Best Credit Cards for Holiday Spending
Figuring out how you will pay for holiday
purchases is as important as selecting the right gifts. For example, if
you prefer to spread out payments, a no-annual-fee card with a 0%
introductory interest rate could be just the thing.
Citibank
offers three no-fee cards with a 0% rate on purchases and balance
transfers lasting from 15 to 18 months. (You pay a 3% balance-transfer
fee.) The Citi Diamond Preferred card (full rate: 11.99% after 18
months) provides access to personalized concierge services that can
help you book hotel rooms and flights. The Citi ThankYou card
(full rate: 12.99% after 15 months) awards one ThankYou point for every
$1 spent. Points may be redeemed for gift cards, travel rewards or cash.
The interest rate on the Citi Simplicity card (full rate: 12.99% after 18 months) won’t increase even if you pay late.
If you pay off your entire balance each month, you may prefer a
rewards card that offers a 0% intro rate plus a 5% rebate on varying
categories of purchases. The new no-fee U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature
card (0% for six months, then 13.99%) allows cardholders to select two
purchase categories each quarter for which they will earn 5%. You may
also choose a category that will earn you 2%. All other purchases earn
1%. The no-fee Discover More
card (0% for 15 months, then 10.99%) offers a 5% cash-back bonus on
purchases in categories that rotate quarterly. With the no-fee Chase Freedom
card (0% for 15 months, then 12.99%), you earn 5% on up to $1,500 spent
on airline fares and hotels -- and at Best Buy and Kohl’s through the
end of December.
