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How to Choose Your Next Credit Card

How to Choose Your Next Credit Card

Finding the right credit card can be a bit overwhelming. With so many providers, options, and fine print, it’s easy to get lost in the details. To make matters more challenging, not all credit card are created equally. Different cards serve different purposes. So, here are the most common types of cards to help you find the right one for your spending habits and goals.

Card for Big Purchases

Let’s say you’re planning for a big purchase such as a new home appliance or equipment, and you won’t be able to pay off your balance for at least a few months. In this case, you want a credit card with a low interest rate and no annual fees. That way, you can pay off big purchases without adding hundreds of dollars to the cost in the form of interest and fees.

Balance Transfer Card

Let’s say you have a substantial balance on a credit card with a high interest rate. The best way for you to pay off that balance quicker while potentially saving hundreds or thousands of dollars, is to open a balance transfer card.  A balance transfer card allows you to shift your balance to a lower interest rate, which means more of your payments will be going towards the principal balance, as opposed to interest charges. When comparing balance transfer offers, be sure to check for balance transfer fees, which can charge anywhere from 3% to 5% of the transfer balance.

Rewards Cards

Let’s say you want to get rewarded for your everyday purchases. If you have a strong credit score, and you consistently payoff your balance, a reward card may be the right choice. You’ll have the decide what types of rewards are most important to you. If you travel frequency, a travel card that gives you points or miles may be the best option. Or, if you prefer to redeem your rewards for cash or merchandise, then look for a card that offers cash back. When comparing rewards cards, be sure to check for annual fees or minimum spending requirements.

Secured Cards 

If you have poor or limited credit, or are just starting out, a secured credit card may be your best option. With a secured card, you put down an initial deposit (typically at least $200) and that deposit amount becomes your credit limit. As you use the secured card and payoff the balance, your positive payment history is reported to the credit bureaus, which helps to improve your credit rating. Secured credit cards are a great tool to establish or reestablish positive credit and can be a terrific introduction to the responsible use of credit cards.

Time to Compare

Now that you understand the major types of credit cards, you’re ready to do some research and make an informed decision.

Not all credit cards are created equally, and neither are credit card providers.

If you’re looking for a new credit card backed by partner you can trust, we’ve got you covered! Check out we have in store at Vermont Federal Credit Union.

Vermont Federal Credit Union is a $900 million-plus full-service, not-for-profit, cooperative financial institution that has served Vermonters for more than 70 years, with eight locations currently serving over 50,000 members. Members are part of a cooperative, meaning they share ownership in the Credit Union and elect a volunteer board of directors. Vermont Federal Credit Union provides membership to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in all of Vermont. Vermont Federal Credit Union is committed to supporting its communities and helping Vermonters prosper, no matter where they may be on life’s journey. Learn more about Vermont Federal Credit Union. 

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