Credit cards are practically a must in today’s electronic society. You need one to rent a car or to make reservations at a hotel. If you shop online, credit cards are the safest way to buy. And, they are ever so convenient.
These plastic cards come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors, from a small rectangle that you can dangle on your key chain to a personalized credit card with your photo gracing the front. Credit cards also come in a variety of price ranges – some with no annual fees, some with big annual fees – some with fixed rates, others with variable rates.
Credit cards are a great financial tool, offering many benefits:
- They can be safer and more convenient to use and carry than cash
- Credit cards offer the ability to buy goods and services now and
pay for them later
- They have valuable consumer protections under the law
- Major credit cards are accepted by merchants around the world
- They may provide a source of cash or payment in an emergency
- Credit cards can guarantee hotel or travel reservations
- If you are not happy with a purchase you made using a credit card, you may have the right to withhold payment until the problem is resolved.
To qualify for a credit card you must be at least 18 years old and have a regular source of income. Despite invitations from credit card issuers, you will still have to demonstrate that you are a good risk before they grant you credit. The proof is in your credit report. Before you submit a credit card application, you may want to obtain a copy of your credit report to make sure it is accurate.
Recommended credit card offers
| Simmons First Visa® Platinum Rewards |
| Rates |
Fees |
| Intro Rate |
APR |
Cash Adv. Rate |
Cash Adv. Fee |
Late Fee |
Annual Fee |
| – |
7.25% |
11.25% |
3% (min $4, max $50) |
up to $25 |
$0 |
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- Travel rewards – cardholders who enroll in the program receive one point per net dollar spent
- Excellent credit required – applicants that do not have excellent credit will not be approved
- Low 7.25% variable standard purchase APR and platinum benefits
- Choose any U.S. based airline or ticket class. No blackout dates or seating restrictions
- Other travel related options are hotels, cruises, vacation packages, car rental, and restaurants
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| Applied Bank® Visa® Gold Credit Card |
| Rates |
Fees |
| Intro Rate |
APR |
Cash Adv. Rate |
Cash Adv. Fee |
Late Fee |
Annual Fee |
| – |
9.99% |
9.99% |
$5 / 5% |
up to $35 |
$50 |
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Apply for the Applied Bank(R) Secured Visa(R) Gold Credit Card Credit Card Today!
- No Account Set Up Fees!
- 9.99% Low Fixed APR – Your Rate Won’t Change Even if You Are Late
- Choose Your Credit Limit – From $200 to $5,000
- Monthly Credit Bureau Reporting
*See card terms and conditions
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| First Progress Secured Platinum MasterCard® credit card |
| Rates |
Fees |
| Intro Rate |
APR |
Cash Adv. Rate |
Cash Adv. Fee |
Late Fee |
Annual Fee |
| N/A |
14.99% |
19.99% |
3% (min. $10) |
up to $35 |
$39 |
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- Full-feature Platinum MasterCard secured credit card
- No credit history or minimum credit score required for approval
- Monthly reporting to all 3 major credit bureaus to help build credit
- Quick & complete online application
- Set your own credit limit from $300 – $2,000
- Free 24/7 access to your account online
- FDIC-insured deposit account
Issued by Synovus Bank, Columbus, GA
Credit required: Limited or No credit* |
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| Orchard Bank® Classic MasterCards |
| Rates |
Fees |
| Intro Rate |
APR |
Cash Adv. Rate |
Cash Adv. Fee |
Late Fee |
Annual Fee |
| N/A |
14.99% – 19.99% or 7.99% for Secured |
see terms |
see terms |
see terms |
$39-$59 for the first year, $59 per year thereafter* |
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The Orchard Bank® MasterCard® is an excellent credit card choice for people looking to build their credit, with reporting to the three major credit bureaus on a monthly basis. See the card you’re more likely to be approved for, risk and obligation free, and in just 30 seconds!
- An excellent credit card for help rebuilding credit reports to 3 major credit bureaus monthly!
- Acceptance at millions of locations worldwide, including website purchases and reservations
- Your account information is updated and at your fingertips 24/7 so you can manage it your way
- Email and text messages are available to remind you of your upcoming payment due date
- Knowledgeable customer service representatives to assist you with questions or concerns
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| IBERIABANK Visa Classic |
| Rates |
Fees |
| Intro Rate |
APR |
Cash Adv. Rate |
Cash Adv. Fee |
Late Fee |
Annual Fee |
| 1.99%(6 months) |
7.25% – 13.25% |
12.75% – 19.25% |
5% / $5 |
$15-$35* |
$0 |
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Apply for the IBERIABANK Visa Classic today!
- No annual membership fee
- Low variable rate of 7.25%, 10.25%, or 13.25% (Prime + 4.00%, Prime + 7.00%, or Prime + 10.00%) as of 4/1/10 based on the creditworthiness. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. (If there is an interest charge, the charge will be no less than $1.00).
- Low Introductory APR on balance transfers of 1.99% for your first 6 billing cycles, this rate will not change during the introductory period. Applies to balance transfers processed within three months of your account open date. After that, your APR will be the same as your assigned purchase rate, based on your creditworthiness. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate.
- Online access to credit card account information
*See website for complete terms and conditions of card usage and application disclosure. |
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| TrueEarnings® Card from Costco and American Express |
| Rates |
Fees |
| Intro Rate |
APR |
Cash Adv. Rate |
Cash Adv. Fee |
Late Fee |
Annual Fee |
0%
(6 months) |
15.24% |
25.24% |
$5 / 3% |
up to $35 |
$0 |
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- American Express(R) Card and Costco Membership Card in one – with no annual fee for Costco members
- Cash back on the things you buy: 3% for the first $3,000 in annual gasoline purchases (1% thereafter), 2% for restaurants, 2% for travel, and 1% everywhere else, including Costco
- Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars in overall satisfaction by current TrueEarnings(R) Cardmembers from Costco and American Express
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| Discover® Open Road Card – $150 Restaurant.com Gift Certificate |
| Rates |
Fees |
| Intro Rate |
APR |
Cash Adv. Rate |
Cash Adv. Fee |
Late Fee |
Annual Fee |
| 0%*(6 months) |
11.99%-20.99% |
23.99% |
see terms |
see terms |
$0 |
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- Receive a $150 Restaurant.com Gift Certificate with first purchase
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months, then the variable standard purchase APR of 11.99% – 20.99%*
- 2% automatically at gas stations and restaurants all year long*
- Plus, up to 20% Cashback Bonus at popular online retailers when you shop through Discover.com
- Discover is ranked #1 in customer loyalty–15 years in a row! (2011 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index report)
- 24/7 access to a U.S.-based Account Manager within 60 seconds
- Great rewards with no annual fee, no rewards redemption fee, and no additional card fee
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