Searching for the best credit cards can be time-consuming…and quite boring. There are credit cards for tailored for all sorts of situations.
Not only that…
But credit cards have various interest rates and reward programs, which depend on several factors.
So how do you know which card is right for you?
Well…
What if you had en epic credit card guide…
One that helped you pick the right card for your specific needs?
That’s what this guide aims to do for you.
We’ll discuss:
- Rewards credit cards
- Credit cards with epic signup bonuses
- The best cash back credit cards
- The top balance transfer cards
- Credit Cards that have 0% APR
- Cards with $0 annual fees
- Credit cards with the lowest interest rates
- Cards for bad credit, good credit and excellent
- The best gas credit cards
From rewards-based cards to low-interest cards–and everything between–you’ll find a slew of options. Below, we cover what we call “goal-based” credit cards and “lifestyle” credit cards.
Goal Based Credit Cards
What is a “goal” based credit card?
It’s for people that want a specific outcome from using their card. It might be rewards, low interest rates and more.
Let’s dive into each type of credit card below.
Rewards
Reward credit cards help you earn points, miles or cash back from everyday purchases.
Rewards can fall into 3 main categories:
- Earn points
- Earn miles
- Earn cash back
Once you have enough rewards, you can redeem them for cash, travel, or shopping purchases.
In April 2019, CreditCards.com ran a interesting study. Out of the participants in the study, 31% preferred a rewards credit card.
Signup Bonuses
Credit cards that offer a signup bonus are similar to a rewards card. You’ll still earn points, miles or cash back.
But here’s the difference:
Card issuers give you a signup bonus if you spend a certain amount within a specified timeframe.
And, if you were considering a rewards card anyway, might as well get one with a signup bonus.
Cash Back
Another credit card that is rewards-based. If you use a credit card to pay for everyday expenses, why not get cash back from using it?
It’s exactly how it sounds:
Make everyday purchases with your card and get cash back. It’s as simple as that.
Note: card issuers give cash back based on the purchase category. Some offer more or less cash back on certain types of purchases you make.
Balance Transfer
Balance transfer credit cards are great if you need debt relief.
With this card, you can transfer your credit card balances to a lower interest rate card.
Compare this card to the pros and cons of a debt consolidation loan. It may be the better option, depending on your level and type of debt.
Tip: You can also compare this with a debt management plan or debt settlement.
0% APR
Credit cards with 0% APR? You bet. Consumers use 0% APR credit cards for several reasons.
- Use it to make a large purchase you plan to pay off sooner rather than later
- Transfer the balance of your credit cards to a 0% APR credit card to relieve debt
- Used for financial emergencies
But don’t get too excited yet.
Most card issuers don’t offer a “forever” 0% APR. It’s more of an introductory rate. Most introductory periods last anywhere from 12-15 months with 0% interest.
No Annual Fee
Most credit cards with a $0 annual fee are luxury cards with high credit lines. But all is not lost.
You can find top-tier credit cards that have $0 annual fees.
In addition to no annual fee, you can combine this benefit with rewards too.
Note: You’ll need good to excellent credit to qualify.
Low Interest Rate
Carry balances from month-to-month? If so, a low APR credit card might be for you.
Credit card interest rates are at an all-time high of 17.73%, according to CreditCards.com
By finding a low interest rate card, you can save yourself hundreds of dollars a year in interest fees. Sometimes even thousands.
Lifestyle Credit Cards
Do you find yourself traveling more than the average person? If so, a lifestyle based credit card might be what you need. Lifestyle credit cards offer amazing perks on airlines, hotels and other travel expenses.
Airlines
Airline credit cards offer some sweet bonuses. You can save a boatload of money every year on flights and more. You’ll rack up miles and points using this card…which you can apply to future travel expenses.
Enjoy free baggage checks and complimentary lounge access with your airline rewards credit card.
Hotels
Find yourself staying in hotels quite often throughout the year? Then a hotel rewards credit card sounds like the card you need.
Enjoy VIP perks at your favorite hotel chains. Perks like, special room rates, VIP room upgrades, VIP breakfasts and more.
By Credit Score
Looking for a credit card based on your credit score? No matter your score, there’s a card out there for you.
Even if you have bad credit. The difference is those with good to excellent credit get better rates, rewards and perks.
Excellent Credit
This is the holy grail of credit card offers. Consumers with credit scores that range between 740 – 850 have excellent credit.
If your score is in the range, congratulations: you have excellent credit.
And, you’ll have access to exclusive rewards, perks and the lowest interest rates available.
Good Credit
If you have “good credit” your score ranges anywhere from 670 to 739. Access to top credit cards with exceptional interest rates and rewards won’t be a problem for you.
You might have to pay a slightly higher interest rate than someone with excellent credit.
Fair Credit
With fair credit, you may not be eligible for the lowest rates and exclusive rewards. A person with fair credit has a score that ranges from 580 to 669.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t get approved for an unsecured card.
Despite this, you can find card issuers that will approve you even with fair credit. And you’ll still get rewards like cash back and more. You may pay a higher interest rate though.
As an added bonus, you will continue building great credit history if you make payments on time. Sooner or later, your score will improve and you’ll get access to better offers.
Bad Credit
Is your credit in the toilet? We know how frustrating this can be.
You apply for credit…only to see a big fat denial staring you right in the face.
Tip: Stop applying for unsecured credit cards. If you need a credit card for bad credit, the best advice is to apply for a secured credit card.
You’ll have to make a small deposit to activate the card, but most card issuers give you a $500 credit line. Minus your deposit of course.
This is a great way to pay for minor emergency expenses. And, it helps rebuild your credit.
Bonus: Check out our guide on bad credit loans if you have poor credit and need a small loan.
Gas Credit Cards
Get rewarded each time you fuel up at the gas pump. If you rarely drive…or drive a lot…start racking up rewards to save money on gas expenses.
Most gas credit cards also offer rewards and perks outside of fueling up at the pump. So make sure you compare gas credit cards to get the best rates and rewards.
Conclusion
No matter what your score is…or lifestyle…there is a card out there for you.
Do you have a favorite card you use daily?
Let our readers know in the comments.