Finding the right credit card can be challenging, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the different features credit cards can provide. You can easily find lists of the best credit card options online, but they don’t necessarily tell you which credit card is ideal for your circumstances.
There’s no single credit card that’s best for everyone, so it’s important to understand your financial situation, needs, and preferences to determine the right fit. Here are some steps you can take.
1. Check your credit score
Credit cards offer a revolving line of credit, so most card issuers when you apply. While cards are available to consumers across the credit spectrum, your options will depend on your creditworthiness.
For example, most of the are designed for people with good or excellent credit — generally a FICO credit score of 670 or higher. The same is true for cards that offer introductory 0% APR promotions, hefty welcome bonuses, and desirable travel perks.
You can check your FICO score for free with to get an idea of where you stand and what your options may look like. If you’re on the cusp of good credit, you could also consider working to before applying.
If you’re new to credit, you may consider a or another . A could be a good option if your credit is in poor shape.
2. Determine which features you want
No two credit cards are the same, so it’s crucial that you set your priorities before you start your search. Here are some of the most commonly sought-after features you may consider:
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Welcome bonus: Most rewards credit cards offer a , which often ranges from $200 to $750 or even more. This incentive usually requires you to meet a certain spending requirement within the first few months as a cardholder, so it’s important to ensure that you can afford to earn the bonus without overspending.
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Rewards: Many credit cards offer rewards in the form of cash back, points, or miles. Cash back offers simplicity and flexibility, but some points and miles programs may offer more value for savvy rewards enthusiasts.
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0% APR promotion: Some cards offer an on purchases, balance transfers, or both. This new-cardholder incentive allows you to pay down purchases or a high-interest balance on another card over 12 to 20+ months with no interest charges.
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Travel perks: Some travel credit cards offer a variety of perks that can help you save money and elevate your travel experience. Examples include statement credits for select travel expenses, complimentary airport lounge access, hotel elite status, or free checked bags and priority boarding with a particular airline.
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Shopping and trip protections: Some credit cards also offer various insurance protections, such as cell phone protection, purchase and return protection, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, rental car insurance, and baggage delay coverage.
Note that some cards offer a mix of many of the features above, so knowing what you want can make it easier to weed out cards that aren’t a good fit.
Also, many cards that offer a lot of perks and rewards may . Annual fees are often under $100, but some premium travel cards may charge several hundred dollars a year.
While you may initially balk at the idea of paying for the privilege of using a credit card, an if the card offers enough value in the form of perks and rewards to offset that yearly expense.
3. Consider your spending habits
Your spending habits come into play in a couple of ways when choosing a credit card, so it’s important to pay attention to rewards and (APRs).
Rewards rates
If you’re considering a rewards credit card, choose one that aligns with your regular spending.
Rewards cards may offer a flat rewards rate on every purchase you make, a tiered rewards structure with bonus cash back, points, or miles on certain spending categories, or rotating bonus rewards on various spending categories.
Some of the most common bonus categories include groceries, gas, dining, and travel, but some cards may also offer extra rewards on things like streaming services, entertainment, or purchases with select retailers.
Look at your expenses over the last few months to get an idea of how you spend your money. Then, focus on credit cards that offer bonus rewards on some of your top spending categories. Alternatively, if you don’t spend a lot in any one area of your budget or you don’t want to keep track of different rewards rates, you could simply opt for a flat-rate rewards card.
APR
Ideally, you’ll pay off your balance in full each month to . But if your financial situation makes it difficult to do that, prioritize interest rates when researching your options.
Rewards credit cards, for instance, offer a lot of value, but they also tend to charge higher APRs. If you regularly carry a balance, the interest charges could quickly outweigh any value you get from a card’s rewards program and perks.
4. Shop around
Now that you have an idea of your creditworthiness and you’ve established what you’re looking for, you can start researching and comparing .
As you consider your choices, focus on the value you would get based on your spending habits and lifestyle.
Remember, though, that shopping for a credit card works differently than shopping for a loan. With different types of loans, you can typically get prequalified or submit an application to get a quote without the commitment of accepting the loan.
With credit cards, however, your account is typically opened immediately upon approval. Some card issuers offer preapproval, but it’s not a universal feature. In other words, avoid applying for a card unless you’re certain you want it.
The exception to this rule is if you’re considering an . The issuer’s “Apply With Confidence” feature lets you know if you’re approved with just a soft credit check, which won’t impact your credit score. If you accept the card, however, it may impact your score.
5. Submit your application
Once you’ve decided on a card, visit the card issuer’s website and apply. The application process can vary, but you’ll generally need to provide the following:
Once you apply, you’ll typically get a decision within seconds. If the application is pending, you’ll usually get a decision within seven to 10 days.
With so many options available, finding the best credit card for you can be challenging. But if you follow these steps, you’ll have a better chance of ensuring that the card you choose is right for you.
You may even realize that no single card offers everything you need. In this situation, it could make sense to use to take advantage of the different benefits and rewards rates they offer.
This article was edited by Alicia Hahn
Editorial Disclosure: The information in this article has not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The details on financial products, including card rates and fees, are accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank’s website for the most current information. This site doesn’t include all currently available offers. Credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.