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There are many reasons to move out on your own – you might be leaving your childhood home, ending a relationship, or ditching life with roommates. But no matter your circumstances, moving out can be challenging. You have to get used to self-reliance and figure out how to afford your new lifestyle.
Some credit cards can help you get established and settled in your new home. Here are four credit cards for moving out on your own.
1. Citi Simplicity
Rewards: None
Signup Bonus: None
Annual Fee: None
Annual Percentage Rate (APR): 15.74% – 25.74% (Variable)
Why We Picked It: This card has 0% APR on everything for a year and a half.
For Moving Out: If you have a lot of moving expenses or need to make purchases for your new place, this card can help you avoid interest for a long time. Purchases and balance transfers are interest-free for 18 months. That’s plenty of time to move out, furnish your apartment, and pay down your balance.
Drawbacks: There are no rewards.
2. Blue Cash Everyday from American Express
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
- $150 statement credit after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 3 months.
- 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%).
- 2% cash back at U.S. gas stations and at select U.S. department stores, 1% back on other purchases.
- Low intro APR: 0% for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable rate, currently 15.24% to 26.24%.
- Over 1.5 million more places in the U.S. started accepting American Express® Cards in 2017.
- Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be easily redeemed for statement credits, gift cards, and merchandise.
- No annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
Card Details +
Rewards: 3% cash back on up to $6,000 in annual US supermarket purchases, 2% cash back at U.S. gas stations and eligible department stores, and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Welcome Offer: $150 statement credit if you spend $1,000 in the first three months.
Annual Fee: $0
APR: 0% for 15 months on purchases, then 15.24%-26.24% Variable APR.
Why We Picked It: This card helps you afford the basics.
For Moving Out: With great cash back rates at supermarkets, gas stations, and department stores, you’ll be able to save on the staples as you strike out on your own. All purchases and balance transfers are interest-free for 15 months.
Drawbacks: If you don’t spend much on the special cash back categories, this card isn’t for you.
3. Chase Freedom Unlimited
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
- 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 17.24-25.99%. Balance transfer fee is 3% of the amount transferred, $5 minimum
- Unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase - it's automatic
- Earn a $150 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
- No minimum to redeem for cash back
- Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open
- Free credit score, updated weekly with Credit Journey℠
- No annual fee
Card Details +
Rewards: 1.5% cash back on every purchase.
Sign-Up Bonus: $150 bonus cash back if you spend $500 in the first three months.
Annual Fee: $0
APR: 0% for 15 months on purchases, than an ongoing 17.24% - 25.99% Variable APR.
Why We Picked It: The cash back offer is simple and competitive.
For Moving Out: You have no special bonus categories to track or activate. Every purchase earns 1.5% cash back, no matter what. You’ll avoid interest on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months.
Drawbacks: This isn’t the highest cash back rate available.
4. Citi ThankYou Preferred
Rewards: Two points per dollar spent on dining and entertainment and one point per dollar spent on other purchases.
Signup Bonus: None
Annual Fee: $0
Annual Percentage Rate (APR): 15.24% – 25.24% (Variable)
Why We Picked It: Want to earn points on recreation and dining purchases? This card is a great choice.
For Moving Out: If you plan to enjoy the entertainment and dining scene around your new home base, this card is for you. You’ll earn double points on dining and entertainment purchases. Points can be redeemed for gift cards, travel, and more.
Drawbacks: There is no sign-up bonus.
Choosing a Credit Card for Moving Out
The right credit card for your new life depends on your goals.
If you’re looking for rewards, you should choose a card that matches your spending habits. For example, a card with supermarket rewards is great for home cooks, while a card with dining rewards is better if you like to go out for meals. Make sure to choose a card that provides rewards you’ll actually use.
If you’re looking to avoid interest as you get established, you’ll want a card with a strong 0% APR offer. Look for a card that gives you enough time to make all your moving and home purchases interest free. Remember, it’s best to pay down your credit card balance in full every month, even if your purchases aren’t accruing interest.
Don’t neglect the APR and fees. When you’re getting established, you may not want a card with a high interest rate or an excessive annual fee.
What Credit is Required for a Credit Card for Moving Out?
The right credit card for you depends on your needs as you move out and establish independence. There are credit cards available for all types of credit, but you should always be confident in your odds of approval before you submit an application. You can check your credit for free at Credit.com.
If you’re concerned about your credit, you can check your three credit reports for free once a year. To track your credit more regularly, Credit.com’s free Credit Report Card is an easy-to-understand breakdown of your credit report information that uses letter grades—plus you get two free credit scores updated every 14 days.
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At publishing time, the Blue Cash Everyday from American Express and the Chase Freedom Unlimited card are offered through Credit.com product pages, and Credit.com is compensated if our users apply for and ultimately sign up for any of these cards. However, this relationship does not result in any preferential editorial treatment. This content is not provided by the card issuer(s). Any opinions expressed are those of Credit.com alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by the issuer(s).
Note: It’s important to remember that interest rates, fees, and terms for credit cards, loans, and other financial products frequently change. As a result, rates, fees, and terms for credit cards, loans, and other financial products cited in these articles may have changed since the date of publication. Please be sure to verify current rates, fees, and terms with credit card issuers, banks, or other financial institutions directly.
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