Last week I got a new copy of my most used credit card, one with a chip in it, and with this update my number changed. On the letter it came with reminded me to update any vendors that have my credit card information stored and going through the process made me realize just how many monthly bills I have on direct deposit or have my credit card information saved. To find the list of all of the companies I first checked my credit card bill to confirm all of the places that I have on autopay: AT&T (cell phone), Blue Host, ClassPass, ConEd (Electric, Gas, & Heat), Hulu, Netflix, and Time Warner Cable (Internet).
I find having my bills on autopay means I never risk having to pay a late fee or having any service I rely on suspended because of inadequate payment. In addition to all of the monthly things I have on autpay I also have a handful of places that have my credit card info saved. To find all of the places I have my credit card information stored I went through the recent charges on my Amex and then through all of the apps on my phone. By the time I was done I had updated; Amazon, Etsy, Google Wallet, iTunes, Sephora, Shopbop, the Starbucks app, and Uber.
Now with all of these charges hitting my card once a month what do I think the best credit cards are? Now that is easy. For the past three years my go-to credit card has been the Fidelity® Rewards American Express Signature® Card. The reason it’s my favorite is simple – I earn 2% cash back on all purchases, with no exemptions and no limits, quite unusual. The only quirk? The 2% reward value applies only if you redeem the rewards in a Fidelity account and I choose to have the sum auto deposited into my brokerage account. Not only does this help me save and grow my investment portfolio it really is free money as the card has a $0 annual fee. And let me be clear, I charge everything. $2.99 for milk? Swipe. That may be only $0.06 in rewards but it is better than the $0 I would have if I used cash and it definitely ads up!
While my Fidelity Amex is definitely my go-to I have a pretty solid back up, with the CHASE Sapphire Preferred. The number one reason I turn to this card is when I come across the odd retailer or restaurant that still does not accept American Express. It earns 1x point on all purchases and 2x points on most dining and travel. The first year is free and then annual membership is $75. My favorite benefit of this card? It is one of the best on the market for international travel with no foreign transaction feeds and Chip and Signature Technology which is essential when traveling overseas.
And then because I feel it is necessary, no, I am not getting paid be either company (that would be awesome though) and I am not trying to get you to sign up for anything – simply sharing my thoughts on a subject I wanted to talk about today!
Do you take advantage of autopay?
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Leah says
This is an excellent article! Thank you for sharing, Kelly. I am the same way, I charge absolutely everything. Of course that comes with people looking at you like you have three heads when you want to charge a pack of gum, but rewards are rewards! The only issue with using credit cards so much if you have to be diligent to be sure you’re not spending more than you have, which some people struggle with.
My other favorite credit card is the United Airlines card. I know many prefer the Chase Sapphire card because you can use it for many airlines, but I fly United a lot and the perks of early boarding is great to ensure you get your carry on with you, and I love the United club which you get access to. Not mention I’m still living off the miles from the sign up bonus!
Thanks again for sharing and glad to know I’m not alone in researching credit card perks 🙂 Hu$tle.
– Leah
Mili says
Thank you for this! I’ve been contemplating getting my first own credit card but am getting overwhelmed with all the options. Thanks for your recs 🙂
Mili
thehautecookie says
love both! xO!
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Anna says
I never leave home without the same! I don’t remember the last time I had cash in my hand! 🙂 Although, it’s possible I use it a little too frequently – whoops! XO
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TAMMY says
To me cash is still king. I used my credit card mainly to pay my Cable and Cell Phone bills. Recently I have seen banks try to get away from cash. Chase bank now asked for ID just to pay a credit card bill which is totally insane. Taking money out OK to ask for ID. Paying a bill or deposit into account not OK. Chase does accept checks.