The Chase Credit Card

Options with the Chase Credit Card

Chase has multiple types of credit cards in the following categories:

• General Purpose. These cards can be used for multiple purposes and often include incentives. One example is the Flexible Rewards card, by which cardholders choose how to redeem the reward, whether for travel, cash, merchandise or gift cards. Platinum MasterCard and Visa are also available, among others.

• Rebate. Rebates can be redeemed at places like Yahoo, Starbucks, ShareBuilder, Disney, Overstock.com, Amazon and through the AARP organization, depending on the card chosen. Earn points towards merchandise from the specified merchants. Users may also get a percentage back on purchases to use at the places offered. The AARP card gives one percent back on each dollar for cash or gift certificates, but people need to be AARP members to apply.

• Entertainment. These cards offer rewards to be used towards different entertainment venues and events, which vary with the card chosen. Cards offered include a MGM Mirage card with rewards; a Marriott Rewards hotel card; the Live Broadway card for points towards tickets memorabilia and trips; Sony and Universal connections good for DVDs, music, movie tickets and more; and a Six Flags card for use towards admission, food, and merchandise.

• Travel. Some travel options include an AAA membership for California, Nevada and Utah; a British Airways, Continental Airlines or United Mileage Plus Card card for miles; and Kampgrounds of America rewards.

• Auto and Gas. Auto and gas cards can be used towards new vehicles or parts, or towards discounted merchandise or products. Some card types include Audi, Classic Industries, Honda, Marathon Platinum and the Speedway SuperAmerica Platinum gas card.

• Retail. Retail cards frequently offer special discounted offers at certain retailers, or points towards merchandise. Cards can be chosen for Ann Taylor, Avon, Borders and Waldenbooks, Orvis, Toys “R” Us and Vermont Teddy Bear, among others.

• Student. There are several cards in this category with low annual percentage rates and cash back to help build credit history. Additionally, Chase has cards which automatically benefit college and university programs across the country.

• College and University Alumni. More than 40 colleges and universities are affliated with this Chase option. These cards, designed to help alumni donate to their alma mater, often give a percentage of money charged on the card back to schools, and some even offer a rewards card for cash back towards purchases, travel or gift certificates. A few of the participating higher institutions include Yale, Western Illinois, University of South Carolina, University of Notre Dame, University of Minnesota, University of Florida and Temple University.

• Organizational. Chase offers cards to benefit several different organizations, depending on the consumer’s choice. Examples of beneficiaries include Box Tops for Education, ASPCA, National Aeronautic Association, National Parks Conservation Association, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization. Groups receive a varying percentage of purchases in donations and cardholders often reap other benefits to their goodwill, like discounts for membership fees or rewards gift certificates. Check with each individual card for details.

• Military. This card supports a selected military group. The three military organizations available are the Air Force, the U.S. Naval Institute and the U.S. Naval Academy.

• Sports. Sporting groups with cards through Chase include the U.S. Soccer Federation, the San Diego Padres, the American Skiing Compan and the American Boating Association. Cardholders also get discounts or special merchandise offers as they demonstrate pride in teams or associations.

Because so many cards are offered within each category, be sure to review the rewards and options carefully in order to choose the correct Chase credit card. Chase also offers business cards that company owners may find helpful.

Chase Features

Chase offers several features for credit card holders.

The website has a lot of user-friendly options. A “Help Me Choose” card section answers questions for potential consumers and ranks the features they want, then Chase generates several card options to fit the specific needs. Cards can also be compared on the website. Account access is available, along with online bill payment.

Chase credit card users can sign up for free alerts via e-mail, phone, pager or PDA for things like available credit balance, payment due or check to see if a single transaction exceeds a certain amount. Additionally, automatic bill payments can be arranged for things like insurance, television bills and gym memberships. Most cards also have the option of getting a PIN for cash machines.

Preferred Services

The Chase credit card holder can add preferred services to an account. Ten different services are offered, some through Chase and others through a separate company called Trilegiant Corporation. These services are in addition to the options offered by the different Chase cards and may incur a separate cost.

One of the preferred services is the Chase Payment Protector, which defers payments when life-altering events occur. Some of the qualifying events include losing a job, becoming disabled, incurring hospital charges or having a baby.

Another preferred service is ChaseSecure. It involves registering a Chase Visa credit or debit card so that purchases can be made online with added protection. This feature is free.

To learn more about preferred services and all the options reviewed in this article, visit the Chase credit card website.

Remember that with any credit card, the APR can vary based on the borrowers credit history, credit score and type of card chosen. Additionally, balance transfers and cash advances usually have a higher interest rate, sometimes accrued daily, that is different from the card's advertised APR.