With all the many reward programs out there, this is perhaps the only card that doubles as a calling card. The AT&T Universal Platinum Card is issued by Citibank with the general purpose of being a credit card that comes with a lower APR, and also a calling card with probably not-so-low calling charges.
As with all introductory APR promotions, this card also comes with an introductory 0% APR albeit for balance transfers done within the first 12 months, after which the APR will rise sharply to 11.4%, a relatively low figure as compared to many other credit cards.
As for cash advances, the APR used is tied to the London Interbank Offer Rate (LIBOR) and with a minimum cap of 19.99%. Still, the AT&T Universal Card is still one of the best deals for card users who tend to leave balances unpaid for at the end of the month.
Additionally, there are no annual fees or application fees and successful applicants get $100 worth of free talk time, that is if you sign up for the plan. In addition to that, they are also entitled obtain two directory assistance calls for free each month.
Some of the other perks offered by the AT&T Universal Card would be the rebates off your calls depending on your bill amount. This means that the higher your call charges, the higher the discount will be.
However, it is advisable not for card holders to use the AT&T Universal Card for calling services as there are others in the market which can provide lower charges for longer talk time. What’s more, cell phones nowadays offer greater convenience and cost less for longer calls.
On the other hand however, this card provides insurance against mobile phone theft or losses, a feature previously offered only to platinum-status customers. Apart from that, customers also are entitled to auto rental insurance, travel accident insurance and services to protect against fraud. Just like other cards, there are also fees imposed for late payments, spending past the credit limit, cash advance transactions and balance transfer transactions.
This remarkable card awards members with 5 Thank You Points per dollar of purchases made at the supermarket, gas station and drugstore. All other purchases earn the cardholder 1 Thank You Point per dollar. Furthermore, those whose application is accepted receive 10,000 bonus Thank You Points once they make their first purchase.
Furthermore, points accrued are redeemable for various products and services through the Thank You Network. A cap of 75,000 points a year works out to $13,000 for grocery, gas and drugstore purchases or $65,000 on miscellaneous purchases. The points will also expire in five years if they are not redeemed.
Compared to other calling cards, the AT&T Universal Rewards Card has rates that are somewhat pricey. Nonetheless, the card does provide up to 30 minutes of calls for free and wireless phone loss and theft insurance. The latter is obviously the more enticing benefit.
The AT&T Universal Rewards Card has a reasonable APR for purchases with no annual fees. Balance transfers within the first twelve-months are not charged any interests. However, a minimum interest charge on cash advances applies, with the minimum rate currently set at 19.99%. Thus, even if the LIBOR rates with which the interest rates are tied to drops to a 10-year low, the 19.99% still applies to cardholders.
As the AT&T Universal Rewards Card is a platinum card, platinum cardholder benefits apply. Included are services such as $1,000,000 in travel accident insurance, auto rental insurance, fraud protection and various other benefits.
Cardholders who plan to take advantage of the reward program or the interest-free balance transfer within the first twelve months of enrollment will reap the most benefits from the AT&T Universal Rewards Card.