There are countless credit card options. With so many choices, it can be overwhelming to figure out which credit card fits your needs.
By following these simple steps, you'll be able to narrow the choices based on your credit score, spending habits, and budget for annual fees. You'll also learn how to apply and get tips to increase your approval odds.
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What to look for when selecting a credit card
The most suitable credit card for one person isn't necessarily the same as for someone else. By determining your needs, goals, and spending habits, you can find a credit card that matches your lifestyle.
Welcome bonus
When you apply for a new credit card, you have a unique opportunity to earn a welcome bonus. These bonuses offer generous rewards in exchange for meeting a minimum spending requirement within a short timeframe.
While rewards credit cards offer appealing welcome bonuses, make sure that you can meet the spending requirement without going into debt. As valuable as these bonuses are, they aren’t worth paying interest charges to the bank.
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Earning power
Rewards credit cards allow cardholders to earn miles, points, or cash back on every purchase they make. Depending on the types of rewards your card earns, they can offset the cost of your purchases, earn miles and points for future vacations, or earn extra cash to spend how you like.
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When choosing your next credit card, look for cards that offer bonus rewards in categories where you spend more money. This helps to maximize every dollar you spend. Pay attention to annual or quarterly limits that can reduce the potential of your earnings.
For people who don’t want to worry about bonus categories, some cards offer a flat bonus structure on all categories. The card_name is a good example of this, with a 1.5% cash back on every purchase.
Intro APR offers
Some credit cards have introductory APR offers that can reduce interest charges on balances. You may get an intro APR offer on purchases, balance transfers, or both.
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Purchase offers eliminate interest charges on all purchases during the intro period. Balance transfer offers allow you to move a balance from another credit card to avoid interest charges. Generally, you’ll pay a balance transfer fee of 3% to 5% of the amount transferred to your new card. When the promotion period expires, any unpaid balance reverts to the standard purchase APR.
Annual fee
Credit cards have a variety of annual fees ranging from $0 to $695. Many cards have no annual fees, but these tend to earn lower rewards and provide fewer benefits. For some people, the benefits far outweigh the fees charged.
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Some banks offer multiple versions of the same card with different annual fees. For example, Chase cards and American Express cards have differing levels of rewards, benefits, and annual fees. Compare the benefits and earning power against your spending habits to determine which one is right for you.
Other features and benefits
Beyond rewards and APR offers, credit cards may include other valuable benefits. In some cases, these benefits are worth more than the rewards you earn each year.
Here are a few of the types of benefits your credit card may offer:
- Purchase protection. Covers the repair or replacement of eligible items that are lost, stolen, or damaged within a short time frame of buying them.
- Extended Warranty. Extends the manufacturer's warranty by one year on eligible items.
- Travel protections. These protections, coverage limits, and exclusions vary by card. They may include trip cancellation/interruption, trip delay, lost or delayed baggage, rental car protection, and more.
- Airport lounge access. Receive complimentary or discounted entrance to participating airport lounges.
- Elite status. Get automatic elite status with participating programs. In some cases, your status can be upgraded based on your annual spending total.
- Free hotel nights. Many hotel credit cards give a free hotel night just for having the card or when you meet an annual spending threshold.
- Flight benefits. Airline credit cards may provide free checked bags, priority boarding, inflight discounts, and more.
How to apply for the credit card of your choice
When you’re ready to apply for a new credit card, follow these steps to improve your approval odds.
1. Check your credit score
Many credit cards have minimum credit score requirements. By checking your credit score ahead of time, you can avoid applying for cards that are unlikely to approve you. This also provides an opportunity to identify areas of your score to improve.
2. Take steps to improve your credit
By improving your credit score, you not only have greater odds of approval, but you may also qualify for a lower interest rate. You can get a free copy of your credit report from all three major bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com. The credit bureaus allow you to dispute any mistakes through their websites.
Improving your credit score is both a sprint and a marathon. There are some steps you can take to improve your score immediately, while others take time. Good starting points include avoiding unnecessary credit inquiries, making all payments on time, and not using more than 30% of your total credit limit. Also, consider signing up for Experian Boost to add non-traditional items to your credit report.
3. Determine your goals
What goals do you have for your new credit card? If you're carrying a balance and paying interest charges or need extra time to pay off a big purchase, get a card with an intro APR offer.
For people who pay off their balances in full each month, a rewards credit card makes sense. With one of these cards, you can earn miles, points, or cash back on purchases. Other cards can help you earn hotel or airline elite status. You can match a new credit card to almost any money goal you have.
4. Identify where you spend the most
For rewards credit cards, determine where you spend the most money. Getting a credit card that offers bonus rewards for that category of spending can help you maximize your rewards. For example, the Capital One Savor Card is an excellent choice for people who spend a lot on eating out and entertainment.
5. Are you willing to pay an annual fee?
Some credit cards charge annual fees, so you have to decide if its benefits are worth the extra cost. While many people avoid paying credit card annual fees, they can be worthwhile. Cards that charge annual fees often earn higher rewards and include additional benefits that justify the higher fees.
6. Compare options
Once you've narrowed your choices based on your answers above, you can compare credit card options. This should cut the options from several hundred to just a handful of cards. From there, you can compare fees, rewards, intro APR offers, benefits, and more to select the right credit card for your lifestyle.
7. Apply for your new credit card
After you’ve selected your card, you can apply online, over the phone, in-branch, or by replying to a mailer. The application process varies for each bank, but you’ll generally need the following information to complete your application.
- Full name.
- Address.
- Email and phone number.
- Job status and employer name.
- Annual income.
- Housing status and monthly payment.
Applying online is generally the quickest option. It allows you to control the process and apply at any time, without worrying about normal business hours. If you already have an account with the bank, you can log into your online profile before applying. This may accelerate the application process.
TIME Stamp: Select the right credit card for your situation
Every one of us has different goals, spending habits, and budgets. With so many choices, finding the right credit card for your situation can be overwhelming at first. But, by focusing on what matters most to you, you can quickly narrow down the options. As your needs and goals change, you can upgrade or replace the card with one that is a better match.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What considerations should be taken when selecting a credit card?
A new credit card should offer features, benefits, and rewards that match your spending habits. If you’re paying an annual fee, the value of its benefits should exceed the costs to make it worthwhile. When you need extra time to pay off your balance, look for a card that includes an intro APR offer on purchases, balance transfers, or both.
What is the minimum credit score needed for a credit card?
The minimum credit score for a credit card depends on the card for which you’re applying. There are credit cards for every type of consumer, including those with bad credit or who are just starting with credit. If you have a low credit score, getting a secured credit card can help you establish healthy credit habits and build your credit score.
The information presented here is created independently from the TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About page.
