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