Shopping for a credit card can be tough. There are many types of cards with different features, fees, interest rates, and potential annual fees. To be a smart money manager, compare credit cards just as you would any loan. Here are some tips to help you get started:

RESEARCH

Many websites have credit card comparison tools. Research them and list all the information you found. Pay attention to the APR (Annual Percentage Rate), Annual Fees, Late Payment Fees, Rewards, and Fees. While you may want a card that offers cash rebates, discounts, or other rewards, remember that you only want to charge what you can afford to pay when your bill is due.

MAKE A LIST AND COMPARE CARDS

Make a list of credit card features and benefits, like interest rate, rewards, no annual fee, etc., that fit your financial needs. Rank the features according to how you plan to use the card and pay your monthly bill.

FEATURECARD #1CARD #2CARD #3
APR
CREDIT LIMIT
ANNUAL FEE
REWARDS
OTHER BENEFITS

VARIABLE VS FIXED RATE CARDS

Whether the credit card charges variable- or fixed-rates can have a significant effect on what you pay to use your card. Variable-rate plans may offer a lower interest rate than fixed, but the interest rate can fluctuate. The variable interest rate is tied to a specific index, such as the prime rate.

The Truth in Lending Act requires lenders to provide notice before raising the rate. The new APR will likely apply to both existing and future balances on the first day of your next billing cycle. With a fixed-rate plan, you have the advantage of knowing what your rate will be.

‘PRE-APPROVED’ CREDIT CARD OFFERS

Be careful about any credit card offer you receive. Many cards may offer low, introductory, or promotional interest rates or attractive balance transfer terms to encourage you to apply for credit. Card issuers are required by law to provide the terms and duration of the introductory or promotional APR. It is important that you understand how long the introductory or promotional rates will last so read the terms and conditions carefully.

IF YOU CURRENTLY HAVE A CARD

If you are considering a new card or replacing an existing one, be sure that you’re making a good move. If you are a current cardholder and have a good credit rating, call and ask if you are eligible for comparable promotions. The lender may offer you better terms to keep your business.

debit card icon

APPLYING FOR CREDIT CARDS

APPLYING FOR A CARD

When you apply for a credit card, the financial institution will check your credit history and decide whether or not to give you a card. They’ll also decide how much you’re allowed to borrow, or “charge.” This is your credit limit. Many websites offer easy to use applications with an approval or decline within minutes. If you get approved you will be given a credit card number, credit limit and might be able to use the card right away.

TRUTH IN LENDING ACT (TILA)

Enacted in 1968, this federal law says that certain creditors have to give consumers complete and accurate information about credit costs and terms. The Truth in Lending Act requires credit card companies to provide consumers with the following information:

  • Finance charges in dollars and as an annual percentage rate (APR).
  • Credit issuer or company providing the credit line.
  • Size of the credit line.
  • Length of the grace period, if any, before payment must be made.
  • Minimum payment required.
  • Annual fees, if applicable.
  • Fees for credit insurance (if any), which pays off your loan if you die before the debt is fully repaid.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOUR APPLICATION GETS DENIED?

Getting your credit card application denied is no fun, but it does not mean you cannot get another one. There are many reasons why applications can get denied, including:

  • Too many credit cards
  • Too much debt
  • Not enough credit history
  • Income is too low
  • Negative information on your credit report

If you get denied, the first thing to do is wait to apply to another credit card. There are other things to should do before applying for another card:

  • Get a copy of your credit report
  • Take care of any negative information, such as paying off collection accounts
  • Be sure to continue paying all your bills on time
  • Apply for a credit card with a different company
  • Reduce your debt
  • Be patient and know that your credit score will improve over time
girl smiling holding a debit card

key terms

Interest is the amount of money paid in exchange for the use of the lender’s money for a certain period of time. For credit cards, the interest rate is presented as the annual percentage rate (APR). The APR expresses the total cost of credit as a yearly rate, taking into account a loan’s interest rate, term, and fees. The lower the APR, the lower the total cost of borrowing.

Some banks charge an annual fee for their credit cards. This fee is the amount they charge a credit card holder to use the card for a year.

Finance charges are the amount of money (interest) a borrower pays to a lender for the privilege of borrowing money, including interest and other service charges.

The grace period is the length of time, as defined in the card member agreement, between the use of credit to make a purchase and when interest will begin to accrue on the amount charged.

Grace periods only apply when you pay the entire balance in full each billing cycle. There is no grace period for balance transfers or cash advances.

The total amount of credit on your credit card. The credit limit could affect your credit score and you could pay fees for going over your limit.