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There are dozens of credit cards on the market, so choosing the right one may be difficult. Do you want a card that gives you airline miles, or would you prefer cash back when you shop for groceries or buy gas? The options are almost limitless, so be sure to get a card that suits your needs. Credit comparison sites such as CardRatings can help you choose a card that’s right for you.
Cards and Your Credit Score
One of the most important things to keep in mind before you get a credit card is how it will affect your credit score. Also, depending on your credit score, you may not qualify for every card out there. Always keep in mind that credit cards report to the credit bureaus, so if you don’t pay your bills on time, it will negatively impact your credit score.
Types of Credit Cards
According to the American Bankers Association, 83 percent of people with a credit card have at least one rewards card. Why are they so popular? People like getting rewards for purchases they’re making anyway. You can earn free hotel stays and airline miles just for using the right card.
Here are a few types of credit cards that you may want to consider:
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Cash-Back Rewards—As the name suggests, you earn cash back each time you make a purchase. These are growing in popularity, and there are a lot of options out there. Some flat-rate cards will give you 1.5 percent cash back on all purchases, while others offer accelerated cash back earnings in certain categories. If you like cash back, look for a card that offers generous rewards and bonuses in categories that you spend more on, such as gas or restaurant purchases.
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Co-Branded Cards—These are often called partner cards and give you extra rewards at a retailer that you frequent while giving you rewards on all other purchases. These are great if you frequent a particular retailer.
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Secured Cards—Secured cards are a bit different and are generally used to help people establish or fix their credit score. The idea is simple: You deposit money in a savings account at a bank, and the bank gives you a credit line up to that amount. Secured cards offer a couple of advantages. First, the money that you put in your savings account stays there. Secured cards aren’t debit cards. Second, secured cards report to the credit bureaus, which can help improve your credit score if you pay your bills on time. A credit repair service may recommend that you get a secured credit card to reestablish your credit.
Words to the Wise
A few years ago, a survey found that as much as $16 billion in rewards go unredeemed every year. Make sure that you take advantage of the rewards you earn. You should also review your monthly statements and take advantage of bonuses that card issuers sometimes offer. Also remember that miles and points may expire. Don’t let your hard-earned miles go to waste.
Read the fine print. Some credit cards require that you register for revolving rewards every quarter, while other cards place restrictions on the miles that you can use. Before applying for a credit card, make sure that you’ve read the fine print and get a card that matches your spending habits and lifestyle.
Lastly, watch out for fees. Check the benefits and rewards that a card offers and determine whether they’re worth the amount of the annual fee. Also look out for other fees, such as foreign transaction fees if you travel overseas.
Credit cards can be a great way to improve your credit score while being rewarded for purchases. The best advice is to read the fine print on the card that you’re looking at and use the card wisely to maintain a good credit score.
