Capital One is one of the largest credit card issuers in the US, so it stands to reason that they offer a little something for everyone. Whether you’re a world traveler looking for the most rewards, a first-timer looking for a card to build credit, or someone who is struggling to overcome a bad credit score, you will probably find something worthwhile in Capital One’s arsenal.
Below are a few of our top selections, broken down by lifestyle. Don’t see anything here that describes you? Leave a comment telling us what you’re looking for, or head over to our credit card finder to figure out what’s right for you.
The globe trotter
If you’re always on the road, for business or for pleasure, you want a card that’s going to reward you for all that money you’re spending on travel. Capital One offers that in the Venture Rewards credit card. This card pays 2 “miles” for every dollar spent on eligible purchases, and these miles can be redeemed for a penny each against travel expenses on your credit card statement. This means you effectively have a card paying 2% cash back, but you can only use that cash for hotels, airfare, and rental cars. This also means no blackout dates or restrictions, and you can fly any airline and stay in any hotel. The card also carries no foreign currency conversion fee, a feature that is standard on CapOne cards, which could save you a ton of money abroad.
The homebody
If you spend more on gas and groceries than on travel, then the No Hassle Cash Rewards may be a better fit. This card pays 2% cash back on gas and groceries, and 1% elsewhere. The rewards take the form of actual cash rather than miles or points, and you can claim them whenever you want. And for what it’s worth, the card also offers a 0% APR on purchases until September 2011.
The “revolver”
This category is for those who have credit card debt on their books and tend to carry a balance month-over-month. For this group, a rewards card is not the best bet, since a low interest credit card would end up saving you more money in the long run. For those with excellent credit, CapOne offers the Platinum Prestige, which has a great introductory rate on purchases and balance transfers and a reasonable ongoing rate as well. All with no annual fee.
For those with average credit, the Prestige may not be appropriate, but the Classic Platinum also offers 0% on all purchases until September 2011. Though this rate comes at the expense of a $39 annual fee.
The Academians
For students who keep on top of paying their bills on time, the Journey Student Rewards card offers a step up from your typical 1% rewards card – you get a 25% bonus reward each month for paying on time.
The credit rebuilder
If you don’t qualify for most credit cards because of a bad credit score or blemished credit history, then a secured card is best for you, and CapOne offers a good one. Unlike other secured credit cards that nickel and dime you at every turn, the Capital One Secured MasterCard only charges a $29 annual fee and a competitive interest rate among cards of its type.