If you are like most people, you get several offers to open new credit card accounts in the mail each month. You may discover other offers in magazines and see TV commercials about credit cards with rewards programs. Clearly, you have many different options available to you. When you take time to compare the different options available more closely, you can find the credit card that is right for you. For each person, the answer to the question of what is the best credit card? will vary.
When You Compare Rates
The interest rate of credit cards will certainly catch your attention. Credit card companies love to advertise the lowest APR rates with their credit cards for an introductory period, but what you really want to pay attention to is what the interest rate will be after that introductory period expires. Look for a credit card offer with a low, fixed interest rate. A cheap interest credit card during the promotional period may not stick around afterwards.
You may not plan to carry a balance and accrue interest charges. However, most people do not set out to accumulate a balance on their card. Finding a low interest rate credit card now can make your card more affordable if you do need to carry a balance over from month to month.
Special Features
When trying to find the best credit card, you may consider looking at cards that offer special features. The most notable features that many credit cards offer are rewards programs. Some rewards programs allow you to earn cash back, free airline miles, special merchandise and more. In addition to rewards programs, however, some of the higher end credit cards may qualify you for discounts on airfare or hotel, special VIP privileges and services and more.
The Lowest Fees
While interest rates, rewards programs and other special features do garner plenty of attention when doing a credit card comparison, the fees associated with a credit card should not be overlooked. The most common fee that will be assessed to an account, other than interest charges, is an annual fee. However, other fees can also make the use of your card expensive.
For example, the cost of a late fee as well as the conditions when a late fee will be assessed should be considered. Some credit cards will charge a high fee even if your payment is received a day or two late. Consider the grace period when reviewing the fees associated with a card.
Choosing the best credit card can make the difference between a card that is expensive and fairly disadvantageous to use versus a card that is beneficial. Consider these points carefully when choosing the best credit card.
Hi there! I am Emily Evert, the owner of Emily Reviews. I am 28 and live in a small town in Michigan with my boyfriend Ryan and our two pugs. I have a large family and I adore my nieces and nephews. I love reading memoirs, and learning about child development and psychology. I love watching The Game of Thrones, Teen Mom, Sister Wives and Veep. I like listening to Jason Isbell, John Prine, and other alt-country or Americana music. I created Emily Reviews as a creative outlet to share my life and the products that I love with others.
