Rewards Card Recommendations?

[KLGFCG]

I've been thinking that I would like to get a cash back rewards card after my mortgage goes through (hopefully the first part of November). Currently, I use my debit card for everything, however, I would switch to using the rewards card then PIF'ing before the statement cuts (cash back is appealing since my debit doesn't give me squat).

By far the bulk of my purchases are food (grocery, fast food, and restaurants) and gasoline, although with the new house, I'll be getting some household things (carpet, furniture, etc.) in the near future.  

I already have a National City VISA Classic with a $2000 CL ($0 balance), a clothing store card with a $700 CL ($0 balance), and a National City Signature LOC with a $7500 CL ($0 balance).

For this new card, ideally I'd like a high CL ($10,000? How much should I ask for?) so it could also be my emergency card for household repairs if needed. I would prefer a reasonable interest rate in case of emergency as well, although I do not plan to carry a balance. My LOC has a 10.99% rate, however, so if I can't beat that, I can always pay the card with the LOC then pay back the LOC when I can.

I was thinking about the National City's (or PNC's.... whatever) Everyday Rewards VISA (https://www.nationalcity.com/personal-banking/products-services/everyday-banking/pages/credit-cards....) since I already bank at National City and like the convenience of transferring payments directly from my checking to pay off the card. I wanted to get other suggestions though, perhaps there's a card out there that better suits my needs?

Scores from the beginning of this month: TU 763, Exp 748, EQ 787. I figure they'll drop a little after the mortgage hits, but I should still be in good shape.

Thanks in advance for any cash back rewards cards recommendations!

[wmarat]

I personally do not like to keep all eggs in one basket. Diversify.

1. PenFed CasBack Visa Platinum. No AF, high CL, good rewards (5% gas at pump, 2% groceries, 1.25% everything else).

2. Chase Freedom. 3% back on 12 categories.

[Anonymous]

I like my Chase Freedom Plus. It does have a $30 AF, but is waived for the first year. There are no caps or expiration on the rewards you earn. $100 Bonus for new accounts as opposed to $50 for the regular Freedom.

With Chase Freedom PlusSM, you now have the flexibility to earn cash back faster!

You earn 3% cash back automatically on purchases in the 6 everyday categories where you spend the most each month. There are 15 categories in all! Your spending habits may change from month to month — the triple rewards you earn for them will stay the same. You also earn 1% cash back on all other purchases. Here are the categories:

• Gas Stations & Convenience Stores
• Grocery Stores
• Quick Service & Fast Food Restaurants
• Utilities (Gas, Electric, etc.)
• Drugstores
• Cable/Satellite TV & Internet Providers
• Department Stores
• Pet Stores & Veterinarian
• Phone/Cell Phone Bills
• Movie Theatres
• Gym Memberships
• Beauty Salons & Spas
• Movie Rentals
• Dry Cleaners
• Local Commuting

You have a choice when it comes to rewarding yourself:

• Reach $50 in rewards and redeem for a $50 check, or
• Save up $200 in rewards and redeem for a $250 check – that's a $50 bonus!

With Chase Freedom Plus, you have the freedom to reward yourself the way you want to. There are no limits to the amount of rewards you can earn with Chase Freedom Plus. Switch between cash back, points, or miles and take your rewards with you. To switch, just click on the 'Switch My Rewards' link.

[jaxstraw]

1. Pen Fed Plat Visa

2. Chase Freedom

3. I know I might hear it but Blue Cash from AMEX

Do a search on this forum and there's a great post comparing the Freedom to Blue Cash depending on your spending habits. It breaks down the two cards side by side very clearly.

As far as interest rate rewards cards tend to be higher so you may not get your desired limit but if you PIF it's not a problem.

With that EQ score and a moderate to decent income Pen Fed could be very generous with a CL.

Most likely MUCH higher than any bank issued card. If your three existing cards have some history and you have not applied for anything in the last 6 months or more I would ask for 15k from Pen Fed and see what they offer. Your credit pull from them is good for 60-90 days so you could always ask for a CLI and it doesn't result in a hard pull. Or you could shoot for the moon and ask for 25k and see if/what they counter offer.

But that's me, I'm fairly aggressive when it comes to applying and/or recon's .

Jax

Message Edited by jaxstraw on 10-28-2008 04:57 AM

[FretlessMayhem]

I concur completely with jax, stef, and wmarat. Amex Blue Cash, Chase Freedom, and the PenFed card seem to be the big cash back cards 'round these parts.

I have a Chase Freedom and love it. As soon as my statement drops, and I claiming my $250 and having them credit my account to pay for the window tint I just had put on my BMW. 

[Anonymous]

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@FretlessMayhem wrote:

I concur completely with jax, stef, and wmarat. Amex Blue Cash, Chase Freedom, and the PenFed card seem to be the big cash back cards 'round these parts.

I have a Chase Freedom and love it. As soon as my statement drops, and I claiming my $250 and having them credit my account to pay for the window tint I just had put on my BMW. 

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I agree with what FretlessMayhem wrote.  I now have 2 Chase Freedom cards, and I'm very pleased with them.