Using your credit card to buy something online has become an almost daily habit for most people, and it’s especially popular around the holidays. Even so, there are many people who are still uncomfortable with submitting their credit card information online. Their fears aren’t completely unfounded. Scams are everywhere and the techniques scammers use are constantly evolving so it’s true that you are taking on a little bit of risk if you punch in your credit card number online.

Luckily, with some common sense on your part and some technological advances it is incredibly safe to shop online. That isn’t to say there aren’t potential dangers out there, but if you are able to follow a few basic tips and procedures you can make sure your credit card information is safe.

1. Just like you should be aware of your surroundings and be on the lookout for suspicious looking characters when withdrawing money from an ATM, you should know how to recognize the warning signs of online scams and take steps to avoid being a victim. Don’t just blindly click on links or emails and keep your eye out for things that just don’t quite seem right.
2. Ensure your browser and operating system are running the latest versions and you have applied all of the recent updates. These online scammers are constantly changing their tactics and companies must update their software over time to combat their attacks. If you’re running a version that’s a year old you may be vulnerable.
3. Watch for the padlock icon on the status bar at the bottom of your browser window, which indicates that the site is secure. You will also want to look for an ‘s’ added to the usual http at the beginning of the web site’s URL when you get ready to submit your purchase information. The https indicates a secure server that is using SSL, which means your information is being encrypted. Without the https or other secure transmission you open yourself up to having your credit card information snagged by a thief during the transaction.
4. Before submitting personal information to a site, read their privacy policy to find out how the information may be used and whether it will be sold or shared with other businesses. If you don’t like what you read, shop somewhere else. Most sites will obviously have a solid privacy policy, but if it’s a site you’ve never used before it is worth double checking.
5. Don’t provide personal information such as address, telephone number, Social Security number, bank account number, or e-mail address unless you know who you’re providing the information to, why it’s being requested, and how it will be used. If an online store is requesting more information than you’re used to, stop and think about why it is asking.
6. Use a credit card, not a debit card, for online purchases. A debit and credit card may look the same, but they aren’t. You have more protection in the event of a fraudulent purchase if you use a credit card. Besides, your debit card is linked to your bank account, so if your information gets stolen you could find your account wiped out!
7. Carefully review your credit card and bank statement each month for unauthorized charges and notify your credit card company or bank immediately if you notice any charges you didn’t authorize. Not only that, but you should be monitoring your credit score and report on a regular basis. Sometimes the goal is to steal your information so that a criminal can create a fake identity, not necessarily steal your money. So looking at your bank statements might not alert you to identity theft.
8. Finally, make sure your computer is secure. If you use a wireless network at home you need to be sure you have it locked down with at least some sort of WEP or WAP protection. Avoid transacting business on wireless networks that are not your own. And make sure your computer’s anti-virus and spyware software is updated and keeping your computer safe. One way scammers can get your information is by loading trojans or other hidden programs on your computer that silently take your personal information even if you don’t realize it.

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For people who are able to control their spending, however, a credit card offers a way to earn rewards or cash back for the shopping you would normally do anyway. Choosing a rewards card with good terms is the first step; once you have one, you can begin making purchases on the card and earning points toward cash back, airline miles, gifts or other incentives. In a sense, the credit card company is paying you to use their product instead of the other way around.

Rewards programs are simple. For every dollar that you spend, you earn a certain number of rewards, typically points or cash back. Some cards attribute these rewards as points, while others attribute a cash value equal to a percentage of your purchase. Most rewards are between one and three percent of your cash purchase, but some cards can go as high as 10 percent cash-back on certain qualifying purchases.

In order to benefit from these rewards, just make your purchases on the credit card instead of with cash, check or debit. Pay off the purchases monthly so that you don’t carry a balance on your card. This way, you won’t accrue much interest and you can earn rewards quickly. It will also help you build your credit score, which will help you down the line when you apply for car financing or a home mortgage.

Discover Bank offers some of the best credit card rewards. Unlike its competitors Visa and MasterCard, Discover is directly affiliated with a bank. This allows Discover cards to have better rewards programs than many other cards, and you can take advantage of these rewards to earn money for shopping. Other credit card providers have attractive features as well, so it does pay to shop around and pick the best card for your needs. Check out my list of recommended credit cards.

If you do choose to use a credit card to earn rewards for your daily purchases, just be sure that you use the card responsibly. Pay off the balance in full every month and avoid making late payments; carrying a balance causes your balance to be subject high interest rates, while late payments can garner huge fees and even hurt your credit score. If you can’t afford to pay off a purchase in full, wait until you can afford to pay off the balance. One of the biggest traps you can fall into is talking yourself into a bigger purchase with a credit card and thinking you’ll pay it off in a couple of months.

Also check your card to see when the introductory offer ends and whether your rewards go down, interest levels go up or the card otherwise becomes less appealing after a few months. Not all cards are created equal and they can change over time, so what once was a great rewards card may turn out to be a dud a year or two later.

Featured Rewards Card

Capital One® Cash Rewards

• $100 Bonus after you spend $500 in the first 3 months
• 50% bonus on the cash back you earn every year
• 1% cash back on all purchases
• No annual fee
• Earn unlimited cash back that doesn’t expire
• Redeem cash back anytime for any amount, even set automatic redemptions
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• 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers until November 2013.

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Furthermore, your credit score and history is sometimes reviewed when you apply for a new job, apply to rent a home and even more these days. So it is necessary to use credit in order to establish a good credit rating. The key to avoid falling heavily into debt is to learn how to manage your credit responsibly. By doing so you can maintain that useful credit score while being able to take advantage of borrowing when the time arises.

Find Affordable Credit Cards

Credit cards are a great way to establish credit or to rebuild your credit rating. They are usually easy to get approved for and you have flexibility to choose a credit card that has the best terms for your needs. So which are the best credit cards? Look for low interest credit card offers that offer more than just a low rate during the introductory period. You want to have your credit card for more than six months, so look for credit card that will be affordable for you to use for years to come. In addition to looking for low interest credit card offers, also look for a card that has no annual fee. If you don’t plan to use the card regularly and simply want to use it occasionally to maintain your credit history, then interest rate isn’t as important, but finding the lowest rate available is always a good idea.

If you plan on using your card to manage your daily spending (paying off in full each month of course) you’ll certainly want to look for a great cash back or rewards credit card. Since you’re buying things you’d buy anyway, you can earn cash back or other great rewards at the same time. This strategy can really pay off, but you have to be disciplined and be sure that you always spend within your budget and pay off the balance each month to avoid finance charges.

Pay Balances Off Monthly

Once you have found an affordable credit card to use, you next want to consider how you will use it. Many people get into trouble with credit cards because they allow their outstanding balance to grow. Interest is charged on balances on a monthly basis, so a card becomes more expensive to you the longer a balance is carried forward on your card.

If you’re going to use a credit card regularly, the best idea is to have a strategy for paying off that balance in full every month. There are a few different ways to accomplish this. Some will transfer payments immediately to their credit card after making a charge, while others will keep a running tally of their charges and will keep money in their budget to pay the balance off in full by the due date. Either method is fine, but you should stick with what works best for you.

Live Below Your Means

While some people get into trouble with credit card debt because they allow balances to grow due to overspending, others build credit card debt by relying on them for basic needs and then not paying off the balance each month. A credit card should be used only for planned purchases, and you should only make charges that you can afford to pay off each month. It just takes a small balance to start accumulating interest to get into trouble.

You should make an effort to live beneath your means to avoid using your credit card to buy necessities like gas and food if you don’t have the money in the bank. It’s easy to get into the habit of telling yourself that it’s okay to use the credit card this one time because you get paid in a few days and can just pay it off then. But what often happens is payday comes and the charges don’t get paid off. It starts out as an innocent mistake, but after a few months you could find that you have a balance that simply can’t be paid off in full now.

So, credit cards aren’t necessarily bad. When used properly, they are an essential tool to help you build and maintain a high credit score, which will save you money on future loans. On the other hand, credit cards in the wrong hands can be financially devastating. But if you practice managing your credit responsibly you’ll find that they can do a lot to improve your finances.

If you’re looking for a good credit card, be sure to check out my list of recommended credit cards.

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This year, approximately one-half of all American households are carrying an average of $8,000 in credit-card debt, and the typical family has at least 8 cards. For the more than 35 million who are only paying minimum monthly payments, the picture is particularly bleak. What most people fail to realize is the enormity of the extra hidden expense tied into making small minimum payments on credit card balances. It may seem very agreeable to the family budget to make low monthly payments, but most card owners don’t understand how long it will take to actually pay off the debt in full. Because they continue to use the card, they enter a never-ending cycle of paying interest that substantially raises the price of items long after those purchases have been worn out or replaced.

Credit-card issuers count on the impulsive buyer to use the card for items on sale or offered at special prices that are too tempting to ignore. Advertised “one-time-only” offers are also used to lure shoppers to spend beyond their budget, and the convenience of the little credit card makes the process quick and easy. Making small, minimum monthly payments seems so manageable and affordable. However, a look at the actual costs involved in completely paying off that big screen TV, cruise, leather couch or mall shopping spree can be sobering.
For example, a $10,000 four-day cruise that is charged to a credit card at 18 percent annual interest rate will take almost 50 years to pay off in full if only minimum monthly payments are made. The card owner will have paid a total of $38,525 for those four lovely days in the Caribbean, and $28,525 will have been interest charges.

On a smaller scale, a beautiful $2,500 leather sofa might only cost $50 a month in minimum credit card payments. However, each month, only $13.00 of the payment would be covering the cost of the sofa early on. The other $37.50 is the interest charge. Continuing to just make the card’s minimum monthly payment, the sofa will be paid off in 28 years at a total expense of more than $8,000. Furthermore, credit-card companies are often more than willing to continually lower the monthly minimum to keep card owners in debt for the longest possible period of time.

Credit-card debt is the third-largest form of consumer debt in America today, falling behind house mortgages and student loan debts, and it may get worse. Since 2011, card companies have once more relaxed their lending policies to encourage further spending by card holders. Initial offers with “teaser” low rates are designed to tempt more people to experiment with credit card use. However, overuse of credit cards not only taxes the family’s budget but also adds additional stress that can affect personal health, marriage relationships and the well-being of the family. In fact, financial disagreements are listed as one of the leading contributors to divorce statistics in the United States today.

What Should You Do?

Credit cards are not inherently evil in themselves. When used wisely for emergencies or special buys, they can be useful tools for disciplined card owners. Limit yourself to one or two, but do not destroy your other cards or close those accounts. Doing so could negatively affect your credit rating. In the future, only charge what you can pay for in full each month. Remember that even the best sale will be nullified if you must pay additional credit-card interest for the next several months.

If you are already heavily in credit-card debt, try to negotiate lower rates. Pay more than the minimum on each card each month, or focus on the card with the highest interest rate, and pay as much extra as possible until it is paid off in full. Then tackle the card with the next highest rate and so on until all your cards are balance-free. If you tend to be easily tempted, ask to have you card limits reduced to an amount that you can manage each month. Knowing the true cost of credit card usage can help you make wise decisions and take control of your financial future.

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Credit card concierge service has been around for some time. The first company to incorporate this service was American Express. Visa and Mastercard slowly followed after.

How far will they go?

You might be thinking, “How much will a credit card company do in order to help me?”. Well, from what people have said and seen, credit card companies will do all they can to help you with whatever you need. Here are just a few examples of what certain credit card concierge services have done for their users (Note: These are more of the outrageous uses. We will talk about the more practical uses later.):

• Ever need some craft ideas to do with kids? Well, check out this guy’s list! Looks like credit card concierge services will even help you entertain your young family members with a really cool craft project (#6).
• Need to make a reservation in another country? What about if you want to go somewhere remote? Well check out how this person was able to find a hotel in a less-than-popular area with their credit card concierge service (Really cool – they take the time to compare the concierge services of Visa and Mastercard). But wait…what happens when you do not know the language? Don’t worry…your credit card concierge service has a “Language Department“!
• This is probably the craziest of all! I have seen plenty of people who love nacho cheese! It seems like there is always that group of people (I wish I was in this group, but I can never talk myself into spending $8 for nacho cheese and 10 chips) at every sports game or movie who can’t stop feasting on their nachos. However, I don’t think I have ever seen anyone like nacho cheese so much to fill a bathtub with it. A while back, someone took the chance to test Visa’s concierge service to its limits. The verdict? Visa will do pretty much anything!

What cannot be accomplished by a credit card concierge service?

Ok, so I realize not everyone is going to want to try any of the wacky ideas above. But just in case, the following things are what Visa credit card concierge service (posted in the comments of the above “nacho cheese” example) said they could NOT do:

1. We cannot get you an interview to work for a sports team.
2. We do not have special access to confidential government reports.
3. We do not have discounts for venues, restaurants, or services not included on the website http://www.visa.com/signature.
4. If a hotel is completely sold out and booked, we cannot reserve a room there; however we’d be glad to check other hotels nearby.
5. We cannot research your school paper, or do your job for you.
6. We can’t run personal errands or call your friends for you.
7. We can’t plan your wedding, but we can help you find a wedding planner.
8. As far as what’s considered unethical behavior, consider this an example: If child prostitution is legal somewhere, we won’t help you find one; however if you’re in Nevada and want to make an appointment for a rendezvous at the Bunny Ranch, we’d be glad to help you check rates and availability.
9. We don’t have access to your credit card account information or rewards program.
10. Please keep these not-so-unreasonable limitations in mind when you give us a call. We’ll hear from you soon.

Those of you who were thinking of turning your job over to your credit card concierge service… think again!

The Credit Cards

You have seen how far they will go to help. You have seen what they are not able to do. So what cards actually offer this service? Well, there are a few options available. First, there is the American Express Platinum Card, it has an annual fee of $450, so you have to really look at it and weigh out the benefits verse the amount you are paying per year to see if it is right for you.

• AMEX Platinum Card Concierge Service ($450/year)

Next up is the Saks Fifth World Elite Mastercard, this one does not have an annual fee to it, but might not have all the features you want.

• Saks Fifth World Elite Mastercard

The word “free” always sounds better to the ears. If you are always on-the-go, AMEX does offer some complimentary Airport features you might enjoy. So whether you want your credit card company to find you credit card car insurance, or a bathtub full of nacho cheese, make sure you check over your credit card concierge service!

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While turning to credit cards to make holiday purchases isn’t the best idea for all shoppers, it can actually be quite beneficial for those who know how to spend within their budget.  Most who use credit cards this holiday season will turn to 0% interest credit cards to save a few bucks on interest as they carry balances into 2012. However, if you have a detailed budget planned to make sure you never pay any interest charges on credit card purchases, there are actually several holiday cards that offer more benefits than the typical 0% interest promotion.

Some of the best cards to use for holiday shopping include:

Citi Dividend Platinum

The Citi Dividend Platinum Visa seems to have been created with holiday shoppers in mind. This card offers up to 5 percent cash back on many common purchases, and even a bonus cash back offer until March 2012.

Chase Freedom

If you know that you will be spending quite a bit in retail shops, dining establishments, and movie theaters, then you may want to consider the Chase Freedom credit card. Cardholders can receive 5 percent cash back at all the aforementioned locations as long as they don’t exceed $1,500. New cardholders are even able to receive $200 cash back if they spend $500 or more within the first three months of acquiring the card.Check out the Chase Freedom® Visa – $100 Bonus Cash Back offer.

Chase Sapphire

Do you like to use one card to do all of your spending? Then the Chase Sapphire® Card is probably for you. The Ultimate Rewards program puts you in an elite group that grants you special VIP access to some amazing experiences. Not only that, but the rewards program is one of the most generous in the industry. Here’s what you get:

• Earn 25,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months – that`s $250 toward a flight or any other reward!
• 2 points per dollar spent on dining & 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
• Points never expire and there are no limits on how many points you can earn
• Redeem points for travel, gift cards, merchandise, cash back and more
• 24/7 direct access to expert service advisors (No voice recording)
• No annual fee! Apply Now!

Discover More

The Discover® It is a good option to use during the holiday season as it offers rewards at places visited most during shopping: restaurants, department stores, clothing stores, and Amazon.com.  For shoppers swiping their card while dining out or at clothing or department stores, they can earn 5 percent cash back through December on $300 in purchases a month.  Shoppers can also earn 2 percent cash back on purchases up to $250 a month when shopping at Amazon.com.  In addition, there is no annual fee associated with this card, which makes it a great long-term addition to your wallet. Other features include:

• 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, then the variable standard purchase APR of 10.99% – 20.99%*
• 5% Cashback Bonus® in categories that change like gas, restaurants, department stores and more. Limitations apply*
• Up to 20% Cashback Bonus at popular retailers when you shop online 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
• $0 Fraud Liability plus automatic mobile and email fraud alert options
• Great rewards with no annual fee, no rewards redemption fee, and no additional card fee
• *Click apply to view rates, fees, rewards, limitations and other important information Apply Now!

Blue Cash Everyday American Express Card

If you know that you will be doing a lot of driving or cooking this holiday season, the Blue Cash Everyday(SM) Card from American Express may be the best card for you to use. In addition to offering 1 percent cash back on all purchases, the card offers double points when used at gas stations and triple points when used at grocery stores. In addition, there is no cash-back limit and no annual fee associated with the card, and cardholders receive the first 6 months interest free. Check out my American Express Blue Cash review for more detailed information.

Holiday shopping is often one of the most stressful and financially straining tasks of the holiday season, but if done responsibly, can actually be quite rewarding. Consumers who plan to use their rewards credit cards frequently during holiday shopping will enjoy some amazing benefits like signup bonuses, cash back, and miles worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.  And even if you don’t have good enough credit to get approved for one of the best rewards credit card this year, you can always plan on making your holiday purchases with credit cards for bad credit in order to start rebuilding your personal credit as you enter into the new year.

Regardless of which type of credit card you choose to use this holiday season, always remember to practice responsibility first. Create a budget before you begin spending, and also be sure to create an adequate repayment plan so that you can avoid high interest rates and strapping your monthly budget well into next year. The holidays are meant to be enjoyed, not become a financial crisis, and good financial practices can ensure that your holidays stay bright.

Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by American Express. Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of American Express, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by American Express. This site may be compensated through American Express Affiliate Program.

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Don’t know which actions to watch out for?  Avoid these credit killing mistakes and you will certainly improve your credit score.

1. Late payments

Delaying or skipping a credit card payment will hurt your credit score significantly.  Place yourself in the place of a lender.  If a potential borrower has a history of being late on payments would you want to be lending credit to them?  I know I wouldn’t.  Never skip a bill.  In fact, I recommend automatic bill pay so you never miss a payment.

2. Defaulting

Whether it is a car loan or college loan, defaulting will wreck your credit score.  It’s a very simple concept:  You have agreed to a contact and now you are failing to meet your obligations.  Result?  Default and your credit score plunges and if it’s a secured loan, property may be repossessed in addition.  Lesson?  Manage your money well and always make good on your debt payments. Ultimately, this simply means only borrow what you can afford to pay back.

3. Bankruptcy

With a slumping economy and small businesses going under all around us, bankruptcy is a serious reality for many people.  Unfortunately, bankruptcy has a serious negative impact on your credit score.  You should seek out alternatives to bankruptcy, because it is extremely hard to get your credit score back to where it once was. If bankruptcy seems to be your only option it could be time to look at negotiating your debt or settle some for a lesser amount. While those also aren’t good for your credit it’s better than bankruptcy.

4. One too many in-store credit cards

I know it’s tempting to open store cards for extra discount this time of year, but try to avoid the urge.  Credit agencies will see this as a credit risk and notch your score down.  Even if you pay them off immediately, it can be looked at as a negative in terms of “credit worthiness.”

5. Maxing out a credit card

It might appear to be common sense, but people still do it.  Again, this goes back to what the creditor thinks about your credit worthiness.  Maxing out a credit card is not only foolish, but takes away trust that a creditor has in you.  Avoid this by only spending 25% of your maximum credit limit if you can.

6. Closing credit cards

The length of your credit history is a large percentage of your credit score.  The longer your credit history, the higher your credit score will be.  Avoid closing your oldest card, and only consider closing your most recent cards if you have a reason to close any.

7. Applying for multiple cards

Did you know that each time you apply for a credit card your credit score may be dinged slightly?  If you plan on opening multiple credit cards, try to space them out.  For example, I will only open two cards a year.  I open travel reward cards for the bonus miles, however I keep myself patient and just wait for the next year to open an additional card if a better offer comes around.

8. Charging off an account

If you are regularly very late on payments or start getting too far behind, a lender may “charge off” the account.  Basically, a creditor will charge off your account if they think you have no hope of paying back your debt.  You can avoid this by living within your means and not getting yourself into a bad situation in the first place.

9. Foreclosure

A foreclosure will  also impact your credit score.  A foreclosure shows credit companies that you are not responsible with your money and therefore you deserve a lower credit score.  Avoid this situation by buying only enough house for your needs and stay clear of home equity loans.  Leave the extravagance for your friends.

10. Bad spending habits

This one sneaks up on most people without them realizing it.  The basic rule of thumb on this one is to never spend over 25% of your credit limit on a credit card.  A portion of your credit score is based off of “credit utilization.”  You want to avoid the appearance of irresponsible credit use. Just like having a maxed out card sends a bad message, so does constantly carrying a high balance, even if it isn’t maxed out.

There you go folks, a quick run through some of those most common mistake to avoid when it comes to your credit score.  A credit score is connected to so many things in our lives, so protecting it should be a priority. Even getting that next job may depend on it.

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What’s better than getting generous rewards? Try 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for a full 18 months. The combination of rewards and a very generous 18-month zero interest and balance transfer feature, it’s hard to go wrong.

Some highlights of the card:

• 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers and Purchases for 18 months. After that, the APR will be 11.99%-21.99% based upon your creditworthiness.
• 24/7 access to personalized concierge service providing assistance in booking hotel, flights, concert tickets and much more
• Special access for Citi cardmembers to purchase presale tickets, preferred seating, VIP packages, and other unforgettable live entertainment experiences through Citi Private Pass(R).
• Exciting deals and savings for great brands through Citi Specials
• $0 liability on unauthorized purchases and Citi® Identity Theft Solutions
• No annual fee

With this card you also receive:

Price Protection - If you buy something with your Citi® card and then see it advertised in print for less within 60 days, you will receive a refund for the difference up to $250.

Retail Purchase Protection - Provides coverage for most items you purchase with your Citi Card if damaged or stolen within 90 days of the date of purchase.

Extended Warranty - The terms of the original manufacturers’ U.S. warranties (of one year or less) may be extended up to one additional year on most items purchased on your card.

If this card doesn’t quite fit your needs, be sure to check out the other credit card offers.

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No Annual Fee

Let’s start right from the top and with one of the most shocking benefits of the Blue Sky from American Express® card. There is no annual fee. Zero. Zilch. Nada. I know, it’s shocking. Most travel or airline cards have stiff annual fees, even if they do waive it for the first year. So if you don’t like annual fees, this card probably already has your attention.

Valuable Reward Points

Obviously, the next best thing is the rewards. Again, this is where the Blue Sky card differs from many of its peers.  As with most cards, you’ll receive one point for every dollar spent, but the key here is that Sky Points are worth a little more than many others.  With Sky Points you only need 7,500 points to earn $100 in rewards. That’s 1.33% on everything you purchase compared to the industry standard of 1%.

Travel Benefits

While points are important, it’s how you spend them that can make the difference between an average rewards card and a great rewards card. This is where American Express really outdoes the competition. They are known to have one of the easiest redemption systems and most extensive customer support ready to help you at the drop of a hat.

To start, there are no blackout dates. None. In addition, there are no airline restrictions. Those two items right there are worth getting the card, but there’s more. You aren’t required to book travel through a special website or even use American Express services. Instead, you can book through your own travel agent, through a discount travel site like Expedia, or however you want. All you have to do is first redeem your statement credits and then book your travel using your Blue Sky card. It’s that simple.

As if that wasn’t all, there are even more items you can use Sky Points on. It isn’t just airlines and hotels. In fact, you can also apply rewards to rental cars, train tickets, cruises, tours, and many other items.

Want even more benefits? You’re in luck. In addition to all of the above you’ll receive:

     Guaranteed Room - When you reserve your room with your American Express Blu Sky card, your room is guaranteed. It doesn’t even matter where you stay.

     Free Hotel Breakfast - While it doesn’t apply to all hotel chains, if you stay at a JW Marriott or Renaissance hotel, you get free breakfasts plus an additional $100 towards your next stay at one of their hotels.

     Rental Car Insurance - Rent a car with this card and get added protection for free.

     Free Extended Warranty - When you purchase items with your Blue Sky card you get additional warranty coverage automatically. In fact, American Express doubles the manufacturer’s warranty, up to an extra year.

This is probably one of my favorite reward cards in my wallet. It doesn’t get much better than having no annual fee, more valuable reward points, the ability to redeem travel points anywhere, and get all of the added protection at no additional cost. So what are you waiting for? 

Get Your Blue Sky from American Express® Card Today

• Welcome Bonus: earn 7,500 points after you spend $1,000 within the first 3 months of Cardmembership – redeemable for a $100 statement credit.
• Flexible Ways to Earn: earn 1 point for virtually every dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
• Unlimited Travel Options: Travel with any airline, hotel, cruise, car rental and travel package – with no blackout dates.
• Flexible Bill Payments: pay your bill all at once or over time.
• Big Deals on Big Brands: Blue Savings Program® offers a range of discounts and extras at hotels, restaurants, retailers, and more.
• No annual membership fee and 0% intro APR on purchases for the first 12 months, after that, your APR will be a variable rate, currently 17.24%- 22.24%.
• Terms and Restrictions Apply

Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by the company whose products are featured on this site. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or evaluations provided here are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the Advertiser. This site may be compensated through the Advertiser’s affiliate programs.

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Building a solid credit history and credit score is a catch 22. In order to get credit you need to have a good credit history, but if you don’t have a credit history not many people will be willing to lend to you so that you can build that history. Luckily, most cards aimed at students take this into account and you can sometimes qualify with little or no credit history and the initial credit limits are usually low. This is perfect for a college student just starting out. The key is to continue using credit responsibly and maintain that good standing.

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