5 Gadgets Every Credit Card Lover Should Have
While the latest tools and gizmos offer solutions for protecting and keeping our information safe, are any of them really worth the splurge? Here, we take a closer look and let you decide.
1. Bluetooth Tracker
Scenario: While at the airport terminal, you get a push alert on your phone, indicating your wallet was left at a nearby Starbucks.
While manufacturers are still perfecting this technology, when these trackers do work, they have the potential to prevent some major stress for busy or absent-minded travelers out there (hey, we all have our moments). Simply slip the small tracking chip into a wallet or bag or attach this handy device to a key ring. Then, connect the chip or tag via Bluetooth technology to an app on your smartphone. An alert will go off when the wallet is no longer within close range and guide you back to its location. It is important to note, however, that many of these trackers only work when the missing item is within Bluetooth range, and that could be only a mere 100 feet or so. Available from brands like TrackR and Tile, starting at $30.
2. RFID Wallet
Scenario: While on a trip to Europe, you're in a busy train station and notice a stranger holding what appears to be a scanning device a few feet away — it's some punk with an RFID (or Radio Frequency Identification) reader. Luckily, you have a special wrapper around your cards, making the reader unable to scan any data for potential fraudulent use.
While many travelers like the idea of a special wallet lining to prevent a thief from reading credit or debit cards, it turns out RFID wallets are only really necessary if you have contactless cards. In the US, most of us don't — we have newer EMV chip cards.
But what about protecting passports and Global Entry cards that still use RFID technology? G. Mark Hardy, president of the National Security Corporation, says not to worry. "Even if a hacker was able to 'read' the information, it would be useless as it merely points to a record number, and does not contain the name or even address the person." His bottom line: "I consider the risk to be low, but a simple lined card sleeve, usually available for free with advertising on it, is a sufficient defense that makes the likelihood of a successful attack nearly zero." Available from several different brands on Amazon.com, starting at $7.
3. Mobile Credit Card Reader
Scenario: While on a weekend trip with friends, splitting a hefty hotel bill becomes a scramble. To make it easy for everybody, pay the entire bill, then take credit card payments from your friends using a Square card reader — no cash or checks required.
While some prefer sticking to PayPal or Venmo, mobile credit card readers can also be a handy tool for taking swipe payments via smartphone or tablet. Square is becoming a fast favorite for small business owners and travelers alike, although you should be prepared to get hit with a small fee per transaction. Available from $29 on Squareup.com.
4. Apple Watch
Scenario: You're wrapping up a fancy dinner with a potential business partner and have just paid the bill with a credit card. As the waiter starts to process the payment, an alert goes off on your Apple Watch that your card was just declined at the restaurant. Yikes! To prevent your business contact from ever learning about the embarrassing blunder, you walk discreetly over to the waiter with a new card in hand. Bill is paid. Crisis averted.
Wearable devices are an easy solution for those who want to discretely check emails and alerts without whipping out a smartphone. While smartwatches aren't exactly flying off the shelves this year, wearable device companies are rebranding their products in hopes of making a comeback. Apple Watch, for instance, recently dropped the price on some of its simpler models and rolled out some more sophisticated water-resistant pieces. So, for us credit card lovers out there who want to stay connected to those favorite bank and money apps on the go, this could be a gadget score. Available via Apple from $269.
5. Anti-Theft Bag
Scenario: You're about to take a selfie while touring the Eiffel Tower when you feel a strange pulling sensation coming from your bag — it's a pickpocket trying to sneak his hand into your purse. Luckily, extra zippers and pockets prevent him or her from gaining easy access to the goods on the inside. Frustrated, the thief gives up and runs away.
Advertisers promise tourists they'll stay safe wearing an anti-theft purse. How? These cross-body bags are designed with slash-proof compartments, lobster claw clasps, and added zippers to help ward off crooks. While criminologist Bob Arno says being alert is the best weapon against a thief — and there may be times when it's best to just give up the bag (like during a potentially dangerous mugging situation) — it is possible these bags could work as a deterrent. Several styles available through Travelon and Pacsafe, with bags from both brands starting at $40.
Do you travel with any of these items?
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.