dining

Review: Citi Premier

⭐⭐, Credit Card Reviews /

The Citi Premier Mastercard is a mid-tier credit card which earns cash back in popular categories. The card can pay for itself, but since it competes with no-fee cards, the value is questionable. Premier may have more limited applications than similar cards. It isn’t a must-have for most wallets despite appearing decent on the surface. Its main draw is the consistently large sign-up bonus and transfer partners.

FEATURES AT A GLANCE

  • $95 annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • 3x points on airlines and hotels
  • 3x points on dining
  • 3x points on groceries (excluding delivery)
  • 3x points on gas
  • 1x points on everything else
  • $100 Annual Hotel Savings Benefit

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Review: Chase Sapphire Preferred

⭐⭐⭐, Credit Card Reviews /

The Chase Sapphire Preferred (CSP) Visa Signature is a mid-tier credit card which earns cash back on multiple categories. It was refreshed around early 2022 to add new perks and ways to earn more points. CSP has a low annual fee and may appear more attractive than the Chase Sapphire Reserve (CSR). It does however share some features with no-fee cards like the Chase Freedom Flex, making the value uncertain.

FEATURES AT A GLANCE

  • $95 annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards (flights, hotels, car rentals)
  • 3x points on dining/restaurants, including delivery and takeout
  • 3x points on select streaming
  • 3x points on online grocery purchases
  • 2x points on travel
  • 1x points on everything else
  • $50 annual hotel credit

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Review: Bank of America Premium Rewards

⭐⭐⭐, Credit Card Reviews /

The Bank of America Premium Rewards Visa Signature is a mid-tier travel-focused credit card. It’s a fair option for casual travelers since the card can pay for itself. However, it’s best if you’re enrolled in the Preferred Rewards program. Anyone who isn’t in that program may be better served with other credit cards.

FEATURES AT A GLANCE

  • $95 annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • 2x points on travel
  • 2x points on dining
  • 1.5x points on everything else
  • $100 annual airline incidental credit
  • $100 credit towards Global Entry or TSA PreCheck (once every 4 years)

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United Nations Federal Credit Union (UNFCU): Credit Cards and How To Join

Credit Card Reviews, Credit Card Roundups /

The United Nations Federal Credit Union (UNFCU) is a New York based cooperative which is somewhat open to everyone. Membership is primarily for United Nations employees or volunteers and their families, but unaffiliated people can join UNFCU by simultaneously joining an affiliate organization. As of 2021-2022, there are two options:

  • The United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA) costs $0 if you’re 25 or younger; otherwise it’s at least $50 per year ($25 for the first year). UNA has a Lifetime membership for $1,000 (equivalent to $20 per year for 50 years).
  • Kilimanjaro Initiative USA (KI-USA) costs $0 if you’re a student, otherwise it’s $25 per year.

You can join during the UNFCU application process or do it on your own. We haven’t verified yet if UNA/KI membership can be a one-time cost or must be maintained indefinitely to retain UNFCU membership.

UNFCU’s checking account has no significant fees or minimum balance requirements, and can earn up to 1% APY. There’s an inactivity fee for accounts that have 2+ years of zero transactions.

The main benefit we’ll explore here is their two credit cards. Both have a $100 sign-up bonus (SUB) after spending $2,000 in 4 months, plus 0% APR for 6-12 months.

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Review: PNC Cash Rewards

⭐⭐⭐, Credit Card Reviews /

The PNC Cash Rewards Visa is a general credit card for gas and restaurant purchases. It isn’t significantly better than competitors, but it’s better than some. There’s an annual spending limit for bonus categories, so most people will prefer a card for unlimited rewards, even if the limit is high.

FEATURES AT A GLANCE

  • No annual fee
  • 3% foreign transaction fee
  • 4% cash back on gas
  • 3% cash back on restaurants
  • 2% cash back on groceries
  • 1% cash back on everything else

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Credit Card Issuers: Cardless (4+ Cards Reviewed)

Credit Card Reviews, Credit Card Roundups /

Update 2: IMPORTANT! As of August 2022, the below information no longer applies. Cardless gutted every credit card’s earn rates. And they reduced sign-up bonuses to almost nothing. None of these cards are worth getting anymore, unless MAYBE you’re a fan of the below teams. If not: Cardless has zero benefits compared to competitors. Very few people will find these cards useful – many better options exist!

2 out of 5 stars for everything from Cardless.

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Update 1: As of April 2022, there are now 6 cards, and all of them now have the same sign-up bonus.

Although at first glance the “Cardless” credit cards look like novelties for certain sports teams, they’re surprisingly interesting. The sign-up bonuses and earning structures are reasonable for no-fee cards. Points are a standard $0.01 each as a statement credit. (Slightly more if you get gift cards related to the specific sport team instead.) Even if you don’t care about the team featured on each card, these are worth considering for long-term cash back benefits.

Cardless uses the Mastercard network. “Issued by First Electronic Bank, Member FDIC. Offers subject to credit approval.“ They reportedly use the Experian bureau. We haven’t verified yet if there are special benefits like World Elite status. Cards don’t have any fees. No annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, no late fees, nothing. Several reports say that Cardless doesn’t allow applications to more than one card. If you’re going to pick one of the below options, choose carefully, because that’ll be the only option for your foreseeable future.

Most of these cards earn cash back on streaming. This might be limited. According to their FAQ: “Purchases on subscription streaming services (including eligible music and video streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu and Disney+.) Some services, such as Apple Music, Apple TV+, ESPN+, Prime Video, AT&T TV and Verizon FIOS On Demand, are excluded, as well as audiobook subscription services & fitness programming.” Some cards have an extra monthly benefit, “$5 towards Peacock Premium after $500 in monthly spend.”

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Review: Capital One SavorOne

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The Capital One SavorOne Rewards Mastercard is a no-fee card which earns unlimited rewards in popular categories. Although it usually isn’t considered the “best” for any single category, few cards have a decent earn rate in 4+ spend categories. This makes the SavorOne worth considering as a general everyday card, especially for grocery spending. Their new Uber partnership is another strong point to consider.

FEATURES AT A GLANCE

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Review: Kroger World Elite Mastercard

⭐⭐⭐⭐, Credit Card Reviews /

The Kroger World Elite Mastercard is a simple and flexible option for everyday spending. It was updated in late 2021 to add more features and cash back benefits. This was a big upgrade, considering how the old version was outclassed by competitors. The main draw of the Kroger card is now its 5% cash back on all mobile wallet purchases. We’ll explore the pros and cons here, since restrictions apply. Also note that different versions of the card exist with Kroger’s various affiliates (“Kroger Family of Companies Rewards Elite Mastercard”).

FEATURES AT A GLANCE

  • No annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • 5% cash back on mobile wallet purchases (the first $3,000 spent each year)
  • 3% cash back on dining/gas (the first $6,000 spent each year; feature only available on Kroger Family of Companies variant cards)
  • 2% cash back at Kroger stores
  • 1% cash back on everything else

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The Top 5 No-Fee Credit Cards For Restaurants

Credit Card Roundups /

“Restaurants” includes dining in, eating out, takeout, food delivery, and more. A 2021 CNBC article said the average American household spends $3,675 per year with restaurants. To maximize cash back rewards without annual fees, these are the best options. Note that cards with annual fees may have greater rewards. But if you don’t want to deal with fees, these are the top 5 credit cards to consider.

As always, to see which credit card is best for you, you’ll need to understand your spending habits. Everyone has different preferences and lifestyles, so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. If you do find something that should be on this list, feel free to contact us for updates.

 

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Review: Navy Federal Credit Union More Rewards American Express

⭐⭐⭐⭐, Credit Card Reviews /

The Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU) More Rewards credit card is an uncomplicated card which earns 3% cash back in popular categories. It’s a solid low-maintenance card which most people will find good for everyday spending. it may not have perfect earn rates, but More Rewards has multiple earning categories and great benefits.

FEATURES AT A GLANCE

  • No annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • 3x points on groceries
  • 3x points on gas
  • 3x points on transit
  • 3x points on dining
  • 1x points on everything else

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