Initially, plastics were designed for those customers who seek for more convenience when spending their money. Now that a credit card is a necessity rather than a privilege, cardholders want to see more options on their plastics. Today card companies offer credit products that meet the expectations of various consumer groups - from college students to sports fans and art-lovers. In other words, they allow getting more benefits when making eligible purchases at your favorite merchant. And what about plastics that enable people to save?
Take for example plastics with rewards. When used wisely, you can get more benefits by simply making purchases with the right rewards credit card. However, creditors offer specific plastics that can fatten your savings accounts.
Just like traditional credit cards, plastics that contribute to various savings accounts cannot be a panacea for people who want to save enough for retirement or their kids' tuition. Much depends on your situation, on your habits, and by all means, every card has its pros and cons. That's why you need to take a close look at the terms and conditions of every credit agreement.
So, let's review the most popular card in this category. The One Card's Accelerator by American Express contributes 1% of your purchases into FDIC-insured high-yield savings account at AmEx bank. You can use your savings the way you like.
But this card comes with an annual fee of $35. And this fact should be the food for thought. Your savings may be eaten out by this fee. Do some math to estimate the amount of your savings before signing up for this card.
Fidelity Investment Rewards MasterCard has no annual fee, and it will give you 1.5% of your credit purchases to your individual or joint Fidelity account. The minimal award is $50, and the annual award limit is $1,500.
At first glance not bad, but if you are not a Fidelity customer, it makes no sense for you. First and foremost, you need a round sum of money to open your Fidelity account. Is it worthwhile? Yes, if you are a Fidelity customer and you spend much during the year. The high limit makes this offer much more attractive compared with other rewards plastics that typically have lower caps.
If you are in search of college rewards credit cards to fund your child's tuition, Fidelity Investments 529 College Rewards is one of the best plastics that contribute to college savings plans. This fee-free card deposits 2% of the purchases made on the card into your Fidelity 529 account.
The only problem here is that Fidelity operates only in several states. And again, if you are not a Fidelity customer, you can hardly save as much as you want. This offer is ideal for established Fidelity customers. The great thing about this offer is a high limit on your savings. You can save up to $1,500 a year.
Unlike Fidelity Rewards plastics, Citi UPromise Platinum Select MasterCard deposits no less than 1% of your purchases to the college savings plan of your choice. All the more so, you will get 2% rebate on your gas purchases, and up to 10% at participating grocery stores and drug stores. The limit of rebates on regular purchases is $300, and there's no limit on some grocery and drug purchases.
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i like the idea, but prefer low-rate ccs, and a high-yield savings account
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