We all love credit cards for the miles, points, and cash back from spending and big sign-up bonuses.
But when there’s a problem, or you need assistance, certain cards are better than others. And some come with terrific perks and discounts which make them an even better deal.
Let’s look at 5 cards that get rave reviews from customers!
Best Cards for Customer Service
Link: Hot Deals
1. Discover it & Discover it Miles
Link: Discover it® Cash Back
Link: Discover it® Miles
The information for the Discover it Miles card has been collected independently by Million Mile Secrets. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.Discover was ranked #1 in customer satisfaction for 2015 by JD Power and Associates. They’re consistently rated highly because of their great service and spending bonuses.
Folks like that their phone agents are US-based, and response times are quick. Plus, their cash back and miles programs are straightforward and easy to understand.
Plus, cardholders aren’t responsible for fraudulent purchases on their Discover card. And you can quickly freeze and unfreeze your account if you temporarily misplace your card.
New Discover it Cash Back and Discover it Miles cardholders will have the cash back or miles they earn doubled at the end of their 1st 12 billing cycles.I’ve heard Discover agents are super helpful! A friend once accidentally missed a payment (very rare) and caught it a few days later. When he called to pay in full, he asked Discover to waive the late fee, and they did so with no problem!
They’ll also expedite your new card if you want to start using it right away.
2. American Express Platinum
Link: The Platinum Card From American Express
American Express has historically been the top-ranked credit card issuer in the US. Their customer service is top-notch, and it’s easy to get an agent on the phone (or via online chat or secure message).
AMEX cardholders get lots of extra perks, like AMEX Offers and complimentary ShopRunner membership (discounts and free shipping).
Plus, some AMEX cards, like the American Express Platinum, offer outstanding purchase protection, return protection, and extended warranty benefits.
For instance, when you buy an expensive television with your AMEX Platinum, you’ll have peace of mind. Because the card extends the warranty for an extra year.
While the American Express Platinum card has a hefty $450 annual fee, it’s off-set by up to $200 each year in airline fee reimbursements (bag fees, in-flight food and drink) with your selected airline. And up to $100 in statement credits every 5 years for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fees.
I especially like that the AMEX Platinum comes with exclusive perks, like complimentary American Express Centurion Lounge visits. And if you enjoy fine dining or live concerts, sporting events, & theater, you’ll get preferred access to restaurants and events with the Platinum Dining Program and Preferred Seating.
American Express also overnight-ships your new Platinum card to you automatically! Even on Saturdays.
3. Chase Sapphire Preferred
Link: Chase Sapphire Preferred
Link: My Review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is the 1st card I recommend for folks starting out collecting miles and points.
That’s because it’s got a great sign-up bonus and earns bonus points on categories like travel and dining. And you can transfer the points you earn to terrific airline and hotel partners like Southwest, United Airlines, and Hyatt.
But I like the Chase Sapphire Preferred for another reason. When you call the number on the back of your card (any time 24/7), a real person answers the phone!
You don’t have to navigate a maze of menu options or wait on hold for a long time. In fact, when I have an issue with any of my Chase accounts, I’ll call the Chase Sapphire Preferred number and ask to be transferred!
In my experience, Chase has been very good with matching increased sign-up bonuses and when I’ve had to dispute a charge. And it’s easy to send them a secure message online.
Plus, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card comes with other great perks, like primary car rental insurance and trip delay reimbursement.
If you ask, Chase will overnight ship your new card to you – for free!
4. Citi Prestige
Link: Citi Prestige Card
Link: My Review of the Citi Prestige
Along with a big 50,000 Citi ThankYou point sign-up bonus after meeting minimum spending requirements (EXPIRED!), the Citi Prestige comes with a ton of extra perks!
In fact, you can off-set the $450 annual fee by making the most of benefits like:
- $250 annual airline statement credit (includes airfare)
- Global Entry application fee credit (worth $100)
- Access to American Airlines Admirals Club lounges through July 23, 2017
- 4th night free on paid hotel stays booked through the Citi Prestige Concierge
- 3 (or more) free rounds of golf per year through July 23, 2017
The Citi Prestige comes with access to the Citi Prestige Concierge, which can help you with travel planning, shopping, and dining. Check out the full list of perks with this card!
Plus, you could save a lot of money with Citi Price Rewind. You’ll get money back if the price drops on an item you’ve purchased in the last 60 days.
I’ve also had good experiences with Citi fraud alerts and matching increased sign-up bonuses when I’ve recently been approved for a lower bonus.
And some folks report Citi will expedite a new card to you for free if you ask them!
5. Barclaycard Arrival Plus
Link: Barclaycard Arrival Plus™ World Elite MasterCard®
Link: My Review of the Barclaycard Arrival Plus™ World Elite MasterCard®
Folks weren’t happy when Barclaycard made changes to redeeming miles earned from the Barclaycard Arrival Plus this year.
But it’s still a good card because it has a 40,000 mile sign-up bonus (worth ~$400 in travel purchases of $100+) after you complete the minimum spending. And the $89 annual fee is waived for the 1st year.
I like Barclaycard because their website is easy to navigate. And you can easily redeem miles right from your online account.
In my experience, their customer service agents are very responsive (either by phone or online). And folks have had issues resolved quickly with their accounts. For example:
- A buddy of mine accidentally missed a payment while he was traveling. He sent Barclaycard a secure message and they offered to waive the late fee without him having to ask!
- Others report calling to cancel their Arrival card – and the agent immediately offered to waive the annual fee for another year.
- Another friend was charged twice in error for a hotel stay and the hotel refused to fix the mistake. A quick call and email to Barclaycard customer service resolved the situation within a couple of days.
I also like that the Barclaycard website makes it easy to add authorized users, see your FICO score, and send a secure message.
Barclaycard normally charges ~$30 to ship a new card overnight. But some have reported they’ll waive the charge for the Barclaycard Arrival Plus.
Bottom Line
Some cards are better than others! And it’s not just about miles and points.
My favorite cards offer excellent customer service. It’s nice to know that if there’s an issue with your account or a fraudulent charge, it’s easier with some cards to contact a customer service representative.
And other cards provide extra perks, like extended warranty, price protection, or return protection on your purchases.
Do you have a card you’d recommend? Please share your favorite customer service experiences in the comments!