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What's the purpose of this site?

Credit Card Menu allows you to compare various credit card offers, select the offer that matches your requirements and apply online via the issuer's web site. Learn more...

How do I use the site's features?

Credit Card Menu provides various tools for selecting the card that best fits your needs. The five main features are represented iconographically (look at the icons in the left column). These are the different sections of the site. The corresponding main features of the site are the following:

• The browse section is the simplest presentation of most (but not all) credit cards on the site - it lists up to 10 credit cards per category and allows you to see the range of products available. The cards are compared in a tabular form which shows their main parameters. Clicking on the card's name will bring up a page detailing its rates, terms and benefits.
• The advanced search feature allows you to search the database of cards by various parameters, such as APR, fees, card type, and state-by-state availability.
• The learn section contains several articles that help you understand how to choose the right card. In addition, you can look up definitions for various credit card terms.
• The discussion forum allows you to ask questions you may have regarding credit cards and credit in general. The site's experts, as well as other visitors, may have the answer!
• The credit center section contains information on relevant services: credit reports, credit scoring and debt management solutions.

Why are certain parameters such as fees and interest rates listed as ranges?

Sometimes credit card issuers promote several credit card products under one brand name. The features are typically very similar or identical, but the terms may differ. The most common scenario is that when the terms of the product are "matched" with the credit score of the applicant - naturally, the higher the score, the more attractive the terms offered.

While this practice has been at times criticised, issuers justify such "customization" of their products by pointing out that offering only the best terms to everybody is not realistic and if they were to ever do that, the vast majority of applicants would have to be rejected.

Instead, they will consider every applicant for the best terms they have and if the applicant qualifies for the best "tier" of the product, they will get approved for the best terms. Othewise, they will consider them for the next "tier" of the product and so on...

Typically, there are between 2 and 4 tiers in such "custom terms" credit card products. When you glance through the table showing brief summaries of credit cards, the products offering customized terms are marked with an asterisk (*) after the corresponding numeric ranges.

How can I apply for cards listed here?

Next to each credit card's description, you will see a link that says "APPLY ONLINE". By clicking on this link, you will be taken to the application form on the issuer's web site. All issuers featured on the Credit Card Menu provide secure online applications, so your personal information is transmitted to the bank safely.

I applied for a card. How can I check the status of my application?

While many products now have the 'instant decision' feature, which allows you to find out if you were accepted within seconds, some still require 2 weeks or more to review your application.

Important: Since the application itself is taken on the issuer's site, we have no information on the status of your application. You can always contact the issuer directly.