How to Choose
the Best Credit Card

There are almost as many credit cards as there are needs and circumstances for them. If you’re considering a new credit card, you want to make sure you’re getting the right one for you. The type of card that works for one person may not work for someone else.

We’ll walk you through the steps of deciding on the right card for your goals and financial situation. These are general considerations, but they are helpful ones to take into account as you shop around for a new card.

Questions to Ask Yourself

If you aren’t sure where to start, a good place to begin is by asking yourself why you’re in the market for a new credit card.

Why Do You Want the Card?

Do a quick gut check: do you simply want a new card, or do you really need one? There’s no right or wrong answer.

You might want a new credit card because you want to travel and would like a card that offers rewards points that you can redeem for flights and hotels. Maybe you’d like to transfer an existing balance over to a card with a lower APR (annual percentage rate) so that your monthly payments have lower interest rates and are more affordable.

Or maybe you just want a card handy in case an emergency expense arises. Make a list of your reasons before you move on to the next phase of card shopping.

Will You Carry a Balance?

Ask yourself how much of a balance you intend to keep on the card. Is it the type of thing where you plan to make small, regular purchases and pay the card off every month? Or is it for a larger, less-common expense where you might be paying it off for a while?

If it’s the latter, compare interest rates on different types of cards and various card companies. Make sure you know your credit score so that you have an idea of what type of interest you can expect to pay on the balance. If it’s higher than you’d like or than would fit with your budget, you may want to explore other borrowing options, such as a personal loan or line of credit.

Common Types of Credit Cards

There are so many types of credit cards to consider! It’s important to find the right one that fits your specific needs. Review the common types of credit cards below.

Rewards

We’ve already mentioned rewards cards as an option for those who want to redeem points for travel. UCCU’s Rewards Cards offers members 4% on travel, 3% on gas, 2% on groceries, and 1% on everything else.

Low Rate

Especially if you plan on carrying a balance, low-rate cards can be a good option. That way, your monthly payments will be more affordable.

Balance Transfer

These cards are for people who want to transfer existing debt or credit card balances over to a new card with a lower interest rate. If your credit has improved or your financial situation has changed since you began using your current card, a balance transfer card can be ideal.

Secured

By using the secured card for purchases and making regular, on-time payments, you can improve your credit score and become eligible for cards with better rates and higher credit limits.