A healthy financial profile includes credit, but finding the right credit card for you and your family can be difficult. The BBC has reported that so far in 2017, consumers experienced the highest increase in spending with their use of credit cards. This also comes with an increase in industry jargon and persuasion, with every company vying for your attention.
Between the misleading claims, small print, and flashy ads there is a lot of information that can make the search for the right card frustrating. However, there are some key factors you can use to quickly narrow down your search.
Rates
One of the most important factors when looking for a credit card is the rate. But, comparing rates side by side is very difficult. If you just look at the interest rate to compare credit card offers, you will be missing out on details that could have a huge impact. Hereโs what you need to know:
- APR (annual percentage rate) includes multiple factors such as interest rates, points systems, broker fees, and other charges. This gives a more detailed picture of your costs across time. The #1 reviewed Barclaycard Ring Mastercard and the S. Bank Visa Platinum Card have been deemed the best in 0% APR and in Low Interest respectively.
- APR and interest arenโt the only important factors. You also need to consider what you are using the card for. If you are transferring a balance from a previous card, then you want to make sure the rates for that transaction are low. In this case, the Barclaycard Ring Mastercard is the best with 0% Balance Transfers.
Rewards
Credit is best utilized when it increases your financial profile and offers some added bonuses. Using a credit card for what you can already afford allows you to build your credit, and choosing the card with the best rewards allows you to earn more than just a good financial reputation. Consider the following card options in addition to rates:
- Cash back is a great option for you if you vary in your spending habits. S. Bank Cash+โข Visa Signature Card has the best option with an initial 5.5% cash back. Another great card if youโre spending varies is the U.S. Bank Cash+โข Visa Signatureยฎ Card due to its initial sign up bonus.
- If youโre looking to travel to one of the Worldโs Top 25 tourism destinations, then a card like Barclaycard Arrival Plusโข World Elite MasterCard, which has been reviewed as the best in travel rewards, could be the right one for you.
- For the hometown traveler, a card with gas rebates would be beneficial because it would give frequent usable bonuses. The S. Bank Cash+โข Visa Signatureยฎ Card offers the best reviewed option.
- If you have dialed in your spending habits, you can search to find a card that has a points reward system to earn towards merchandise, vendors, gift cards, or cashback. The Barclaycard Ringโข Mastercardยฎ is reviewed as being number 1 in the points reward program.
Just as the options are diverse and overlapping, so are different lifestyles. Be sure to look at all of the dynamic factors when comparing credit cards before choosing the one for you and your family. You may even want to do as Forbes magazine suggests and stack your credit cards in order to maximize your financial potential.
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