| Finding the best credit card is not always as | | | | save 1% on all your purchases in miles, |
| straightforward as you may think. Choose your | | | | points, cash-back, or other perks. Some |
| new card to match your lifestyle. Find an | | | | credit cards offer double points (or more). |
| offer with perks that you can use. Signing up | | | | If you're not getting at least 1% back, keep |
| for the wrong card can end up costing you | | | | looking for better offers! |
| money - one size does not fit all! Here are a | | | | |
| few tips to help you pick the best plan: | | | | Make sure your points don't expire: |
| | | | |
| Identify your needs: | | | | It can be frustrating to learn your points |
| | | | have expired because you didn't use them |
| Are you a frequent traveller? Look for miles, | | | | within the specified time. Some credit cards |
| hotel rentals, and car rental perks. Buy a | | | | offer perks that never expire, but most have |
| lot of office supplies? Go for a card with | | | | set expiration dates. Know the facts before |
| double points at a stationary store like | | | | you apply. |
| Office Depot. Perhaps you are in the middle | | | | |
| of some major home improvements, a Home Depot | | | | Double points or cashback at selected stores: |
| card might be just what you need. | | | | |
| | | | Did you get an offer with 2% cash-back at |
| Don't forget the interest rate! | | | | selected stores? That is a great deal, but if |
| | | | you don't shop at that particular retailer |
| Your interest rate is important too, | | | | those perks will likely be wasted - perhaps |
| obviously you should be looking for the best | | | | consider a blanket cash-back offer instead. |
| deals. Remember to read the fine print, as | | | | |
| low introductory rates usually last for a | | | | With so many offers to choose from, it is |
| limited time. Make sure your standard rate is | | | | worth investing a little bit of time to find |
| acceptable to you. | | | | the credit card that will work for your |
| | | | needs. Remember that by choosing the right |
| Save at least 1% on all your purchases: | | | | perks you can save anywhere from 1% to 3% of |
| | | | all your purchases, so don't settle for less! |
| At the very minimum, you should be able to | | | | |