Credit Card Finder Checklist

With so many credit card choices on the market, finding the right one may not be as easy as you think.  Some people rush into signing up for a credit card deal without taking a closer look at the offer, only to discover later that it wasn’t what they thought it was.  What seems to be a great deal at first can turn out to be unpleasant after only a few months of using the card.

For example, you may have signed up for a card because of the incredibly low-interest rate, but since you did not really check the fine print; you did not realize that the introductory low rate expires in three months.  After 3 months, you find yourself stuck with a high-interest-rate credit card.

As such, consumers need to be extra careful when choosing credit cards.  You may think that it’s a lot of work to compare credit card deals, but taking the extra steps can save you from trouble in the long run.

Consider this checklist on how to find a good credit card deal:

Tips for finding a great credit card offer when you have bad credit:

• Look for secured credit cards, which require a security deposit and are designed for people with bad credit.
• Search for credit cards specifically targeted to those with bad credit or no credit.
• Check with credit unions or community banks, as they may offer credit cards for those with bad credit.
• Research credit cards that offer credit-building tools, such as credit score tracking or credit education resources.
• Read the fine print and look for fees, such as annual fees or high-interest rates.
• Apply for a credit card that reports to all three credit bureaus, as this will help build your credit history.
• Consider applying for a secured credit card with a company that offers a path to upgrade to an unsecured card once you establish good credit habits.
• Be cautious of credit card offers that promise guaranteed approval or no credit check, as these may be predatory and come with high fees and interest rates.
• Work on improving your credit score through responsible credit use, such as paying bills on time and keeping credit utilization low, as this can help you qualify for better credit card offers in the future.

Tips for finding a great credit card offer for average to good credit:

Important Features and Services.

Aside from the rates and fees, it’s also important to check the features and services you can enjoy.  Can you pay your bills online or through the telephone?  These two features are very useful when you need to beat a deadline for payment.

Will your payments be reported to the major credit bureaus? Do they only report if you miss a payment?  It’s important to know this, especially if you are trying to build or rebuild credit.

It’s best to always choose a credit card that will report your positive and negative payment history.

Remember to read the fine print and understand all fees and terms associated with any credit card offer you consider. And as always, responsible credit use is key to establishing good credit and avoiding debt.