Choosing Your Credit Card Well Could Change Your Life

By: Nick Makaryk

Most people know that there are a lot of different credit cards available. However, they may not know that their choice of a credit card can make a big difference in their lives. To get the right card for you, you'll need to get one that reflects not only your ideal spending limit, but your lifestyle, too. To find the best credit card company, as well as the best deal you can, you'll have to do some research.

When you choose a credit card, you should first decide what you need it for. Some people want a card to help them with their cash flow. By making purchases on their cards, they can free up some income for use later, and may be able to add interest to it in a bank account. When the credit card bill comes in, they pay it off in full, building their credit and avoiding finance charges.

Other people prefer to use their credit cards as a source of instant cash. With the right card, you can use any ATM to get cash right away. If you use your credit card for this purpose, it's great for traveling or taking an extended vacation. If you're getting a credit card mainly for this purpose, look for one with a low rate for instant cash transactions.

Of course, with any credit card you should pay attention to monthly payments. You'll either have to make the minimum payment, or pay off the balance every month. When you choose a card, check out the balance transfer rates, as well as any introductory rates that apply, and incentives that might work for new card holders. People with good credit can actually get some really amazing deals.

Incentives are something else to pay attention to. Many cards have incentive programs like cash back on some purchases or reward point programs. All you have to do is look for a credit card incentive program that appeals to your needs.

Remember to look at the Annual Percentage Rate, or APR, too. When your initial incentive period is over, you'll have to pay the APR instead. APRs vary between credit cards, making it important to compare rates by shopping around. A lower APR is always better.

Another thing to take a good look at is the minimum monthly payment. Many credit card companies require that you pay at least three percent of the total balance. Some cards are lower, and others require a lot more as a minimum payment. No matter what the minimum payment is, pick a card that has the longest possible interest free period. That'll help keep your monthly payments as low as possible.

After you've done your research and know just what you're getting into, you can pick a credit card easily. Credit cards, when used properly, are a great thing to have. Use them wrong, and they can cause serious financial problems. If you're sure to do your homework, you'll be able to find a card that's right for you in no time. Just be sure to pay your bill on time every month, and take care of your card. Your credit rating will go up, which is good news for larger purchases like homes and vehicles.

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