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AES Student Loans – Student Loan Access and Overview

November 27, 2018 by Dan Wilke

American Education Services (AES) – Managing Student Loans

Servicing student loans has become major business in the United States.  It is estimated at up to 70% of students graduate college with some amount of student loan debt.  Student loan debt is growing faster than other other form of consumer debt.  Sadly, many experts are anticipating it being a major component of any future financial crisis.  Given the nature of the lending industry, it makes sense that organizations have emerged with the sole purpose of managing loans (as opposed to actually providing the funds).

AES is not a lender in the traditional sense.  You cannot apply for a student loan with AES directly.  With that said, you may find that you end up managing your student loan payments and account services with AES.  As a loan service provider, they will be the platform for which aspects of your loan account are handled.  This would include features like making payments, seeking payment assistance, and managing your account settings.

What is AES and How Do They Fit In To The Student Loan Puzzle?

Student loans (especially private student loans) often change hands between lenders .  With that exchange, sometimes consumers will find that their loans are serviced by new companies.  AES would fall under the “loan service” umbrella.  They are not a bank or a lender.  While the lending provider switches hands regularly (banks selling loans to other banks), AES provides a single source for servicing your loan.  AES is a federally approved service for lenders.  There are only a number of student loan service providers that meet the criteria to service loans under direction of the Department of Education and AES is one of those groups.  Of course, this is not to say they are not without their fair share of criticism.

AES services federal loans as well as a select group of private loans.  The organization was made under the direction of the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) with the intention to service a group of loans known as the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP).  The group services millions of student loans and provides customer service to borrowers who are in the repayment stage of their student loan.

Services Provided By AES Student Loans

Once you set up an account with AES you will be able to manage your account online.  Services provided with AES will include loan payment services, forbearance services, payment options, managing your loan profile, and viewing your loan balance.  Before you can access your loan details you will need to create an account with AES.  Alternatively you may be able to sign in to your account using the Partner Access Sign In.

The screenshot above is what you will find when you visit www.aessuccess.org and it actually provides 3 distinct options.  The yellow sign in button will be for anyone who already has set up an AES account with AES Success.  Following the link will allow you to log in to your account using your AES Username and Password.

If you are creating an account for the first time, some verification will be required before you can access your loan details.  Customers will need to verify their identity and create an account Username and Password which will be used to access their loan details in the future.

The final option is the Partner Access Link.  If you are logging in using an existing account which is Partnered with AES then you will follow this link and provide your Partner Access Account details.  This will allow you to access your account in cooperation with AES.

Paying Your Student Loans With AES

There is one big thing to remember with loans – always make your payment!  Missing loan payments is one of the biggest threats borrowers face.  There are a number of ways to make payments including direct debit, setting up online payments, and paying by check.   Be sure to set up the option that will be easiest for you to manage to avoid missing a payment.

Targeting your payments is another interesting option available for borrowers.  You will be able to decide how much you would like to pay in addition to your minimum payment due.  These additional funds will be allocated to allow of you existing loans and will go towards paying down the balances which can save you in interest expenses in the long run.  If you are able to make additional payment on your loan this is often a good idea so long as you can afford the expense.

Trouble Paying For Your Student Loans With AES

AES provides many options for customers who may not be able to make their monthly payments.  If you are finding that you cannot afford you payment this should be the first place you go to for help.  Ignoring the problem and hoping it goes away is not going to work out well in the long run.  Eventually you loan will be moved to collections and your credit history will suffer the consequences.

There are a variety of services and options for customers who cannot meet their payment responsibilities.  It is not in anyone’s interest for borrowers to miss their payment and AES attempts to provide some options for relief.  Some of the assistance AES provides includes:

  • Changing your payment due date
  • Updating your payment plan to reduce payment
  • Postpone or forebear your payment temporarily
  • Loan consolidation to make one single payment

All of these above avenues are viable options to assist borrowers who are dealing with financial hardships.  AES provides details regarding all of these options to attempt to provide help when it is needed most.

Managing Your Student Loan Account With AES

As we have discussed, AES is a loan management group.  All aspects of your loan can be addressed within your online account.  You will be able to view loans details such as current balance and interest rate.  Personal settings such as contact information and account details can also be addressed.

In addition to the information found above, you will also find your tax information for your loan within your account management features.  This is especially important because the interest you pay on your student loans is tax deductible.  When you file you taxes it is absolutely critical that you include any student loan interest payment you made during the tax year.

What People Are Saying About AES Student Loan Servicing

Overall, AES has been absolutely pummeled with poor reviews.  The main complaints seems to be focused around miserable customer service.  Consumer Affairs (a for profit consumer review website) has some of the most scathing reviews.  They currently have a 1.1 out of 5 based on reviews from this year.

Customer service in the lending industry can be a tough sell.  People are already upset to be paying money often at high interest rates.  Sadly, AES seems to fail to convince consumers that their mobile App is any good either.  The app has a 2.3 rating on the Apple iTunes Store.

Reading through the reviews does reveal one major problem affecting consumers – they do not understand how loans work.  Ultimately, these loans were applied for and accepted by the applicants and their complaints of high payments and interest rate is not the fault of AES.  Consumers need to be aware of what they are getting in to when they take on debt.  Many of the reviews you see on loan providers and services often reflect the ignorance of the average consumer.  That is why Credit Liftoff and other personal finance blogs exist!

Final Thoughts On AES Student Loans

There is a lot of confusion about exactly what the role of AES is in the student loan space.  Hopefully this post helps clear up some of the confusion.  Many users are telling people who never take a loan out with AES.  Unfortunately their words do not mean all that much.  Your federal loan may or may not be serviced by AES and you likely will have no say whatsoever.  Your loan service provider is not in charge of your loan – you are in charge of your loan.  The terms you accepted were provided at the time of applying but all to often we ignore this information until it becomes a problem later in life.

In preparing this information, I spent quite a bit of time researching and using the AES website and interface.  It seems to be well organized and succinct although their are portions of the site that feel dated and somewhat difficult to navigate.  If you are having issues with AES you can contact their customer service at 1-800-233-0557.  It may be difficult but remember that the customer service rep was not the one who made the decision to take out these loans – you made that decision.

Helpful Links:

www.aessuccess.org

www.pheaa.org

Delta Gold Card – Maximizing Your Bonus Offer

November 25, 2018 by Dan Wilke

Delta Gold Card Sign Up Offers – Getting The Best Bonus

Airline branded credit cards are some of the most popular travel cards but finding the best offer requires good timing and a little bit of luck.  The Delta SkyMiles Gold Card by American Express (Not be be confused with the AMEX Gold Card) provides great offers when opening a new account.  With that said, applicants are noticing that there are huge differences in the sign up bonuses available for the Delta Gold Card.  At this moment, the public offer available for the Delta SkyMiles Gold Card provides a respectable 30,000 Bonus Miles.  Interestingly, many consumers are reporting targeted offers of up to 75,000 bonus miles.  With this in mind, let’s explore how you can maximize your Delta SkyMiles Sign Up Offer.

Delta Gold SkyMiles Welcome Offer – Public Vs Targeted Offers

As mentioned, anyone can apply for this credit card at the Amex Delta Card Website.  At the time of this writing, applicants receive a 30,000 Bonus Mile Sign Up Offer.  This is the “public offer” available for the credit card.  Some individuals are receiving “targeted offers” by mail or email with sign up bonus of 75,000 miles.  Anyone interested in this credit card is going to want to maximize their welcome offer.  It seems there are a couple things consumers can do to improve their odds of getting a bigger bonus.

Two Strategies To (Hopefully) Increase Your Sign Up Offer

  1. Be Sure You Have Not “Opted Out” From Receiving Credit Offers – Anyone who has received what some consider “junk mail” often find the familiar Prescreen Opt Out Website (www.optoutprescreen.com).  If you have previously removed your name from pre-screened credit offers through this website, you will likely not receive any targeted credit offers.  Some people prefer getting a little less mail every year.  Other people prefer huge sign up bonuses and free travel – ultimately, this is a decision you will have to make for yourself.  To me, the answer is obvious.
  2. Sign Up For The Delta SkyMiles Reward Programs – The SkyMiles program is a free rewards program which allows you to earn Miles with Delta Airlines.  Once you sign up, you may be more likely to receive email or mail offers because they will already have your information on record.  Many consumers report after signing up for a SkyMiles Account they received a targeted offer for the Amex Delta Gold SkyMiles Card.

There is technically a third step involved in this process but it should be the easiest – patience.  After you complete the two actions above, you can sit back and wait to see if you receive a targeted credit offer for the Delta Amex Gold Card.  If you do, please let us know in the comments of this article!

Delta Gold Card – The 30,000 Bonus Mile Offer

There are confirmed reports of offers up to 75,000 Bonus Miles but as discussed, this offer is not going to be available to everyone.  Many Delta Customers are asking themselves if they should go for the public offer (currently, 30,000 Miles) or hold out on the chance to receive a bigger targeted offer.  The choice is yours, however, it is worth mentioning that the 30,000 public offer is substantial and very easy to complete.

The offer screenshot above is what new Delta SkyMile members will be offered upon completing their sign up.  As you can see, there is a 30,000 Mile Welcome Bonus after $1,000 has been spent on your new account in the first 3 months.  Additionally, customers will earn a $50 credit when they make a Delta purchase in the first 3 months of opening an account.  Card applicants should be savvy and make sure they time their application at a time when they are ready to take advantage of the $50 credit.  Overall, this is a very nice welcome offer with low spending requirements.  Now, let’s take a look at the bigger targeted offer.

Delta Gold Card – Targeted Offers Up To 75,000 Miles

Like most targeted credit card bonus offer campaigns, it is difficult to know exactly who is being targeted and if there is any realistic chance to increase your odds of receiving an offer.  We do know that there are mailers being sent to select customers with offers of up to 75,000 Bonus Miles.  This is 2.5x as big as the welcome offer discussed above.  If you a holding out to apply for the bigger bonus offer then patience may be needed.

What We Know About The Delta 75,000 Bonus Mile Welcome Offer

The offer is is only available for selected SkyMile members.  Anyone can provide their SkyMiles Account Number on the offer website to see if they are eligible.  If you have not been selected, you will be notified that your account does not have an offer associated with it.

The offer page clearly states that the account will have been notified by email or mail if they are eligible (fine print highlighted above).  This being said, there is no reason not to check to see if you account is eligible for the offer.  Simply enter your SkyMiles Account Number and your last name to check your offer status.  Some applicants are getting lucky and finding that the offer is available to them even though they did not know they were selected.

The 75,000 Bonus Mile offer has some different spending requirements and it seems most people are reporting an offer with the following requirements:

  • 50,000 Bonus Miles Awarded after spending $2,000 in the first three months of opening a new account
  • 25,000 Bonus Miles Awarded after spending an additional $1,000 in the first six months of opening a new account
  • Completion of both bonus offer requirements results in a total of 75,000 Bonus Miles
  • Offers do expire but your letter or email will indicate what your offer deadline is

Better To Apply Now Or Wait For A Bigger Offer?

The big question that Delta fans will face is when to apply to maximize their offer.  My advice is simple, apply whenever makes the most sense with your travel plans.  If you are planning a big trip and want to fly with Delta, the 30,000 bonus miles will go a long way towards getting you to your destination.  Planning your travels around credit card offers is not the way to go.

For travelers who love Delta but do not have travel plans they were hoping to use miles for, then patience may be the way to go.  Take our advice mentioned earlier and sign up for your SkyMiles Membership.  The sign up is free and can be easily completed on line.  Once your information is with Delta, you may be one of the lucky SkyMiles Members to receive a bigger welcome offer!

Delta Gold Card – Features and Card Details

The Gold Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express is one of four Delta branded credit cards.  The other three cards are The Blue Delta Card, Platinum Delta Card, and The Delta Reserve Card.  We will explore the other cards in future posts but the Delta Gold Card is considered by most to be the “sweet spot” of the Delta Cards.  The Blue Card is a no annual fee card but does not come with the same bonuses and features the Gold Card has.  The Platinum and Reserve are more premium card than the Gold and typically used by big time Delta Customers.

Delta Gold Card account holders will enjoy the following benefits with their credit card:

  • Earn 1 Mile for each dollar spent using your card (2x Miles for Delta purchases)
  • Mile earnings are unlimited and there is no cap on rewards
  • Cardholders enjoy free priority boarding when booking with their card
  • Cardholders receive 1 free checked bag when booking travel with their card
  • Credit decisions are available in as little as 30 seconds when applying

Final Thoughts – Delta SkyMiles Credit Card Bonus Offers

Credit Card Bonus Offers provide incredible deals for consumers.  Before applying for any new credit card you should think about how it will fit in to your overall personal finance decisions.  Never open an account just for the sake of chasing a bonus offer.  Your credit history is much more important than free miles.  That being said, if you love to travel and regularly fly with Delta, The Delta Gold Card is certainly a credit card worth considering.  We recommend applying for this card when you anticipate being able to use the Bonus Miles.  For consumers who have flexibility with their timing, keeping an eye out for a bigger targeted bonus offer is the way to go.

If you receive an offer from Delta (or any other credit offer) you can easily determine how good of a deal it is.  Simply Google the credit card and compare your offer to the publicly available offer.  For the Delta Card, any bonus offer of 50,000 Miles or above has historically been considered very good.  The 75,000 Mile Bonus currently circulating means consumers can expect to keep seeing big targeted offers so be sure to keep your eyes open and report back to us if you receive any new offers from Delta!

Have your received an offer for the Delta Gold Card?  Please leave us a comment below describing your offer!

Helpful Links:

www.DeltaAmexCard.com

Delta SkyMiles

The Uber Credit Card Review – Is It Worth The Hype?

November 21, 2018 by Dan Wilke

Uber Credit Card – Up To 4% Back

The Uber Credit Card was released November of 2017 and it was met with considerable praise.  Now that time has passed and the initial new card buzz has faded – what is the verdict?  For readers who are only interested the bottom line, The Uber Credit Card is a great overall credit card.  It provides cash back that can be redeemed for Uber Credit, statement credit, and gift cards.  Additionally, this credit card also provides some great “hidden gem” features including phone insurance when you pay you bill with you Uber Credit Card (more on this below).

For anyone who has been living under a rock, Uber is the most popular peer to peer ride sharing service in world.  To no surprise, they operate in just about every major city in the United States and in locations across the world.  In fact, phrase “get an Uber” has largely replaced the archaic idea of getting a taxi.  Uber’s rise to prominence has changed the way we get around town.  Now, with the introduction of the Uber Credit Card, it is changing the way people make purchases.

Uber Credit Card – What Does This Card Provide?

When the Uber Credit Card was first announced it was met with some skepticism from some credit card enthusiasts.  Branded credit cards are sometimes considered secondary in terms of rewards and overall utility.  For instance, many consumers who get a store branded credit card are attracted by the savings in the particular store.  They then find that the card isn’t great for much else.  With that said, the Uber Credit Card defies this stereotype associated with branded credit cards.  It offers big time rewards for an impressive variety of purchase categories.

Cardholders who make the most of this credit card will find that this becomes their primary card for many of the spending needs.  Two of the most impressive categories with this credit card are the 4% back for dining and the 2% back for online purchases.  It should be noted that very few cards offer an online category for rewards.  Given how popular online shopping has become, this sets the Uber Card apart from much of the competition.

Reviewing The Reward Structure For The Uber Credit Card

The Uber Credit Card provides rewards ranging from 1% back (minimum reward for all purchases) up to 4% back.  Furthermore, cardholders are not limited to the amount of rewards they can earn with their credit card.  The top return rate of 4% is typically only found with premium credit cards such as the American Express Gold Card.  Cards with similar reward rates often come with a high annual fee but the Uber Card does not charge an annual fee.

4% Back – Dining, Restaurants, Bars, and Fast Food (Including Uber Eats)

It goes without saying that the 4% back for dining is by far the most exciting aspect of the Uber Credit Card.  Very few credit cards offer reward rates at this level.  Those few cards that do are going to mostly fall under the “premium credit card” category.  It is no secret that Uber is most popular among younger folks and the dining category is a great nod to their target audience.  Young people love to eat out.  Making the biggest reward category for dining will appeal to a huge swath of credit card users.

3% Back – Travel (Hotel and Airfare)

There is no question about it – Uber thought long and hard about how to structure their reward categories.  Coming in at number 2 in the reward structure is travel expenses which provide 3% back.  If there is one thing that young people like to do even more than eating out, it would be traveling.  Cardholders will be excited to find the top two categories will supplement their selfie and Instagram posts well.

2% Back – Online Purchases (Includes Uber and Online Subscription Services)

To complete the millennial desire trifecta, the Uber Credit Card provides 2% back on online shopping.  This includes Uber rides, online subscription services, and online purchases.  More people are shifting their shopping preferences to online spending and we can expect more credit cards to begin to offer this type of reward category.  For the time being, The Uber Card is one of the only credit cards providing such rewards.

1% Back – All Other Purchases

For any purchases that do not fall in to the above categories, cardholders will earn 1% back.  The Uber Credit Card is issued by Barclay and is powered by Visa.  The credit card is accepted anywhere Visa cards are taken as a payment method.  This means that you can use your card just about anywhere on earth and receive at least 1% back.

Additional Uber Card Features and Highlights

Phone Insurance:  This is an awesome perk that should not be overlooked.  Uber Cardholders will be provided with up to $600 in phone protection including damage and theft (terms apply to exactly what is covered).  In order to qualify for this coverage, customers must pay their mobile bill using their Uber Credit Card.  Saying that, this should be the first thing new cardholders do after activating their credit card.  Setting up your mobile plan bill payment with your Uber Credit Card could save you big time in the event of phone damage or theft.

$50 Online Subscription Service Credit:  This feature is going to be available for customers who spend $5,000 each year on their credit card.  It is very likely you will qualify for this added bonus if your Uber Card is your primary credit card.  Netflix, Hulu, HBO Go, Sirius XM and many more are all eligible streaming services qualifying for this credit.  Additionally, your credit will automatically be applied once you are eligible to receive.

$100 Sign Up Bonus:  Uber Cardholders will be treated to a sign up bonus of 10,000 points which is the equivalent of $100.  Cardholders will need to complete $500 in new purchases on their credit card.  The $500 must be spent within the first 90 days of opening you account in order to qualify for the bonus.  Your bonus points will be credited to your account after spending requirements are completed.  The sign up bonus is only available for new Uber Credit Card holders.

Get The Uber Visa Card – Responding To The Uber Card Offer

If you have received an offer for the Uber Card by mail or email you can apply for the card online.  Customers will need to enter the Personal ID Code they received with their offer.  Visiting the Get The Uber Card website will provide the following form:

GetTheUberCard
Get The Uber Card – Offer Form Requires Personal ID and Last Name

Entering your last name and Personal ID Code will allow consumers to retrieve their Get Uber Visa Card Offer.  Once submitted customers will be transferred to their full application.  Credit decisions are typically provided instantly when you submit a completed application form.

How Is Cash Back Redeemed And At What Rate?

Cash back rate of return for this card is pretty straightforward.  The only confusing thing is that your cash back is first in the form of “points”.  For instance, a $100 dining bill would yield 4% back, or, 4 points.  Each point is the equivalent of $0.01 (one cent).  For each 100 points you earn, you will be eligible for $1 in cash back rewards.  Points can be redeemed for Uber Credit, Cash Back, or Gift Card.


If The Uber Card Isn’t For You Check Out Additional Reviews To Find Your Best Card Option
  • Barclay Arrival Plus and Venture One Card
  • The New Rewards+ Card From Citi
  • Chase Slate Balance Transfer Card

Final Thoughts On The Uber Credit Card

Overall, this card is a great option for consumers looking for a nice cash back credit card.  The reward categories are among the best you will find for a credit card with no annual fee.  There is very little room for criticism of this credit card when you throw in the sign up bonus.  It goes without saying, there are other credit cards out there with bigger sign up bonuses available.  However, for a card with no annual fee, the Uber Credit Card provides great features and competitive cash back earnings.

Helpful Links: 

https://www.uber.com/c/uber-credit-card/

www.gettheubervisacard.com

Barclay Arrival Plus Vs. Capital One Venture Card

November 20, 2018 by Dan Wilke

Barclay Arrival Plus and The Capital One Venture Card (Updated)

UPDATED:  12/13/2018
***Capital One Venture Card 70K Bonus offer is no longer available.  Current public offer is 50K for new cardholders.  The following review is based on equal bonus offers.  For this reason, the Barclay Arrival Plus Card currently provides the better bonus offer.  Additional updates will be provided as public offers for these cards change.***

Credit Card enthusiasts are on high alert as some of the best sign up bonuses we have ever seen are all coming at once.  Two of the most exciting offers are the Capital One Venture Card and the Barclay Arrival Plus Card.  Everyone is talking about these two credit cards as they have both unveiled their biggest sign up bonuses to date.  Currently new cardholders who are approved for these cards are eligible for a 70,000 mile bonus (Arrival Plus) and a 75,000 mile bonus (Venture).

We will explore a full comparison of the Capital One Venture Card and Arrival Plus by MasterCard.  However, you are only interested knowing which card wins this epic showdown, let’s go ahead and end the suspense.  Both of these cards should be considered for any traveler looking to open a new credit account.  The two credit cards match each other stride for stride in terms of sign up bonus, special card features, and reward mile accumulation.  Many savvy travelers will likely be signing up for both of these credit cards.  Consumers may split their spending accordingly in order to take advantage of these huge sign up offers.

 VS 

Credit Card bonuses are awesome opportunities to earn free rewards and travel.  Before diving in to the details of these two credit cards, let’s reiterate one key aspect to being a successful credit card user – NEVER CARRY A CREDIT CARD BALANCE TO CHASE A BONUS!  Following this simple rule will ensure you do not fall victim to the allure of the credit card bonus.

When Credit Card Companies Compete, Do We Win?

There are two big things credit card fans immediately notice when reviewing these two offers.  First, both of these sign up bonuses are the biggest bonuses we have seen publicly offered for The Arrival Plus Card and The Venture Card.  Some targeted offers this large may have been available for select consumers in the past.  However, these bigger offers are currently available more regularly to all consumers.  Second, the spending requirement for each bonus is $5,000 in the first 90 days of opening your new account.  Many potential applicants are cheering at the first point.  With that said, may become hesitant after seeing the large spending requirement necessary to receive their bonus.  Fear not, we will review some great tips below on how to make sure you complete your required spending without breaking your budget!

****REMEMBER, NEVER SPEND FOR THE SAKE OF SPENDING JUST TO MEET A BONUS REQUIREMENT****

It is unlikely a coincidence that these two offers have been released at the same time.  These credit cards are competitors.  Therefore, it stands to reason that these big bonus offers are direct responses to one another.  Competition between credit card companies to win new business is what is currently driving these big sign up bonuses that are becoming more common.  This is great news for credit card seekers.

Venture Card vs Arrival Plus – Reviewing The Bonuses

As discussed above, the sign up bonuses for the Venture Card and Arrival Plus Card are very similar offers.  New cardholders are eligible to receive 70,000 Bonus Miles when they are approved and complete the sign up bonus for the Barclay Arrival Plus Card.  Customers who opt for the Capital One Venture Card will receive an equally impressive 75,000 Bonus Miles upon completing the sign up bonus.

The spending requirements are identical.  Customers must complete $5,000 in new spending on their credit card within 90 days or they will not be eligible to receive their new member bonus.  Anyone who has ever missed out on a credit card sign up bonus knows that this it is a nightmare scenario.  Here are a few tips to make sure you are able to meet the spending requirements:

  • Transfer your automatic bill payments over to your new credit card
  • Use your credit card for all day to day purchases such as food, gas, and groceries
  • Check to see if you can pay large bills like rent payments with your credit card (make sure no fee applies, first)
  • Open your credit card when you know you will be making a large pre-planned purchase (such as furniture or appliances)
  • With the holidays approaching, be sure to buy any gifts with your credit card
  • Make a plan of your monthly spending to determine if you can meet the requirement

Venture Card vs Arrival Plus – Reviewing Card Features

Both The Arrival Plus and Venture Card are top tier travel credit cards and you will find that many of their features are very similar.  For starters, both of these credit cards offer unlimited 2x Miles on all purchases.  Reward earning structure is the biggest consideration when selecting a new card.  Both of these cards excel in this respect.  Customers earn 2x miles for each dollar spent on their card and there is not an annual limit on the maximum allowed rewards.  Other similarities between the two credit cards include the following:

  • Miles do not expire as long as you maintain your account
  • Both cards charge no foreign transaction fee when using your card overseas
  • Both cards are chip enabled and provide purchase liability protection

The Venture One and The Arrival Plus card both have an annual fee ($95 and $89 respectively – annual fee waived for the first year).  While both credit cards provide many of the same features there are some subtle differences between the two credit card offers that may be the deciding factor for many people.

Both credit card interest rates (APR) are variable and will be based on consumer credit worthiness.  The Venture Card offers variable rates from 15.24% – 25.24%.  The Arrival Plus offers variable rates of 18.24%, 22.24% or 25.24% based on your creditworthiness.  While the lower end of the Venture Card is slightly better than the Arrival Plus card, your individual rate will be based on your overall credit history.  Furthermore, we encourage consumers to avoid carrying a balance so that interest is not charged to your credit card balance.

Winning Aspects For the Venture Card by Capital One

  • Cardholders are eligible to receive $100 statement credit for TSA Precheck or Global Entry
  • Venture One customers will enjoy 10x points with thousands of partner hotels (www.Hotels.com/Venture)
  • Cardholders receive an extra 5,000 bonus miles once completing the sign up bonus

The three points above are all very attractive features of the Venture Card.  Overall, the difference in the initial sign up bonus is somewhat negligible in the long run.  With that said, the TSA Precheck and Global Entry statement credit is going to be viewed as an awesome perk for any travel lover.

Winning Aspects For the Arrival Plus Card by Barclay

  • New accounts are eligible to receive 0% intro rate on balance transfers for 12 months
  • Customers will receive 5% back each time they redeem their miles for travel
  • Cardholders will incur a slightly lower annual fee at $89 (Waived first year)

These three features are great.   However, only one of these differences really sets the card apart and that is the 5% back when redeeming your miles.  Additionally, if you happen to be transferring a balance, then this is also a great deal as well.  Overall, the annual fee difference is quite negligible.

Final Thoughts – Which Card Wins – The Venture Card or The Arrival Plus Card?

As stated at the beginning of this review, there is no clear cut winner in this competition.  Consumers should take note that both Barclay and Capital One are more picky than some credit card issuers when approving applications.  If you have applied for a large number of credit cards in the past two years (anything more than 5 cards in 24 months could be a red flag for companies) your approval odds may be lowered.

Overall, do not spend too much time sweating over which card to go with as they are both excellent cards for travelers.  If you are needing a balance transfer then the 0% interest rate provided for transfers with the Arrival Plus MasterCard is the choice.  If you love to skip airport lines, then the $100 statement credit for TSA Precheck with the Venture Card is the option for you.  Either way, you are going to find yourself jet setting around the globe no matter which way your go!

One Last “Crazy” Idea – Should I Get BOTH Credit Cards?

Both of the bonus offers provide about $700 in travel rewards after you complete the sign up bonus.  This is going to leave many people thinking why not get both?  Well, the short answer is that this is a perfectly reasonable option.  If you are looking to get two new credit cards AND you love to travel, splitting your spending between these two cards is not a crazy idea.  With that said, here are a few considerations before pulling the trigger and applying for both cards:

  • Both cards require a $5,000 initial spend for a total of $10,000 if you get both credit cards
  • Two new accounts will be added to your credit history in a very short period of time
  • Payments will need to be made in full each month to avoid interest on your balance

There are many people who are going to be tempted to get both of these credit cards.  If you are in the unique position where you do not mind having two new accounts on your credit report then this isn’t an issue.  You will also need to be able to afford to pay off both balances in full.  Finally, you will also need to be able to meet both spending requirements.

Helpful Links:

www.MyArrivalCard.com

www.CapitalOne.com/credit-cards/venture

Chase Ink Preferred Referral – 20,000 Bonus Points Per Referral

November 18, 2018 by Dan Wilke

Chase Ink Preferred Referral Program

The Chase Ink Preferred is one of the most popular business credit cards for both small and large businesses.  It provides great features as well as one of the best sign up bonuses in the Credit Card industry.  Additionally, one of the lesser known aspects of this credit card is the easy to use referral program.  Customers are welcome to take advantage of for 20,000 bonus points per referral, up to 100,000 referral points each year (5 referral bonuses allowed annually)!

The Chase Ink Preferred Business Card has received high marks from consumers and critics.  Recently, a Forbes article comparing the top business credit cards ranked the Chase Ink Preferred as the “Best Overall Business Card”.  The Ink Preferred has received many similar accolades but if you have not yet utilized the referral program, you are leaving free bonus points on the table.  Chase Bank is one of the most popular credit card providers in the United States.  Many of their bonuses offers are the best in their credit card class.

How To Use Chase Ink Preferred Referrals

First, it is important to note that the referral program is only available to existing Ink Preferred customers.  If you are interested in the Ink Preferred Card you can visit the Chase homepage for the card which provides an offer overview and a link to the application.  For referrals, customers will want to visit this link to access the referral form.  This is where they can begin the process of sending a referral to another business.  When arriving at the referral website you will find the following form:

Above, you will see three fields which must be completed in order to start the referral process.  Customers will provide their last name, their billing zip code, and the last four digits on their active Ink Preferred Credit Card. The three fields are indicated above with yellow hash marks and all info must be provided to open a referral.  After you complete this information you will be able to provide an email address for the business which you are referring to the Ink Card.  This is the most important step in the referral process.  The customer you refer must use the referral link you provide them in order for you to receive your bonus.

Notifying Your Referee

After you have completed the referral process you can notify the business you have referred them.  They can check their email to find the referral link for their very own Chase Ink Preferred Credit Card.  If they accept your referral (again, using the link you provided them), you will be eligible for 20,000 Bonus Points.  Your points will be credited to your account after they are approved based on creditworthiness.  This referral program can be used a total of 5 times each year.  This brings the potential bonus value up to 100,000 points per year.

One of the main concerns some people have with referrals is that there may be better deals available for the person applying if they do not use the referral link.  Fortunately, this is not the case with the Ink Preferred Card.  New cardholders who apply with your referral link will still be eligible to receive the full sign up bonus available for the card.

Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card Features and Review

As mentioned above, there is no shortage of positive reviews for the Chase Ink Preferred Card.  It makes sense that this is a popular rewards card for businesses given the lucrative points which can be earned.  The sign up bonus for this credit card is one of the biggest credit card bonuses.  New cardholders are eligible for 80,000 bonus points when they activate a new account and meet the initial spending requirements for the bonus.  Redeeming 80,000 Bonus Points through Chase Ultimate Rewards (the Chase rewards spending portal) is worth a total of $1,000.  This is a huge credit card bonus when compared to other sign up offers.

New cardholders will be able to scoop up this bonus fairly easily.  With that said, there is a decent amount of spending required to complete the new cardholder sign up bonus.  After you account has been open and activated you will have 3 months to spend $5,000 on your new Ink Preferred Card to complete the 80,000 Bonus Point Offer.  After spending requirements have been met, your account will be credited with your new points.  Aside from the Bonus Offer and one of the best referral programs in the industry, this card also has many other strong features.

Chase Ink Preferred – Popular Features and Card Rewards:

  • Receive 1x Points For all purchases not eligible for the 3x point category
  • 25% Bonus for points if redeemed for Travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards
  • No foreign transaction fees and 1:1 point transfer ability with many partner airlines
  • Receive 3x Points for the first $150,000 spent each year on the following:
    • Travel Purchases
    • Shipping Services
    • Internet/Cable/Phone Services
    • Online Advertising (social media sites, etc)

The Chase Ink Preferred Card is one among the top choices for business credit cards.  The rewards provided with this credit card are largely unmatched by other similar cards.  One final thing to consider is that this credit card does have a $95 annual fee.  There are business credit cards available that do not have annual fees associated with them.  However, given the reward structure provided by The Ink Preferred Card, it is going to be well worth the fee for many business owners.

Helpful Links:  www.getinkpreferred.com

Refinancing Student Loans – Top Lenders and Best Offers 2019

November 1, 2018 by Dan Wilke

Is A Student Loan Refinance The Right Option For Me?

Millions of individuals throughout the United States are struggling with this question right now.  It is no wonder either – currently, Americans owe more than $1.5 trillion.  This may seem staggering but when you consider that over 45 million individuals have student loan debt it begins to put things in to perspective.  Many students are struggling to meet their student loan payments.  Estimates show that over 1 million borrowers default on their student loans each year.  In fact, up to two thirds of student loan borrowers have less than $1,000 in their bank account. It is no wonder that many borrowers find themselves at a crossroads when determining the best way to handle their student loan debt.

Is Refinancing The Best Move For You?

If you have student loan debt it is likely that you receive offers for refinancing and consolidation on a regular basis.  Banks and lenders are competing more than ever to earn consumer business.  When you consider that the average interest rate for student loans ranges from 4-8% it makes a lot of sense by big banks and lenders would love to have a piece of your consolidation.  All of us with student loan debt have already accepted the fact that we are going to be paying interest on our loans.  The next step is determining how we can pay as little as possible.  That is what we will try to address in this review.

Before we get started on reviewing several of the most highly rated and respected student loan refinancing companies there is something very important borrowers should first consider.  While big banks are often the first thing that comes to mind, students should also look to Credit Unions and Small/Regional Banks for consolidation and refinancing.  Checking with your local banks and credit unions, or the bank that you already do business with, can be a smart first step when thinking about student loan refinancing.  Not all banks or credit unions will offer student loan options.  With that said, due to the fact that they often have more lenient underwriting regulations it is possible you may find your best deal locally.  With this in mind, we will take a close look at some of the bigger student loan service providers.

Reviewing 5 of the Major Student Loan Consolidation Companies

These reviews are not ranked in any particular order and it is extremely likely that the best offer will vary depending on the customer.  Banks use a huge list of criteria to make financing decisions so the lender best for one individual may be completely different than someone else who may even have a similar credit profile.  Above all else, consumers need to shop around and get as much information personalized to their situation to make the most informed and financially wise decision.

1) SoFi – Check Your Rate

  • Minimum credit score of 650 required to refinance student loans
  • Zero origination fees and zero application fee
  • There is no pre-payment penalty for paying off loan early
  • Flexible term lengths available (5, 7, and 10 year repayment plans)
  • Rates can be checked online and do not impact credit history
  • Consolidate private student loans and federal student loans

Overall, SoFi is becoming one of the most popular student loan refinancing companies.  This is due to their ease of use, flexible options, low interest rates and attentive customer service.  A simple search will reveal they are highly rated across rating platforms.  By and large, consumers mostly have good things to say about the service they receive.

2) LendKey – Check Your Rate

  • Checking your rate takes just minutes with no credit impact
  • Variable and Fixed interest rates are available as loan options
  • No hidden fees for origination or application
  • Provides rates from hundreds of banks consumers can select from competitors
  • Option to remove co-signers if requirements are met (12 month on time payment)

LendKey is somewhat unique to this list as it provides you with rates from hundreds of banks and credit unions.  This means you will be able to review offers from many sources.  Rates are advertised as low as 2.47% for variable rate and 3.49% for fixed rate loans.  Because there are so many lenders complied with LendKey the is no reason not to your their rate with LendKey.

3) Earnest – Check Your Rate

  • Earnest provides some customers with cash signing bonuses
  • Customers can set up auto payment for a 0.25% interest rate discount
  • Options to skip payments and no payment for paying off your balance early
  • Rates are available for review online – no credit review necessary

One of the biggest reasons Earnest makes this list is because they often send out cash bonus offers if you refinance your loans.  The amount of your bonus varies based on how much you refinance.  Some customers are eligible for up to $500 sign up bonus.  When reviewing your loans, if all other aspects of your offers are equal, this makes Earnest a no brainer.  However, do not fall for the bonus if you are not getting a great rate as well.

4) Citizens Bank – Check Your Rate

  • Personalized rate quotes available online in less than 2 minutes
  • Federal student loans and private student loans can be combined in to one consolidation
  • Live chat assistance avaialble to assist in the application process
  • No prepayment, origination fee, or application fee for student loan refinancing
  • Up to 0.5% discount in interest rate available for some customers

One of the best aspects of a Citizens Bank refinance is that you can get a substantial 0.5% interest rate discount.  This discount is available when you set up automatic payments and maintain an account with Citizens Bank.  Borrowers who already have a Citizens Bank Account should absolutely check their rates with Citizens.  The discount they provide could be the difference between hundreds of dollars when compared to other competitors.

5) CommonBond – Check Your Rate

  • Rates start as low as 2.69% for refinancing student loans
  • Flexible term lengths from 5, 7, 10, 15, and 20 year terms
  • Fixed, variable and hybrid interest rates are available for loan options
  • Loan forbearance options are available for up to 24 months in some circumstances
  • Find your rate in seconds at no impact to your credit history

CommonBond is another very popular option in part because customers have the option to refinance Parent Plus loans in the name of the student borrower (removing the parent from the loan).  If you do use a co-signer, there is the option for them to be removed after 36 months of on time payments.  With flexible terms and options CommonBond is definitely worth a look.

Final Wrap Up For Consolidation and Refinancing

The key takeaway is that there are many companies and banks out there that will gladly refinance your loans if you meet their credit requirements.  This is great news because it gives consumers the power to search for the best interest rate and repayment terms.  Borrowers should also not shy away from any sort of bonus offers.  Sign up bonuses are not simply gimmicks but are a product of a very competitive lending environment.  Because almost all lenders allow you to view rates at no impact to your score and this process only takes minutes, it is sensible to check your rates with as many companies as possible before settling on a lender.

Hilton Honors 13x Bonus Points With Amazon (Up to $500)

October 31, 2018 by Dan Wilke

Hilton Honors 10x Bonus Point Offer

American Express Hilton Credit Cards are providing a nice bonus which appears to be targeted to certain individuals.  Customers can earn 10x points on their purchases with Amazon.  This is in addition to the available 3x points which you already receive on purchases using your card.  This brings to the total to 13x points.  The offer allows for up to $500 in purchases to be eligible for the bonus.  Cardholders will earn 5,000 in bonus points plus the standard 1,500 you already receive for purchases.

As you can see above, Amazon.com purchases will provide 13x points during this offer.  The offer runs through 1/29/2019 and your purchases must be completed during this time frame.  What is especially nice is the timing of this offer.  You can make your Christmas shopping worth quite a bit in rewards if you are shopping on Amazon.  As many consumers are doing their holiday shopping online, this offer comes just in time.

Registering For The Hilton Honors 13x Amazon Bonus Points

To be eligible, you will need to enroll your account before you can redeem at this rate.  Enrollment can be completed here.  Signing up is simple.  Customers can follow the link you received by email and logging in to your account will allow you to accept the offer.  Once you have completed enrollment you will then need to add your Hilton Card to your Amazon Wallet before you begin shopping.  After adding your card to your account, you will be eligible to receive the bonus points for your Hilton Honors Account.

Pretty much all of the purchases made on your card with Amazon will apply to your offer up to $500.  Keep in mind, you will have to have enrolled and set up your card as your primary Amazon Wallet payment source.  Digital purchases are eligible, Prime Subscription Services, and non-Amazon vendors (purchased through Amazon) are all eligible for for the promotion.  Exclusions would be things like interest charges, non-US Amazon site purchases, and gift cards.  Full offer details can be found on the offer web page.

Frontier Airlines World MasterCard – Benefits and Review

October 28, 2018 by Dan Wilke

Frontier Airlines World MasterCard – Barclaycards Co-Branded Credit Card

Most airlines offer a co-branded credit card which allows you to earn points or miles.  These points and miles can then be redeemed for flight purchases with the particular airline.  Frontier Airlines is famously known as being a budget airline.  They provide some of the cheapest flight options to some seriously awesome destinations.  A full flight map can be found here.  Some of their most popular destinations include Denver, Las Vegas, Cancun, San Diego, Austin, Miami, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, and New York.  Given the fact that their airfares tend to be much more competitively priced than competitors, it is no wonder that Frontier has become a major player in the air!  They are also a major player in the travel rewards credit card space.  The Frontier MaserCard is available to consumers to earn rewards with Frontier Airlines.

The Frontier Airlines MasterCard – “The Sky Is For Everyone”

One of the first things that should be addressed when reviewing the benefits of a Frontier MasterCard is to point out that while the airline is widely known as being a budget flight provider, the credit card packs a major punch in terms of what it provides to customers.  Travel credit cards (particularly airline cards) are commonly considered to fall under the “premium” credit card category.   This is primarily due to the fact that they generally have an annual fee.  In this regard, Frontier would meet that description as it does have a $79 annual fee.  While this is lower than some competing airline cards, it still places this card in a similar class.

One of the sneaky benefits of this credit card is that the annual fee can essentially be paid for by itself if this card is regularly used.  The Frontier Card provides members with a $100 flight voucher each year.  The voucher is awarded on their credit card anniversary when they complete a total annual spending on their card totaling at least $2,500.  This amount could easily be reached by many card members.  One easy strategy is to add a few automatic bill payments to your card.  The $100 voucher credit would more than compensate for the annual fee associated with this card.

Frontier MasterCard Welcome Bonus

Another highly underrated aspect of the Frontier Airlines Credit Card is that the welcome bonus is extremely attainable.  Total bonus offers vary but are often up to 40,000 points.  Many competing travel cards have spending requirements of thousands of dollars which must be completed in a very short period of time after opening your new account.  If you do not complete the spending total, then you are no longer eligible for the bonus offer.  This is a new credit card owners worst nightmare.  The Frontier Card requires only $500 spending in the first three months of opening your new account.  If completed, you will be eligible for the up to 40,000 bonus miles.  While the welcome offer may change, this offer is currently publicly available to all new applicants.

The $100 travel voucher is provided annually to card members who spend $2,500 on their account. The 40,000 miles welcome bonus is a one time deal.  These are both hallmark features of this credit card that make it a real contender in the travel card space.  In addition to these great aspects, customers will also enjoy:

  • 5x miles with Frontier purchases
  • 3x miles on all US restaurant purchases
  • 1x miles on all other credit card charges
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • No Mileage expiration dates
  • 0% balance transfer eligibility for some customers

Applying For A Frontier Air MasterCard

Applying for a Frontier Credit Card can be completed online (www.FrontierMasterCard.com) by following the Apply Now link.  This will bring  you to the main application.  If you have received a pre-approved offer letter you can also follow the specific application link that was provided with your letter.  You will need to enter your Personal ID Code to access your individual application.  Following the link will bring you to the public offer available for all applicants.  No application code is needed to apply.

During the application process you will be asked to provide the standard information that is requested during a credit check for a new line of credit.  This would include basic information such as your name and contact information and your financial information (income, employer).  You will also need to provide your social security number to verify your credit.  Once your application is submitted most decisions will be provided instantly.

What Can Customers Expect From Frontier In The Future?

If you regularly fly Frontier this credit card could be a great option for you.  Customers earn additional miles to spend towards your dream vacation (or even boring business trips).  With this in mind, it is important to think about Frontier’s future when you are committing to their credit card.  After all, a credit card decision impacts your score so you better feel comfortable with the future of the company.

Frontier Airlines is rapidly expanding.  If Frontier flies from your city you have probably noticed that they are available for more and more flights.  In fact, the stated goal from Frontier is to expand their trips three fold by 2027.  They are constantly announcing new routes.  It is likely that flyers will continue to see more and more options available with Frontier.

Final Thoughts:  Like most airline cards, the Frontier Card does have an annual fee.  With this said, the welcome bonus and the $100 voucher credit make this card worth the cost for many travelers.  If you are a regular Frontier Customer, there are not many reasons to avoid this credit card. For consumers who are able to commit to meeting the $2,500 spending requirement to obtain $100 voucher each year, it is practically a no brainer.

Helpful Links:  www.FrontierMasterCard.com

Bank of America Air France KLM World Elite MasterCard

October 16, 2018 by Dan Wilke

The Brand New Bank of America Air France KLM Credit Card

Bank of America is unveiling their newest credit card which is a premium travel credit card featuring Air France and KLM.  The credit card is now open for applications and also comes with a bonus offer for new cardholders.  Customers will provide their Flying Blue Member Number when they apply and their accounts will be linked so that the points you earned will be available in your rewards account.  Completing the application only takes minutes and your credit decision will be available within 60 seconds of submission.

Features of The Air France KLM World Elite MasterCard

  • Earn 3 Miles (Flying Blue) for each dollar spent with KLM and Air France
  • Earn 1.5 Miles for all other purchases made with your credit card
  • Customers earn 5,000 each anniversary when they spend $50 on their credit card
  • Mile Redemption can be made with SkyTeam eligible flights as well
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees Are Applied when using your card abroad
  • Credit Card has a $89 annual fee

This credit card bonus is currently set at 25,000 for new applicants however if you are on the fence about whether or not you want to apply for this card it would be wise to regularly check back as Bank of America is well known for upping their credit card bonus offers.

Overall, this credit card provides some very nice features including a yearly annual bonus of 5,000 miles which will really help offset your annual fee associated with the credit card.  It is not the biggest travel bonus out their by any means but if you fly a lot with Air France or KLM then this may be a great travel credit card for you.

American Express $100 Airline Fee Credit – Selecting Your Airline

October 5, 2018 by Dan Wilke

AMEX Gold Card $100 Airline Fee Credit – Select Your Airline For Reimbursement

The new AMEX Gold Card provides customers with a $100 credit for incidental fees with a selected airline.  This would provide reimbursement for costs such a baggage fees, in flight WiFi purchases, priority boarding costs, and other incidental fees incurred while traveling with your selected airline.  Customers will select one airline and then throughout the year they will be eligible to receive a $100 statement credit.  When you consider that the annual fee for this card is $250, this statement credit automatically knocks $100 off your fee making this a deal that should not be overlooked.

 (Limited Rose Gold AMEX Card)

Selecting your airline can easily be completed online or by phone.  To complete online you will only need to log in your AMEX online account, select your airline and confirm your pick.

Either of the above options will allow customers to select their airline and this offer is available to American Express Gold Card customers and other AMEX Cards which provide airline reimbursement as part of their card features.  The Gold Card is the revamped version of their Premier Rewards Card which just debuted this year.  Customers are required to select an airline in order to access the $100 credit available to cardholders.

When making your selection it is important to consider which airline you will be most likely to spend $100 in incidental fees with.  As this is a travel focused credit card, many customers will have to consider this carefully as they are likely traveling with a variety of different airlines – only fees charged to your card with your selected airline will be eligible for reimbursement.  And more good news, you do not have to do any additional legwork after the selection has been completed!

AMEX Gold Card Airline Selection Help Links:

www.americanexpress.com/airlinecreditchoice

 www.americanexpress.com/selectafc

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