In America credit is king. And if you choose the wrong credit card it could have a lasting effect on your finances. With the right credit card, however, you can use it to your advantage and turn it into many positive things. For example, you can cut your interest in half compared to your other card or cards. Or, you can get free plane tickets or hotel stays.
You can get discounts at certain retail stores and restaurants. You can even get cash back if you choose. I’m sure at least one of these things appeals to you.
The first thing you need to do is have your credit checked. In fact, you should always monitor your credit score to check for any possible fraud or identity theft. And knowing your score or scores is always helpful. Try NerdWallet for a free credit score. The three major credit score agencies (Experian, Equifax, and Transunion) will give you a score for a small fee also. However, according to federal law, you are entitled to a free credit score from each of these agencies once a year.
If your credit is poor, try a secured loan credit card to rebuild it. If your credit is good then you are going to look for a zero interest promotional card and one that also has zero percent for balance transfers. You can get these deals for 6 or 12 months usually.
After that, you want to look for a rewards card with travel or cash back. Remember to use NerWallet’s credit card comparison tool. It’s a great tool to help you get the best deal you can.
Now it’s time to apply for a card after you’ve decided which one gives you the most value, overall.
