Sunday, November 09, 2008

Selecting the Right Credit Card

Not all credit cards are created equal. There are many various types of credit cards, and if you are looking to apply for a credit card, it may be difficult to decide which type of card is best for you.

In this article, we will look at several popular types of credit cards, to help you figure out which type of credit card meets your unique needs.

Low-Interest Credit Cards
These credit cards are often useful if you are currently carrying a balance on some of your current credit cards. Low Interest credit cards, also know as balance transfer credit cards, are offered at significantly lower interest rates than what you may be used to. They are good for transferring balances to a new card at a lower rate. Often times, this will allow you to pay off your balance in a shorter amount of time, and for less interest.

Rewards Credit Cards
As the credit card industry becomes more and more competitive, companies are scrambling to get and keep cardholders and they are willing to bribe you to use their cards. This is where rewards cards come in. Each program has their own rules, but they all work in a similar fashion. By using your rewards credit card, you accumulate points that can then be redeemed for prizes, and sometimes even cash. There are many options available as to what type of reward cards you can
choose. If you use credit cards frequently anyways, you might as well get something for it, right?

Bad Credit Credit Cards
Even if you have poor credit, you can still be approved for a credit card. Now, credit cards offered to people with bad credit often times have much more restrictive terms, higher fees, lower limits and a higher interest rate. If your credit is particular poor, you may have to go with a secured credit card where by you put down a security deposit, or prepay your credit limit. Why do that? Because, by using one of these credit cards and diligently paying your bill on time, you can actually improve your credit and before long you will be eligible for lower rates through a traditional credit card.

Student Credit Cards
These credit cards often have a lower limit than their more grown up counterparts, making them a perfect "starter" credit card for students. Young people can learn how to control debt without the risk of getting in too deep. As you can see, there are nay choices in credit cards.

By choosing the right credit card for your particular situation, you can build your credit in a responsible way and enjoy perks that suit your lifestyle.

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