A simple credit card with a long intro APR period on balance transfers and purchases, and a low APR after that.
30-seconds take
- Get this card if you want a low APR.
- Pick something else if you prefer cashback rewards.
- Apply with a good to excellent credit score of 680 or higher.
| Product Name | BB&T Bright® Credit Card |
|---|---|
| Card Type | Visa |
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| APR (Annual Percentage Rate) for Purchases | 12.99% and 21.99% variable |
| Introductory Purchase APR | 0% for the first 15 months (then 12.99% and 21.99% variable) |
| Introductory Balance Transfer APR | 0% for the first 15 months (then 12.99% to 21.99% variable) |
| Balance Transfer Fee | $10 or 3% of the transaction, whichever is greater |
| Cash Advance Rate | 23.99% variable |
| Cash Advance Fee | $10 or 3% of the cash advance amount, whichever is greater |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 3% of the transaction value |
| Interest Free Period | Up to 25 days |
| Minimum Interest | $0 |
| Late Payment Fee | Up to $38 |
| Additional Cardholder Fee | $0 |
| Minimum Age | 18 years of age |
|---|
The basics
This is a simple, no-annual-fee credit card that offers a solid intro APR period on balance transfers and purchases — and a relatively low APR after that. You can also get cash back at participating retailers, but you won’t get rewards on all of your purchases and you won’t get any signup bonuses.
The perks
Intro APR period.
Get 0% intro APR period on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months following your account opening. After that, a variable APR of 12.99% to 21.99% will apply. This is one of the longest intro APR periods you can get when compared with other cards.
Relatively low APR.
With great credit, you could qualify for a relatively low 12.99% variable APR. That’s below the average credit card APR of around 16%. On the downside, the APR range extends all the way to 21.99% variable. So if your credit score is low, you could see an APR at the top of that range, which would likely render the card useless.
Cash back at participating retailers.
Get up to 10% back at participating retailers, including AT&T, Chili’s, DirectTV, Jamba Juice, PetSmart, Sears, Sephora and Starbucks.
To use this feature, you need to download the U by BB&T mobile app and open the Deals tab. Based on your purchasing activity, BB&T will give you limited time deals where you need to add every deal and start spending at the retailer. Cash back is credited to your account the following billing cycle.
No annual fee.
You won’t pay an annual fee to own the card.
You’ll also like …
Visa® benefits.
Get assistance and emergency card replacement when you lose your card. Also, get auto car rental insurance, roadside dispatch and zero liability protection in case of unauthorized purchases.
Card controls.
You can turn your card on or off if you lose it or you can restrict your card usage based on location. Also, you can restrict your card on where it’s used — online or in-store — or you can limit the dollar amount that can be spent per transaction.
No penalty APR.
If you make late payments, you won’t pay a penalty APR. Other cards have a penalty APR of up to 30%, which you may get stuck with indefinitely.
What to watch out for
No signup bonus.
Most cards let you earn a bonus when you become a customer, such as extra points, cash back or free hotel nights. This card, unfortunately, doesn’t offer any bonuses.
Foreign transaction fees.
For every transaction you make outside of the US, you’ll pay 3% fee. This may not seem like much, but it can add up quickly on a trip spanning several days.
Limited cash back.
This card doesn’t offer cash back on all purchases. You’ll only receive cash back if you shop with select retailers and add them to your account using the U by BB&T app.
Consider other cards if …
You want cash back.
Consider the BB&T Spectrum Cash Rewards credit card where you get 3% back on gas, 2% back on groceries and utilities and 1% back on all other purchases. In addition, you get a long intro APR period on balance transfers and purchases.
If you’re looking for a flat unlimited cashback card with a long intro APR period on balance transfers, the PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature® Card could be a good choice. It offers 1.5% back on all purchases, and 2% back if you become a PenFed Honors Advantage member.
You want a card with a low APR.
The Barclaycard Ring™ Mastercard® offers one of the lowest APRs on balance transfers and purchases of 13.74% variable. Plus, you get a long intro APR period on balance transfers.
Compare balance transfer cards
How does a balance transfer work with this card?
You can make a balance transfer when you open your credit card or request one later. To make the transfer, you’ll need the account number of your existing balance. You’ll also need to provide personal information like your income, employment details and Social Security number.
For each transfer, you’ll pay either a $10 or 3% of the transaction, whichever is greater. This makes a balance transfer of $1,000 cost $30 in fees.
Balance transfer times will vary, but you can request to cancel any balance transfers within 10 days of making them by calling BB&T at 1-800-476-4228.
What should I know before I apply?
To apply for this card, you must be at least 18 years old.
You’ll also need to provide:
- Your name and contact information.
- Date of birth and Social Security number.
- Employment information and annual income.
You can add authorized users during your application.
What credit score do I need?
To increase your chances of approval, apply with a good to excellent credit score of 680 or higher. You’ll need a better credit score to get the lowest possible APR and to get a high credit limit.
What do customers say about the BB&T Bright® Credit Card?
The Branch Banking and Trust Company earns an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau where it’s been accredited since 1974.
Customers generally say the card is far from exciting but gets the job done. Some are especially pleased with their low APR. Additionally, many of them say BB&T’s customer service is excellent and quick to respond to fraudulent charges.
How to apply for the BB&T Bright® Credit Card
- Go to the BB&T website and select Credit cards under the Banking tab.
- Find the BB&T Bright® Credit Card from the list and click either Open an account or Apply now.
- Complete the application form.
- Review your application and submit.
How long will it take to get my BB&T Bright® Credit Card?
Thanks to automated preapproval, you can get a decision within a minute. If additional information is required, it may take a few business days up to a few weeks to receive a response.
Upon approval, expect your card to arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.
I got the card. Now what?
- Download the U by BB&T mobile app. Pay your bills, transfer money between accounts, manage your accounts, get cashback deals and more with the BB&T mobile banking app.
- Avoid interest. After the close of each billing cycle, you have a grace period of 25 days to pay your balance. Do so and you’ll avoid interest on your purchases.
- Avoid fees. Late payments will cost you up to $38. Balance transfers and cash advances also come with fees.
- Customer service. For any questions you may have, contact BB&T support at 1-800-226-5228 or send a secure message from your account.
Bottom line
The BB&T Bright® Credit Card‘s strongest benefit is its long intro APR period on purchases and balance transfers and the potentially low APR after that. It can be a good balance transfer card, and a solid choice if you need to make a big purchase now and pay it off over time.
If you have an excellent credit, and you want to carry your balance, this could be the right card for you. Otherwise, check out other low APR or balance transfer credit cards to find the one best suited for your financial frame of mind.
Can you make purchases in the store or just online?
Hi Al,
Thank you for your comment.
You can definitely use BB&T Bright® Credit Card online and in-store purchases.
Regards,
Jhezelyn