Applying for a credit card is not a decision to take lightly. While credit cards offer convenience, security, and rewards, they can also lead to a life of debt if not used responsibly. Choosing the right credit card for your financial needs is the first step in using credit in a financially responsible way. So when applying for a new credit card, consider these 7 tips.

1. Credit History
2. Card Use
3. Credit Card Type
4. Rewards
5. Introductory Offers
6. Credit Card Issuer
7. Rates & Fees

Credit History

Your credit history and credit score will determine which credit cards you qualify for. Each time you apply for a card, the card issuer pulls and reviews your credit history. Called inquiries, these reviews of your credit history can negatively impact your credit score. So rather than wasting your time and hurting your credit score applying for cards you won’t qualify for, have an understanding of your credit worthiness and apply for an appropriate card.

Credit cards are categorized by credit quality: excellent, good, fair, and bad or poor. While each credit card issuer determines for itself how to categorize credit worthiness, here is how Discover describes various credit ranges:

• Excellent: Pay your bills on time and never miss a payment.
• Good/Fair: Pay most of your bills on time, and have made one or two late payments (more than 30 days past due) in the last year.
• Fair/Bad: Pay your bills, but have made three or more late payments (more than 30 days past due) within the past two years.

You can also check your credit report and FICO credit score to determine where you stand. MyFICO.com, the creator of the official FICO score, offers your report and score for free as part of a free 30-day trial of its Credit Watch program. With your score in hand, you can get a rough idea of how a credit card issuer will view your credit. While each credit card company evaluates credit scores in their own way, according to Equifax, here is a rough idea of what your score means:

• Excellent/Very Good: 725+
• Good: 660 – 724
• Fair/Poor: 560 – 659
• Bad: Below 560

Card Use

It’s really important to understand how you will use the card. For example, if you plan to carry a balance from month to month, a low interest credit card may be the best option. On the other hand, if you plan to pay off the card each month, the interest rate won’t be that important. Instead, you may decided based on the rewards offered by the card.

Credit Card Type

Not all credit cards are the same. In fact, there are four types of cards: credit cards, charge cards, prepaid cards, and secured cards. Each type of card offers different features, which you should understand before applying. Here’s a quick rundown of each type of card.

• Credit Cards: Traditional credit cards are what most people think of when it comes to plastic. These cards come with a credit limit, an APR for purchases, and in many cases cash back or other rewards. The minimum payment each month is usually 2 to 4% of the outstanding balance plus interest. If paid in full each month, however, no interest is charged.
• Charge Cards: With charge cards, no interest is charged because the balance must be paid in full each month. There is usually no preset spending limit, although that does not mean an unlimited credit limit. Instead, the card issuer sets limits based on your credit history and spending patterns. American Express cards are perhaps the best known charge cards available.
• Prepaid Cards: Similar to debit cards, prepaid credit cards allow you to add funds to the card and then use the card just like a credit card. Because you add money to the card before you can use it, there are no interest charges. Spending limits are set based on how much cash you’ve loaded onto the card. Prepaid cards generally do not improve your credit because you aren’t borrowing money.
• Secured Cards: These cards are a hybrid between traditional and prepaid credit cards. Like a prepaid card, you must deposit money with the card issuer. The money, however, is not loaded onto the card. Instead, it is deposited into a bank account and used to secure future payment of the card. The deposit generally pays interest. The credit limit is set based on how much money is on deposit. Like a traditional card, secured cards generally report to the credit bureaus.

Rewards

Credit cards today offer a variety of rewards ranging from cash to discounts to free travel. Rewards generally fall into one of three categories: cash, points, or miles. In many cases, cards that pay rewards in points can be converted to either miles or cash. The key is to understand how you will use the card and what rewards you want.

Some cards offer better rewards for certain categories of purchases. Other cards offer better rewards depending on how much you charge to the card each year. For these reasons, understanding how you will use the card is critical to getting the most out of the credit card rewards. If you fly the same airline frequently, using the airline’s credit card likely will result in accumulating the most miles. The same is often true if you frequently shop at the same retail store.

Introductory Offers

Many cards today offer some very attractive introductory offers. These offers typically fall into one of four categories:

• 0% APR on Balance Transfers: With a balance transfer, you can move high interest credit card debt over to a new card that charges no interest. The 0% APR typically lasts from 6 to 12 months. It’s important to understand the terms of these offers, particularly the transfer fee (typically 3 to 5% of the amount transferred) and the interest rate that will apply when the introductory rate expires.
• 0% APR on Purchases: Unlike a balance transfer, there are no fees associated with using a 0% APR card on purchases. The introductory rate typically lasts 6 to 12 months.
• Cash Bonus: Some cards offer a cash bonus after the first purchase. These bonuses typically range from $25 to $50.
• Miles/Points Bonus: Many cards offer bonuses in the form of miles or points after either the first purchase or after spending a set amount of money. In some cases, the bonuses are based on timely payment over the first 12 or 24 months.

Credit Card Issuer

When you think of credit cards, what probably comes to mine are Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. The question is does it matter what type of card you get? In answering that question for yourself, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Visa and MasterCard don’t actually issue credit cards. Instead, they serve as an intermediary between the merchant that accepts credit cards and the bank that issued them.
• Discover and American Express act as both the bank and intermediary all in one.
• Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted credit cards available. American Express is more widely accepted than Discover.

Fees & Rates

Finally, it’s important to evaluate the rates and fees charged by a credit card. While many credit cards today do not charge an annual fee, some still do. Those cards that do charge annual fees often offer greater rewards or are designed for those with bad credit.

As for interest rates, keep in mind that most cards charge different interest rates for purchases and cash advances. Cards also have a separate interest rate that will apply in the event of default.

Photo Credit: Andres Rueda via Flickr

Whether you are just starting out or you have veered off the path a little, know that the rumor is true – credit cards can be the path to a good credit score. We all know that a credit card is a great way to get into trouble, but, on the flip side, using a credit card can help you establish or improve your credit. This two-edged sword can swing the wrong way if you are not careful.

There are three credit bureaus that figure your scores and they all do it a little differently so your score can vary somewhat between the three. To assure that your score is a good one, let’s look at some of the basics you need to know to achieve a positive credit history.

If you have not yet established credit, don’t worry. Lenders also take other things into consideration, such as your job history and annual income information. But the main thing here is to get started.

Is a bad score really that bad?

You bet! It will cost you thousands in higher interest rates and cause delays in getting approvals. It can mean getting denied altogether. Believe it or not, it can even mean that a prospective employer can turn you down because you appear to be irresponsible or untrustworthy. I still can’t believe that an employer can have access to this information, but the reality is they can.

Now What? Okay, let’s say you’ve been at this a while and have dug yourself in a hole. You have poor credit and you have multiple cards, and just maybe, some or all are maxed out. You are determined to turn things around. What should you do?

1. First, call to see if you are in a position to have your credit limit raised on your cards. It doesn’t cost anything to call (other than the normal frustration of being on hold all day) and you may be successful. This goes back to the debt to credit ratio mentioned earlier. Accomplishing this alone will improve your score. Remember, you are not raising this limit so you can spend more!
2. Next, start paying down your balances. This can be a challenge but very rewarding, and a huge credit booster. There is a way to approach this goal so that you get the maximum benefit. As you pay them off, don’t close them. Just cut up the card. Closing an account has a negative impact on your credit.

Secured Card To The Rescue

If you have been turned down for a traditional credit card you might qualify for a secured credit card. This is a card marketed specifically for individuals with bad or limited credit. Using this type of card will help build and improve your credit score if used wisely.

How does a secured credit card work?
A secured card is basically secured by a “security deposit.” A deposit must be made in an FDIC insured savings account. This “security” deposit assures the card company they won’t lose out if you default. If you do default you will lose your deposit. Here are some things you should know about secured cards:

Unlike most prepaid credit cards, a secured credit card reports automatically to credit bureaus and your good and bad habits will be reflected in your score. Take for instance the Capital One® Secured MasterCard® that reports all 3 of the major credit bureaus. This type of card is ideal for building credit. Depending on the card you choose, your deposit may be placed in an interest-bearing account. No one is getting much in the way of interest these days but what the heck, it’s still worth mention.

Some cards charge an application fee and processing fees. Fees can make a big difference so review them carefully.

Credit Card vs. Secured Card

A traditional credit card can be used to build credit for future purchases, experiences and proof of reliability and trustworthiness. It’s the world we live in. Starting off on the right foot and maintaining the basics of good credit habits will make life a little less stressful – at least in the financial realm.

A secured card is a great way for the person with no credit, limited credit, or bad credit to improve their position. The same basic principles apply in both situations. Whichever route you take, you can build great credit with the proper effort.

The first time I heard the term “debt snowball” I thought it meant the horrible problem of debt growing bigger and bigger and careening out of control. But, in fact, I found out that it’s quite the opposite. As you may already know, the debt snowball is the process of reducing that out-of-control debt in a methodical way that continues to gain momentum – yes, like a snowball rolling down a hill.

Why Use The Debt Snowball Method

The debt snowball is a method for paying down any debt, not just credit cards, and it’s extremely easy to implement. By tapping into this method, the debt snowball can save you thousands of dollars in interest payments and significantly (by years) reduce the time it takes to get you out of debt.

How To Get Started

• Make a list of all of your credit card debts (you can include other debts as well, such as school loans, auto loans, and home equity loans).
• For each loan, list the creditor, the outstanding balance, the monthly minimum payment, and the interest rate.
• Add up all the minimum monthly payments due, and continue to pay at least this amount until all of your debts are paid in full.
• As your balance goes down, so will the minimum payment, but continue to apply the higher amount to the accounts each and every month. When you pay off the card with the highest interest, take the amount you were paying on that card and put it toward the card with the next highest interest rate and so forth.
• Pump it up! When you have extra money (tax return, rebate from your new phone, etc.), apply it to your highest interest rate card. These extra payments result in great savings for you.

Why Pay Down the Highest Interest First (and not the lowest balance)

There are two schools of thought on how to approach paying off your credit card debt using the Debt Snowball.

1. Pay off the smaller ones first and work up to the bigger ones.
2. Pay off the higher interest rate cards first and work down to the lower ones

Think Bigger and Bigger vs. Faster and Faster

Attacking the cards with the highest interest first makes the most sense. Your savings will be greater and the time to pay off the total debt will be significantly less– effectively reducing the total amount of debt in a shorter amount of time.

If you approach the smallest debts first, without concern for the interest rates, you can still get to your goal, but it will take you longer and cost you money. The psychological benefit of the quick payoffs might be the key for many people but consider this; the need for “instant gratification” is what got you in this fix in the first place. Once the small accounts are paid off and the big ones are still looming ahead, it may become disheartening for you and the positive (and small) initial boost will be a dim memory.

Better Credit = Less Interest = More Savings

But wait, there’s still another way to save — an added bonus to the effectiveness of the debt snowball plan is your improved credit standing. As you start paying down your balances, your payment history will improve and your credit score will begin to go up. Take this opportunity to contact your credit card companies and ask to have your interest rate reduced. Often it can be as simple as a phone call. With auto loans and home equity loans, it will likely require a refinance, but the savings can be substantial. Again, keep paying the amount you were paying before the interest was reduced for some serious momentum.

How to Avoid the Pitfalls

As straight forward as this debt repayment method is, you need to be prepared for some temptations and some pitfalls. These are a few of the biggies.

1. Watch out for more debt. When you start to get some breathing room, don’t take this as the go ahead for more spending. While expenses (and impulses) are sometimes unexpected, do everything in your power to avoid new debt.
2. Have an emergency fund. Start by setting money aside for the unexpected. Even a small cushion of money will help you avoid more debt in a crisis.
3. Don’t get discouraged. Whether you are motivated mathematically or psychologically, consider the end result (most money saved) and pick the approach that will sustain your efforts and get the (snow)ball rolling.

The whole idea is to get you out of debt and save you money. We’re talking your personal finances here! Review your accounts, use the debt reduction calculator provided at CNN.com and see how long it will take you to roll yourself out of debt, and how much you will save by paying off your high interest cards first.

Photo Credit: lemonjenny via Flickr

Choosing a student credit card can be fun, but it can also be a little scary too. It’s fun because a new credit card in hand gives you sense of financial freedom, but it’s a bit scary because that little piece of plastic can also lead to debt. With the shape our country is in financially, that alone should be a huge reminder of just how important it is to be smart with your credit. Credit cards are a great way to build a solid credit history, but you have to be smart. Check out our list of top student credit cards on the market today. This article will give you a few tips on some of the things you should consider when you are applying for a student credit card. There are many great offers out there that can help you get on a path to financial success, but remember – YOU HAVE TO PAY IT BACK!

Don’t Just Go With The First Offer

It might be tempting to just sign up for the first credit card offer that comes your way, especially if the offer has a nice bonus. Don’t fall for the free t-shirt or concert tickets! Student card offer are readily available so there is no need to settle. If it’s a bonus you are looking for then you can get a bonus without compromising all the other features you should have like a good rate.

Compare Fees

That’s right, credit cards have fees! Keep an eye out for things like application fees and annual fees. The truth is, there is no reason to pay an application fee. There are many great card offers out there that don’t charge an application fee, so this is one fee you should and can avoid. When it comes to annual fees they aren’t always a bad thing. In most cases, when you are paying an annual fee it’s a trade off for something else. For example, many times cards that offer rewards programs or nice bonus offers have an annual fee. You have to determine if paying the annual fee in exchange for a sweet bonus offer is worth it.

Find Out What The APR Is

Always check to see what the interest rate is of the card before you apply. There are some cards out there that charge 50 plus percent in interest. That is ridiculous! One of the main things to consider is the rate. Typically, a good rate is 12% – 20%, with 20% being on the high end. If you don’t have good credit or you haven’t established a credit history yet, chances are you are going to get a higher rate, close to 20%. There is no reason to go with a card that has a rate higher than 20%.

Don’t Apply For Too Many Offers

Every time you apply for credit your credit score takes a hit. Now, if you have good credit then this might not be such a big deal. However, if your credit is a little shaky, it might hurt. Generally, a credit inquiry knocks your score down about 2 to 3 points. If you apply for 10 different cards then you can see how this might really affect you. Having all those inquiries doesn’t look good and could be enough to keep you from getting approved for a student card. Be selective and don’t apply for every offer that comes your way!

If you have taken a trip on a plane recently, then you know just how expensive airfares are these days. According to FareCompare.com, the average price for the cheapest round-trip ticket is around $350. One way to cut down the cost of your airfare is to use a credit card offer that rewards you for you spending by earning points or miles towards airfare. It’s not easy to figure out which airline credit card to choose, but there are some steps you can take to simplify the process and make sure you are getting the best card. There are essentially two types of airline cards: cards offered by the airlines and the typical rewards cards that are not airline specific. Once you can identify the difference between the card types you can figure out the benefits of each. To get you started, we have a brief description of the difference between the card types.

Rewards Cards

Travel Rewards cards allow you to earn points through your spending and you can cash those points in for airfare if you choose. With these cards you aren’t restricted to only using your points for a certain airline, but as a trade off you can’t combine your earnings with the miles you fly. Typically, you can find APR’s as low as 12% and often times these cards don’t have annual fees. It’s common to be able to earn on certain purchases with these cards, like 5% on gas purchases. You might be familiar with the Capital One Venture Card or the Discover More, both of which fall into the travel rewards category.

Airline Sponsored Cards

With an airline sponsored card you earn through your spending and your airline spending along with their partners. The APR’s usually start out around 14%, which is a bit higher than the travel rewards cards. These cards often have annual fees, but these cards will also offer good bonus offers. You will also see offers that give double points on purchases, bonus points for your spending and free airline tickets. The Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card that gives 3,000 points each year on your anniversary. You will find special perks like free checked baggage like with the American Express Delta Reserve that offers free checked bags for up to 9 companion flyers.

How To Choose

1. Look At the Numbers: First and foremost, look at what the cards offer in terms of the Rates and Annual Fees. This is also a good time to figure out if you are going to be paying your balance off each month or not. If not, then there is a good chance you won’t reap any of the extra benefits the card offers because you are going to be wasting it away with the interest you are paying.
2. Review The Perks: Look at the perks each card offers, like free checked baggage. If you have a family of 5 and all of you get your baggage checked for free that perk alone might be what you need to come out on top.
3. Consider The Bonus Offers: Consider if it’s best for you to earn a cash back bonus or an offer that gives miles. Depending on your situation you might be better off to take the cash or save those miles for a trip you are planning. Or, if the bonus offer is a free flight that might be the offer you need.
4. Find Out How You Earn: One of the most important things when it comes to rewards cards is to understand how you earn your rewards. For example, if a the card offers rewards for restaurant purchases and you don’t eat out then that card is not for you. Similarly, if a card offers miles for a particular airline and it’s an airline you don’t use the that card would not be a good option either.

Cards Featured In This Article

Capital One® Venture(SM) Rewards Credit 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

Discover® More® Card


• Money® magazine's "Best Rewards Card if you aim to rack up airline miles"
• 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, every day
• Redeem your miles for ANY travel expense
• 10,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months
• No limit on the miles you can earn and miles won't expire
• Fly free on any airline, any time with no blackout dates
• No foreign transaction fees
• First year's annual fee is on us

American Express Delta Reserve


• Earn MQMs: Earn up to 30,000 MQMs - which you can keep or gift to friends or family members - each calendar year with Miles Boost(SM).
• Delta Sky ClubTM Access: Enjoy complimentary Sky Club access for you and two guests.
• First Bag Free: Get a free checked bag for up to nine people in your reservation - a roundtrip savings of $50 per person.
• First Class Companion Certificate: Earn a free* Economy or First Class Companion Certificate each year upon renewal.
• Concierge Services: Receive complimentary, 24-hour a day access to American Express® Concierge Services

Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
[showoff template=cc_bullets offer=ncs22035883]

When it comes to credit cards most people don’t think about saving money. As a matter of fact, most apply for credit cards with the intentions of spending money, not saving. Unfortunately, we have all either experienced first hand or heard the horror stories about irresponsible credit card use and how credit card debt can be extremely hard to recover from. Credit card debt can do a number on your financial security and even ruin your credit. The good news is this doesn’t have to be your experience with credit cards. If used responsibly, credit cards can actually save you money. That’s right, credit cards can be one tool within your financial portfolio that can save you money. This article will highlight three different ways that credit cards can save you money.

Balance Transfer

At one time finding a good balance transfer offer could be a challenge, but today the offers are readily available. There are numerous 0% balance transfer offers on the market today. A balance transfer offer is ideal for those that already have a balance on a credit card and especially those that have a card with a high interest rate. For example, you might have a credit card with a balance of $1,000 and an APR of 19%. You can save yourself some money by avoiding that 19% by transferring your $1,000 balance to a card that has a 0% balance transfer offer. Each 0% offer has different terms and conditions and as long as you abide by the “rules” you will get the 0% rate. The way a balance transfer offer works is that you will have a predetermined amount of time in which you must pay the balance off in order to receive the 0%. For instance, the offer might state you receive 0% on balance transfers for 15 months. This means you have 15 months to pay the balance off at the 0% rate. If you don’t pay the balance off then you will be charged interest on the remaining balance. If you decide to take advantage of a 0% balance transfer offer here are some things you should not do in order to reap all the benefits of the offer:

• Do not only make minimum payments
• Do not miss a payment
• Do not go over your credit limit
• Do not allow the offer to expire without paying the balance off

It is very important to understand all the terms and conditions of the card offer. If you don’t understand the agreement then you might forfeit the offer and not even realize it. It is common for offers such as a balance transfer to be taken away if you miss a monthly payment. This type of information is contained in the terms and conditions of the card agreement.

Reward Programs

Another great way credit cards can help you save money is through their rewards programs. Many credit card issuers are offering their cardholders a reward program with the goal of encouraging the credit card holder to use just one credit card to make their purchases. There are a variety of cards that offer different types of rewards programs such as Points Rewards Credit Cards and Miles Credit Cards. Points rewards credit cards allow cardholders to earn points based on their purchases. It works similar to a cash back card, but instead you earn points. These points can then be redeemed for travel, purchases, or even statement credits and cash. Many of the points credit cards also offer bonus points for new card applicants as a way to make the card more appealing. Airline Miles Credit Cards also reward their cardmembers for making purchases, but do so with airline miles. The best airline miles credit cards enable you to earn frequent flyer miles with every purchase. The card holder can then cash in the miles they have earned for flights. Many of the miles credit card offers come with bonus points that allow you to earn a free plane ticket very quickly.

Promotions and Bonus Offers

Finding a credit card that offers a sign up bonus can save you money right from the jump. Many cards have bonus offers to make their card most appealing to consumers. Credit card companies are offering more and more of these bonus offers to new cardmembers and right now there are numerous great offers you can take advantage off. We often see a competition among the card issuers to see who can offer the best bonus. There are cards on the market today that offer new cardmembers $500 cash back just for signing up and spending a certain dollar amount on the card within a specified time frame. This is a quick and easy way to earn some extra money in your pocket. Currently, the Chase Sapphire Preferred^SM Card will earn 50,000 bonus points when spending at least $3,000 within the first three months. Those points can be turned in for a $500 statement credit OR a plane ticket worth up to $625.

One cool feature of many credit card rewards programs is that they give their members the opportunity to redeem their rewards in the form of a charitable donation. Instead of cashing in your rewards for cash back, gift cards, or merchandise, you can donate them to a charity. Today we are going to look at the options the Citi ThankYou Network offer their card members when it comes to making a charitable donation. You will also find a list of credit cards that a part of the Citi ThankYou Rewards Program.

Citi ThankYou Network

There are 8 different Citi® credit card that are part of the Citi ThankYou Network. With these credit cards you earn points for doing the things you do every day, like banking, shopping. You can also earn points for banking with Citibank with an enrolled checking account, booking eligible travel with Expedia® or shopping at over 300 retailers through the ThankYou Bonus Center run by Citi. Here’s a quick summary of the various ways you can earn ThankYou Points:

• Participating Citi® credit card, which include the Citi Forward card
• Morgan Stanley Smith Barney FMA® Card enrolled in ThankYou Network
• Having an enrolled Citibank checking account and other linked banking products and services
• Shopping through the ThankYou Bonus Center with over 300 major retailers, or in-store using a participating Citi® credit card
• Plus, get bonus points through special ThankYou® Network promotions
• You can also purchase ThankYou® Points in increments of 1,000 points for $25, up to 10,000 points per calendar year. You may not purchase points to offset any PremierPass Flight Points.
• Points with Citi®: You can earn points for every $1 spent on purchases with your Citi Credit Card. You can get points for using your Citibank checking account and other qualifying Citibank products and services.
• Points with Expedia.com®: Expedia.com® is the exclusive travel sponsor of ThankYou Network. You can earn points when booking eligible travel on Expedia.com® no matter how you pay. If you’ve got a Citi Credit Card or Citibank Debit Card, use it to book your travel and earn even more points.
• Points for Shopping: You can get rewarded for shopping at your favorite retailers. Points are earned when you shop online by linking through thankyou.com, or in-store by using your Citi Credit Card. Shop at over 400 online retailers, such as Macy’s, Best Buy, and Target—and earn additional points for every dollar you spend. Use your Citi Credit Card at a growing number of stores, such as Timberland, Eddie Bauer or FAO Schwarz—and earn additional points for every dollar you spend. Also, when you make purchases from participating catalogs or purchase gift certificates, you’ll earn additional points for every dollar you spend.

Charitable Donations With Your Citi Card

Citi’s rewards credit cards allow you to redeem points for charity donations. Once you earn points They have ten charity partners which you can donate to. You have the option to cash in your points for a charitablie gift. You can redeem ThankYou Points for charitable contributions, issued in the form of a check made payable to the charity, in denominations of $5, $25, $50, $75 and $100 only.

• March of Dimes
• American Red Cross
• JA Worldwide
• Pro-literacy Worldwide
• Plan USA
• American Lung Association
• American Institute for Cancer Research
• Arthritis Foundation
• American Heart Association
• American Forest Plant A Program

Buying Extra Points

If you find that you don’t have enough points it’s not a problem because you can purchase more points. You can purchase ThankYou points in increments of 1,000 points to get the rewards you really want. You can purchase up to 100,000 point cap per calendar year, you can purchase points at any time, and there no redemption required. For point purchases exceeding 30,000 points, you have to contact Citi directly at the ThankYou Service Center at 1-800-THANKYOU (1-800-842-6596).

Eligible Citi ThankYou Cards

Currently there are 8 Citi Cards that participate in the ThankYou Network. Each card offers a variety of benefits for their cardmembers. Check out the cards listed below for more details:

Citi ThankYou(SM) Preferred Card

(See Review)

$150 in gift cards - When you redeem the 15,000 bonus ThankYou® Points received after $1,000 in purchases within 3 months of account opening 5 ThankYou Points for every $1 you spend on purchases at gas stations, supermarkets and drugstores for 12 months and 1 point for every $1 you spend thereafter** No expiration and no limit on the number of points you can earn Redeem ThankYou Points for merchandise, travel rewards, gift cards, cash and more No annual fee*

Citi Forward® Card

(See Review)

$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*

Citi ThankYou(SM) Premier Card

(See Review)

Earn 50,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after $2,000 in purchases within 3 months of account opening - enough for $500 in gift cards 1 ThankYou point for every $1 you spend on purchases Earn points for the miles you fly when you purchase a ticket with your Citi ThankYou Premier Card No foreign transaction fees on purchases* Annual complimentary domestic companion ticket, within the continental USA, when booked through our travel benefits provider, Spirit Incentives No points cap and no expiration of points

Citi Forward® Card for College Students

(See Review)

Earn a $75 statement credit after you spend $150 on back-to-school purchases at apparel, book or electronics stores within the first 3 months of opening your account* No Cosigner required APR reduction on purchases when using credit wisely 100 ThankYou Points each billing period that you pay on time and stay under your credit limit Earn 1,000 points after you sign up for paperless statements within the first 3 months of account opening

Citi® mtvU™ Platinum Select® Visa® Card for College Student

(See Review)

No Cosigner Required Earn 5 ThankYou Points® for every dollar you spend at restaurants, bookstores, record stores, movie theaters and video rental stores Earn 1 ThankYou Point for every dollar you spend on all other purchases Earn up to 2000 ThankYou Points twice a year for having a good GPA

Citi ThankYou(SM) Prestige Card

(See Review)

1 ThankYou® Point for every $1 you spend on purchases No foreign transaction fee on purchases Receive a complimentary international or domestic companion ticket Earn an anniversary bonus on points earned from purchases every year Earn bonus points when you sign up for Paperless Statements and Account Online With no points cap and no expiration of points

AT&T Universal Savings & Rewards Card

(See Review)

0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months Earn great rewards and automatic savings, exclusively for AT&T customers No annual fee Earn 1 ThankYou® Point for every $1 you spend on non-AT&T purchases Redeem points for millions of great rewards including music downloads, gift cards, and travel Save up to 10% on AT&T purchases and service for first 12 months, and 5% thereafter – up to $350 a year Earn savings on AT&T products and services, including the latest Apple, Android, Blackberry, and Windows smart phone

AT&T Universal Business Rewards Card

(See Review)

Earn 5 ThankYou® Points for every $1 spent on eligible AT&T products/services Earn 3 points for every $1 spent on purchases at certain office – supply merchants, gas stations and on professional services 1 point for every dollar you spend on other purchases You also earn 1 point for every $1 your employees spend on other purchases Control spending with individual credit limits