Credit Card Ratings ~ Online Applications- CardRatings.net

Since 2004, we have strived to give you all the information you need to help choose the card that is right for you. Here you will find over 100 credit cards to choose from. Our credit card ratings network is updated regularly to help ensure you have the most accurate and up to date credit card information.

Looking for a specific kind of credit card? Our network is broken into categories such as Business Cards, Student Cards, Gas, Credit Cards Cash Back Offers and Balance Transfer Cards.

We also offer search options by Card Issuer: American Express, Chase, and more

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Miles Card from Discover® Card Review

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Credit Card Overview

Choosing the Right Credit Card

It is very easy to use a credit card. Just reach into your wallet or purse, pull it out and swipe. The hard part is choosing a credit card. There are so many to choose from. Choosing a credit card that works best for you is vital to your credit rating. If you choose the wrong one, you may find yourself in deep financial trouble. Here are some basic, yet very important tips that will help you make the right choice. Check for ratings of credit card companies.

Your Financial Habits

Knowing what your financial habits are is a very important thing to consider when choosing a credit card. When it comes time to choose, you need to look very closely and honestly at your habits.

If you typically carry a balance or if you pay off the balance at the end of each month you will need to find:

A low Annual Percentage Rate (APR). The APR the interest rate you will pay on any outstanding balances each month. The higher the rate, the more you will pay in interest charges.

A fixed-low rate. A fixed rate means that they will guarantee that your rate will stay low. Many credit card providers will offer a low introductory rate to get you signed up and then increase the rates drastically in 6, or 9 months. You also need to check to see if there are any annual fees, as low or fixed rate cards usually have annual fees.

If you will be paying off your balance at the end of each month, you will not have to worry as much about a low APR since it will not apply to you.

Important Tip: The Grace Period
Make sure your card allows you to pay off your bill at the end of the month with no finance charges. Those that don’t offer the standard grace period might charge you interest the moment you make a purchase.

Another thing to consider -cash advance fees. Most cards charge interest usually at a higher rate, for cash advances and this charge usually begins with no grace period even if your card offers a grace period for purchases.

Make sure you consider how reliable you are when making your payments on time. You also need to make sure you stay below the credit limit. Going over your credit limited can result in more fees. If you often pay your bills late and do not know your credit limit, you will want to watch out for transaction fees and other charges. Many card companies charge outrageous late fees and an over-the-limit fees which make balances rise fast. It is best to pay on time and keep under the limit

Another important question to consider when looking at your financial habits is how often you will be using your credit card. People that use their cards almost everything instead of using cash or checks will want to look for credit card protection. This way, if your card is stolen or lost, you will not be responsible for any purchases made.

Finally, consider the different rewards credit card companies offer. If you travel you may want to look for a card with travel or airline miles. If you have a business, many business credit cards offer office supply rewards, and help you track your expenses.

What matters most is to find the features that fit your pattern of spending and paying. Don’t get fooled by the gimmicks or the advertisements. Analyze your financial habits, read the small print, and choose the credit card that works best for you.

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