Are you looking for a new MasterCard? Do you want generous rewards, a low introductory APR and, of course, no annual fee? CreditShout.com has recommendations for the best MasterCard credit cards available now.
Chase Freedom
One of the best MasterCards available today — and possibly the best MasterCard available for people with excellent credit — is the Chase Freedom(SM) card.
Rewards: Chase is offering 5% cash back in rotating categories where most people spend money. You can get 5% cash back on:
- Gas
- Groceries
- Home improvement
- Department stores
- Hotels
- Airlines…and more
For instance, between July 1 and September 30 you can get 5% cash back (up to $1,500) on gas, airlines, auto rentals and hotels. Notice a theme? These rewards are perfect for summer vacationers.
Fourth quarter (October 1 through December 31) gives you 5 % cash back on purchases at grocery stores, department stores and movies — ideal for holiday shopping, seasonal parties and holiday guests, not to mention the winter movie season when the kids are home from school.
There’s one catch: You have to actually sign up online for the bonus cash back program — just being a Chase Freedom CardHolder and using your card on these purchases isn’t enough to enjoy the generous rewards.
Whether you sign up or not, you’ll get 1% cash back on all your other purchases, every day.
Benefits: In addition to a generous rewards program and zero percent introductory APR, you’ll get a host of other benefits with the Chase Freedom MasterCard, including:
- Easy online bill pay through the Chase website or in-person at any Chase branch
- Customizable email alerts that let you track your spending, and view your balance and your transaction history
- zero liability and protection
- 24/7 customer support
- Extended warranty on purchases made with your Citi MasterCard
- Retail purchase protection for up to 90 days
- Price Protection for up to 60 days after you make a purchase with your Citi card
- Set your own payment due date in the beginning, middle or end of the month
bonus offers when you shop through the Chase Ultimate Rewards website, including bonus rewards points, free movie tickets, and discounts on merchandiseand gift cards
Apply for Chase Freedom(SM)
Citi Diamond Preferred Rewards
Right up there with Chase Freedom in terms of generous rewards and a low intro APR is the Citi Diamond Preferred Rewards card.
Rewards: Citi Diamond Preferred starts new customers off right, with 6,000 bonus ThankYou Points when they spend $300 in the first three months. These points are redeemable for a $50 gift card at select national merchants.
The Rewards program gives you 5 ThankYou points for every dollar spent at grocery stores, drug stores and gas stations (but not warehouse clubs or superstores like Wal-mart — or the grocery and drug stores within) for the first year. You’ll earn one point for each dollar on all other purchases. After that, you’ll earn 1 point on all your purchases.
You can redeem ThankYou points for electronics, travel rewards, sporting events and more — but no cash back with this card.
Benefits: When it comes to benefits, the Citi Diamond Preferred Rewards MasterCard rivals some of American Express’ best offerings. Citi’s Private Pass service gives you access to exciting events and unique experiences, while Concierge service can help you with everything from personal shopping to dinner reservations or securing tickets to sold out shows. Other benefits include:
Apply for Citi Diamond Preferred Rewards