What's in Your Pocket?

    I've had a lot of credit cards in my life -- probably too many, if I'm honest. But my Capital One Visa card is the only one I have now, and the only one I need.

    Many years ago, I felt I had no choice but to declare bankruptcy. I was unable to work because of chronic illness, my husband had left me, and left me with the bills and a big house payment, and I had a whopping hospital bill that I saw no way to ever pay. Readers will probably know what happens to a credit rating when you've filed bankruptcy,  no matter how good it was before.

    A couple of years after that, I got a credit card offer from Capital One. I didn't think I'd get it, but applied anyway; I don't like using credit cards, but if you need to make an airline reservation or rent a car,  they are almost a necessity. To my surprise, I did get a card. The credit limit was $1000, which was more than I'd wanted, and my initial rate was a little high because of my credit rating. A year later, my limit went up, and my rate went down. That has continued to happen each year  that I've used it responsibly, to the point that I have the kind of interest rate my sister the doctor could get, and a higher credit limit than I actually want.

    One of the best things about Capital One is their customer service. Every time I've called with a question or a problem about my bill, I get to talk to a real person, who is invariably polite, helpful, and resolves the problem quickly.  They've never tried to push me into anything, but I have through them a program that monitors my credit and helps to avoid identity theft; I get a monthly credit report, an email notice if anything over $100 is charged to my card, and the guarantee of legal assistance should my identity be stolen. All for $9.99 a month, which is a lot less than many programs. Periodically they offer 0% interest for up to 18 months on transferred balances. I used that in the past when I closed higher-interest accounts that I felt I didn't need (and couldn't afford anyway).  They also offer great rates on car loans, home loans, and home equity loans.  And now, I can put the picture of my choice on my card for no cost at all, and can change it and get a different card every 30 days if I want to!

    If you're not happy with your credit card, I highly recommend looking into Capital One. With their newest program, you can tailor a card to suit your needs, based in part on your credit rating of course. I could get a lower interest rate if I paid an annual fee, for example, but since I pay off my balance most months, the low rate I have (under 10%) is plenty low enough.  With a slightly higher interest rate I could get rewards like airline frequent flyer points, but I'm not a frequent flyer and don't travel much, so I'm sticking with the plan I have. My point is that your card can be the best card for you. And it's still Capital one.  This is one card that will stay in my wallet.