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June 23, 2023 by Brett Tams

In-depth reviews of the best travel rewards credit cards

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Pros:

Elevated earn rate on everyday spending
High welcome bonus for a reasonable spending requirement
Excellent travel perks and recurring benefits

Cons:

Travel bonuses are limited to Capital One bookings
High annual fee
Capital One pulls your credit from all three credit bureaus

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a relatively new travel credit card but has quickly distinguished itself as one of the best. See Rates & Fees.

The card offers a substantial welcome bonus and elevated earn rate that makes racking up points fast and easy. Even if you don’t take advantage of the 5-10x travel bonus, you’ll earn 2x miles on all spending. This earning structure is ideal for people who don’t want to deal with tracking category bonuses. If you want a single credit card in your wallet that earns more than one mile per dollar spent, this is the card for you.

The card’s $395 annual fee is high but still lower than most premium credit cards. However, the recurring benefits offset it — think things like a $300 annual travel statement credit for Capital One Travel bookings and a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck® credit every four years. Best of all, the card offers a yearly 10,000-mile bonus worth $100 towards travel.

The card’s lounge benefits are also worth noting. Members get unlimited visits to Capital One Lounges. While the Capital One lounge network is still developing, members also get Priority Pass Select membership, valid at over 1,300 lounges worldwide.

The only downside about Capital One is that the bank pulls your credit from all three bureaus rather than just one, making for a sure hard hit on your credit score. However, if you keep this card long-term, it’s worth it.

Annual fee: $395
Welcome bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
Rewards: 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; 5x miles on flights booked with Capital One Travel; 2x miles on all other purchases
Travel benefits: $300 annual travel statement credit on Capital One Travel bookings; up to $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® credit every four years; 10,000 anniversary bonus miles (worth $100 towards travel); unlimited Capital One lounge access (plus two complimentary guests); Priority Pass™ membership; Hertz President’s Circle® status*, and; no foreign transaction fees
Travel insurance: Travel accident insurance, auto rental coverage (See Rates & Fees.)

Read our full review of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Card.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Pros:

Loaded with travel and dining credits that help offset the annual fee
Automatic elite status with Hilton and Marriott
Substantial welcome bonus that will cover at least one round-trip international business class fare
Transfer your points to 20 airline and hotel partners

Cons:

High annual fee
Lack of meaningful category bonuses
Requires excellent credit

The Platinum Card® from American Express has one of the highest annual fees at $695, but it also comes packed with travel credits and benefits galore. Taking advantage of them would get you well over $1,500 in value every year. Between the elite status perks, travel credits, digital entertainment credits, and lounge membership, it offers the most comprehensive travel perks of any credit card.

The Amex Platinum also offers best-in-class travel insurance. All you have to do is charge your travel bookings to the Platinum card, and you’ll be protected in case of cancellations and delays.

With a 80,000-point welcome bonus, you can book an off-peak round-trip business class ticket to Europe with All Nippon Airways miles. Or you can opt for economy class and cover up to four round-trip tickets to Europe using Flying Blue rewards.

The Amex Platinum is an excellent travel rewards card if you want a large welcome bonus and tons of travel perks. But the annual fee is hefty, and the card lacks any meaningful category bonuses beyond direct travel bookings. If you don’t think you’ll be able to get your money’s worth through the various credits every year, you might want to consider a different card.

Annual fee: $695
Welcome bonus: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 within the first six months
Rewards: 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels; 1x point on all other purchases
Travel benefits: $300 annual Equinox credit (issued monthly); $200 annual credit on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel; $200 in annual Uber Cash (distributed monthly); $200 annual airline fee credit; $155 Walmart+ credit; $20 monthly digital entertainment credit; access to the Amex Global Lounge Collection; $189 CLEAR credit; Global Entry/TSA PreCheck® credit every five years; $100 Saks credit issued semi-annually; Hilton and Marriott Gold status; access to Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts; premium car rental status; no foreign transaction fees
Travel insurance: Primary rental car coverage; trip delay insurance (up to $500 per trip); trip cancellation & interruption insurance (up to $10,000 per trip)

Read more: Are Amex cards worth it?

Chase Sapphire Preferred®

Pros:

Generous earn rate on common spending categories
Flexible loyalty program with good transfer partner selection and ability to redeem for direct bookings through Chase Ultimate Rewards® at a rate of 1.25 cents per point
Generous travel benefits and protections for a mid-tier card

Cons:

Limitations on the highest spending categories
Bookings made with the $50 hotel credit don’t earn 5x points

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card has had the distinction of being one of the best travel credit cards for over a decade. The card is popular because it offers a generous welcome bonus, which is fairly simple to redeem. You can transfer points to one of 14 airlines or hotels. Or you can redeem points through Ultimate Rewards® Travel at just 1.25 cents each. This flexibility makes Ultimate Rewards® points (and the Sapphire Preferred® Card) incredibly valuable.

If one loyalty program devalues, you can transfer your points to a different partner. Just keep in mind that point transfers are not reversible, so don’t do it unless you’re ready to redeem the points.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a great starter travel card, and its $95 annual fee is typical for a mid-tier card. However, if you don’t use the $50 annual hotel credit or earn at least 9,500 points per year to justify the annual fee, then it’s not worth it.

Annual fee: $95
Welcome bonus:60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
Rewards: 5x points on travel booked with Chase Ultimate Rewards®; 3x points on dining (including eligible delivery services), select streaming services, and online grocery store purchases; 2x on other travel purchases; 1x on all other spending
Travel benefits: Up to $50 in annual credits towards Ultimate Rewards® hotel bookings; no foreign transaction fees
Travel insurance: Primary rental car collision waiver; up to $10,000 in trip cancellation/interruption coverage; purchase protection for 120 days; extended warranty protection

Read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.

Citi Premier® Card

Pros:

High welcome bonus that transfers to 16 airline and hotel programs
$100 hotel credit on Citi ThankYou® Travel bookings of $500 or more
Reasonable annual fee

Cons:

No travel protections
$100 hotel credit excludes taxes and fees

At first sight, the Citi Premier® Card shouldn’t be on this list. The card has no travel protections, which is not ideal when booking thousands of dollars in travel. However, if you buy travel insurance anyway, then the Citi Premier® isn’t so bad. It’s a great card for maximizing spending on everyday purchases.

The card earns 3x points on select travel and common spending categories like dining, gas, and groceries. Cardmembers also get a $100 annual hotel credit valid on Citi Travel bookings of $500 or more. Considering the annual fee, this perk is pretty generous.

The Citi ThankYou® program is also one of the best, allowing you to transfer the card’s substantial bonus to 16 airline and hotel programs.

If you want a travel rewards card that really rewards you in your everyday life, this is a great card. Just think twice about charging expensive travel bookings to it, since they won’t be protected.

Annual fee:
Welcome bonus:Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou(R) Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. Plus, for a limited time, earn a total of 10 ThankYou(R) Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel(SM) portal through June 30, 2024.
Rewards: 3x points at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel, and hotels; 1x on all other purchases
Benefits: Annual $100 hotel savings on a booking of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees); no foreign transaction fees
Travel insurance: None

Read our full review of the Citi Premier® Card.

Card info has been independently collected by MoneyUnder30 to help consumers better compare cards. The financial institution did not provide or approve card details.

AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®

Pros:

Easy welcome bonus
Free checked bags and priority boarding when flying American Airlines
Ability to earn a Companion Certificate every year

Cons:

$99 annual fee
Airline miles are more limited in use than transferable rewards

The best airline credit card is a tough one because it really comes down to your airline loyalty and whether you live near a hub city. But there’s a good reason we’ve chosen the AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® for this category. The card offers one of the easiest spending requirements to complete and includes several ongoing perks that provide value beyond the $99 annual fee.

The Aviator Red card’s 50,000-mile welcome bonus is easy to earn. You only need to use the card once (for any purchase), and you’ll earn 50,000 bonus miles.

The card also offers a free checked bag on American Airlines flights, discounts on in-flight purchases and Wi-Fi credits, and a $99 Companion Certificate when you spend $20,000 in a year. Best of all: every dollar spent on this card counts towards elite status with American Airlines.

Annual fee: $99
Welcome bonus: 50,000 bonus miles after the first purchase and paying the $99 annual fee
Rewards: 2x miles on all American Airlines purchases; 1x mile on everything else
Travel benefits: $25 in statement credits towards in-flight Wi-Fi purchases; 25% discount on inflight food and beverage purchases; free first checked bag; preferred boarding; $99 Companion Certificate every year you spend $20,000 on the card; no foreign transaction fees
Travel Insurance: Travel accident insurance; trip cancellation & interruption coverage; baggage delay insurance; auto rental collision coverage

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Pros:

Automatic top-tier Hilton Honors elite status
Annual free weekend night and resort credits help offset the annual fee
Generous category bonuses, with an additional spending incentive

Cons:

$450 annual fee
Priority Pass membership from American Express cards does not include access to airport restaurants
Hilton points have limited use

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is arguably the best hotel credit card. If you’re looking to earn Hilton points and make your next stay more rewarding, look no further.

Cardmembers get automatic top-tier Diamond status, which normally requires 42 nights, 21 stays, or 84,000 base points. Diamond members get free complimentary breakfast (or a dining credit at U.S. properties), club lounge access, space-available room upgrades, and 100% bonus points on paid stays.

Cardmembers also receive an annual free weekend night award, plus the ability to earn a second free night after spending $60,000 in a calendar year.

A $250 airline fee credit makes the $450 annual fee more palatable, along with the Priority Pass membership.

The only downside? American Express cards don’t get restaurant access with their Priority Pass membership, and some airports have restaurants that are part of the Priority Pass network. Members receive a credit of $28-$35 per person at these restaurants, which is handy when airline lounges are full or closed.

The Hilton Aspire Card offers a ton of value beyond the welcome bonus. Even if you just stay at one Hilton hotel a year, you can get your money’s worth. The card’s category bonuses make it easy to earn Hilton points. The only negative side to this is that you’re earning Hilton points rather than a transferable currency with more flexible use.

Annual fee: $450
Welcome bonus: 150,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after spending $4,000 within your first three months of card membership
Rewards: 14x points on hotels and resorts; 7x points on travel (flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel, cars booked with select companies); 7x points at U.S. restaurants; 3x points on all other purchases
Travel benefits: Annual free weekend night reward; $250 annual Hilton resort credit; annual $250 airline fee credit; $100 property credit at select hotels booked for two nights minimum; top-tier Hilton Diamond elite status; Priority Pass Select membership; no foreign transaction fees
Travel insurance: Secondary rental car collision coverage; up to $3,000 baggage insurance plan

Read more: The best hotel credit cards

Bilt Rewards Mastercard®

Pros:

Earn fee-free points on rent
Transfer points to 14 airline and hotel partners, most of which overlap with Chase Ultimate Rewards®
No annual fee

Cons:

Must make five transactions per billing period to earn points
Limited category bonuses
No welcome bonus

The Bilt Rewards Mastercard® is a relative newcomer to the travel credit card scene but has already shaken things up. The card has no welcome bonus, but it has one very lucrative feature: cardmembers can earn points on rent payments without paying fees. Services like Plastiq charge a 2.8% fee when you use a credit card for rent payments. Bilt lets you earn points without a fee if you make at least five transactions per billing period.

Bilt makes other purchases rewarding too. Cardmembers earn 3x points on dining, 2x on travel, and 1x everywhere else. In addition, cardmembers earn double points on the first of every month (except on rent payments). But what can you do with the rewards?

Bilt has 14 airline and hotel transfer partners, including Hyatt – which only partners with one other program (Chase Ultimate Rewards®). Bilt Rewards has 10 transfer partners in common with Chase, making this an excellent option if you want a no-annual-fee rewards card.

Annual fee: $0
Welcome bonus: None
Rewards: 3x points on dining; 2x on travel; 1x on rent payments without the transaction fee
Benefits: $5 Lyft credit when you take three rides per month; 3-month DashPass membership; travel perks on Rent Day (i.e., two-for-one Virgin Voyages sailings); no foreign transaction fees
Travel insurance: Trip cancellation and interruption coverage (up to $5,000); trip delay reimbursement (up to $1,800 per trip); auto rental collision coverage

Read our full review of the Bilt Rewards Mastercard®.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Pros:

The current welcome bonus is valid for up to $900 in direct travel bookings through Chase Ultimate Rewards® or can be transferred to 14 airline and hotel partners
The $300 annual travel credit offsets most of the annual fee
Excellent travel protections and benefits

Cons:

High annual fee
$75 fee per authorized user

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card is a great choice if you want a premium credit card that earns Ultimate Rewards®. The card currently has an elevated welcome bonus of 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 within the first three months of account opening. It also offers plenty of category bonuses to help you keep earning points beyond the initial bonus.

The $300 annual travel credit partially offsets the $550 fee. Cardmembers also get Priority Pass membership, up to $100 towards TSA PreCheck®, Global Entry or NEXUS application fees. The card also has plenty of travel protections, so you can charge your travel expenses with peace of mind.

Chase Ultimate Rewards® is a great program, whether you want to maximize its transfer partners or use it for direct travel bookings. Sapphire Reserve® cardholders can redeem their points for 1.5 cents each towards Ultimate Rewards® travel bookings. This flexibility is great for folks looking for simple redemption options.

Annual fee: $550 and $75 per authorized user
Welcome bonus:60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
Rewards: 10x points on Chase Dining and hotel and car rental bookings through Chase Ultimate Rewards®; 5x points on Chase Ultimate Rewards® flight bookings; 3x points on travel worldwide; 3x points on other dining purchases (including eligible delivery services; 1x points on all other purchases
Travel benefits: $300 annual travel credit; Priority Pass Select membership; up to $100 Global Entry, TSA Precheck or NEXUS fee credit every four years; Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection perks
Travel Insurance: Trip cancellation and interruption insurance (up to $20,000 per trip); trip delay reimbursement (up to $500 per ticket); primary rental car coverage (up to $75,000); lost luggage reimbursement (up to $3,000 per passenger); emergency evacuation and transportation coverage (up to $100,000)

Read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve®.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Pros:

High welcome bonus and simple rewards structure for maximizing mileage earnings
Excellent transfer partners
Generous travel perks for a low-annual-fee card

Cons:

Capital One pulls your credit from all three credit bureaus
Limited lounge network

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has it all: an excellent welcome bonus, a top-notch rewards program, and generous travel perks for a low annual fee. Cardmembers get up to $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® credit and two complimentary annual visits to Capital One Lounges. These perks are highly unusual for a mid-tier card, making Capital One Venture Reward’s $95 annual fee an excellent value. See Rates & Fees.

The welcome bonus is the same as the Venture X Rewards Card. So if you don’t want to shell out the $395 annual fee, the Venture Rewards card is a cheaper alternative. The 2x earn rate on all purchases is especially significant if you want to elevate the rewards you earn on everyday spending without tracking category bonuses across multiple cards. This can be your one-and-done rewards card.

Annual fee: $95
Welcome bonus: Earn 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Rewards: 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; 2x miles on all other purchases
Travel benefits: Two free Capital One Lounge visits per year; Hertz Five Star status*; up to $100 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck® credit; no foreign transaction fees
Travel insurance: Travel & Emergency Assistance Services and Auto Rental Insurance (See Rates & Fees.)

Read our full review of the Capital One Venture Rewards Card.

American Express® Gold Card

Pros:

Category bonuses are great for maximizing everyday spending
Amex has 17 airline and hotel partners, with periodic transfer bonuses
Statement credits can offset the annual fee

Cons:

Car rental coverage is secondary — upgrade to primary coverage costs $12.25-$24.95 per rental through Premium Car Rental Protection
$250 annual fee is high
Statement credits are limited to select merchants

The Amex Gold Card is an excellent travel card for everyday use. It offers generous category bonuses to help you maximize everyday purchases. Plus, the card provides monthly statement credits at select restaurants and Uber Cash that can make dining out (and transportation) easier. The Uber credits are valid on both UberEats and Uber rides, making them great for travelers and homebodies alike.

The 4x bonus on dining applies to restaurants worldwide, so you can continue maximizing this bonus even while out of the country. The card also has several travel protections, so you have peace of mind when booking your trips.

The downside? The $250 annual fee is steep; not everyone will find value in the statement credits. Amex’s once-per-lifetime rule can also make the welcome bonus less attainable. My advice? Wait for a higher offer. Not too long ago, the card was offering 90,000 bonus points. Since you’re limited to one bonus, you might as well hold out for the highest one possible.

Annual fee: $250
Welcome bonus: 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 within the first six months of card membership.
Rewards: 4x points at restaurants worldwide; 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year); 3x on flights; 1x on all other purchases
Travel benefits: $10 monthly credit valid at Cheesecake Factory, Gold Belly, GrubHub, Milk Bar, Wine.com, and select Shake Shack locations; $10 monthly Uber cash; no foreign transaction fees
Travel Insurance: Baggage insurance plan (up to $1,250); secondary car rental coverage

Read more: Amex Gold vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Which travel rewards card is right for you?

How do travel credit cards work?

Travel credit cards offer rewards that you can redeem for nearly-free flights and hotel nights. There are generally three types of travel credit cards: ones that earn transferable points, that earn hotel points, or that earn airline miles.

A diverse points portfolio is part of a good travel hacking strategy, so you should aim for at least one credit card that earns transferrable rewards. This way, you’re not stuck with one currency and have flexibility in redeeming points. If one loyalty program devalues, you can transfer your points to another one. If one program limits award space, you can transfer points to one with the seats or rooms you need.

Travel credit cards go beyond points. Many offer recurring travel perks like free hotel nights, airline credits, lounge membership, elite status perks, and more. If you play your cards right, travel credit cards can improve your travel experience substantially and help you save money.

The only downside is that most travel cards carry annual fees. Some of these fees go as high as $695. You’ll want to evaluate the card’s features and recurring perks before choosing one. The last thing you want is to shell out thousands of dollars in credit card annual fees and not get your money’s worth.

What’s the difference between points and miles?

Points and miles are two different types of currencies that can be used for travel. Points are generally issued by hotel loyalty programs or banks, while airlines issue miles. Of course, there are exceptions. For example, JetBlue, Southwest and Air Canada all call their rewards currencies “points” rather than miles.

Most banks have transferrable rewards they call points — these rewards can be used towards travel or cash back at a fixed cost. Their best use is transferring them to participating airline or hotel loyalty programs. Most transfers are 1:1 and nearly instant.

Airline miles are ideal for flights, while hotel points are best for free nights. Some hotel chains let you convert your points to airline miles, though the transfer ratio isn’t ideal. For example, Marriott points transfer to most airlines 3:1, with a 5,000-point bonus for every 60,000 points transferred.

For the best points strategy, you should have credit cards that earn points and miles. However, consider getting a transferrable rewards card like the Capital One Venture if you want to narrow it down to one card. You’ll earn 2x miles on every dollar spent and have access to 15+ airline and hotel transfer partners.

And if you don’t want to figure out where to transfer your points, you can redeem them towards travel purchases at one cent each.

How to choose a travel card

With so many great options, choosing a travel credit card can seem overwhelming. Everyone has different goals and spending habits, so there is no “best credit card” that meets every need. But if you’re in the market for a travel card, there are a few factors to consider that will help you make the best choice:

1. Know the (credit card application) rules

Most banks require good credit for travel cards, but did you know they also have various rules that impact approvals? Before you apply for a credit card, you should familiarize yourself with these rules to avoid unnecessary rejection. Here are some credit card application rules from different banks:

American Express

Once-per-lifetime rule
Five card limit
No more than two cards within 90 days

American Express has three credit card application rules you should be aware of. The first is the once-per-lifetime rule, which applies to most credit cards. If you’ve received a welcome bonus for an Amex card, you generally will not receive it again. There are, of course, exceptions, especially on targeted offers sent via mail and email. Be sure to read the terms and conditions of any such offers you receive.

The five-card limit restricts you to no more than five Amex charge cards open at a time. This rule does not apply to business cards. You also won’t be approved for more than two Amex cards in 90 days.

Capital One

Welcome bonuses are restricted for existing cardholders

Many Capital One cards have language on the marketing page prohibiting the welcome bonus for anyone who has had the card before. The Capital One Venture X, Venture, and VentureOne have this restrictive language.

The Spark Cards are vaguer, stating, “The bonus may not be available for existing or previous Spark cardholders.”

Keep this in mind if you’re applying for a Capital One credit card you’ve had before.

Chase

5/24 rule
24 and 48-month rule
No more than two cards within 30 days

Chase’s 5/24 rule is perhaps the most well-known credit card application rule. If you’ve applied for five or more credit cards from any bank in the last 24 months, you won’t be approved for a Chase card.

The 24-month rule applies to the Chase Freedom Flex℠ and Chase Freedom Unlimited®. If you’ve had the bonus in the last 24 months, you won’t qualify for another one.

Similarly, if you’ve had a Chase Sapphire Reserve® in the previous 48 months, you’re not eligible for another one.

Lastly, Chase won’t approve you for more than two cards within 30 days. Keep these rules in mind and time your applications accordingly.

Citi

24 and 48-month rule
No more than one card every eight days
No more than two cards every 65 days

Citi won’t approve you for a Citi Premier® Card or Citi Rewards+® Card if you’ve had it in the last 24 months. Meanwhile, the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard is off-limits if you earned the welcome bonus or closed the card within the previous 48 months.

Lastly, Citi will only approve you for one card every eight days or more than two every 65 days.

2. Get a card that suits your goals

When choosing a travel credit card, you should consider your spending habits and redemption goals.

Are you primarily a budget traveler looking to get the family to Disney World next summer? Or perhaps you want to experience the thrill of flying international first class with your significant other.

Your travel goals matter because they determine the rewards you should be earning and card perks that will suit your needs.

3. Decide on co-brand vs. transferrable rewards

As we’ve established, there are three types of cards: co-branded airline cards, co-branded hotel cards, and transferrable rewards. Think about which type of card will meet your travel goals. Generally, you’re better off with a transferrable rewards card because of the flexibility you have in using the points.

However, a hotel credit card might be handy if you’re planning a trip with hotel stays. You’ll get elite status and maybe even annual free nights. Meanwhile, you might consider getting an airline credit card for elite-type perks like free checked bags and priority boarding.

4. Go for a big welcome bonus

When it comes to welcome bonuses, you should aim for at least 50,000 points or higher. That’s pretty standard nowadays and enough to cover at least two round-trip domestic flights.

When you apply for a credit card, you incur a 2-5 point credit score hit, so make it count by getting a substantial bonus in exchange.

Read more: Best credit card sign-up bonuses

5. Evaluate your spending habits

Think about which categories you spend the most on and find a card that offers bonus points on that spending.

Similarly, if you’re not a big spender, you might want to steer clear of credit cards with large spending requirements. There’s no sense in applying for a card if you can’t meet the spend to secure the welcome bonus. Or even worse, if you have to go into debt to meet the requirement.

6. Pick a card with purchase and travel protections

Most people ignore this, but it’s crucial. Purchase protection can cover expensive items in case of damage or loss. The same goes for travel protection — if your trip is canceled for unforeseeable reasons, your credit card’s travel insurance can save you a lot of money.

So take travel and purchase protection into account when choosing a credit card. You’ll be glad if you ever have to use it.

7. Check the fees

Most travel credit cards have annual fees, ranging from $95 to $695. When choosing a card, be sure to take credit card annual fees into account. If you can’t afford the premium version of a card, downgrade to the mid-tier version.

Another type of fee that can add up is foreign transaction fees. Most travel credit cards waive these fees, but no-annual-fee cards like the Chase Freedom Unlimited® still carry them. You’ll pay an extra 3% just to use your card abroad. If you plan on traveling internationally, get a card with no foreign transaction fees.

Read more: Best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees

The bottom line: Should you get a travel credit card?

Travel credit cards are great if you want to earn or redeem points for cheaper travel. They can also save you money with perks like airline fee credits, free hotel nights, elite status, and waived foreign transaction fees. A travel credit card can be an excellent tool in your travel hacking arsenal.

However, it can also be costly if you don’t take advantage of their various perks and add more cards to your wallet without a strategy. Think through the steps we’ve outlined above and make your decision wisely.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

*Upon enrollment, accessible through the Capital One website or mobile app, eligible cardholders will remain at upgraded status level through December 31, 2024. Please note, enrolling through the normal Hertz Gold Plus Rewards enrollment process (e.g. at Hertz.com) will not automatically detect a cardholder as being eligible for the program and cardholders will not be automatically upgraded to the applicable status tier. Additional terms apply.

Apache is functioning normally

June 23, 2023 by Brett Tams

Forbearance has reached the point where less than half of a percent of borrowers have it, and that means servicers will be increasingly reliant on other types of foreclosure prevention, according to a recent report by the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Cumulatively, almost 30% of borrowers who stopped suspending payments between June 1, 2020 and May 31. 2023, have chosen deferrals or partial claims, while almost 18% departed without loss mitigation but kept paying.

Another 18% also exited without loss mit but are delinquent due to processing delays or ghosting, and more than 16% got modifications, sometimes in combination with another strategy like a deferral.

These numbers and the persistence of historically low delinquency rates have resulted in the strongest loan performance to date but the stressors on it have been growing.

The first sustained climb in Fed funds and mortgage rates seen in some time arrived last year has been challenging modifications in particular. Mods generally aim to recast loan terms such that they’re more affordable for borrowers with persistent hardships, but at market rates.

Government agencies like the Federal Housing Administration have worked to address this concern by allowing 40-year modifications that lower payments by extending terms and even authorizing borrowers to temporarily keep lower rates as they recover.

One question mark in implementing these new measures has been how distressed borrowers respond to them and some mortgage executives participating in a webinar on Wednesday said some have balked at the idea of extending the time they remain in debt.

However, that’s having a positive impact in terms of making it less likely borrowers with short-term financial setbacks will choose that route, and more likely that those with more sustained declines in earnings opt for it, in line with the strategy’s goal.

“They don’t want to go through a term extension or changing their rates because they sometimes don’t need to, they just had a bump in the road, maybe it was an unexpected expense or something that set them behind, as opposed to something like a reduction of income or hours, that would be a more long term issue,” Ryan Zois, senior director, servicing, at Rocket Mortgage, told attendees participating in an online event on Wednesday.

The next challenge for loan performance might be softer home prices in some regions, a presentation by another speaker at the Covius event on loan-to-value trends suggested.

As local housing bubbles pop in different areas, the current LTVs of different borrowers are changing in somewhat disparate ways, said Allen Weiss, who co-founded an index with Karl Case and Robert Shiller and also has an eponymous analytics business.

Higher LTVs are considered to be a driver of default because when lenders properties aren’t worth much more than their mortgages or are underwater on their loans, they have less of a financial incentive to keep paying in order to stay in the home and are more likely to walk away.

Weiss cautioned attendees not to draw too many conclusions about what the driver of dropping home prices in different regions might be but did note that there are some differences, and that he could speculate about the catalysts.

While much has been said or written about price declines in markets like San Francisco and some other markets, less has been said about how they’ve been affecting two different types of borrowers.

Homes priced at the high end have been most affected in markets like Northern California, whereas in some East Coast markets, it’s those at the opposite end of the price spectrum, Weiss said.

“I can’t say I’ve confirmed it, but it seems to me on the West Coast, people wanting to move are wanting to reap the benefit of appreciation, get into a lower tax state and a lower priced state,” he said.

Meanwhile, in places like pockets of Western New York and Pennsylvania, price softening may be more a result of affordability strains from rising interest rates.

“People with the less expensive homes are going to tend to be more sensitive to the rate increase if they were to end one mortgage and begin another elsewhere,” said Weiss. “I think affordability is just not allowing the lower-priced homes to increase in value.”

If streamlining used during the pandemic remains in vogue, servicers may face the challenge of having to trade off the ability to get a verified indication of what a borrower can truly afford in order to get them into foreclosure alternatives faster. That could affect reperformance.

“Requiring no doc reviews, operationally, that saves a lot of time and expense but it’s also yet to be determined what will happen redefaulting-wise down the road,” Zois said.

Source: nationalmortgagenews.com

Apache is functioning normally

June 22, 2023 by Brett Tams

Pretax money is invested before any taxes have been deducted, while after-tax money is invested after taxes have been deducted. Investments in tax-deferred retirement accounts such as IRAs and 401(k)s are made pretax, which means there is a larger sum of money to invest. While applying taxes reduces the amount of money available to invest, sometimes after-tax investment vehicles such as Roth IRAs can produce better overall returns because, unlike pretax accounts, withdrawals from these after-tax accounts can be made without owing taxes. A financial advisor can help you evaluate after-tax and pretax investment options.

Pretax vs. After-Tax Basics

The terms “pretax” and “after-tax” when applied to income, expenses or contributions tell you whether taxes have been applied to the amount. Wages, for example, are normally after-tax, because the employer withholds taxes before handing out paychecks. Contributions to Roth-type retirement accounts and regular brokerage and bank accounts are also made after tax.

Many people save for retirement pretax by contributing money to IRAs and similar tax-advantaged accounts. These funds can be placed in a retirement account before any income taxes are levied. When you are preparing your tax return, any money you put into an IRA, for instance, is deducted from your total taxable earnings, which generally reduces your total tax liability.

Comparing Pretax and After-Tax

Investing money before taxes have been levied means you’ll be investing more than you would if you did it after paying taxes. And, all else equal, investing a larger sum means earning more from your investment. This simple rule of thumb underlies much of the popularity of saving for retirement pretax using IRAs and similar tax-advantaged accounts. If people could only save after-tax dollars in ordinary bank or brokerage accounts, there would be less incentive to sock away money in these accounts.

However, pretax is not always the best. Sums invested pretax in IRAs and similar retirement don’t completely evade taxation. Taxes on contributions as well as any earnings from investments in the account are only deferred. Savers will owe taxes later, at their then-current rate of taxation, when they withdraw funds from the account.

If the individual’s tax rate is lower in retirement, pretax investing can be advantageous. However, if you earn a lot of income over your career and have a large retirement nest egg, your required minimum distributions and other sources of income could mean your income and tax bracket are higher after you’ve retired than when you put money away pretax.

If an individual’s tax rate will be higher in retirement than it is at the time the investment was made, it can be better to invest after-tax in a Roth-type retirement account. This can work well for younger people just starting their careers before their earnings increase enough to put them in higher income-tax brackets. After paying taxes a relatively low rate when contributing, funds in these accounts grow tax-free and can be withdrawn later without owing any taxes.

Choosing Pretax or After-Tax

Deciding whether to invest pretax or after-tax requires considering your individual situation. Examine the following factors:

Account for investment returns: Start by looking at the expected rate of return on your investments.
Understand how taxes are applied: Capital gains on stocks held more than a year generally are taxed at a lower rate than ordinary income such as interest on bonds. Considering tax treatment of different types of income can help you decide on an after-tax or pretax investment.
Calculate returns after all taxes are applied: Roth IRA or Roth 401(k) withdrawals won’t incur taxes as long as the investor is age 59.5 or older and has had the account for at least five years. For pretax investments, it’s necessary to apply taxes to any sums withdrawn from the accounts before you can estimate the actual return. For instance, if you withdraw $10,000 from a pretax investment and are in a 25% tax rate in retirement, the amount left after taxes would be 75% of $10,000 or $7,500. Money invested in a regular brokerage account with no tax advantages has to pay any taxes due on the money before it’s invested as well as on earnings but as they are earned. However, withdrawing money from a regular account doesn’t usually trigger any additional taxes.
Compare post-tax and after-tax: For example, if you want to invest $10,000 in an after-tax account and you are in a 25% tax bracket, you’ll have to earn approximately $13,333 and pay $3,333 in taxes in order to have $10,000 available to invest. If that $10,000 earns 5% annually for 10 years, it will be worth $16,289. You can withdraw all of it without owing taxes after age 59.5 if the account is at least five years old.

Say instead you invest $13,333 in a pretax account, also 5%. After 10 years, you’ll have $21,718. If you withdraw the full amount and your rate is still 25%, you’ll owe $5,429 in taxes and be left with the same $16,289 as you got with the after-tax investment.

If, however, during the interim you have retired and your tax rate has dropped to 15%, you’ll only owe about $3,258 on emptying the pretax account. This will leave about $18,641. In this case, the pretax investment produces a larger return net of taxes.

If you are in the 15% bracket when you fund an after-tax investment and are in the 25% percent bracket when you retire, the situation is reversed. In that case, you’d need about $11,765 to have $10,000 to invest after tax. Again, you’d wind up with $16,289, which you can withdraw tax-free.

Investing $11,765 pretax at 5% gives you $19,164 after 10 years. a sizable increase. If you withdraw that amount when you are in the 25% bracket, however, your nominal tax liability will be $4,791, leaving you just $14,373. In this case, the after-tax investment generates a better overall result by about $1,916, which is the difference between $14,373 from the pretax method and $16,289 using an after-tax approach.

The Bottom Line

You can invest pretax before taxes are levied or after-tax after taxes have been applied. Pretax investing and after-tax investing both have advantages and drawbacks. Whether it is advisable to invest pretax or after-tax depends on individual circumstances, including whether you expect to be in a higher or lower tax bracket when you withdraw funds.

Investment Tips

Deciding whether to invest pretax or after-tax requires you to understand your tax situation and financial goals. A financial advisor is well-equipped to help you do just that. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
SmartAsset’s Investment & Return Calculator can make it much simpler to compare the relative advantages of after-tax and pretax investing.

Photo credit: ©iStock.com/Rockaa, ©iStock.com/Moon Safari, ©iStock.com/FG Trade Latin

Mark Henricks
Mark Henricks has reported on personal finance, investing, retirement, entrepreneurship and other topics for more than 30 years. His freelance byline has appeared on CNBC.com and in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance and other leading publications. Mark has written books including, “Not Just A Living: The Complete Guide to Creating a Business That Gives You A Life.” His favorite reporting is the kind that helps ordinary people increase their personal wealth and life satisfaction. A graduate of the University of Texas journalism program, he lives in Austin, Texas. In his spare time he enjoys reading, volunteering, performing in an acoustic music duo, whitewater kayaking, wilderness backpacking and competing in triathlons.

Source: smartasset.com

Apache is functioning normally

June 22, 2023 by Brett Tams

Our rating

Marcus Online Savings

Monthly Fee: $0
Minimum Balance: $0
Account Yield: 4.15% APY
Deposit Insurance: Yes, up to $250,000

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The most important feature of a high-yield savings account is its interest rate. But it’s nice when your account helps you manage your money too — or at least doesn’t get in the way of that.

The Marcus Online Savings account does both. It pays a yield that’s well above the national average for savings accounts (both online and at traditional banks) while offering some basic budgeting and money management tools, including automated savings. It also has an unusually large same-day transfer allowance, which could come in handy once in a while.

But Marcus Online Savings isn’t perfect, so take a few minutes to learn about its capabilities and shortcomings before opening one.

What Is the Marcus Online Savings Account?

Backed by Goldman Sachs, one of the biggest banks in the United States, the Marcus Online Savings account is a high-yield savings account that yields 4.15% APY on all balances. It has no monthly or annual maintenance fee and no minimum balance to open or earn interest.

Marcus Online Savings doesn’t come with an ATM card or person-to-person transfer capabilities, but it does have an unusually large same-day transfer limit ($100,000) and unusually robust money management features built into its online and mobile account dashboards. It complements a broader lineup of Marcus CDs and money market accounts.

What Sets the Marcus Online Savings Account Apart?

The Marcus Online Savings account has several standout features:

Excellent yield on all balances. Marcus Online Savings yields 4.15% APY on all balances, with no minimum required to earn interest at the headline rate.
No fees or minimums. This account has no minimum opening balance and no ongoing maintenance fees.
Useful tools for savers. Marcus offers useful money management tools, including automated savings, a built-in savings calculator that shows how much your cash could be worth at specific points in the future, and a comparison tool that shows how much you can earn with Marcus compared with other banks.
24/7 customer service. Marcus is one of the few banks of any size that still has 24/7 customer support by phone.

Key Features of the Marcus Online Savings Account

All things considered, Marcus Online Savings is a straightforward savings account from a straightforward online bank. But knowledge is power, so dig a bit deeper into its core features before deciding to apply.

Account Yield

Marcus Online Savings yields 4.15% APY on your entire balance, with no minimum required to earn interest.

Account Fees & Minimums

Marcus Online Savings has no monthly or annual maintenance fee. There’s no minimum balance to open or maintain an account either.

Money Management Tools

Marcus Online Savings has a handy savings automation tool that lets you deposit a set amount on a recurring basis — weekly, monthly, or another frequency. The mobile app and online dashboard also have useful savings calculators that show both how much you can earn on your balance over time and how that compares with potential earnings at another bank.

Deposit Options & Transfer Limits

You can deposit cash into your Marcus Online Savings account via:

Marcus Online Savings doesn’t have an ATM card or accept mobile check deposits. However, you can transfer up to $100,000 in or out of the account with same-day turnaround — just initiate the transfer by 12pm Eastern and your money moves by 5pm Eastern the same day.

Mobile Features

Marcus has a comprehensive mobile app that can do just about anything the online dashboard can. You can schedule online bill payments and external transfers on your phone, and link your account with third-party money management apps like Quickbooks.

Deposit Insurance

Through Goldman Sachs, Marcus Online Savings balances are FDIC-insured up to $250,000. In the unlikely event that Goldman Sachs fails, you won’t lose any funds below that amount.

Pros & Cons

Marcus Online Savings has more positive attributes than negative ones. In fact, it’s difficult to find too much wrong with this account.

Excellent yields on all balances
No maintenance fees
Same-day transfers up to $100,000
24/7 customer support by phone

No mobile check deposit
No ATM access

Pros

Marcus Online Savings is a well-rounded savings account with a mix of features that appeal to would-be users across the income and wealth spectrum.

Well above-average yield. This account has an excellent yield (currently 4.15% APY on all balances) that puts it comfortably ahead of most competing banks.
No monthly maintenance fee. Marcus charges no monthly or annual maintenance fees on this account, so your savings won’t erode over time unless you withdraw.
No minimum balance. There’s no minimum balance to open (or keep open) this account. There’s also no minimum balance to earn the full advertised interest rate.
Same-day transfers up to $100,000. You can transfer up to $100,000 into or out of your account with same-day delivery. That’s an unusually high limit, especially for external transfers, which usually take one to three business days to clear.
Helpful budgeting and money management tools. Marcus offers some basic but helpful budgeting and money management tools, including set-it-and-forget-it savings automation and customizable savings calculators.
24/7 customer support by phone. You can reach a Marcus customer service rep by phone at any time of day (or night). You’re unlikely to take advantage of Marcus’ customer service very often because the account is so simple, but it’s nice to know it’s there.

Cons

Marcus Online Savings has some notable gaps in its feature lineup that could impact your ability to access or top up your balance.

No mobile check deposit. Marcus Online Savings has no mobile check deposit feature. That’s a notable gap in its menu of deposit options, and one that’s increasingly rare among well-funded online banks.
No ATM access. Marcus Online Savings doesn’t come with an ATM card, so you can’t directly withdraw cash from your account.

How the Marcus Online Savings Account Stacks Up

Marcus Online Savings is among the best online savings accounts around, but it’s not the only one you should consider if you’re looking for a new home for your long-term savings. Before you apply, see how Marcus compares to another popular option: Upgrade Premier Savings.

	Marcus Online Savings	Upgrade Premier Savings
Maximum Yield	4.15% APY	4.81% APY
Minimum Yield	4.15% APY	None
Minimum Balance	$0	$0
Minimum Interest Balance	$0	$1,000
Maintenance Fee	$0	$0

With no minimum balance to open the account or earn interest, Marcus Online Savings is ideal for if you’re just beginning your savings journey. Upgrade Premier Savings is a better fit if you can clear the $1,000 minimum balance to earn interest, as its yield is significantly higher.

Final Word

The Marcus Online Savings account is an excellent online savings account because it has a yield well above the national average, no maintenance fees, and no minimums of any kind. Sometimes, simpler is better.

Not that Marcus Online Savings is perfect. The ability to deposit checks remotely rather than mailing them and an ATM card to directly withdraw cash from the account would both be nice. You can also find higher savings yields if you know where to look. But all in all, there’s more to like than dislike about this account.

Editorial Note:
The editorial content on this page is not provided by any bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel chain, and has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of the bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

The Verdict

Our rating

Marcus Online Savings

Marcus Online Savings has an excellent yield relative to other banks and no minimums or fees to get in the way of growing your savings. It’s customer-friendly too, thanks to a generous same-day transfer allowance and 24/7 service. But it has some missing features that make it less flexible than some users might like.

Brian Martucci writes about credit cards, banking, insurance, travel, and more. When he’s not investigating time- and money-saving strategies for Money Crashers readers, you can find him exploring his favorite trails or sampling a new cuisine. Reach him on Twitter @Brian_Martucci.

Source: moneycrashers.com

Apache is functioning normally

June 22, 2023 by Brett Tams

Our rating

Marcus Online Savings

Monthly Fee: $0
Minimum Balance: $0
Account Yield: 4.15% APY
Deposit Insurance: Yes, up to $250,000

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The most important feature of a high-yield savings account is its interest rate. But it’s nice when your account helps you manage your money too — or at least doesn’t get in the way of that.

The Marcus Online Savings account does both. It pays a yield that’s well above the national average for savings accounts (both online and at traditional banks) while offering some basic budgeting and money management tools, including automated savings. It also has an unusually large same-day transfer allowance, which could come in handy once in a while.

But Marcus Online Savings isn’t perfect, so take a few minutes to learn about its capabilities and shortcomings before opening one.

What Is the Marcus Online Savings Account?

Backed by Goldman Sachs, one of the biggest banks in the United States, the Marcus Online Savings account is a high-yield savings account that yields 4.15% APY on all balances. It has no monthly or annual maintenance fee and no minimum balance to open or earn interest.

Marcus Online Savings doesn’t come with an ATM card or person-to-person transfer capabilities, but it does have an unusually large same-day transfer limit ($100,000) and unusually robust money management features built into its online and mobile account dashboards. It complements a broader lineup of Marcus CDs and money market accounts.

What Sets the Marcus Online Savings Account Apart?

The Marcus Online Savings account has several standout features:

Excellent yield on all balances. Marcus Online Savings yields 4.15% APY on all balances, with no minimum required to earn interest at the headline rate.
No fees or minimums. This account has no minimum opening balance and no ongoing maintenance fees.
Useful tools for savers. Marcus offers useful money management tools, including automated savings, a built-in savings calculator that shows how much your cash could be worth at specific points in the future, and a comparison tool that shows how much you can earn with Marcus compared with other banks.
24/7 customer service. Marcus is one of the few banks of any size that still has 24/7 customer support by phone.

Key Features of the Marcus Online Savings Account

All things considered, Marcus Online Savings is a straightforward savings account from a straightforward online bank. But knowledge is power, so dig a bit deeper into its core features before deciding to apply.

Account Yield

Marcus Online Savings yields 4.15% APY on your entire balance, with no minimum required to earn interest.

Account Fees & Minimums

Marcus Online Savings has no monthly or annual maintenance fee. There’s no minimum balance to open or maintain an account either.

Money Management Tools

Marcus Online Savings has a handy savings automation tool that lets you deposit a set amount on a recurring basis — weekly, monthly, or another frequency. The mobile app and online dashboard also have useful savings calculators that show both how much you can earn on your balance over time and how that compares with potential earnings at another bank.

Deposit Options & Transfer Limits

You can deposit cash into your Marcus Online Savings account via:

Marcus Online Savings doesn’t have an ATM card or accept mobile check deposits. However, you can transfer up to $100,000 in or out of the account with same-day turnaround — just initiate the transfer by 12pm Eastern and your money moves by 5pm Eastern the same day.

Mobile Features

Marcus has a comprehensive mobile app that can do just about anything the online dashboard can. You can schedule online bill payments and external transfers on your phone, and link your account with third-party money management apps like Quickbooks.

Deposit Insurance

Through Goldman Sachs, Marcus Online Savings balances are FDIC-insured up to $250,000. In the unlikely event that Goldman Sachs fails, you won’t lose any funds below that amount.

Pros & Cons

Marcus Online Savings has more positive attributes than negative ones. In fact, it’s difficult to find too much wrong with this account.

Excellent yields on all balances
No maintenance fees
Same-day transfers up to $100,000
24/7 customer support by phone

No mobile check deposit
No ATM access

Pros

Marcus Online Savings is a well-rounded savings account with a mix of features that appeal to would-be users across the income and wealth spectrum.

Well above-average yield. This account has an excellent yield (currently 4.15% APY on all balances) that puts it comfortably ahead of most competing banks.
No monthly maintenance fee. Marcus charges no monthly or annual maintenance fees on this account, so your savings won’t erode over time unless you withdraw.
No minimum balance. There’s no minimum balance to open (or keep open) this account. There’s also no minimum balance to earn the full advertised interest rate.
Same-day transfers up to $100,000. You can transfer up to $100,000 into or out of your account with same-day delivery. That’s an unusually high limit, especially for external transfers, which usually take one to three business days to clear.
Helpful budgeting and money management tools. Marcus offers some basic but helpful budgeting and money management tools, including set-it-and-forget-it savings automation and customizable savings calculators.
24/7 customer support by phone. You can reach a Marcus customer service rep by phone at any time of day (or night). You’re unlikely to take advantage of Marcus’ customer service very often because the account is so simple, but it’s nice to know it’s there.

Cons

Marcus Online Savings has some notable gaps in its feature lineup that could impact your ability to access or top up your balance.

No mobile check deposit. Marcus Online Savings has no mobile check deposit feature. That’s a notable gap in its menu of deposit options, and one that’s increasingly rare among well-funded online banks.
No ATM access. Marcus Online Savings doesn’t come with an ATM card, so you can’t directly withdraw cash from your account.

How the Marcus Online Savings Account Stacks Up

Marcus Online Savings is among the best online savings accounts around, but it’s not the only one you should consider if you’re looking for a new home for your long-term savings. Before you apply, see how Marcus compares to another popular option: Upgrade Premier Savings.

	Marcus Online Savings	Upgrade Premier Savings
Maximum Yield	4.15% APY	4.81% APY
Minimum Yield	4.15% APY	None
Minimum Balance	$0	$0
Minimum Interest Balance	$0	$1,000
Maintenance Fee	$0	$0

With no minimum balance to open the account or earn interest, Marcus Online Savings is ideal for if you’re just beginning your savings journey. Upgrade Premier Savings is a better fit if you can clear the $1,000 minimum balance to earn interest, as its yield is significantly higher.

Final Word

The Marcus Online Savings account is an excellent online savings account because it has a yield well above the national average, no maintenance fees, and no minimums of any kind. Sometimes, simpler is better.

Not that Marcus Online Savings is perfect. The ability to deposit checks remotely rather than mailing them and an ATM card to directly withdraw cash from the account would both be nice. You can also find higher savings yields if you know where to look. But all in all, there’s more to like than dislike about this account.

Editorial Note:
The editorial content on this page is not provided by any bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel chain, and has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of the bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

The Verdict

Our rating

Marcus Online Savings

Marcus Online Savings has an excellent yield relative to other banks and no minimums or fees to get in the way of growing your savings. It’s customer-friendly too, thanks to a generous same-day transfer allowance and 24/7 service. But it has some missing features that make it less flexible than some users might like.

Brian Martucci writes about credit cards, banking, insurance, travel, and more. When he’s not investigating time- and money-saving strategies for Money Crashers readers, you can find him exploring his favorite trails or sampling a new cuisine. Reach him on Twitter @Brian_Martucci.

Source: moneycrashers.com

Apache is functioning normally

June 22, 2023 by Brett Tams

Most income taxes in the United States are paid by the people with the most income. That is in keeping with the generally progressive nature of the individual federal income tax, the primary source of government revenues, which applies higher tax rates to higher incomes. However, some taxes fall more heavily on people with less income, while the most affluent of all can sometimes pay little or no income tax. A financial advisor can help you plan to manage your taxes.

The Biggest Taxpayers

The biggest source of tax revenue in the United States is the federal individual income tax and the biggest source of individual income tax revenues consists of the nation’s highest earners. In 2023, according to an estimate of the Tax Policy Center, 67% of all federal income tax collected will come from the top 20% of earnings, who were bringing home more than $189,200 annually. The situation where a small minority of high earners pay most of the individual income taxes has remained steady for many years.

Beyond that, figuring out who pays the most total taxes in the United States is complicated by the fact that there are many types of taxes. Federal individual income taxes levied on earnings from working and investing is just one variety, albeit the most important.

Payroll taxes supporting Social Security, Medicare and unemployment benefits are the second-largest source of federal tax revenues. Employers deduct these Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) taxes from workers’ paychecks.

Other taxes include corporate income taxes, estate taxes, gift taxes and customs duties. Excise taxes are assessed on gasoline, alcohol, gambling and some other products and services. These taxes land more or less heavily on different taxpayers. For example, lower-income workers pay a larger percentage of their incomes in payroll taxes than higher-income workers thanks to the cap on income subject to Social Security taxes.

The capital gains tax is a special tax imposed on certain types of investment income that is in lieu of and generally lower than the individual income tax rates. Capital gains taxes are mostly paid by people who have more assets, while people with few assets may pay little or no capital gains tax. Similarly, property taxes, which are the major source of revenue for state and local governments, are only levied on the owners of property such as real estate.

Factors Influencing Who Pays the Most Taxes

A number of factors determine how much someone pays in federal income tax. The interplay between these factors and taxpayers’ efforts to save on taxes while conforming to the tax law, is largely responsible for the complexity of tax planning and preparing tax returns. Here are some of the major considerations.

Taxable income: As your income rises, you move into a higher tax bracket, which means more of your income goes to taxes.
Filing status: Tax rates vary depending on whether you are filing as a single individual, a married couple filing jointly, a married couple filings separately or as a head of household.
Adjustments to income. Retirement plan contributions, student loan interest payments and some other outlays can reduce your taxable income and your taxes.
Exemptions: Taxpayers can further reduce income by claiming exemptions, including dependency exemptions for their children.
Deductions: Yet another way to reduce taxable income is by claiming deductions. In addition to the standard deduction, you may be able to claim deductions for medical expenses, charitable contributions, home mortgage interest and other costs.
Tax credits: Credits for education and energy conservation, among other categories, can not only reduce your taxes but result in the government sending you a check.

Managing your tax liability consists largely of working with these factors. For example, if you have an unusual amount of income in one year, you may be able to use averaging to spread the income among different taxable years, keeping you from moving into a higher tax bracket.

Using the capital gains tax to reduce income taxes is also important. If you have assets that have appreciated in value, you could be subject to a large capital gains tax bill when you sell them. On the other hand, if you never sell them, you may be able to pass them on to your heirs without ever paying any income tax on your increased wealth. Very affluent taxpayers can pay their bills while avoiding income and other taxes by a number of other means, including pledging their assets as collateral for loans, the proceeds of which are not taxable.

The Bottom Line

The people with the highest incomes generally pay the highest taxes in the United States, thanks to the generally progressive individual income tax system used by the federal government. There are some exceptions to this type of policy, as very wealthy individuals can find ways to reduce their taxes – sometimes paying none at all – by making the most of so-called loopholes in the tax code. However, as a rule, the top 20% of earners pay more income taxes than the rest of the tax-paying population put together.

Tax Tips

Managing and reducing the amount of taxes you pay can benefit from the assistance of a financial advisor. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t need to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
SmartAsset’s Federal Income Tax Calculator can help you break down your tax obligations including the total tax as well as the type of tax and your marginal and effective tax rates.

Mark Henricks
Mark Henricks has reported on personal finance, investing, retirement, entrepreneurship and other topics for more than 30 years. His freelance byline has appeared on CNBC.com and in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance and other leading publications. Mark has written books including, “Not Just A Living: The Complete Guide to Creating a Business That Gives You A Life.” His favorite reporting is the kind that helps ordinary people increase their personal wealth and life satisfaction. A graduate of the University of Texas journalism program, he lives in Austin, Texas. In his spare time he enjoys reading, volunteering, performing in an acoustic music duo, whitewater kayaking, wilderness backpacking and competing in triathlons.

Source: smartasset.com

Apache is functioning normally

June 21, 2023 by Brett Tams

An IRA is a simple little thing. It’s a common, garden-variety retirement vehicle, basically nothing more than a savings account with initials — right? Wrong.

The rules regulating IRAs are varied and vexing; IRS Publication 590 [PDF], the definitive source for Uncle Sam’s shalls and shan’ts regarding IRAs, weighs in at a hefty 108 pages. And then there are all the guidelines about employer-sponsored plans — e.g., 401(k)s and 403(b)s. Whew! Seems like all this would be enough to fill a two-day conference focusing on nothing but retirement accounts.

Actually, it is. I know, because I attended one — Ed Slott’s two-day IRA workshop (fun!). Slott, a CPA and the operator of IRAHelp.com, is recognized as one of America’s foremost authorities on individual retirement arrangements (yep, that’s what the “A” in “IRA” actually stands for). At the conference, he and his team led 100 financial-services pros (and one Fool) through a 430-page manual that described the care and feeding of retirement accounts, as well as several real-life examples of people who made mistakes that cost them thousands of dollars.

Some examples:

- A teacher withdrew $67,553 from her 403(b) to pay her daughter’s college expenses. She paid the income taxes, but thought she’d be exempt from the 10% penalty since the money was used for higher-education expenses. Sadly, that exemption applies only to IRAs, not 403(b)s or 401(k)s. Oops.

- A widow inherited a $2,646,798 retirement account from her deceased husband. She transferred it to her own IRA, then withdrew $977,888. She wasn’t yet 59-1/2 but figured she’d be spared the 10% early withdrawal penalty since she inherited the account. Indeed, distributions from inherited accounts are exempt from the 10% penalty. However, since she transferred the account to her own IRA, she owed Uncle Sam $97,789. Bigger oops.

It would be the ultimate in stinkiness if you spent years — nay, decades — saving in a retirement account, only to lose thousands due to one simple mistake. Here are just some of the guidelines you must follow to prevent just such a mistake from happening to you.

Stuffing It
The maximum you can contribute to an IRA in 2011 is $5,000 — or $6,000 if you’re 50 or older. Granted, the biggest source of your IRA’s funds is likely a transfer from a 401(k) or other employer plan, but contributing $5,000 annually is nothing to sneeze at. For one thing, sneezing at something is rude — but more importantly, contributing $5,000 a year to an account that earns 8% annually would result in $78,227 after 10 years and $247,115 after 20 years. Not shabby at all.

While contributing to an IRA can pay off over the long term, most people first contribute to their employer’s retirement plan, especially if the boss matches contributions. After that, you may want to contribute additional savings to an IRA; if you have money in a retirement plan with a former employer, moving that to an IRA also makes sense.

Here are the advantages of an IRA over a 401(k) or other plan:

- More investment options. The typical 401(k) offers a menu of five to 15 mutual funds, whereas an IRA with a discount brokerage allows the owner to choose from among thousands of stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), mutual funds, individual bonds, CDs, and, if approved, alternative strategies such as options.

Lower costs. This depends on the plan and the IRA provider, but the cost-conscious investor will have more ways to limit fees in an IRA, such as investing in index funds, ETFs, or stocks that you hold for many years (avoiding the annual expenses of funds).

There are two reasons not to transfer an employer plan to an IRA:

- If you retire between the ages of 55 and 59-1/2, you can take money out of the plan from your last employer penalty-free, whereas withdrawals from an IRA before age 59-1/2 might result in a 10% penalty.

If you own stock in your employer, you’re likely better off transferring it to a taxable account to take advantage of net unrealized appreciation (NUA).

Getting It There From Here
The easiest and best way to move money from one retirement account to another is with a “trustee-to-trustee transfer.” Contact the company to which you wish to move the money, complete the paperwork they send you, and they’ll handle the rest.

You want to avoid being sent a check payable to you alone. If that happens, you’ll generally have 60 days to get the money into the new account. Wait any longer and it may be considered a distribution from your previous plan, subject to taxes and possible penalties. In addition, 20% of the distribution may be withheld; you’ll have to cover that gap with personal funds when you move the money to a new account, but you’ll get a refund when you file your taxes. If you don’t make up that 20%, it, too, will be considered a distribution subject to taxes and penalties. This is all very bad.

If your current account provider insists on sending you a check, request that it be made payable to the new financial institution — for example, “XYZ Bank as trustee of IRA of John Doe” or “ABC Firm FBO Jane Smith” (FBO means “for benefit of”).

Spending It
As mentioned earlier, you generally have to wait until age 59-1/2 before tapping retirement accounts, whether IRAs or 401(k)s — if you don’t, you’ll be charged a 10% early-distribution penalty. However, there are several exceptions. Some apply to both IRA and employer-sponsored plans, others to just one. (Any exceptions apply just to the 10% penalty; regular taxation will still apply.)

The chart below lists the possible exceptions. If you find yourself in any of these situations, take the time to know all the details before you make a withdrawal. Most exceptions are restricted to certain groups, but Substantially Equal Periodic Payments are available to everyone; they’re explained in IRS Code 72(t), but they’re complicated and can trigger the penalty if not done properly. For all the details, visit www.72t.net.

Note: The very first exception listed is also available to everyone, but it’s a large price to pay to avoid an IRS penalty.

Exceptions to 10% Early- Distribution Penalty	Plans and IRAs	IRAs Only (Including SEP and SIMPLE IRAs)	Plans Only
Death	?
Total and permanent disability	?
Substantially Equal Periodic Payments, a.k.a. 72(t)	?
Medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of adjusted gross income	?
IRS levy	?
Active reservists	?
Distributions from inherited accounts	?
Higher education, for self or qualified relatives		?
“First-time” home buyer, up to $10,000 per account owner (can be used for qualified relatives, or for yourself if you didn’t own a home in the previous two years)		?
Health insurance if unemployed		?
Age 55			?
Age 50 for public safety employees			?
457 plans			?
Dividends from employee stock ownership plans			?
Qualified Domestic Relations Order			?
Totally insane prices on flat-screen TVs at an after-Christmas sale

Contributions to a Roth IRA can be withdrawn tax- and penalty-free at any time, while earnings will be subject to the age 59-1/2 rule (as well as the five-year rule, which is a whole other complicated ball of wax). A Roth 401(k) is a different matter; all withdrawals are a proportional mix of contributions and earnings, with any taxes and penalties being assessed against the earnings only.

When You Gotta Take It
Owners of traditional IRAs as well as traditional and Roth employer plans must begin taking annual required minimum distributions (RMDs) the year they turn 70-1/2. Alternately, they can wait until the following year but take two distributions in that year. Otherwise, they’ll pay a 50% penalty. Yes, even a Roth 401(k) has RMDs, but they can be avoided by transferring the money to a Roth IRA — the only account not subject to forced liquidation.

Surprisingly, beneficiaries of inherited retirement accounts must also take RMDs beginning in the year following the death of the original owner. This is true regardless of age — even if the account is a Roth IRA. The only exception: a surviving spouse who elects to make the inherited account her own (i.e., has it re-titled in her name) or rolls over the inherited account to her own existing account.

While non-spouse beneficiaries can roll an inherited 401(k) to an inherited IRA, they can’t avoid the RMDs. The account must remain titled something along the lines of “Joe Smith, deceased, IRA for the benefit of Joe Smith Jr. as beneficiary.”

Bequeathing It
If you’re interested in passing on wealth to your family, you probably want as little to go to taxes and lawyers as possible. Start by naming living, breathing human beings on your account beneficiary forms. Doing this means the account bypasses your will and probate (which can cost time and money), and the beneficiary or beneficiaries can “stretch” the account over their lifetimes. If the form is blank, or the listed beneficiaries are themselves deceased, the money will go to the estate. In that case, the account may have to be liquidated within five years, and it will lose all the tax advantages of an IRA or 401(k).

Keep in mind that the beneficiary form often trumps other legal documents, such as wills and prenuptial agreements. If your beneficiary form says your IRA should be split between your son and daughter, but your will says it should just go to your daughter (because your son has turned out to be an irresponsible spendthrift — or a banker), the account may end up being split. And to minimize the risk of lost or messed-up beneficiary forms (it does happen!), keep copies in your own records.

It’s important to name primary beneficiaries as well as contingent beneficiaries (the people who will inherit your accounts if the primaries are deceased, or if they’d rather the contingent beneficiaries get the money). If you’ve inherited an IRA, make sure you name new beneficiaries.

Protecting It
Finally, here are three other considerations for protecting your retirement accounts, during this life and beyond:

- Creditors and bankruptcy. The money in your employer-sponsored retirement account most likely can’t be lost to bankruptcies, creditors, or lawsuits. IRAs receive bankruptcy protection up to $1 million. However, the amount of protection from other creditors varies by state.

- IRA fees paid with non-IRA money. Many IRA providers charge an annual account fee, which is automatically taken from your account assets. However, you can instead send a check to the custodian and leave more money in the IRA to grow. This also applies to annual “wrap” fees, though not to commissions and mutual fund expenses.

Estate taxes. Retirement accounts, including Roths, are included in a gross estate for tax purposes. Recent laws increased the federal estate tax exemption to $5 million per person and $10 million per couple, but the limits drop in 2013. Twenty states also impose estate taxes, with exemptions as low as $338,333. If your estate is or will be worth a few million dollars or more, see a local, qualified estate-planning attorney.

Remember: Get help if you need it. If you’re going to make a significant change to your retirement accounts, you might want a little professional help to make sure you’re doing everything right. IRAHelp.com features a listing of advisors in your area who have taken extra training about IRAs and 401(k)s. Also, the fee-only financial advisors at the Garrett Planning Network charge by the hour (among other methods), which makes it easier to get your questions answered without having to turn over your entire financial life.

Source: getrichslowly.org

Apache is functioning normally

June 21, 2023 by Brett Tams

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card overview

The no-annual-fee Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees) offers the same great redemption options as its sister cards, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees) and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees) — but with a lower rewards rate and fewer perks. The miles earned on the card can be transferred to Capital One’s 15-plus airline and hotel partners or redeemed directly as a statement credit on eligible purchases. Card Rating*: ⭐⭐⭐

*Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.

No matter which card from the Capital One Venture family you choose, all three options offer simple earnings structures, 17 airline and hotel transfer partners and easy-to-use rewards.

For those who like a straightforward option for earning and redeeming rewards, you can also use your miles to “pay” back travel purchases charged to your card in the past 90 days.

If you’re on the fence about paying an annual fee, you’ll want to take a look at the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.

Capital One VentureOne welcome offer

The Capital One VentureOne comes with a sign-up bonus of 20,000 bonus miles once you spend $500 within the first three months from account opening. Based on TPG valuations that peg Capital One Venture miles at 1.85 cents apiece, this sign-up bonus is worth $370.

That’s significantly less than the Venture card’s bonus, which is currently at up to 75,000 miles after you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening, and valued at $1,388 by TPG.

However, the 20,000-mile bonus is still higher than what many other no-annual-fee cards offer. Additionally, the spending requirement for the VentureOne card’s bonus is much easier to meet than the Venture card, with it requiring just $500 in spending.

ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

Earning miles on the Capital One VentureOne

The VentureOne earning scheme is similar to the $95-a-year Venture card but with a slightly lower return on everyday spending.

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You’ll earn a flat 1.25 miles per dollar on everyday purchases, which equates to a solid 2.33% return using TPG valuations. While decent, it isn’t the best return for everyday spending. However, the benefit of an unlimited earning rate is that you don’t have to keep up with multiple bonus categories — exchanging simplicity for maximizing value.

Plus, if you are booking hotels and rental cars through the Capital One travel portal, you’ll earn 5 miles per dollar on those reservations — a solid 9.25% return.

Redeeming miles on the Capital One VentureOne

You have a few options when it comes to redeeming Venture miles.

The most straightforward way is to use them to pay for eligible purchases as a statement credit. This allows you to sign in to your Venture Rewards online account and redeem miles at a flat 1 cent apiece for a statement credit against eligible travel purchases you’ve made with the card in the last 90 days.

This includes many travel expenses that traditional miles won’t cover, from Uber rides to Airbnb stays. There are no award charts, blackout dates or minimum redemption amount.

Related: Use your Capital One Venture miles to stay at these 10 stunning Airbnb homes

NICKY KELVIN/THE POINTS GUY

However, to get more value from your sign-up bonus, you should try the more advanced redemption option — maximizing Capital One’s transfer partners. Capital One has 17 airline and hotel partners to which you can transfer your miles, including Avianca LifeMiles, British Airways Avios, Etihad Guest and Turkish Airlines Miles & Smiles.

This redemption option is slightly more advanced than just redeeming against charges at a fixed value, but it’s not as difficult as it sounds. We have plenty of guides that will teach you how to best redeem your miles using transfer partners:

ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

Capital One VentureOne benefits

The VentureOne card comes with the standard suite of World Elite Mastercard travel and shopping benefits, including:

In addition to these World Elite Mastercard perks, the VentureOne is among the few no-annual-fee cards with no foreign transaction fees, making it a great option to use outside of the U.S. Benefits are only available to accounts approved for the World Elite Mastercard card, and terms apply.

Which cards compete with the Capital One VentureOne?

If this card sounds pretty appealing, know that there are actually several no-annual-fee cards that compete with the VentureOne, plus its older sibling:

For additional options, check out our full list of the best no-annual-fee cards.

Read more: The power of the Chase Trifecta: Sapphire Reserve, Ink Preferred and Freedom Unlimited

Is the Capital One VentureOne worth it?

The VentureOne is a solid no-annual-fee option for those who still want a healthy sign-up bonus, reasonable perks and the ability to transfer points and miles directly to travel partners. However, you can get a higher earn rate on everyday purchases by getting a Venture card with an annual fee.

Bottom line

In addition to its perks and sign-up bonus, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card also beats other no-annual-fee cards for perks such as purchase protection and no foreign transaction fees. It’s a budget-friendly option for Capital One fans and frequent travelers alike.

Official application link: Capital One VentureOne

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

Additional reporting by Ryan Wilcox and Stella Shon.

Source: thepointsguy.com

Apache is functioning normally

June 20, 2023 by Brett Tams

Truist Financial is promoting David Smith to head up its mortgage business, replacing Todd Chamberlain who will be retiring effective July 31.

Smith joined the Charlotte, North Carolina bank as deputy head of mortgage in January, following a near two-year stint as the president of Keller Home Financial Service, an affiliate of real estate franchisor Keller Williams, according to his LinkedIn profile.

For over 13 years, Smith worked at Citi, and spent the last two as head of its U.S. mortgage division. He also has experience with servicing, not just at Citi (including as head of default specialty servicing), but also with prior positions at Aurora Loan Services and Select Portfolio Servicing.

David Smith named Head of Truist Mortgage.

Hand-out/Truist Financial Corporation

In his new role, Smith will report to Truist Chief Retail and Small Business Banking Officer Dontá Wilson and lead all areas of mortgage, including originations, fulfillment, warehouse lending and servicing.

Smith is taking the top slot after company CEO Bill Rogers said on Truist’s first quarter earnings call that further cutbacks in the mortgage business were possible.

“David’s experience and accomplishments as a leader in the mortgage industry position Truist to reimagine the future of Truist Mortgage for our clients,” Wilson said in a press release. “As we mark David’s installment as leader, I want to also express my gratitude for Todd Chamberlain’s leadership to help make the American dream of homeownership come true for millions of clients — truly building better lives and communities.”

Chamberlain joined SunTrust in February 2018 as executive vice president, head of mortgage banking, moving to head of consumer lending solutions in January 2019.

Later that year, SunTrust agreed to merge with BB&T and following the completion of the deal was rebranded as Truist. Chamberlain stayed on board as EVP, head of mortgage banking.

Before joining SunTrust, and between two stints at Regions Bank, Chamberlain had replaced Sy Naqvi as the CEO of PNC Mortgage.

Source: nationalmortgagenews.com

Apache is functioning normally

June 20, 2023 by Brett Tams

Earnings at Fannie Mae more than doubled in the first quarter to $3.78 billion despite revenue falling.

The government sponsored entity reported $6.85 billion in revenues in the first quarter, down from $7.14 billion in the fourth quarter, attributing the revenue decline to falling amortization income as high interest rates resulted in lower prepayment speeds.

Though $3.78 billion in net income represented a strong quarter, it was still 14% below the $4.41 billion in net income reported in the first quarter of last year.

Single-family profits rose to $3.13 billion from $1.98 billion in the fourth quarter. The company’s multifamily business also rebounded from a $52 million loss in the fourth quarter to a $640 million profit in the first quarter.

Fannie’s provision for credit losses in the first quarter was $132 million, down from $3.28 billion in the prior quarter, which was the primary driver of profits for the GSE.

The enterprise reported that it acquired 170,000 single-family purchase loans in the quarter, more than 45% of which were for first-time homebuyers. In all, single-family acquisition volume was $67.5 billion, a 21% decrease from $85.3 billion in the fourth quarter. That $67.5 billion figure represents the smallest quarterly deal volume in 23 years.

Refinance volume also came in at $11 billion, a drop from $14.5 billion in the prior quarter.

The company recorded a net worth of $64 billion in the first quarter, up from $60.3 billion in the fourth quarter. Even so, its regulator, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, says the enterprise has a $253 billion shortfall, down from $258 billion in the fourth quarter.

The other government sponsored entity, Freddie Mac, will report earnings on Wednesday.

Source: housingwire.com

In-depth reviews of the best travel rewards credit cards

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Chase Sapphire Preferred®

Citi Premier® Card

AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Bilt Rewards Mastercard®

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

American Express® Gold Card

How do travel credit cards work?

What’s the difference between points and miles?

How to choose a travel card

1. Know the (credit card application) rules

American Express

Capital One

Chase

Citi

2. Get a card that suits your goals

3. Decide on co-brand vs. transferrable rewards

4. Go for a big welcome bonus

5. Evaluate your spending habits

6. Pick a card with purchase and travel protections

7. Check the fees

The bottom line: Should you get a travel credit card?

Read more:

Pretax vs. After-Tax Basics

Comparing Pretax and After-Tax

Choosing Pretax or After-Tax

The Bottom Line

Investment Tips

Our rating

Marcus Online Savings

Get a $500 Cash Bonus.

What Is the Marcus Online Savings Account?

What Sets the Marcus Online Savings Account Apart?

Key Features of the Marcus Online Savings Account

Account Yield

Account Fees & Minimums

Money Management Tools

Deposit Options & Transfer Limits

Mobile Features

Deposit Insurance

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

How the Marcus Online Savings Account Stacks Up

Final Word

The Verdict

Our rating

Marcus Online Savings

Our rating

Marcus Online Savings

Get a $500 Cash Bonus.

What Is the Marcus Online Savings Account?

What Sets the Marcus Online Savings Account Apart?

Key Features of the Marcus Online Savings Account

Account Yield

Account Fees & Minimums

Money Management Tools

Deposit Options & Transfer Limits

Mobile Features

Deposit Insurance

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

How the Marcus Online Savings Account Stacks Up

Final Word

The Verdict

Our rating

Marcus Online Savings

The Biggest Taxpayers

Factors Influencing Who Pays the Most Taxes

The Bottom Line

Tax Tips

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card overview

*Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.

Capital One VentureOne welcome offer

Earning miles on the Capital One VentureOne