How to Choose a Credit Card
Know your credit score
Credit cards are designed for different purposes. When you’re choosing a credit card, it’s important to know what things you want out of it.
- Are you trying to rebuild credit?
While only you can change your credit score by establishing a good credit history, there are certain cards that are designed to help you rebuild credit. There’s lots of ways credit cards do this, so even if you know your credit score isn’t great, don’t be afraid to research your credit card options.
- Are you looking to save on interest fees?
Say you have a credit card that you’re carrying a balance on. A balance transfer card or one with a low introductory APR may be right for you. Make sure to read the fine print when you’re choosing a credit card that has these features – there are often associated fees or interest rate changes built into the program, and you want to make sure that you’re confident that you can responsibly use your credit card in the long term.
- Do you want a credit card with rewards?
There are lots of credit cards that give you incentives for how you use your credit card. Sometimes they’re designed around travel, cash back at certain types of stores, or payments made. The bottom line is that each one is different, so decide what would be the best for your life.
- How are you going to use your credit card?
Some credit cards are designed with a specific user in mind, like a business owner. These might have additional requirements or fees, but they also may have specific benefits or rewards that help you specifically. For example, a business credit card might have an unusually high credit limit, better purchase or fraud protection, or higher credit card rewards at office supply stores.
Narrow down options
Once you’ve decided how you want to use your credit card, narrow it down to the one that you’ll apply for. It’s best to just apply for one at a time. While it’s tempting to apply for more than one credit card, you run the risk of getting approved for multiple cards (when you only need one). Applying for multiple cards can also result in multiple hard inquiries on your credit report, which can lower your credit score.
Either way, once you’ve gone through the process of researching and choosing a credit card, you’ll have the tools you need to decide which card is best for you.
