Credit Card Craze

Before you apply for a credit card, there are a few things that should always be considered:

What will you use the credit card for? Make sure you know how you will use your credit card and what you will purchase with it before you apply. Keep in mind that every time you use the card, you incur debt that you will have to repay, with interest. You need to shop around. Before you apply for a card, ask what interest rates and credit limit you qualify for and shop around for the best possible deal. You want to look for the best option before committing yourself to any certain card.

Make sure you understand the terms. Before applying for and accepting a card, make sure you understand the terms and conditions of the plan. Read the fine print. Ask yourself whether you are able to afford the card. What are the rules for the card and are there frees for breaking these rules. Pre-approved credit cards can be tricky. Pre-approved offers tell you that the credit card company has looked at your credit report and determined that you might qualify for the interest rates and credit limit being offered. However, whether you will really get the best rates depends on your income, employment, and credit history. It is therefore important that you read the credit agreement carefully before you sign on the dotted line - there may be limitations or conditions that are not obvious in the advertisement.

Start with your credit score. Lenders make their judgment about your credit worthiness based on your credit score. A FICO score of 700 or more is considered very good; over 760 will usually qualify you for the best rates (which is up from 720 several years ago). If your credit score is less than 640, you'll probably land a high interest rate and limited credit options. Your credit score will also be used to determine the features of your card, such as the credit limit and balance transfer terms. If you're surprised by your credit score, check it for errors. Correcting mistakes is the fastest way to raise a credit score.

Before you get a credit card, be sure you know how you'll pay off the credit card. You need to take a hard look at your financial habits to determine what kind of credit card customer you are. Will you pay off the entire balance each month on time, or will you carry a balance? Knowing the answer will help you determine the type of card you need. If you plan to pay off your balance each month, then pay close attention to the rewards offered. The best type of rewards cards out there are those with no annual fee and cash back rewards. Rewards are skimpier than in previous years, so expect a 1% cash back reward rather than 2% or higher. You may also find there are reward tiers based on your spending level. If you carry a balance most months, than apply for a card with the lowest possible rate. The less you pay for interest, the more you can pay toward your balance and the faster you can pay off that card. Whatever you do, do not pay a higher rate just to get rewards.

Pick one card and apply for it. Compare three or four cards by studying the terms and conditions of these cards. Then select the best one and submit an application. Limit the number of applications you submit because each application is recorded as a credit inquiry on your credit report. Multiple applications are a red flag that can lower your credit score because people actively seeking credit are typically a higher risk to lenders than people who are not seeking credit.

Avoid store cards. Don't apply for a store card just because the store gives you an immediate discount on your purchase. The rates are usually much higher than an average card, and if you don't pay off the balance in full the first month, you could pay much more in interest than the money you saved.

Pay attention to your rate. Most rates are now variable, and they'll increase in the future as the Federal Reserve raises the prime rate.