It may seem like a simple question but its important to take into account a few factors when choosing your credit card. If you are in the enviable position of being able to pay off your card every month then you are amongst the few. If like most you don't then we can offer you some guidance.
1.Interest rates: This is the most important factor to consider when managing your credit card debt. Every day we are offered 0% introductory rates for 6 to 9 months. These are usually for balance transfers and are a great way to transfer high interest loans or credit card balances to a 0% interest rate. Watch out for statements, which only refer to the monthly interest rates as well. Something like 'rates of 1.5% per month' on your statement may not sound like much but this is equivalent to 19.6% per year!
2. Annual fee: Most cards now do not charge an annual fee. Make sure you get a card that does not charge these fees.
3. Cash advances or withdrawals: This usually represents very poor value for money. Credit Card companies will charge in the region of 2% per month. If you can avoid it do not use this facility.
4. Reward points or Loyalty Schemes: These kinds of cards are gaining in popularity. Air miles and cash back rewards are being used to entice customers. Many people base their credit card choices on these kinds of benefits. If you read the fine print you will find that you have to spend are large amount to qualify for the points. Saying this if you are a frequent traveller paying for your air ticket with your credit card will help you build up substantial air miles.
5. Insurance: All credit cards should come with insurance, which covers you for fraud or theft that results in your card being used before you can cancel it. With the rise in the number of people buying on the Internet nowadays this is a vital requirement. The consumer credit card act outlines what the credit card company should be liable for. Some credit cards also offer free travel insurance, again a handy benefit if you are a frequent traveller.
6. Gold and Platinum cards: These may look good in your wallet or purse but they usually not the most competitive cards on the market. Firstly you have to earn a certain salary to qualify, although surprisingly these salary levels are set pretty low. There is also an annual fee for the use of the card, which in today's market is a cost you shouldn't have to pay. Don't be blinded by the image there are many cards out there that offer far more.
Grant Marwick is a freelance writer and owner of http://www.only-credit-cards.co.uk where you will find advice and more articles on Low interest Credit Cards and advice on 0% Credit Cards
![]() Google News Updated : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 18:25:37 GMT Detroit mayor's political future back in court - The Associated Press
The Associated Press - DETROIT (AP) - A lawyer for Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick asked a judge Friday to freeze next week's hearing that could remove him from office, accusing Gov. Judge to decide Tuesday on mayor's bid to halt ouster Hearing under way on suit against Granholm Publ.Date : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:06:32 GMT Evacuations begin in Louisiana - Houston Chronicle
Houston Chronicle - By DANE SCHILLER Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle NEW ORLEANS - About 1000 disabled and elderly residents west of the city are being evacuated this afternoon and New Orleans officials are considering whether to order more people out of the projected ... Video: New Orleans Braces For Gustav Gulf Coast prepares as storm Gustav approaches Publ.Date : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:56:04 GMT Thai Protest Stops Trains and Planes - New York Times
New York Times - By THOMAS FULLER BANGKOK - Protesters in Thailand ratcheted up their campaign to oust the government on Friday, broadening their occupation to stop trains and block provincial airports, as well as waging an unsuccessful attack on police headquarters ... Thai rioters attack police station UPDATE 8-Thai protests hit police HQ, disrupt airports Publ.Date : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:31:31 GMT Mayor Melton Advises Public of West Nile Precautions - WLBT-TV WLBT-TV - When planning outdoor activities this Labor Day weekend, Jackson residents are encouraged to reduce their risk of contracting West Nile virus by protecting themselves from mosquito bites and removing sources of standing water near their homes. DELAWARE: West Nile virus appears later than usual West Nile victim's widow ponders his death Publ.Date : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:28:14 GMT Microsoft to Buy Greenfield, Adding European Web Shopping Site - Bloomberg
Bloomberg - By Phil Serafino and Dina Bass Aug. 29 (Bloomberg) -- Microsoft Corp., seeking to catch Google Inc. in the Internet-search market, agreed to buy Greenfield Online Inc. for $486 million to add Web sites that help consumers find product reviews and ... Survey Says ... Microsoft Is a Smart Shopper Microsoft to buy price comparison website Publ.Date : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:24:21 GMT In Lack of Health Insurance Coverage Texas Is First - eMaxHealth.com
eMaxHealth.com - Texas is at the top of the heap again - this time we are the most uninsured state, health care-wise, in the country. Oh wait, being without health insurance coverage is not a good thing, is it? Number of uninsured Americans drops Update2: Number Of Americans Without Health Insurance Drops Publ.Date : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 15:22:00 GMT Gustav on the Brink of Explosive Development - Washington Post
Washington Post - Over the past 48 hours Tropical Storm Gustav proved it was a survivor, as it withstood difficult journeys over Haiti and Jamaica. Now it may turn into a monster. Video: Gustav Set to Batter Cuba, Enter Gulf of Mexico Gustav threatens Caymans after swamping Jamaica Publ.Date : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:05:23 GMT Increase Traffic |
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