Credit Card

[AaronM]

Before I ask this question, please do not post replies with how you don't need credit cards and how terrible they are. I never carry a balance with mine, and appreciate the rewards and short term "free money" benefits I gain from them, not to mention the greater protection compared to a debit card.

My question: I have one personal Discover card with a small credit limit. As I try keeping my card under 30% of my limit, I am fairly restricted with what I can put on there. I also have a Visa jointly with my mom to reap the benefits of her immaculate credit history. I do not use this card.

My problem, other than the small credit limit, is that some places do not accept Discover, to which I am forced to use my debit card. I hate having to carry it around in case it gets lost or stolen.

Would it be detrimental to sign up for a third card? If so, what is recommended? I'm moving out East and must make sure I have my bases covered.

Thanks for any help!

[PierBridge]

First off you don't need a credit card and they are a terrible thing..J/K

That being said there is some valauble info in this 5 page thread from a while back!

http://www.hotspotoutdoors.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/2454756/1

[Nick Kuhn]

I'd get a Visa: I can't think of a single place that doesn't take it. As far as which one: usually your bank can offer one. Mine is through my bank and it makes it very easy to pay off the balance each month. Frankly, I use my card for everything I possibly can (as I budget so I know I can pay it off fully each month). You build up rewards points in a hurry that way. Rewards basically amount to 1-3% cash back on any purchases you make. Just select a program with no fees.

And in general occasional inquiries into your credit helps your credit score. Having a second card, regardless of it's limits, will help your credit score as long as you make all your payments.

[FlagsDown]

Have you tried calling Discover to raise your limit? If you've been a good customer(paid on time), there's a very good chance they'll raise your limit. That won't help you if a place doesn't take Discover, though.

Why can't you use the shared Visa for larger purchases or other purchases as long as you keep your mom in the loop?(and pay the bill!)

Unless you're buying a house or making another large purchase in the next few months, getting another Visa and using it wisely is not going to hurt your credit score long term.

[LightningBG]

going over the 30% threshold within the month wont hurt you at all, its when you carry a balance of over 30% that you get dinged.

you could either use the joint one or get another one, either way will be fine for you.

Discover is goofy. I have a card from them and it has a limit of $1950. I asked them to raise it and they refused. I only use it for gas, so it doesn't really matter too much.

I think I have 3 or 4 other cards, and each one has a limit of over $25K. Kinda weird discover is such a stickler.

[Getanet]

I actually like having one card with a low limit for online purchases. I have a card with a high limit as well, and if I was the victim of identity theft I'd hate to see the charges someone could rack up before it came to light. I would imagine the CC company would ultimately deal with it, but I'd rather not have the headache.

As for the original question, this HSOforum may help. It divides the offers up based on the type of credit you have or what type of rewards you're looking for http://www.creditcardguide.com/

[Ufatz]

Get a Cabela's VISA Card. It will allow you to use your points to buy fishing and hunting gear. They are GREAT people to do business with...never filling your mailbox with junk mail like Discover does.

[AaronM]

Thanks much for the help! Amazing the wealth of knowledge on here. Thanks for the thread a few pages back, I missed that one and much obliged on the information Lightning. Sounds like I'll be sticking with the two I have for now.

Thanks again, and have a great day all!

[harvey lee]

The GM cards are nice also as they build money for that day when you need a new cat or truck.

WE pay all of our monthly bills with a CC and recieve many bonus-reward points for free card offers.

Just as easy to make one payment to the CC company instead of all the other monthly bills. Heck, Dish TV even gives us a 5% discount on the bill if we pay automaticly with a CC. Then the 5% rewards and one has a 10% discount on the Dish TV bill monthly.

One is never late with a payment for the monthly bills as they take the fundds out right away when due.

less garbage in the mailbox like bills.

[Lip_Ripper Guy]

I used to have a couple cards, Cabelas Visa being one of them. About 2 years ago I switched to a Cabelas Visa debit card from US Bank and haven't looked back. I still get Cabelas points, and never have to worry about paying a credit card bill. All the benefit, none of the drawbacks. I use it for 95% of purchases.

If I have something that is over my $1500 daily limit, I have a credit card for that.

[Eckie]

The GM cards are nice also as they build money for that day when you need a new cat or truck.

Who knew you could build points that could be used towards the purchase of a new cat!

Sorry -- I laughed out loud at the typo!