If your mailbox is anything like mine, you get a new credit card offer at least daily. The problem is choosing the credit card that makes the most financial sense for you. This article looks at some of the most important factors and will hopefully help you choose the best credit card for your needs.
Interest rates
The first factor to consider is the interest rates. Ideally, you want to get the lowest interest rate you can get. This is especially true if you think you occasionally put charges on your card that you can’t pay off right away. However, if you plan to pay off all the costs in the same month, the interest rate may not be that important to you.
Rewards
Many credit cards now include different types of rewards programs. The rewards programs are very varied, so it’s a good idea to do some research and choose the best one for your usage.
There are two types of rewards programs: cash back and points. With cashback cards, you get a certain percentage of all your qualifying purchases back, usually as credit in your account. With a points system, you get one point, usually for every qualifying dollar you spend on your card. You can then exchange those points for merchandise. Sometimes the points can only be redeemed at one store, sometimes at many stores, other times for airline tickets, etc. Just make sure the card you get allows you to redeem your points in a way that benefits you.
Credit limit
Make sure the credit card you get has a high enough credit limit to meet your needs.
Other factors to consider include annual fees, borrowing costs, credit requirements, internet banking availability, introductory offers, etc. There are also websites that can help you find credit cards that meet your needs.