Credit Card Recommendations

Ah, OK. Got it.

I have a USAA debit card and credit card. My credit card is associated with the CGA Alumni Association, and somehow benefits them (I forget how). I have it set at a reasonably low max. This is good because it keeps me from relaying on a credit card. This is bad because if there's every a credit check and I'm somewhere between 25-50% of my limit, it can hurt me. So, if my limit is $2,000 (it's not), and I have $1,000 on it, and my credit is checked, it COULD hurt my credit…. while someone with a $10,000 limit and $1,000 on it isn't at risk.

I also have a govt. travel card. The problem with govt. travel cards is its hard to have that count toward your credit.
 
A credit card is a good idea, USAA is a great choice for a new LT. It is a lot safer using a credit card rather then a debit card. We as well as both sons use the CC for everything and only use the debit card for cash. It is a lot easier for someone to hack the debit card, when they do the funds are taken straight out of the bank account, with a credit card there is time to protest the charges before you lose any money.

Some cards will offer quite a few mileage points to a new member if they charge a certain amount in the first three months.

Both sons, as well as ourselves, always pay the balance each month so there is never any interest charges, as long as he never carries a balance to the next month and pays the bill off on time he will never be charged any interest, this can save a lot over the course of a year.
 
Don't forget this one.

kp2001 said:
Tell him to get a card he will use as mentioned above, but also go get an AmEx platinum card. Normally carries a $450 annual fee, but they waive it for active duty.

Free airline club use, free $150 (maybe 250 can't remember) annual credit to use on any airline you pick, reimbursement for Global Entry fee if he applies for that, and several other perks. He doesn't actually have to use the thing, just have it for the perks
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My 2Lt. DS got one and plans to take advantage of the perks next month as he sets off for his overseas deployment. Like Jcleppe and Co. his everyday CC is the USAA card.
 
Always identify as a service academy midshipman or cadet to USAA. Ditto ROTC, and whether contracted. Special products for pre-Comm.

Google "USAA service academy cadets and midshipmen." I tried copying the exact link on iPhone but did not have success.
 
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EDelahanty said:
Lt. Delahanty was told he must either have a credit card in his name or he will be issued a govt. one.

What is this for? Any recommendations? I'm inclined to advise him to get one through USAA since we're already doing insurance with them. Probably not their American Express card since so many merchants don't accept it.
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The only card worth having is an Amex Platinum. There's a $450 annual fee, but it is waived for military personnel. The perks are exceptional and the best part is that it's a charge card, so you have to pay the balance off monthly. You can quickly drive your credit score to the upper 700s by making all routine purchases on it and paying it off.

Keep a debit card for emergencies and cash withdrawals.

P.S. USAA service is garbage now, and their CC rates stink. Once they decided that everyone whose granpappy said he waded ashore at Normandy deserved to be a member, they became just another bank.
 
I concur with Scout. Rather than Amex Platinum, I went with their Premier Rewards Gold Card since you get bonus points for gas, restaurant, grocery, and airfare purchases. But having the fees waived is awesome. Also a charge card so the balance must be paid in full each month. I am considering the gold card to platinum for the additional perks and then adding another credit card with bonus categories for most of my spending.
 
The platinum is great if you travel a lot due to lounge access, especially since platinum gets you a free Priority Pass card as well, good for at least one lounge at almost any airport in the civilized world.
 
FYI: Just got off the phone with a USAA rep. For those interested in travelling abroad, USAA's Cash Rewards Am Ex card has no foreign transaction fees.
 
Just got off the phone with DS (now 1Lt), returning from overseas. He called from one of the airport lounges he's been able to use gratis as an AMEX super delux cardholder. As Scout and Buffalo mentioned the exorbitant fee is waved for active duty military.
 
The AMEX lounges are the best. We did the platinum because they waive the fee when you are AD, not only for the airport lounges, but also because they offer the concierge service for travel which includes everything from room upgrades to late check out. We used that service when we went to the Olympics. They booked the entire trip for us, and because we were Platinum every hotel we stayed at had trays of cookies, or cheese when we entered the room. Every hotel upgraded us to the next level.
~ Traveled with 3 teenagers. Booked 2 adjoining rooms for each hotel. Out of 3 hotels, 2 upgraded us to 2 bedroom suites with sitting rooms and balconies.
~ We also used their concierge service for a private tour guide/driver. We entered all of the sites through a private access. It did cost us a few more dollars, however, it was truly one on one, instead of us with 40 other people in the tour group. Our children are all adults now, and when they look back to that vacation they are in awe of how unique it was. It could have really only happened because we got the platinum.

OBTW, we used the AMEX for everything. I would pay our grocery bill at the commissary using AMEX. Gas...AMEX. Verizon bill...AMEX. Movie tickets...AMEX. In the end, not only did we also flew a family of 5 1st class to Europe, but a yr later Bullet's parents celebrated their 50th anniversary, we purchased for them a 50 in flat screen tv at no cost using our points.

You'd be amazed how quickly you rack the points up. Now for the downside. AMEX is pay it off in full. If you go this route than my suggestion is to do what Bullet and I have done. Take your Visa/MC and place it in a safe. DO NOT USE those cards unless you have some amazing emergency.
~ IMHO too many people get in debt because they use the AMEX and a revolving account like Visa. It is easy to say I have the $$$ to pay the AMEX bill this month, but want that new flat screen and can only afford it if you pay it on Visa.
 
I concur with the Amex Platinum. Awesome benefits for the military if you pay it off every month.
 
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