Credit Cards FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Credit Cards

    What is a secured credit card?

    Secured credit cards require the user to provide a cash collateral deposit which becomes the line of credit for that account. The amount of the cash collateral is your credit limit, so if you put down $250, you will have a line of credit of up to $250.

    If you don't qualify for an unsecured credit card due to a limited credit history or credit issues, a secured credit card can be a smart choice. The advantage of secured credit cards is that some of them report your payment history to the 3 credit bureaus, thereby allowing you to rebuild your credit history. Additionally, if you maintain a positive payment history on the card, it is likely the company will eventually qualify you for an unsecured credit card.

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Top Credit Cards

Capital One® Venture℠ Rewards Credit Card

Bottom line: Terrific all-around travel card with easy rewards redemption, no blackout dates or restrictions
Citi Simplicity® Card

Bottom line: Citi's 18-month 0% intro purchase and balance transfer APR period is the longest of any card, no late fees
Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card

Bottom line: Citi's 18-month 0% intro purchase and balance transfer APR period is the longest of any card; post-intro APR is also low
Capital One® Cash Rewards - $100 Cash Back Bonus

Bottom line: Effective 1.5% cash back on all purchases; 0% intro APR on purchases & balance transfers; $100 bonus opportunity
United MileagePlus® Explorer Card

Bottom line: Good choice for United flyers who want to earn free flights with great perks; flight redemption value of $1.75
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

Bottom line: Up to 3% cash back on everyday spending; $100 cash back bonus; unlimited cash back
Discover it® Card

Bottom line: Combines cash-back rewards with a 14-month 0% intro APR on purchases & balance transfers
Chase Freedom® Visa - $100 Bonus Cash Back + 0% Intro APR

Bottom line: Excellent combination of cash back rewards and 0% intro APR; $100 bonus opportunity

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