The key to finding the right credit card for your needs is knowing which one has the features you want. Depending on your situation, you may want to look for rewards programs, cash back, a no annual fee credit card, or a 0% introductory APR period. Then, you can narrow down the options based on those features. This article will walk you through the process step-by-step. But before you make your final choice, it’s important to remember that no credit card is perfect for your financial situation – consider www.citi.com/customcash.
Cash Back Earning
The best cash back credit cards often have the highest sign-up bonuses and rewards rates, but they often have higher annual fees. When you are comparing cash back credit cards, consider how much you spend on each and whether the cash back you will earn will offset the annual fee. If you do not expect to use your credit card much more than once a year, a card with no annual fee may be the best option for you.
Low Fees
When selecting a credit card, you should prioritize the lowest fees. You don’t want to end up paying too much interest on purchases and incurring too many finance charges. Low fees on credit cards are best for transferring balances to a new card, so look for low interest/low fee cards. But if you’re not in a hurry to use your new credit card, you may consider getting a secured one, which doubles as a spending limit. Secured cards can also shield the issuer from risk, making them a smart choice for new applicants.
No Annual Fee
There are some advantages to no annual fee credit cards. Many of them have great rewards, and you can save a lot of money by choosing one that doesn’t charge an annual fee. But the annual fee on a card you don’t use can hurt your credit score. A no-annual fee credit card should come with terms that state they do not require annual fees. If you decide to accept a card with an annual fee, remember that you will be required to cancel your account after the year is up.
0% intro APR period
If you’re looking to pay off your credit card balance in a month, the 0% intro APR period might be just what you’re looking for. You can divide the balance by the number of months in the 0% intro APR period to find out how much you will pay each month. This will allow you to safely pay off the card before the intro period ends. However, be sure to follow the guidelines to avoid incurring any interest charges.
Pre-qualification
To improve your chances of getting approved for a credit card, you should consider pre-qualification. Each credit card issuer has different requirements, but generally speaking, you can improve your chances by keeping up with your payments. Remember that payment history makes up 35 percent of your FICO credit score, so paying your bills on time each month will help you get approved. Also, consider using an online credit score checker, such as Bankrate’s CardMatch, to see if you’re eligible.