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Our pick for everyday rewards for seniors: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Up to 6%
Cash back
Weekly tips sent straight to your inbox
We’ve made a list of providers that accept retired applicants, as well as the documents you’ll need to improve your chances of approval.
There are credit cards to help different lifestyles and phases of life. For seniors, there are many options out there, but we’ve narrowed down the best. Here are a few of our favorite credit cards for seniors.
| Annual Fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Purchase APR | 13.99% to 23.99% variable |
| Balance transfer APR | 0% intro for the first 18 months (then 13.99% to 23.99% variable) |
| Welcome offer | N/A |
| Rewards | Up to 2% cash back on purchases (1% when you buy plus 1% as you pay) |
| Annual Fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Purchase APR | 0% intro for the first 18 months (then 14.74% to 24.74% variable) |
| Balance transfer APR | 0% intro for the first 18 months (then 14.74% to 24.74% variable) |
| Welcome offer | N/A |
| Rewards | N/A |
★★★★★
| Annual Fee | $0 intro annual fee for the first year ($95 thereafter) |
|---|---|
| Purchase APR | 0% intro for the first 12 months (then 13.99% to 23.99% variable) |
| Balance transfer APR | N/A |
| Welcome offer | $300 after spending $3,000 in the first 6 months (Offer expires 12/10/2020) |
| Rewards | 6% on select US streaming services, 3% on transit and US gas stations, 6% at US supermarkets on up to $6,000 annually, then 1% after that and on all other purchases |
| Annual Fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Purchase APR | 16.24% to 22.99% variable |
| Balance transfer APR | 16.24% to 22.99% variable |
| Welcome offer | $100 cash back after spending $500 in the first 3 months |
| Rewards | 3% back at restaurants, 3% at gas stations and 1% on all other purchases |
We compared credit cards with perks and features that would benefit seniors and retirees, taking into account rewards, annual fee and other perks. We’ve selected the cards that had the optimal combination of these perks.
There are two benefits to using a credit card as a senior: rewards and security. Even with a fixed income, you’ll be spending plenty on your day-to-day essentials, such as groceries, gas, dining or travel. The right rewards credit card can let you earn cash back, miles and rewards on purchases, often for free and with little extra effort on your part.
Credit cards are also one of the more secure payment methods available. In the event of a fraudulent event, credit card security protections ensure you won’t be on the hook for any charge made without your consent.
Applying for a senior’s card often requires the same information — including credit score and credit history — as a standard credit card application. Here are the detailed requirements from the most popular credit card providers.
| Provider | Who can apply | Application requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Amex | Retirees and pension holders |
The credit card department may reach out directly through email or phone for extra information. |
| Citi | Retirees and pension holders |
|
| Barclays | Retirees and pension holders |
The credit card department may reach out directly through email or phone for extra information. |
| Chase | Retirees and pension holders |
|
| TD Bank | Retirees and pension holders |
|
| Wells Fargo | Retirees and pension holders |
The credit card department may reach out directly through email or phone for extra information. |
| Bank of America | Retirees and pension holders |
|
| HSBC | Retirees and pension holders |
The credit card department may reach out directly through email or phone for extra information. |
| PNC Bank | Retirees and pension holders |
The credit card department may reach out directly through email or phone for extra information. |
| Capital One | Retirees and pension holders |
The credit card department may reach out directly through email or phone for extra information. |
| Simmons Bank | Retirees and pension holders |
The credit card department may reach out directly through email or phone for extra information. |
Before you apply for a seniors’ credit card, avoid the following:
To find the best credit card for seniors, consider whether you want an intro APR card, a rewards credit card or one with travel perks and benefits. Then, compare multiple options to find the right card for your needs.
There are many credit card options for seniors, and the application requirements are often the same as the standard credit cards. Always compare credit cards before you apply.
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