Apr 30 2008
Choosing a Credit Card
<b>CHOOSING THE RIGHT CREDIT CARD OFFER FOR YOUR NEEDS
</b>Selecting a credit card is not easy. Featured below are pros and cons of several of the major types of credit card offers. This information will assist you in selecting a card that is most specific for your needs.
<b>Reward Credit Cards</b>
Pros - These credit cards have many different types of perks associated with them when they are used for making purchases. Some of the most typical types of rewards offered are cash, airline miles, gas rebates, and/or points that can be used for discounts and savings at participating restaurants and stores. A reward credit card is one of the best choices you have if you anticipate paying your bill in full every month.
Cons - You should always read the terms and conditions of reward cards carefully before you commit to any offer. These card types typically have higher interest rates and costly annual fees. Carrying a balance every month is likely going to result in you paying more in interest fees than you are being rewarded.
<b>Student Credit Cards</b>
Pros - A student credit card is one of the best means for establishing credit. In fact, these types of credit cards are specifically designed to help those with no credit establish positive credit histories. There are even a variety of student credit cards for people with bad credit looking to rebuild their credit.
Cons - The interest rates associated with student credit cards tend to be higher than other card offers. Also, it is very typical for students to end up in debt as a result of not using a credit card wisely. We feature an entire section dedicated to helping educate people on smart credit card use.
<b>Pre-Paid Credit Cards</b>
Pros - These cards can be used in the same manner as regular credit cards. However, your are required to 'load' money onto your card when you want to use them instead of taking advantage of the revolving credit lines normal credit cards offer. You are able to spend as much money as you have on your card. Achieving approval is very simple for prepaid credit cards, even for those with the worst credit histories or those with no credit.
Cons - Your payment history is likely not going to be reported to any of three major credit reporting agencies. Therefore, this type of credit card offers no real benefit for building or rebuilding credit. There are also many different times when you can not use a prepaid credit card for purchases, i.e. hotels, airline tickets and car rentals.
<b>Secured Credit Cards
</b>Pros - A secured credit card is probably the best credit card type for establishing or reestablishing credit. These credit cards offer the same type of functionality as regular credit cards.
Cons - You will need to leave a security deposit when looking to apply for a secured credit card. These deposits are usually between $150-300. The annual fees and interest rates associated with secured cards are higher than normal credit cards. In fact, interest rates can be as high as 30%! Typical annual fees range between $50-100.
<b>Business Credit Cards
</b>Pros - These types of credit cards are great if you are looking to give your business spending power, while building its credit worthiness.
Cons - Most credit card companies will require that your business be in operation for at least two years before credit is issued. It is important to note that you will likely be able to achieve approval by obtaining a letter of reference from your bank supporting your company's positive account history.
