Biggest Credit Card Bonuses in November: $150, $200, $750, $800 and More

†Annual fee waived for the first 12 months.

*Review the methodology our finance experts use to evaluate the best credit card sign-up offers.

Slickdeals Best Credit Cards Bonuses in November 2020

Whether you’re looking for a premium platinum card or a card that offers perks like a statement credit for rideshares, take a look at the bonus offers below. They could easily net you hundreds of extra dollars in rewards, perhaps even on money that you planned to spend anyway.

Chase Freedom Flex℠ Card

Why We Like the Chase Freedom Flex Bonus

We love that the Chase Freedom Flex® card expands on an already lucrative offering from Chase. The original Chase Freedom® card was already a solid choice for cash-back enthusiasts, and this one raises the bar. As a new cardholder, you’ll also earn a $200 sign-up bonus after you spend $500 in the first three months. Plus, it offers an impressive 5% cash back on the first $12,000 you spend at grocery stores in your first 12 months with the card (essentially, a $600 limit). Unfortunately, neither Target or Walmart count as grocery stores. Read our Chase Freedom Flex Card review.

Chase Freedom Flex Benefits

The Chase Freedom Flex® card is an excellent cash-back credit card for people who are looking to maximize rewards. Cardholders can take advantage of 5% cash back on rotating categories when you activate (up to $1,500 each quarter), 5% back on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% back on dining, including takeout and delivery, 3% back at drugstores and 1% back on other purchases. New cardholders can also take advantage of a 0% APR on purchases for the first 15 months with the card. The Chase Freedom Flex offers all of this without any annual fee.

Chase Freedom Unlimited® Card

Why We Like the Chase Freedom Unlimited® Bonus

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® card is a great all-around card with no annual fee. New cardholders can take advantage of 5% cash back on up to $12,000 spent grocery store purchases in the first year (think of this as a $600 limit).  Note that both Walmart and Target are not considered grocery stores. Additionally, it offers a big $200 sign-up bonus and an introductory 0% APR on purchases for the first 15 months. Read our Chase Freedom Unlimited Card review.

Chase Freedom Unlimited Benefits

You earn 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% back at drugstores, 3% back on dining, including takeout and eligible delivery services, and a flat-rate 1.5% back on other purchases. There are no rotating categories to track, caps on how much you can earn or excluded purchase categories. This card has no annual fee; so it’s possible to use it with no costs at all as long as you pay off the balance in full by the due date and avoid certain fee-bearing activity.

Citi Rewards+℠ Card

Why We Like The Citi Rewards+℠ Card Bonus

With the Citi Rewards+ Card, from our partner Citi, new account holders can qualify for 15,000 bonus ThankYou points after making $1,000 worth of purchases during the first three months. When you redeem ThankYou points from this card, you get 10% back for the first 100,000 ThankYou points redeemed per year. Redeeming 10,000 points, for example, would put 1,000 points back in your account. Read our full Citi Rewards+ Card℠ review for tips on how to maximize the value of this card.

Citi Rewards+ Card Benefits

If you make a lot of small purchases, like a morning cup of coffee, this could be the card for you. The reason is simple: This rewards credit card rounds up all purchases to the nearest 10 Citi ThankYou points. A $2 cup of coffee would get you 10 ThankYou points, for example. The Citi Rewards+℠ Card also earns 2x ThankYou points per dollar spent at grocery stores and gas stations up to the first $6,000 each year. It also offers introductory 0% interest on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months. This card has no annual fee and offers a variable APR based on your credit worthiness.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Why We Like the Chase Sapphire Preferred Bonus

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the gold standards for earning travel rewards. New applicants can earn 60,000 bonus points after using their card to spend $4,000 within three months of account opening. This is worth $750 in travel reservations booked through Chase, but potentially more when transferred to airline and hotel partners. Read our Chase Sapphire Preferred Card review.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Benefits

The Chase Sapphire Preferred has a $95 annual fee and offers a variable APR, depending on your credit worthiness. The card offers you strong value by allowing you to earn double points on all travel and dining expenses and 1X points per dollar spent on all other purchases. In fact, Chase broadly defines travel to include not just airfare, hotels and rental cars, but expenses like parking, tolls and public transit too. But when it comes time to redeem your rewards for travel, this card really shines. You can take advantage of some really strong transfer partners such as United, Southwest, Singapore Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and Hyatt. Similarly, you can just book any reservation you want through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel center.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®Card

Why We Like the Chase Sapphire Reserve Bonus

The Chase Sapphire Reserve sign up bonus rewards new cardholders with 50,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points after they spend $4,000 during the first three months of opening the account. The Chase Sapphire Reserve bonus is worth $750 in travel redemptions when booking through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal. Read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve review.

Chase Sapphire Reserve Benefits

Right off the bat, this card features a $300 annual travel credit. That means the card’s hefty $550 annual fee is effectively just $250 per year for frequent travelers. You also get free access to more than 1,300 Priority Pass lounges and restaurant options around the world. Those lounges usually give you free food and drinks, cleaner bathrooms, fast internet and a comfortable place to sit outside of the ruckus of an airport terminal. Throw in perks like a complimentary DashPass, an annual statement credit, no foreign transaction fees and 24/7 customer service through a secure website and it’s easy to see why so many consider the Chase Sapphire Reserve to be a high-value card.

The card offers you 3x points per dollar spent on all travel and dining purchases and 1x on all other purchases. In fact, Chase broadly defines travel to include not just airfare, hotels and rental cars, but expenses like parking, tolls and public transit too.

Slickdeals Best Business Credit Card Bonuses

You don’t need to be a multimillion dollar entity to qualify for some of the best business credit cards around. There are a myriad of options for organizations all the way from sole proprietors (aka you’re a one-person operation) to ones with multiple employees. Credit cards for businesses can offer you a bunch of perks, including the ability to track your expenses in a much easier way and earning rewards to maximize your purchases. Similarly, the best business credit card bonuses offer cash, points and even travel.

†Annual fee waived for the first 12 months.

Ink Business Cash℠ Credit Card

The Ink Business Cash Card is a great option for entrepreneurs of all types. Earn an impressive 5% cash back on select business purchases. These include the first $25,000 you spend each account anniversary year at office supply stores and on phone, cable and internet services. The card also offers 2% cash back on up to $25,000 in combined purchases at restaurants and gas stations. You’ll earn 1% cash back on virtually everything else you buy. As a new cardholder, get $750 in bonus cash back when you make $7,500 worth of purchases within the first three months your account is open. Read our full review of the Ink Business Cash.

Ink Business Unlimited℠ Credit Card

Here’s a card that you can use to earn a strong rate of return on all of your business purchases.  The card has no annual fee but offers an incredible $750 cash bonus after you spend $7,500 in the first three months. You’ll also earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases. The Ink Business Unlimited also doesn’t allow point transfers by itself, but the points can be combined with rewards from other Chase accounts that do allow transfers. It also has travel benefits including an auto rental collision damage waiver, travel and emergency assistance and roadside dispatch. Read our full review of the Ink Business Unlimited.

Ink Business Preferred℠ Credit Card

If you’re a business owner who travels a lot for work or pleasure, the Ink Business Preferred is an ideal choice. It offers a whopping 100,000 bonus points after you spend $15,000 in the first three months. Additionally, with the card’s 25% bonus on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards, that’s worth $1,250. It awards 3x points on your first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel, shipping purchases, internet, cable and phone services, and on advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines on each account’s anniversary year. Plus, 1x point per dollar spent on all other purchases. Read our full review of the Ink Business Preferred.

United℠ Business Card

The United Business Card℠ comes with a 75,000 mile sign-up bonus after spending $3,000 in the first three months from account opening. Beyond the huge bonus, cardmembers will also receive a $100 annual United travel credit after seven United flight purchases of $100 or more. Earning this extra bonus will make up for the $99 annual fee attached to the card. However, this annual fee is waived for the first year to give you time to decide if the card aligns with your spending and traveling needs. Another perk to highlight is a 5,000 bonus miles each anniversary if you have both this new United Business Card and a personal United card. These new benefits, along with a list of other valuable travel perks, make the United Business Card a near-perfect business credit card for those who travel regularly on United. Read our full review of the United Business Card.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card

New account holders can earn up to 100,000 bonus points. Earn 70,000 points after spending $5,000 during the first three months the account is open and an additional 30,000 points for spending $25,000 during the first six months. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card is perfect for small business owners who have employees who travel (employee credit cards at no additional cost). It also offers the most generous point rewards structure of any of the Southwest cards: 3x points per dollar spent with Southwest. Let’s not forget the sign-up bonus and the 9,000 cardmember anniversary points you can receive. Plus, you’ll get other benefits like four upgraded boardings per year, free inflight WiFi credits, no foreign transaction fees and credit toward a Global Entry or TSA Pre✓® application. In other words, these can help you have a much smoother flight, which is helpful if you’re on an important business trip.

Slickdeals Best Airline and Hotel Card Bonuses

Many airlines and hotels co-brand with a credit card issuer like Chase or American Express to offer frequent flyers travel credits, in-flight perks and rewards for eligible purchases.

Even though the popularity of travel credit cards has declined due to COVID-19, many people are applying for cards now to help offset the cost of post-pandemic travel. Stay up-to-date on travel restrictions and best safety practices using the CDC’s official COVID-19 Pandemic Travel page.

If you’re looking for a credit card bonus with an airline who will give you free Wi-Fi or a hotel that will upgrade your stay, then take a look at these limited-time offers.

† Annual fee waived for the first year of card membership.

United℠ Explorer Card

Why We Like the United Explorer Card Bonus

The best airline credit card for you is likely the card offered by the airline you fly with most. For total value, the United℠ Explorer Card is tough to beat. It offers up to 70,000 bonus United MileagePlus Miles. That’s 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in the first three months and an additional 10,000 bonus miles after spending a total of $6,000 during the first six months of account opening. United MileagePlus Miles can be used for United flights, as well as with partner airlines, upgrades, hotel accommodations, car rentals, gift cards and more. Read our full review of the United Explorer Card.

United Explorer Card Benefits

Perks like free checked bags and lounge passes can more than compensate for its $95 annual fee, which is waived the first year. The cardholder and a companion can get one free checked bag each way. Use that once per calendar year and you’ve already saved $120 with the card, more than the annual cost.  Additionally, earn 2X miles per dollar spent on United purchases, at restaurants and eligible delivery services including GrubHub, DoorDash, Seamless and Caviar. You’ll also earn 2X miles per dollar spent on hotel accommodations when booked directly through the hotel. The card also awards 1X miles on all other purchases.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus® Credit Card is the entry level card for aspiring Rapid Rewards point earners. All Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards earn 2x points per dollar spent with Southwest and 1x points on all other purchases. Above all, for a modest $69 annual fee, the Rapid Rewards Plus credit card helps you rack up points as cheaply as possible. Our favorite Rapid Rewards Plus perk is the 3,000 bonus points that are awarded to cardholders on the anniversary of your account opening. It’s an added incentive to retain the card after you’ve earned the bonus 40,000 points after spending $1,000 during the first three months of account opening.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card

In addition to perks like no foreign transaction fees and being able to earn A-list flight status, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Card also offers a generous 6,000 bonus points every cardholder anniversary, which can often be enough to cover the cost of a one-way domestic flight. It’s these types of benefits that help round out the value of the $99 annual fee. It also earns Southwest’s standard 2x points per dollar spent with Southwest and 1x points on all other purchases.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

When you look at benefits like a $75 annual travel credit, four upgraded boardings each year, free checked bags and discounts on in-flight purchases, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority is probably the most affordable of all the Southwest credit cards. Similarly, the 7,500 bonus points each cardmember anniversary really pack on the value and offset this card’s $149 annual fee.

IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card

Why We Like the IHG Rewards Club Premier Bonus

The IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card now comes with its biggest sign-up bonus ever. For new cardholders, you can earn an amazing 140,000-point sign-up bonus after spending $3,000 in the first three months from card opening.  A sign-up bonus like this can go a long way towards free reward nights at participating IHG hotels around the world, including InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Kimpton, Even Hotels, Indigo Hotels and Holiday Inn. Read our IHG Rewards Club Premier review.

IHG Rewards Club Premier Benefits

This IHG card is a traveler’s dream, especially if you’re already a loyal IHG customer. The perks accompanying this Chase credit card co-brand are worth way more than the $89 annual fee that comes with it. Rewards earning is incredible for IHG purchases, with 25X points per dollar spent at IHG hotels. You’ll also earn 2X points for fuel, dining and grocery purchases and 1X points for other purchases. The IHG card comes with Platinum Elite Status, a free anniversary night every year and a free rewards night for reward stays four nights or longer. It’s great for international travel because there are no foreign transaction fees.

IHG® Rewards Club Traveler Credit Card

If you’re a fan of IHG hotels or its partners like Crowne Plaza, Kipton or Holiday Inn, then this 100,000-point bonus comes in handy. The IHG Rewards Club Traveler Credit Card awards 5x points per dollar on bookings with its hotels. That number soars to 15x points per dollar spent if you’re an IHG member. So the more you stay, the more you earn. It also offers 2x points per dollar spent on groceries, gas and dining. This rewards rate comes in handy when you’re trying to earn lots of points quickly. Read our full review of the IHG Rewards Club Traveler for tips on how to maximize this card.

American Express Credit Card Bonuses

Dollar-for-dollar, many consider American Express to offer the most exciting credit cards on the market. American Express bonuses come in the form of high-value Membership Rewards Points, as well as cash statement credits. Whether you’re looking to enjoy travel credits with their flagship Platinum Card or earn accelerated cash-back earnings at U.S. supermarkets, American Express offers some of the best credit card bonuses.

*Slickdeals updates American Express credit card offers periodically. These details are accurate as of Sep. 14, 2020.

While American Express offers many co-branded airline and hotel credit cards, its travel rewards and cash back credit cards offer some of the best value you can get. In fact, two of Amex’s flagship credit cards don’t charge an annual fee — that’s the Cash Magnet and the Blue Cash Everyday — and the annual fees for the other cards range from $95 to $550. Of course, you can get enough value from each card to make up for its annual fee.

The Amex Platinum Card carries the largest annual fee of any American Express card. However, despite its hefty annual fee, the Platinum Card is a darling among many rewards-earning enthusiasts.

Similar to the Citi® Double Cash Card, American Express cash rewards credit cards don’t make you fuss with quarterly bonus categories. Instead Amex cards offer accelerated earnings on popular household spending categories like U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations.

• The Platinum Card: Earn 5x Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on flights and pre-paid hotels booked through Amex Travel. Also, the Platinum Card offers 1x point per dollar on all other purchases.
• The Gold Card: Earn 4x Membership Rewards points per dollar on all restaurant purchases worldwide with no limit, 4x points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 in annual purchases) and 1x points on all other eligible purchases.
• The Green Card: Earn 3X Membership Rewards points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide and on travel, which includes flights, hotels, transit, subway swipes, taxis and ridesharing services. This card also offers 1x point per dollar on all other eligible spending.
• Blue Cash Preferred: Get 6% cash back on the first $6,000 spent per calendar year at U.S. supermarkets (then 1%), unlimited 6% back on select U.S. streaming services, 3% back at U.S. gas stations and on transit and 1% back on other purchases.
• Blue Cash Everyday: Earn 3% cash back on the first $6,000 spent per calendar year at U.S. supermarkets (then 1%), 2% cash back at U.S. gas stations and select U.S. department stores and 1% back on other purchases.
• Cash Magnet: Get a flat 1.5% cash back on every purchase you make.

Non-cash back American Express cards offer rewards in the form Membership Rewards points. The value of these points vary according to how you redeem them. But American express currently allows cardmembers to use Membership Rewards points for

• Travel
• Gift cards
• Statement credits
• Points with transfer partners, including airlines and hotels
• Shopping
• Donations to charity

American Express Membership Rewards points generally range in value between 0.5 cents and 1 cent each, depending on how you redeem them.

Capital One Credit Card Bonuses

*Slickdeals updates American Express credit card offers periodically. These details are accurate as of Sep. 14, 2020.

Methodology: How We Picked the Best Credit Card Bonus Offers of 2020

While the right rewards credit card for you will depend on a number of factors, these are some of our favorites right now that are also offering enviable sign-up bonuses.

We considered a number of factors when choosing these cards, including the value of the bonus, redemption options and whether or not the card charges an annual fee. To help ensure that the card is a great choice for you beyond that initial bonus, we also looked at the benefits included and the rewards rate on future purchases.

With each of these cards shown, you will enjoy either no annual fee or a fee that can easily be recouped with the benefits and/or bonuses offered.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bonus Offers

What Is a Credit Card Bonus Offer?

Many credit cards will offer a bonus for new cardholders who spend a specific amount in their first three months. This amount varies by card, but typically card with higher sign-on bonuses require users to spend $4,000 to 5,000 in qualifying purchases in their first three months. Balance transfers, cash advances and annual fees will not count toward this bonus minimum. Credit card bonus offers can come in the form of cash back, miles or points. For some cards, the initial point bonus will qualify them for more perks, such as the use of an airline companion pass.

Types of Credit Card Bonus Offers

Credit cards that offer sign-up bonuses will offer them in two different ways, either in cash back or points/miles. Here is the break down of both.

Cash-Back Bonuses

Cash-back bonuses can be more flexible than earning points. Typically, you won’t earn as much cash back as you would point and miles, but it is easier to spend. To redeem your cash-back bonus, just request a statement credit or have the bonus transferred to your bank account.

Points and Miles

Other cards reward you in points or miles. This can turn your bonus into a free vacation. These points/miles usually go farthest when redeeming them for travel. Some cards will allow you to redeem your points/miles for cash, account credit or gift cards, but the conversion rate isn’t always as high. Redeeming points or miles might take a little more legwork since you have to make sure you are redeeming your hard-earned points/miles for top dollar travel plans.

Which Credit Cards Give You a Bonus?

Rewards credit cards and branded-travel cards typically have the best sign-up bonuses. Many cards are very similar in the everyday spending rewards they offer. Therefore, they might offer an enticing sign-up bonus to attract more users. Popular cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Platinum Card offer two of the biggest and most valuable bonus offers for frequent travelers.

Look for a rewards credit card that not only gives you an awesome sign-on bonus, but also a card that rewards you for how you spend money. If you don’t spend a lot of money on travel, research cards that offer more rewards back on groceries and gas instead of travel.

How to Choose a Card with a Sign-Up Bonus

When choosing the best rewards credit card for your budget, look at the sign-on bonuses. Weigh them carefully with the card’s everyday spending rewards — for example, if you are torn between two cards, which one will give you more cash back throughout the year rather than just upfront. Here are a few questions to ask when you are comparing credit cards:

Can you reach the spending threshold? 

This isn’t as simple as just going on a grand shopping spree. Calculate how much you must spend to reach the threshold and if it fits into your budget. Anyone can blow $5,000, but not everyone can afford to do so without digging themselves into debt. Your sign-up bonus will not be worth it when you have a high-interest rate that comes when you carry thousands of dollars of debt.

Is the annual fee worth it? 

If the card comes with an annual fee, weigh the fee against the perks. Cards with smaller annual fees typically come with smaller bonuses, but they also have lower spending minimums to activate the bonus also.

Is this the best offer for a particular card? 

Credit card offers come and go. Try to research other offers the card issuer has promoted within the past calendar year. There is a good chance similar bonuses will occur again.

What is the credit card sign-up bonus really worth? It is also wise to be realistic about how you will use the bonus. If you don’t love to travel, then you will probably take a lower cash value for your bonus — i.e., your 50,000 points might only be worth $350 in cash rather than $500 in travel redemption.

Also, the promised 50,000 points a card might offer might only equate to $500 in perks when redeemed for a specific airline or hotel chain. Make sure to research the card’s bonus redemption options, so you aren’t stuck with a bonus you can’t use.

How to Maximize a Sign-Up Bonus

Once you know which credit card bonus you will be pursuing, it is time to make the most of it. Just a little more effort could land you more bonus points.

Time Your Applications Carefully

Timing is everything when it comes to credit cards. You want to apply when the card has the best offer, and you also want to apply at a time you were planning on spending more money, such as right before Christmas or right before booking a vacation. This will help you reach the spending limit faster. Make sure you have let enough time pass between similar credit card offers. For example, you must wait 24 months to receive another sign-up bonus from a Chase credit card.

Never Overspend

The desire to meet your spending limit might put you in a shopping flurry. Keep track of your spending to make sure you reach the minimum without racking up debt.

Look for Special Offers

Sometimes a card will allow you to add an authorized user for additional points. Other times, you can activate offers on your card to make your spending go even further.

Watch Out for Hidden Fees

Not every retailer lets you swipe your plastic for free. Some purchases will incur a convenience fee. These fees are common for online ticket vendors or third-party companies that allow you to pay your rent with a credit card.

Understand What Counts Toward Your Spending Threshold

Most cards will not count annual fees, transferred balances or cash advances toward the spending threshold. Many cards will also not count gift cards, lottery ticket purchases and similar purchases toward the bonus, either. Read your card’s fine print thoroughly before you spend. When in doubt, a quick chat with your card’s customer service line can help.

Be Careful About Returning Items

Any returns made on your card will not count toward your purchase total. Even if you return an item after you receive your bonus, the issuer can reclaim the bonus if your original purchases did not meet the spending requirements. This is at the discretion of the card issuer. But what if you really hate the sweater you bought? Try returning items in exchange for store credit rather than getting credit back on your card.

Are Bonuses Taxable?

Thankfully, most credit card bonuses are not taxable. As long as you earn your bonus through meeting a spending limit and it’s for a personal account. The same rule applies for any money, points or miles earned through everyday spending.

Individuals using credit card bonuses for business purposes should consult a tax expert to ensure they are claiming bonuses correctly. If a credit card rewards you points, miles or a cash bonus just for signing up, then your bonus would be considered taxable.

How to Compare Bonus Offers

Still not sure about which rewards cards are right for you? We get it. Choosing a credit card that meets your needs is important, which is why Slickdeals’ Credit Card Hub helps you compare the benefits of different cards, search credit cards by rewards categories, and explore cards by their issuers — all to find the best fit for your wallet.

When using a rewards credit card, you are able to earn cash back, points or miles for each dollar you spend. But while it’s always helpful to earn a couple of points with the best travel credit cards on all of your purchases, it’s even better to snag thousands of them at once, thanks to an impressive bonus offer.

Credit card bonuses are frequently available to new cardholders in exchange for meeting certain spending requirements. The best credit card bonus offers are often worth hundreds of dollars (or more), giving you a jump-start on your cash-back earnings and easily canceling out any annual fees your issuer may charge.

Tips to Improve Credit Scores

If you don’t have a strong credit score, you may be wondering what your chances are of getting approved for a card. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to say because credit card issuers don’t disclose their eligibility criteria publicly. However, here are some tips for improving your chances of getting your next credit card.

• Improve your credit score: If your credit score isn’t in great shape, consider working on improving it before you apply for a new account. Check your credit report to see which areas need work and address them as quickly as possible.
• Apply within your credit range: Rewards credit cards are appealing, but most of them require good or excellent credit (that’s a FICO credit score of 670 or higher). If your credit score isn’t quite there yet, focus on cards that market to people who are working on building their credit.
• Don’t give up: If you’ve had a credit card application declined recently, it can be easy to take it personally or get discouraged. In some cases, you may be able to call and ask them to reconsider. If they won’t, just because one card issuer denied you, it doesn’t mean all of them will. While it’s best to avoid applying for multiple credit cards in a short period, don’t be afraid to apply again in the future.

As you follow these steps and consider these tips to improve your credit score, you’ll be in a better position to apply for and get the credit card you want to have.

What Is a Balance Transfer Credit Card?

Unlike travel cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Platinum Card by American Express, a balance transfer card is a credit card specifically focused on encouraging consumers to move their debt. A balance transfer card usually offers a 0% APR for a limited period of time to attract borrowers who are tired of a high interest rate. In many cases, it’s possible to find a balance transfer card that will offer 0% APR on credit card balances for 12, 15, 18 or 21 months.

Generally, your new card issuer pays off your debt with the other creditor and you make payments to your new creditor instead.

Visit Slickdeals guide to the best balance transfer credit cards to see how much money you can save with a zero-interest offer.

What Is a Balance Transfer Fee?

Many credit card issuers charge a fee to handle the process of moving your debt from your old creditor to the new card. It’s common for balance transfer fees to be between 3% and 5% of the amount you transfer. Some creditors might also impose a minimum fee of $5 or $10. This fee is typically added to your credit card balance.

For example, if you transfer $2,000 to your new card, and the balance transfer fee is 5%, you’ll end up paying $100 to move the money. That amount is added to your balance, making it $2,100. However, the interest savings from moving your money could easily make up for your balance transfer fee.

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Whether you’re interested in scoring one of our best bank bonuses and promotions or discovering how your online spending can fund a loved one’s college education, Slickdeals is here to help you uncover the best personal finance deals around. Here are just a few of our most-popular articles. If you’d like more unique ways to save and earn money, visit our personal finance hub today.

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