In an effort to improve my short credit history, I began digging around for a second credit card a few months ago. My first choice was a gas card through Shell, so that my family members could use it, pay me, and I could get the benefit. I was rejected, unfortunately (for them, not for me). I waited a while before searching again, worried frequent hits to my report would lower my chances of getting anything.

Last month, I was shopping on Amazon.com and noticed an advertisement for $30 back on your first purchase using their credit card, provided through Chase. I asked a couple friends, who all said Chase was okay, and decided to apply. The process was short and simple, and 30 seconds later, I was approved for a $1,700 credit limit.

Chase is a little infamous as a creditor because of its high interest rates. I always pay my balance in full, however, so interest does not matter much for me. The card also comes with a reasonable rewards program (3% on Amazon purchases, 2% for some, 1% for the rest) which issues Amazon gift cards, among other things, with no monthly or annual membership fee, which is very important to me, as I am not a big spender.

I received my card a few days later and called to activate. I was used to Wells Fargo, which is entirely machine-handled, so I was a bit surprised when an actual person began talking to me. She seemed nice and was easy to understand, but I was bothered to be sold two different forms of protection (against identity theft and “insurance” for not being able to pay) when I just wanted to activate my card. I will see how the identity theft protection works, and probably cancel both services within the month. I don’t think I need it, and I certainly don’t want to pay for something unnecessary. I suppose I will see how paranoia affects me at the time.

I think overall the card meets my expectations and is reasonable for anybody who does not carry a balance. Paying it off has been simple with my bank’s bill pay service, and customer service has generally been helpful for my few questions. I would definitely get the card again if I were to do it over. I shop on Amazon frequently enough to make the extra hassle worth it.

Rating: 8