topic Re: Any 3% CB Travel Credit Cards with no AF? in Credit Cards

Any 3% CB Travel Credit Cards with no AF?

Anonymous — Sun, 06 Mar 2016 02:22:25 GMT

From what I know currently the cards would be:

1. AARP Travel Rewards - you can only get this card now with a PC from the AARP Rewards card as the Travel card is no longer accepting new apps

2. Sam's Club Mastercard

are there any others I'm missing?

Re: Any 3% CB Travel Credit Cards with no AF?

kdm31091 — Sun, 06 Mar 2016 02:30:42 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
From what I know currently the cards would be:

1. AARP Travel Rewards - you can only get this card now with a PC from the AARP Rewards card as the Travel card is no longer accepting new apps

2. Sam's Club Mastercard

are there any others I'm missing?

The Sam's Club technically has an AF as per the terms, you have to maintain membership. So you are in effect paying a fee to have the card whether you actually shop at Sam's or not.

Bank of America's AAA card has 3% travel, with no annual fee, but looking at the terms, it seems rather restrictive/user unfriendly. You have to have 5,000 poins to redeem for cash/statement credit, points expire in 5 years...generally, programs with lots of hoops like that aren't much fun. You get 3 points/dollar on travel, 2 points on gas/groceries/drugstores, 1 point elsewhere, which is nice, but other than the extra 1 point on travel, no better than your Double Cash, and more hoops. I would think if the reward system was decent, more people would have the AAA card, but I've heard several comments that BOA's point system is rather inflexible/too many hoops.

I suppose technically since you are "supposed" to have AAA membership with that card that is kind of an annual fee. Who knows whether it is enforced.

Re: Any 3% CB Travel Credit Cards with no AF?

creditfan — Sun, 06 Mar 2016 02:39:01 GMT

Security Service Power Travel Rewards

https://www.ssfcu.org/en-us/loans-credit/credit-cards/Pages/travel-rewards.aspx

Re: Any 3% CB Travel Credit Cards with no AF?

FinStar — Sun, 06 Mar 2016 02:47:44 GMT

@creditfan wrote:
Security Service Power Travel Rewards

https://www.ssfcu.org/en-us/loans-credit/credit-cards/Pages/travel-rewards.aspx

Provided the OP meets their eligibility criteria:

It's Easy to Join Security Service Ways to Join

Joining Security Service is quick and easy! You may qualify for membership if:

You live, work, worship, attend school, or your business is located in select areas of Texas (San Antonio, Austin, El Paso, Rio Grande Valley, Corpus Christi), Colorado (Denver, Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Fort Collins, Loveland, Boulder, Broomfield), or Utah (Salt Lake and Utah counties).
You’re a member of select military branches/units or a Department of Defense employee at specific military bases within our service areas.
You're a family or household member1 of an existing member.
You're a volunteer in select areas of Texas (San Antonio, Austin, El Paso, Rio Grande Valley, Corpus Christi), Colorado (Denver, Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Fort Collins, Loveland, Boulder, Broomfield), or Utah (Salt Lake and Utah counties).

Re: Any 3% CB Travel Credit Cards with no AF?

Anonymous — Sun, 06 Mar 2016 02:50:15 GMT

@FinStar wrote:
@creditfan wrote:
Security Service Power Travel Rewards

https://www.ssfcu.org/en-us/loans-credit/credit-cards/Pages/travel-rewards.aspx
Provided the OP meets their eligibility criteria:

It's Easy to Join Security Service Ways to Join
Joining Security Service is quick and easy! You may qualify for membership if:
You live, work, worship, attend school, or your business is located in select areas of Texas (San Antonio, Austin, El Paso, Rio Grande Valley, Corpus Christi), Colorado (Denver, Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Fort Collins, Loveland, Boulder, Broomfield), or Utah (Salt Lake and Utah counties).
You’re a member of select military branches/units or a Department of Defense employee at specific military bases within our service areas.
You're a family or household member1 of an existing member.
You're a volunteer in select areas of Texas (San Antonio, Austin, El Paso, Rio Grande Valley, Corpus Christi), Colorado (Denver, Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Fort Collins, Loveland, Boulder, Broomfield), or Utah (Salt Lake and Utah counties).

OP does not I got excited until I saw that!

Re: Any 3% CB Travel Credit Cards with no AF?

Anonymous — Sun, 06 Mar 2016 02:53:51 GMT

BOA Travel Rewards with Preferred rewards relationship is 2.65%

Citi Premier has a pretty small AF considering its abilities.

Just gotta run the numbers and see what makes sense. Sams MC is great if you can handle waiting 1 year for payout.

Re: Any 3% CB Travel Credit Cards with no AF?

kdm31091 — Sun, 06 Mar 2016 03:03:30 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
BOA Travel Rewards with Preferred rewards relationship is 2.65%

Citi Premier has a pretty small AF considering its abilities.

Just gotta run the numbers and see what makes sense. Sams MC is great if you can handle waiting 1 year for payout.

Citi Premier is 3%, but it's not cash. The OP's title suggests they want cash back, in which case the Premier isn't great. ThankYou points are really only full value for gift cards or travel booking (which may be the same thing as cash for some, but OP has a Thankyou Preferred and hates it, so doubt they want the Premier).

Not everyone has the money to become a BOA Preferred Rewards member. I'm not knocking you, it's just funny how people suggest it as if most people have $100k to throw into BOA. If you have the assets, it's a decent option, but OP already has the BOA Travel Rewards card, so presumably if they had the assets, they'd probably be taking advantage of Preferred Rewards already.

So I don't think either of those choices are especially well suited for the OP here. No harm meant by that.

Re: Any 3% CB Travel Credit Cards with no AF?

Anonymous — Sun, 06 Mar 2016 03:10:15 GMT

@kdm31091 wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
BOA Travel Rewards with Preferred rewards relationship is 2.65%

Citi Premier has a pretty small AF considering its abilities.

Just gotta run the numbers and see what makes sense. Sams MC is great if you can handle waiting 1 year for payout.
Citi Premier is 3%, but it's not cash. The OP's title suggests they want cash back, in which case the Premier isn't great. ThankYou points are really only full value for gift cards or travel booking (which may be the same thing as cash for some, but OP has a Thankyou Preferred and hates it, so doubt they want the Premier).

Not everyone has the money to become a BOA Preferred Rewards member. I'm not knocking you, it's just funny how people suggest it as if most people have $100k to throw into BOA. If you have the assets, it's a decent option, but OP already has the BOA Travel Rewards card, so presumably if they had the assets, they'd probably be taking advantage of Preferred Rewards already.

So I don't think either of those choices are especially well suited for the OP here. No harm meant by that.

What he said! BOA Travel going to voted off the island soon.. I don't see the point in the Premier either. Is it possible to get two AARP cards and then PC one to Travel?

Re: Any 3% CB Travel Credit Cards with no AF?

Anonymous — Sun, 06 Mar 2016 03:12:28 GMT

lol i work at RBFCU and SSFCU is a huge competitor of ours in the central texas area

Re: Any 3% CB Travel Credit Cards with no AF?

UncleB — Sun, 06 Mar 2016 04:11:36 GMT

I'll add that when you app for the AAA Visa Signature, you have to populate your AAA member number (or at least I did) so you have to have AAA at least to apply for the card; no information on if a continued membership is required (or if it's enforced).

Also possibly notable, the AAA Visa does not give 3% back for rail travel... so if you're a train person this is not the card for you. This restriction does not apply to the Sam's Club MasterCard.

Some people think of the Sam's Club membership as an annual fee, but I do not. I only make minimal purchases there, but when I do the math I save enough even on those few purchases to justify the membership fee (and then some). I think of it as 'breaking even' with my purchases (compared to making the same purchases elsewhere) with all rewards earned with their credit card being 'profit', so to speak.

If I didn't shop there I would deduct the membership fee from my rewards (I keep my cash rewards in a separate account) but the way it works out now I don't need to.

Re: Any 3% CB Travel Credit Cards with no AF?

FinStar — Sun, 06 Mar 2016 04:22:03 GMT

@UncleB wrote:
I'll add that when you app for the AAA Visa Signature, you have to populate your AAA member number (or at least I did) so you have to have AAA at least to apply for the card; no information on if a continued membership is required (or if it's enforced).

Also possibly notable, the AAA Visa does not give 3% back for rail travel... so if you're a train person this is not the card for you. This restriction does not apply to the Sam's Club MasterCard.

Some people think of the Sam's Club membership as an annual fee, but I do not. I only make minimal purchases there, but when I do the math I save enough even on those few purchases to justify the membership fee (and then some). I think of it as 'breaking even' with my purchases (compared to making the same purchases elsewhere) with all rewards earned with their credit card being 'profit', so to speak.

If I didn't shop there I would deduct the membership fee from my rewards (I keep my cash rewards in a separate account) but the way it works out now I don't need to.

Just FYI - the AAA membership number does not need to be input on the application - not a requirement. This is only an option, plus there is usually a checkbox to indicate whether you want the AAA dues to be charged onto the AAA CC. I have the AAA AmEx (previously issued under FIA) and I did not input my AAA member on the application. It was not a stipulation for approval.

Given the earnings rate for travel (I do not use rail), it's really *meh* when compared to other travel cards. Since the AAA AmEx under FIA is under the WorldPoints structure, I simply pool all the WorldPoints from that, the Accelerated AmEx (old BOA card no longer available) and combine with those with Fidelity Private Client AmEx for a higher yield. Unfortunately, since all Fidelity CCs are going to be soon part of Elan, I have to get creative with the WorldPoints yields.

For Sam's Club, it really depends whether you come out ahead and which membership fee structure you have.

Re: Any 3% CB Travel Credit Cards with no AF?

UncleB — Sun, 06 Mar 2016 04:28:43 GMT

@FinStar wrote:
@UncleB wrote:
I'll add that when you app for the AAA Visa Signature, you have to populate your AAA member number (or at least I did) so you have to have AAA at least to apply for the card; no information on if a continued membership is required (or if it's enforced).

Also possibly notable, the AAA Visa does not give 3% back for rail travel... so if you're a train person this is not the card for you. This restriction does not apply to the Sam's Club MasterCard.

Some people think of the Sam's Club membership as an annual fee, but I do not. I only make minimal purchases there, but when I do the math I save enough even on those few purchases to justify the membership fee (and then some). I think of it as 'breaking even' with my purchases (compared to making the same purchases elsewhere) with all rewards earned with their credit card being 'profit', so to speak.

If I didn't shop there I would deduct the membership fee from my rewards (I keep my cash rewards in a separate account) but the way it works out now I don't need to.
Just FYI - the AAA membership number does not need to be input on the application - not a requirement. This is only an option, plus there is usually a checkbox to indicate whether you want the AAA dues to be charged onto the AAA CC. I have the AAA AmEx (previously issued under FIA) and I did not input my AAA member on the application. It was not a stipulation for approval.

Given the earnings rate for travel (I do not use rail), it's really *meh* when compared to other travel cards. Since the AAA AmEx under FIA is under the WorldPoints structure, I simply pool all the WorldPoints from that, the Accelerated AmEx (old BOA card no longer available) and combine with those with Fidelity Private Client AmEx for a higher yield. Unfortunately, since all Fidelity CCs are going to be soon part of Elan, I have to get creative with the WorldPoints yields.

For Sam's Club, it really depends whether you come out ahead and which membership fee structure you have.

That's good to know it's not always required.

When I applied (again, last summer) I started from my state's AAA page, and I couldn't proceed without entering my member number (I recall begin annoyed that I had to get the card from my wallet, even though I was logged into their site). I've also noticed the application looks altogether different if you start from the BoA site rather than an AAA portal (again, at least now compared to last July). It looks much more updated than it did then.

I was actually quite disappointed not to be approved... now I realize it all turned out quite OK.

Re: Any 3% CB Travel Credit Cards with no AF?

FinStar — Sun, 06 Mar 2016 04:37:24 GMT

@UncleB wrote:
@FinStar wrote:
@UncleB wrote:
I'll add that when you app for the AAA Visa Signature, you have to populate your AAA member number (or at least I did) so you have to have AAA at least to apply for the card; no information on if a continued membership is required (or if it's enforced).

Also possibly notable, the AAA Visa does not give 3% back for rail travel... so if you're a train person this is not the card for you. This restriction does not apply to the Sam's Club MasterCard.

Some people think of the Sam's Club membership as an annual fee, but I do not. I only make minimal purchases there, but when I do the math I save enough even on those few purchases to justify the membership fee (and then some). I think of it as 'breaking even' with my purchases (compared to making the same purchases elsewhere) with all rewards earned with their credit card being 'profit', so to speak.

If I didn't shop there I would deduct the membership fee from my rewards (I keep my cash rewards in a separate account) but the way it works out now I don't need to.
Just FYI - the AAA membership number does not need to be input on the application - not a requirement. This is only an option, plus there is usually a checkbox to indicate whether you want the AAA dues to be charged onto the AAA CC. I have the AAA AmEx (previously issued under FIA) and I did not input my AAA member on the application. It was not a stipulation for approval.

Given the earnings rate for travel (I do not use rail), it's really *meh* when compared to other travel cards. Since the AAA AmEx under FIA is under the WorldPoints structure, I simply pool all the WorldPoints from that, the Accelerated AmEx (old BOA card no longer available) and combine with those with Fidelity Private Client AmEx for a higher yield. Unfortunately, since all Fidelity CCs are going to be soon part of Elan, I have to get creative with the WorldPoints yields.

For Sam's Club, it really depends whether you come out ahead and which membership fee structure you have.
That's good to know it's not always required.

When I applied (again, last summer) I started from my state's AAA page, and I couldn't proceed without entering my member number (I recall begin annoyed that I had to get the card from my wallet, even though I was logged into their site). I've also noticed the application looks altogether different if you start from the BoA site rather than an AAA portal (again, at least now compared to last July). It looks much more updated than it did then.

I was actually quite disappointed not to be approved... now I realize it all turned out quite OK.

It depends on the AAA Club or where you submit the application. Through the BOA site, the AAA membership # is not required. IME, through the AAA Club I applied, it didn't require it either. I recall reading at one point in a few blogs that apps through some AAA portals had technical glitches and some folks were referred to the BOA site to apply. I would submit it though the BOA site if you don't want the AAA # tied to the CC, otherwise proceed which whatever works!

Re: Any 3% CB Travel Credit Cards with no AF?

kdm31091 — Sun, 06 Mar 2016 13:10:51 GMT

@FinStar wrote:
@UncleB wrote:
I'll add that when you app for the AAA Visa Signature, you have to populate your AAA member number (or at least I did) so you have to have AAA at least to apply for the card; no information on if a continued membership is required (or if it's enforced).

Also possibly notable, the AAA Visa does not give 3% back for rail travel... so if you're a train person this is not the card for you. This restriction does not apply to the Sam's Club MasterCard.

Some people think of the Sam's Club membership as an annual fee, but I do not. I only make minimal purchases there, but when I do the math I save enough even on those few purchases to justify the membership fee (and then some). I think of it as 'breaking even' with my purchases (compared to making the same purchases elsewhere) with all rewards earned with their credit card being 'profit', so to speak.

If I didn't shop there I would deduct the membership fee from my rewards (I keep my cash rewards in a separate account) but the way it works out now I don't need to.
Just FYI - the AAA membership number does not need to be input on the application - not a requirement. This is only an option, plus there is usually a checkbox to indicate whether you want the AAA dues to be charged onto the AAA CC. I have the AAA AmEx (previously issued under FIA) and I did not input my AAA member on the application. It was not a stipulation for approval.

Given the earnings rate for travel (I do not use rail), it's really *meh* when compared to other travel cards. Since the AAA AmEx under FIA is under the WorldPoints structure, I simply pool all the WorldPoints from that, the Accelerated AmEx (old BOA card no longer available) and combine with those with Fidelity Private Client AmEx for a higher yield. Unfortunately, since all Fidelity CCs are going to be soon part of Elan, I have to get creative with the WorldPoints yields.

For Sam's Club, it really depends whether you come out ahead and which membership fee structure you have.

Ah ok, so the AAA technically has no fee then, since you don't HAVE to have a membership.

That said, your review of it is less than glowing, so I'd hesitate to recommend it to OP, lol. Strange about train purchases being excluded. I can only guess that they only want people using it for "travel" and not if they just ride a train to work everyday?

Re: Any 3% CB Travel Credit Cards with no AF?

Anonymous — Sun, 06 Mar 2016 16:55:16 GMT

@creditfan wrote:
Security Service Power Travel Rewards

https://www.ssfcu.org/en-us/loans-credit/credit-cards/Pages/travel-rewards.aspx

I was really trying out to find a way to get this card, but what kills it is the need to open a savings account and maintain a $100 balance (which is fine if you utilize their bank account services) but if you're outside their footprint it will make it hard to use their checking/savings. Otherwise it seems like an ideal card.

Re: Any 3% CB Travel Credit Cards with no AF?

happypill — Sun, 06 Mar 2016 17:18:00 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@creditfan wrote:
Security Service Power Travel Rewards

https://www.ssfcu.org/en-us/loans-credit/credit-cards/Pages/travel-rewards.aspx
I was really trying out to find a way to get this card, but what kills it is the need to open a savings account and maintain a $100 balance (which is fine if you utilize their bank account services) but if you're outside their footprint it will make it hard to use their checking/savings. Otherwise it seems like an ideal card.

The SSFCU Power Travel Rewards WMC is my absolute favorite because it gives 3.3% (you get a 10% bonus at the end of the year for all rewards) on the categories where my spend is highest. In addition to travel, it's also 3.3% on dining and gas (I use Sallie Mae for gas so that's a backup). One caveat is that you redeem for gift cards at full rate, but I wouldn't imagine anyone would have any trouble because they include most of the biggest retailers & restaurant chains (including Amazon).

I can tell you that I do not actually keep $100 in my savings account...didn't know that was a requirement but they haven't said anything. I think my checking & savings both have about $.01 in them. I live in California but was able to set up an account because I travel frequently to my company's HQ in Denver, which is part of their service area.

In addition to the rewards, the benefits of the card are exemplary. The interest range is 10-11%, so in addition to being one of the best rewards cards, it also serves as my backup low-interest rate card. SSFCU does also offer a no-rewards low interest rate card at around 6.5%. The Power Travle Rewards has no fees of any kind, including no AF, no FTF, no BT and even no cash advance fee.

Really great card for people who like straight forward rewards instead of points programs, and who travel & dine a lot.

Re: Any 3% CB Travel Credit Cards with no AF?

Anonymous — Sun, 06 Mar 2016 17:20:15 GMT

@happypill wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@creditfan wrote:
Security Service Power Travel Rewards

https://www.ssfcu.org/en-us/loans-credit/credit-cards/Pages/travel-rewards.aspx
I was really trying out to find a way to get this card, but what kills it is the need to open a savings account and maintain a $100 balance (which is fine if you utilize their bank account services) but if you're outside their footprint it will make it hard to use their checking/savings. Otherwise it seems like an ideal card.

The SSFCU Power Travel Rewards WMC is my absolute favorite because it gives 3.3% (you get a 10% bonus at the end of the year for all rewards) on the categories where my spend is highest. In addition to travel, it's also 3.3% on dining and gas (I use Sallie Mae for gas so that's a backup). One caveat is that you redeem for gift cards at full rate, but I wouldn't imagine anyone would have any trouble because they include most of the biggest retailers & restaurant chains (including Amazon).

I can tell you that I do not actually keep $100 in my savings account...didn't know that was a requirement but they haven't said anything. I think my checking & savings both have about $.01 in them. I live in California but was able to set up an account because I travel frequently to my company's HQ in Denver, which is part of their service area.

In addition to the rewards, the benefits of the card are exemplary. The interest range is 10-11%, so in addition to being one of the best rewards cards, it also serves as my backup low-interest rate card. SSFCU does also offer a no-rewards low interest rate card at around 6.5%. The Power Travle Rewards has no fees of any kind, including no AF, no FTF, no BT and even no cash advance fee.

Really great card for people who like straight forward rewards instead of points programs, and who travel & dine a lot.

Thanks for the info! So to get the full value of the points, they would need to be redeemed for Gift Cards? or Can you get the full value statement credit / check ?

Re: Any 3% CB Travel Credit Cards with no AF?

Anonymous — Sun, 06 Mar 2016 17:27:33 GMT

@happypill wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@creditfan wrote:
Security Service Power Travel Rewards

https://www.ssfcu.org/en-us/loans-credit/credit-cards/Pages/travel-rewards.aspx
I was really trying out to find a way to get this card, but what kills it is the need to open a savings account and maintain a $100 balance (which is fine if you utilize their bank account services) but if you're outside their footprint it will make it hard to use their checking/savings. Otherwise it seems like an ideal card.

The SSFCU Power Travel Rewards WMC is my absolute favorite because it gives 3.3% (you get a 10% bonus at the end of the year for all rewards) on the categories where my spend is highest. In addition to travel, it's also 3.3% on dining and gas (I use Sallie Mae for gas so that's a backup). One caveat is that you redeem for gift cards at full rate, but I wouldn't imagine anyone would have any trouble because they include most of the biggest retailers & restaurant chains (including Amazon).

I can tell you that I do not actually keep $100 in my savings account...didn't know that was a requirement but they haven't said anything. I think my checking & savings both have about $.01 in them. I live in California but was able to set up an account because I travel frequently to my company's HQ in Denver, which is part of their service area.

In addition to the rewards, the benefits of the card are exemplary. The interest range is 10-11%, so in addition to being one of the best rewards cards, it also serves as my backup low-interest rate card. SSFCU does also offer a no-rewards low interest rate card at around 6.5%. The Power Travle Rewards has no fees of any kind, including no AF, no FTF, no BT and even no cash advance fee.

Really great card for people who like straight forward rewards instead of points programs, and who travel & dine a lot.

Do you have one of these accounts?

Must meet membership requirements and must open and maintain a Security Service Savings account (either aSecurity Service Basic Savings Account or a Youth Savings Account) with a $5 balance.

This is the basic account terms:

One of the savings accounts required for membership with Security Service Federal Credit Union2
$5 deposit required to open account
$100 minimum balance across all accounts is required to avoid a minimum balance fee
Earn interest1 while building up savings
Balance in savings account can be used as overdraft protection for a checking account
Additional transaction fees may apply

Re: Any 3% CB Travel Credit Cards with no AF?

creditfan — Sun, 06 Mar 2016 19:22:10 GMT

info account fees

https://www.ssfcu.org/SiteCollectionDocuments/application-disclosures/consumer-fee-schedule.pdf

no fee if you meet one of the following criteria:

one of those is Credit card

Re: Any 3% CB Travel Credit Cards with no AF?

vwgrrc — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 01:12:19 GMT

If you use orbitz, Orbitz rewards credit card would be the best bet!