| So many different choices for credit cards: 0% APR | | | | *Will you need cash advances? Apply for a credit |
| credit cards, travel rewards credit cards, 0% balance | | | | card that offers a lower APR and lower transaction |
| transfer credit cards, and cash back credit cards. | | | | fees. Be sure to read the fine print on their |
| Selecting the right card for the way you use your | | | | requirements. Some credit card companies impose a |
| credit card can mean a big difference in your | | | | transaction fee and a cash advance fee plus the |
| pocketbook. Use this quick guide to help you spot | | | | interest rate. Some credit cards charge a higher rate |
| the differences in your credit card offers: | | | | for cash advances than regular purchases. |
| *Will you carry a balance every month or almost | | | | *Will you be traveling frequently, and charging your |
| every month? If so, a lower interest rate is better | | | | trip expenses? If this is your situation, then a cash |
| for you. If you transfer a high balance credit card to | | | | back credit card reward program may suit you best. |
| a lower or 0% APR credit card (often an | | | | Be sure to consider your interest rate first, however. |
| introductory period), you will save even more. | | | | Rewards should come secondary to your spending |
| *Will you be paying the credit card balance off every | | | | habits and the cost of the credit card itself. Cash |
| month? Then you will want to apply for a credit card | | | | rebate cards offer you a cash back refund at the |
| without an annual fee. Finance charges may be | | | | end of the year that you can use anyway you |
| higher, but since you pay the balance off every | | | | choose. Other credit card reward programs offer |
| month, you won't be charged. Look for credit cards | | | | purchase points or redeemable rebates. Airline credit |
| that offer grace periods, usually between 25 to 30 | | | | cards offer you miles as credit for every dollar you |
| days, before credit interest begins. | | | | spend, sometimes offering you double or triple miles. |
| *Will you be shopping for credit card balance | | | | Whatever credit card offer you apply for, be sure to |
| transfer? Be sure to check out the transaction fees | | | | carefully consider the terms of your credit card, |
| and the introductory periods. Occasionally your credit | | | | including the interest rate (APR), annual fees, |
| card company will offer you a credit card debt | | | | transaction fees and balance transfer fees. Those |
| consolidation with convenience checks so that you | | | | hidden charges can add up quickly and cost you more |
| can transfer one or more credit card balances, but be | | | | than what you bargained for, so choose your credit |
| sure to check out the transfer guidelines. | | | | card wisely. |