The MERRILL+® Card, issued by Bank of America, is designed for those with very good credit who plan to take advantage of the reward program offered through Merrill Lynch.

Through the reward program, cardholders earn one point for every dollar spent on all purchases and double points when purchasing a Merrill Cruise. There is no limit to the number of points that may be earned, and points expire in five years. Points are redeemable for air travel, car rentals, hotel stays, merchandise, gift certificates, special experiences, and more.

In addition to the reward program, the card also provides many cardholder benefits such as up to $1,000,000 in travel accident insurance, auto rental insurance, extended warranties for purchases, and various travel and emergency assistance services. A unique feature of this card is that cardholders will receive additional benefits and services when they reach certain levels with their annual spending on purchases.

The card has no annual fee and offers the same very low fixed interest rate for both purchases and cash advances. There is also a low introductory rate for balance transfers and cash advance checks for twelve months.

Therefore, those who may occasionally carry a balance (due to the very low interest rate) and plan to take advantage of the reward program will benefit most from what the MERRILL+® Card has to offer.

Card Last Review 2008-02-08

The IberiaBank Visa® Platinum Rewards Card, issued by IberiaBank, is ideal for those with very good credit who plan to take advantage of the rewards program offered.

Through the rewards program, cardholders earn one point per dollar spent on all purchases. Points are redeemable for merchandise, travel and gift certificates to participating restaurants and merchants. There is no annual fee for the ScoreCard® Bonus Points Program.

There is no annual fee and the interest rate for purchases is very low for a reward card (for those who qualify). In addition, the card offers a 0% introductory rate on balance transfers submitted during the first three months for the first six months of membership.

Aside from the rewards program, cardholders can expect common benefits, such as up to $1,000,000 in travel accident insurance, lost and stolen card reporting, and various online account services.

Therefore, those who qualify for the lowest rate offered, do not want to pay an annual fee, and plan to take advantage of the rewards program will benefit most from what the IberiaBank Visa® Platinum Rewards Card has to offer.

Card Last Review 2008-02-12

The Miles by Discover® Card, issued by Discover, is designed for those with very good credit who plan to take advantage of the travel reward program.

Through the reward program, cardholders earn double miles on up to $3,000 in travel and restaurant purchases and one mile for every dollar spent on general purchases. Earned miles can be redeemed for airfare or reduced airfare on most major U.S.-based airlines with no blackout dates. Miles can also be redeemed for gift cards from 50 brand-name partners or cash. Cardholders earn 1,000 bonus miles in every month that they make a purchase during the first year of cardmembership for up to 12,000 bonus miles. There is a maximum of 60,000 miles that may be accumulated per year, but miles will not expire as long as the account is active within a 36-month period.

In addition, the card offers platinum benefits that include auto rental insurance, up to $500,000 in travel accident insurance, and various Internet account related services.

This card has a 0% introductory rate on purchases and balance transfers for six months with no annual fee. The APR for this card is reasonably low, although it is important to note that only higher qualifying applicants will receive the lowest rate available.

Finance charges applied use the "Two Cycles Average Daily Balance" method, which is a more costly method in applying finance charges for those who occasionally carry a balance as compared to the "Average Daily Balance" method used by most card issuers.

Therefore, those who plan to take advantage of the introductory rate and the reward program will benefit most from what the Miles by Discover® Card has to offer.

Card Last Review 2008-03-05

The Blue Sky from American Express is designed for those with very good credit and who plan to take advantage of the reward program.

Through the reward program, cardholders receive one point for every dollar spent on all purchases. An unlimited amount of miles can be earned, and miles do not expire as long as the card is active and within good standing. Points can be redeemed for discounts on any flight, hotel, rental car, or cruise, without blackout dates or travel restrictions. Points can only be redeemed toward one purchase at a time in 7,500 increments, which is equal to a credit of up to $100.

In addition to the benefits of the rewards program, the Blue Sky from American Express® offers auto rental insurance, an online year-end financial statement, and a unique service referred to as "Return Protection" (cardholders are credited up to $300 for purchases that are non-refundable within 90 days).

The card has a reasonable interest rate for purchases and has no annual fee. In addition, cardholders can take advantage of a 0% introductory rate for purchases (valid for six months) and a low 4.99% introductory rate for balance transfers (valid until the loan is paid off). It is important to note that the introductory rate for balance transfers only applies to those who initiate a transfer when applying online for the card.

Therefore, those who plan to take advantage of the reward program, pay in full each month after the introductory rate expires (to avoid finance charges), and will take advantage of the common benefits and services provided by American Express® will benefit most from what the Blue Sky from American Express has to offer.

Card Last Review 2008-02-29