Credit Cards

There are lots of reasons why you might want a credit card, this site primarily focuses on credit card rewards. If you’re reading this site then it’s assumed that you will always pay your credit card bill on time and and in full to avoid late payment fees and the high interest rates that credit cards charge. If you can do that then credit cards can be extremely lucrative. A lot (but not all) credit cards offer a rewards program these days, but the difference between the best and worse cards is huge.

Generally there are two main types of credit card bonuses:

  • Sign up bonuses. These are a one time reward you receive for signing up for a card and meeting a minimum spend requirement (e.g spend $1,000 within your first three months of being a card member and receive a sign up bonus of $200).
  • On going spend/category bonuses. These reward you every time you spend one dollar, in some cases you’ll earn the same rate on all purchases but some cards offer spending bonuses for specific categories (e.g earn 1% cash back on all purchases and 3% cash back on grocery store purchases)

Sign up bonuses are typically the most lucrative and you can earn enough from a single sign up bonus for a round trip flight or multiple nights at a hotel. That being said if you spend a lot of money in a specific category it might make sense to get a card that earns at a high rate in that category. Or if you just spend a lot of money in general then you could get a card that earns at a high rate on all purchases. It’s important to remember that you still want to be able to pay your card off in full every month to avoid any interest charges otherwise any rewards you earn are quickly counteracted. It’s also a good idea to remember that some cards also come with annual fees.

The Doctor of Credit Difference

Unlike other sites we take putting our readers first seriously. One of the ways we do this is by not using credit card affiliate links, this means we don’t have any incentive to suggest one credit card or the other and will always share the best deals with our readers.

Helpful Resources

If you’re just getting started in the credit card rewards hobby or your a seasoned veteran then chances are we have some useful information for you.

General Information

Sign Up Bonuses

We keep a few pages regularly updated that you’ll find useful if you chase sign up bonuses.

Ongoing Spend

If you spend a lot of money in a specific category, then these posts will show you what the best card is for each category:

Questions?

Do you have any questions? If so feel free to ask them in the comments and I’ll do my best to get back to you as soon as possible, although you’re probably find that most questions have already been answered on the site (using the search bar is your friend). If you like credit card rewards then chances are you will probably like bank account bonuses and high interest savings accounts as well, so be sure to check out those sections on our website.

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Stan F.
Stan F. (@guest_1650837)
July 10, 2023 19:19

Any downside of using “0” percent Direct deposit cash advance ( 3 percent transaction fee) to out into CD that pays 5.25 for a year to earn the spread?
 William Charles  Chuck

Thank you

tony
tony (@guest_1735936)
November 13, 2023 11:30

You have to pay tax on the interest but can’t deduct the 3% fee. Depending on your tax bracket, the gain may not be worth the drop in your credit score.

Amanda
Amanda (@guest_1635999)
June 16, 2023 21:55

Hey, seems like it would be helpful if this article to the list above?

https://www.doctorofcredit.com/5-cash-back-credit-cards/

Yul B
Yul B (@guest_1562033)
February 23, 2023 00:32

3/24, 800, w/ 2 Chase Ink – used SSN, SP, real name on both Ink apps.
Does maintaining a balanced owed $6k on each INK card(CIC, CIU) impact new biz card app?
*Applied CIC-Dec 22)’, (CIC 90k SUB-JAn 23′, posted); Applied CIU-Jan 23′–CIU 90k SUB Feb 23′ to most Mar 5.)

1. Would like to re-apply for 2nd CIC in Apr 23′—4 months from CIC app
Possible with balances on card
2. When could I reapply for CIU?.
Prefer to not pay off INK cards in full since have 0%, 12 mo option with Chase.
3. If not possible to get a new INK card is there another chase biz card like IHG would be easier for approval?
4. Another option C1 Venture(Have Vx card) if I ned to go outside but that makes me. 4/24. Jul 23′ I drop one inquiry.
So I prefer a business to get back to 2/24 by JUL 23′
5. Pushing 1 more additional card now since I have 2 large payment to make by Apr and would like new SUB.

So need an opinion of the velocity to open, impact of balances.
Thanks – great newsletter.

Joshua Rees
Joshua Rees (@guest_1492389)
November 20, 2022 19:37

Do you do anything with business credit?
Thanks

Levi
Levi (@guest_1473663)
October 26, 2022 22:46

@doc is there a write up anywhere of best balance transfer/ 0% intro apr cards?

Chadley
Chadley (@guest_1490821)
November 18, 2022 00:04

Yes, check nerdwallet. Search “best 0 apr credit cards” and it’s probably the first one on the list.

Andy
Andy (@guest_1376133)
May 4, 2022 16:17

I signed up for the Chase Sapphire Preferred about a year ago, and I had my wife as an authorized user. I met the requirements for the bonus and closed the account a couple months ago before the next AF kicked in.

The question is whether she could apply for the same card now as the primary, or is she on the same 24 month clock that I am? I haven’t been able to find the answer anywhere.

JW
JW (@guest_1413961)
July 23, 2022 12:03

Andy Looks like this was not answered. 1) AU status has zero impact in P2’s ability to get the cared, but AU does count as a 5/24 spot with Chase. If she is under 5/24, she can get the same card. 2) Sapphire cards have a 48 month waiting period between SUBs, not 24 month.

Dick
Dick (@guest_1308599)
January 3, 2022 16:54

FWIW, I was told that Chase is offering $250 bonus after $500 spend on the Freedom Flex card if opened in branch. (It’s $200 if opened online.)

Bertha
Bertha (@guest_1197573)
May 28, 2021 17:48

US Bank Business Card and Plastiq

LIMITED TIME OFFER
The Plastiq fee is waived on your first $5,000 in Plastiq payments – a savings of up to $142*.

Enroll by 12/31/2021

*Savings will be automatically reflected when making a Plastiq payment for new Plastiq customers only.
https://www.plastiq.com/us-bank/?utm_source=usb&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=usbcoupon&utm_content=usb2021

Hugh Minewiser
Hugh Minewiser (@guest_1150753)
February 25, 2021 21:33

with the new contactless debit card, when and how do you enter your security code?

Gadget - Bank Bonus Geek
Gadget - Bank Bonus Geek (@guest_1150855)
February 26, 2021 01:08

I have only done it once or twice, but IIRC it runs it like a signature transaction, not a debit PIN. You don’t enter your PIN or CVV code, which is “more secure” and can’t get spied on/skimmed.

https://www.capitalone.com/learn-grow/privacy-security/contactless-credit-cards/

Basically, anyone with your card can buy stuff…. it’s how we do things!

C-
C- (@guest_1097624)
November 25, 2020 12:55

What’s your opinion on this new, unique credit card from SkyOne: http://www.SkyOne.org/Platinum-Elite. It’s called Platinum Elite and comes with a sign-up bonus of 30,000 points ($300) if you spend $4,000+ in the first 3 months, and annual fee is waived if you are approved before December 31, 2020. The best part about Platinum Elite is YOU choose your rewards, as of January 1, 2021. The first two categories you earn 3% cash back. Next two categories, you earn 2%. And 1% on all other categories. You may change categories each quarter. Also, starting in 2021, the card will be tungsten.

I’d love to know your thoughts on this card and where you think it ranks among rewards-based cards. It also has a potential for low rates and the rate WILL NOT exceed 18% APR.

Thank you for your feedback.

John
John (@guest_1164143)
March 21, 2021 12:54
  C-

Kind of belated here, but SkyOne was one of my least favorite banks to deal with when doing a checking bonus; constantly felt like they were a scam. Terrible website, too. Unless you have seriously high spend, SUBs are what you’d want anyway (and for cashback, another card or mix of cards will probably work even better; BOA Cash Rewards with a high Preferred Rewards tier comes to mind.