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People are frequently drawn to a credit card because of the signup bonus or the ability to earn rewards for their purchases. But to get you to become a lifelong customer, it’s all about great service.
When you have an issue, you want to be able to get on the phone, and talk to a real person to come up with a solution. It doesn’t matter if you’re curious about how a benefit on your card works, or you’re stuck on the side of the road with a flat tire. Of course, when it comes to customer services, some cards are ahead of the rest.
Just be sure to read the full card agreements when trying to find a credit card that’s right for you. Plus, you’ll want to check your credit to get an idea if you can qualify. (You can do so by viewing two of your free credit scores, updated every 14 days, on Credit.com.)
Having said that, here are three credit cards that are decidedly cardholder-friendly.
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1. Discover It Cash Back
According to a 2016 J.D. Power credit card customer satisfaction survey, Discover ranked the highest for credit card customer satisfaction for the third year in a row. The criteria is made up of six different factors and three of them that stand out are; benefits and services, interaction, and problem resolution. Discover has taken great strides to demonstrating customer service is a priority: Each of its customer service representatives is located within the U.S. and when you have a problem, you are able to talk to a real person, not a machine.
The Discover it card (see full review here) also has quite a few customer-friendly perks. As a cardholder, you will not be charged a late fee when you are late paying your bill the first time. Plus, if you are late, you will not be assessed a penalty annual percentage rate (APR).
In addition to these benefits, you will be able to earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in purchases in different categories each quarter. Other purchase will receive 1% back. As a little extra perk, Discover it is currently matching all the cash back you earn during the first 12 billing cycles at the end of that year. As a new cardholder, you receive an introductory 0% APR for 14 months on both purchases and balance transfers. The card carries no annual fee.
2. Blue Cash Preferred Card From American Express
For quite some time, American Express has been known to have stellar customer service — which is evident with their Blue Cash Preferred Card. One of the benefits that Blue Cash Preferred cardholders receive is the Global Assist hotline in case of an emergency: Did you get sick while traveling? Did you lose your passport? Cardholders can call American Express and it will help you find a doctor or obtain a passport.
With the Blue Cash Preferred Card, you’ll earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. You will also receive 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%). 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more). 1% back on everything else. Click here for rates and fees
3. Chase Sapphire Reserve
Most elite credit cards come with a fairly high annual fee and, at $550, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card is no different. But the fee could be worth it, depending on how much you travel or spend. Cardholders receive plenty of benefits and also have a dedicated 24/7 service team to help them when they need it most.
An added benefit is that you won’t be forced to wait in a queue before you can speak with someone. Plus, because this card is a Visa Infinite, you will also have your own concierge to help you with things like event tickets, dinner reservations, and anything else to make a special occasion even better.
When you sign up for the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, you will receive 100,000 Chase Ultimate Reward points after spending $4,000 in the first three months. You will then receive 3x points on travel and restaurant purchases and 1x points on everything else. To help offset the annual fee, you will receive a $300 travel credit each calendar year. You will also receive up to a $100 statement credit to cover Global Entry or TSA Pre-Check and complimentary access to over 900 airport lounges.
At publishing time, the Discover it and American Express Blue Cash Preferred credit cards are offered through Credit.com product pages, and Credit.com is compensated if our users apply and ultimately sign up for these cards. However, this relationship does not result in any preferential editorial treatment. This content is not provided by the card issuer(s). Any opinions expressed are those of Credit.com alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the issuer(s).
Note: It’s important to remember that interest rates, fees and terms for credit cards, loans and other financial products frequently change. As a result, rates, fees and terms for credit cards, loans and other financial products cited in these articles may have changed since the date of publication. Please be sure to verify current rates, fees and terms with credit card issuers, banks or other financial institutions directly.
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