[UPDATE: Some offers mentioned below have expired and/or are no longer available on our site. You can view the current offers from our partners in our credit card marketplace. DISCLOSURE: Cards from our partners are mentioned below.]
Your wedding is the event that launches you and your partner into your future as a married couple. It’s also an excuse to throw a great party and bring together friends and loved ones to celebrate your relationship.
Of course, paying for a wedding is not an easy thing. Whether you’re throwing a backyard barbecue or an elegant affair, expenses can pile up fast, and racking up debt isn’t the greatest beginning for a long-term commitment.
Fortunately, there are some credit cards that can help you curb costs as you plan your wedding. Here are four of our favorites.
The Draw: Earn 2% cash back:1% cash back on purchases and an additional 1% back upon payments (Full Disclosure: Citibank advertises on Credit.com, but that results in no preferential editorial treatment.)
Signup Bonus: None
Annual Fee: None
Annual Percentage Rate (APR): 0% introductory APR for 18 months and then 15.24% – 25.24% (Variable) ongoing.
Why We Picked It: This card provides extra motivation for paying off your balance fast.
Benefits: All purchases earn 1% cash back and an extra 1% upon payment for a total of 2% cash back.
Drawbacks: You won’t earn your full cash back until you’ve paid off your purchases.
Card Details +
The Draw: 1.5% cash back on all purchases
Signup Bonus: $150 cash back when you spend $500 in the first three months
Annual Fee: None
APR: 0% introductory APR for 15 months, then
Why We Picked It: This is a well-rounded cash back card with a decent rate of return, a signup bonus and a long introductory APR period.
Benefits: All purchases earn a flat 1.5% cash back. There’s a $150 signup bonus, and purchases and balance transfers are interest-free for the first 15 months.
Drawbacks: There are higher cash back rates available if you’re willing to meet slightly more restrictive requirements.
Card Details +
The Draw: 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in purchases per year (then 1%), 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and 1% cash back on everything else.
Welcome Offer: $200 statement credit after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 3 months.
Annual Fee: $95.
APR: , then
Why We Picked It: Through a gift-card hack, you could earn 6% cash back on many of your DIY wedding crafts.
Benefits: If your wedding is a DIY affair, you could earn 6% cash back at retailers by purchasing gift cards and using them elsewhere. There’s also a nice $200 welcome offer if you spend $1,000 in purchases within the first three months of opening your account and a year of interest-free APR.
Drawbacks: Due to fraud concerns, some grocery stores won’t let customers use plastic to buy gift cards, so check your supermarket’s policy before you apply.
The best card to finance your wedding will depend on your goals. If you’re looking to save money, a cash back card may be the best fit. If you want to transfer a balance or take some time to pay down your debt, a card with an introductory APR period and minimal fees may be best.
We recommend analyzing your wedding budget to determine what types of purchases you’re likely to make, and then picking a card that will best reward that type of spending. Also keep in mind, signup bonuses are a great incentive if you can realistically meet the spending requirements. Just make sure they won’t require you to stretch your budget.
Most cards with cash back rewards or introductory APR offers require good-to-excellent credit. If that describes you, acquiring a new card should not be a problem. Not sure of your standing? You’ll want to check your credit score before you apply. You can view two of your scores for free on Credit.com.
At publishing time, the Chase Slate, Chase Freedom Unlimited, Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express and Citi Double Cash 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, these relationships do 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.
Image: aldomurillo
