I am a dedicated credit card user who is in it for the rewards. While some folks are adamantly opposed to using credit cards, it has never created a problem for me. I closely monitor my transactions and my credit card balance is paid in full each month. Most transactions are budgeted items that I would have had to pay for one way or another. Paying my card is done with a few clicks via the "bill-pay" option.
A few months ago I switched from a card that had a $75 annual fee (an airline card) to the no-fee Chase Freedom card. Since I'm already a Chase customer, it's easy to monitor my card online. Plus, I get extra points for each transaction, bonus points at selected merchants, and 5% back this quarter on department stores, movies, and groceries.
Today, I logged on to the Chase Freedom Ultimate rewards site and in less than a minute used 2,500 points to request $25 in cash to be transferred to my Chase savings. I like how easy it is to access my rewards and how quickly they add up. For example, in the last two months I had less than $1,900 in transactions but earned over 3,400 in rewards.
Chase Freedom Card
September 22nd, 2010 at 07:50 pm
September 22nd, 2010 at 08:06 pm 1285182406
I am earning more on spending than savings, these days, with these rewards. Usually $500-$750 per year in cash redemptions.
September 22nd, 2010 at 09:03 pm 1285185822
September 22nd, 2010 at 09:46 pm 1285188394
September 23rd, 2010 at 12:36 am 1285198593
September 23rd, 2010 at 06:28 pm 1285262904
March 4th, 2011 at 12:44 am 1299199484
Whilst some of the posters may be advertisers for Chase, and really want you to try this card, I would suggest that anyone seriously considering this card be aware and be VERY CAREFULl about where you have it mailed to, lest you experience really easy fraud and id theft.
Chase is aware of this huge security vulnerability and has no plans to change it.
Better choice would be to support a local bank or credit union instead.