
Author:
NERDBOT
Should you get the LSU Tigers™ Platinum MasterCard® from Capital One®? We'll give you our take on the perks and drawbacks of this card and tell you how it stacks up against the Capital One® Venture℠ Rewards Credit Card. For a dynamic comparison of all our cards, check out our credit card tool.
NerdWallet Review: The LSU Tigers™ Platinum MasterCard® from Capital One®
No annual fee: The LSU Tigers™ Platinum MasterCard® from Capital One® has no annual fee. This means it's ideal for those who don't put much on their cards, and want to keep the card open for a long time. If you keep your credit cards open, you'll boost your average account age and thus your credit score.
No balance transfer fee: This card does not have a balance transfer fee, which is the one-time charge put on the amount you transfer from another credit card. This is the type of fee people often forget about, so many banks jack it up to 5% and get away with it. The BT fee is one of those "shrouded" fees to keep your eye on.
No foreign transaction fee: The card's foreign transaction fee is waived. This fee is usually 3% of all your overseas purchases, and can be quite a burden. Spend just $1,000 abroad, and you're out $30. International travelers should consider a waived foreign transaction fee a prerequisite for their card.
Promotional APR period: The card has an introductory APR period. This gives you the chance to make a big purchase and pay it off interest-free for a while.
Credit Card Showdown: LSU Tigers™ Platinum MasterCard® from Capital One® vs. Capital One® Venture℠ Rewards Credit Card
Smaller signup bonus: Since the card's signup bonus is smaller, you're leaving a bit of money on the table. Of course, that isn't the only thing that matters about a card, but still, good to know.
Same late payment fee: The LSU Tigers™ Platinum MasterCard® from Capital One® has the same late fee as the Capital One® Venture℠ Rewards Credit Card. In theory, you should avoid incurring late payment fees altogether. In addition to the late fee, you might get stuck with a big penalty APR that lasts six months or more.
Longer intro APR period: In addition to giving rewards, the LSU Tigers™ Platinum MasterCard® from Capital One® offers a 0% introductory APR period. While you're paying off a purchase interest-free, you can also rack up rewards.
Lower base rewards rate: The card has a lower base rewards rate than the Capital One® Venture℠ Rewards Credit Card. A decent base rewards rate is important if you're planning on using the card as your go-to. That said, base rewards aren't everything: many cards give high bonus rates but have mediocre base rates.
Read the full review of the Capital One® Venture℠ Rewards Credit Card on our blog