The WaMu Platinum Master Card: Is it a Good Credit Card?

Personally, I only carry two credit cards: the National City Everyday Rewards Visa and a Platinum Master Card from WaMu. Years ago I applied for a Capital One credit card but was declined because I didn't own my own home. At the time I was 19, so realistically it was hard for me to do so. I got an offer in the mail for a Providian credit card, read it over, applied and was approved. I am very glad I did!

The WaMu platinum MasterCard works just like any other credit card: you charge something, get a bill at the end of your statement and either you pay it off or you pay part of it off. There are quite a few selling points to this card:

No annual fee.

If you've got good credit, or even decent credit, there is no reason you should ever pay an annual fee for a credit card. I think it's absolutely ridiculous. With all the different options today for credit cards, even rewards cards that pay you back don't have any annual fees. Don't get a credit card that is going to charge you! The WaMu credit card obviously carries no annual fee.

Free access to your FICO credit score.

This is by far my favorite aspect of this card. If you want to check your credit score, all you have to do is jump online at their site, and there your credit score is displayed. I enjoy watching my credit score, and it's amazing to me that I can do it for free through my credit card. They will also send you alerts if your credit score varies 20 points or more.

There are also different perks to this card: a customized spending profile that tells you where you've spent money at, report builder that creates a report of your credit card activity within the last 17 months, and a budget calculator. All are complimentary with your online credit card services.

The only drawback I have seen is the interest rate is a little higher than I like, but I pay my balance off each month so I really don't have to worry about it.

Personally, I think the WaMu Platinum MasterCard is one of the best credit cards to carry mainly for the reason you can track your FICO credit score for free online. I don't know any other credit cards that give you that feature. If you are looking for a credit card that has great features and you pay your bill off every month, definitely look into the WaMu Platinum MasterCard. You won't be sorry you did!