDeleteI don't like credit cards so it's good my gf earns enough money!
ReplyDelete