Best credit/charge card overall?

[Anonymous]

Ever since I got my Amex "back" I've developed a serious interest in FICO scores, credit cards, charge cards and the like.

There doesn't seem to be a review out there of "Best card overall".

You have Amex charge cards; PIF every month, points on everything, Amex CS, automatic rental protection and even some unique benefits that I read on epinions one time (where Amex took care of both the financials and logistics for an overseas death over the weekend)

Then the Chase Freedom credit card with its benefits, etc

Just curious what people consider their own "best package".

Personally I love my Amex green, even its cachet, whether actual or perceived, I like it lol.  I also factor in the ease of use and various abilities of a card's website and Amex has a good one.

[Walt_K]

There's too many options, that fit too many different spending patterns.  That's why there's no obvious absolute standout for best card.

I debated a long time over Amex Platinum and PR Gold.  I would like the lounge access, but ultimately I chose the PR Gold because I felt the 3x points on airfare and 2x gas/groceries was worth more than the lounge access.  I also have the SPG card to allow me to earn a few cash and points nights a year and to top off mileage accounts for airlines I don't fly very often, but mainly I put my spend on the PR Gold card.  I suppose my ultimate card would be an Amex Plat that earned 3x/2x like the PR Gold, and some revision of the MR program that allowed for a better transfer between MR points and Starpoints.  But the annual fee on that card would probably be ridiculous and I wouldn't want to pay it.

I've also been heavily debating the Chase BA Visa because the 2 for 1 award ticket once you hit $30K spend would be a great value for us.  It took a lot of discipline not to apply for it while they were running the 100K miles bonus.  I'm preparing for a new mortgage app early next year, so no apping until then.  Afterward I'll have to reconsider whether I would get better value moving my spend over to the BA Visa.  Maybe they'll rerun the 100K bonus. 

[Anonymous]

That could almost be considered two votes for an Amex charge card of some type

[drsmith]

Welcome Dan

I recognize you from the AmEx forum. I don't think there can be a truly "best" card. There are just too many variables to consider when selecting a card and a lender. That said, I think any card from a prime lender, with a good APR and rewards structure would suffice for 99% of credit card users.

[Anonymous]

Yep, I found this place from that place lol.

I wonder if many are like me and want a no-hassle card and no-hassle rewards and so far Amex fits that for me.

Some cards have revolving categories that earn the high rate at times, points that expire or otherwise limited, etc and those are Not for me haha.

[scottwagnon]

penfed promise if you think like me.

[OnTheRebound]

In my opinion, there is no "ONE" best card, but a combination of cards. For us, rotating between the PenFed Cash Visa, Chase Freedom and Amex Blue Cash Preffered works very well to maximize rewards. It just depends on what you want from a card. I don't understand points very well. Cash, I understand.

[daylove]

I trave a lot so my best card is The Wells Fargo Visa which is one of the few card issued in the US with Chip and Pin technology which is imperative to have if you travel abroad where striped based credit card are no longer widely accepted.

[Anonymous]

BofA Bankamericard

[Anonymous]

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@Anonymous wrote:

I wonder if many are like me and want a no-hassle card and no-hassle rewards and so far Amex fits that for me.

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To me, "no-hassle" means not having to collect points, worrying about what airline I am buying tickets on, point expiration, point balances, applying to exchange points for gift cards or other rewards...

PenFed cash back card suits me for that concept.  I buy my everyday things with it, I buy gas wherever I want... At the end of the month, they automatically credit my balance with my cashback percentage.  No forms, no points, no hassles.  5% cash back on 100+ gallons of gas per month is an A+ in my book.