January 14, 2022

How to Choose the Right Credit Card for Your Needs

Find the best card to build credit and earn rewards.

Know your credit score

To qualify for most credit cards, you must have a credit score over 600 to qualify. A lower score can hold you back from a card with better rewards, so make an effort to look up your score and spruce it up before applying. Check your score online for free at AnnualCreditReport.com or through your current credit card app.

What kind of card will meet your needs?

To find a good match, your credit score and monthly spending should correspond to the card that you choose. Make sure the card reports credit payments to the three major credit bureaus so you can build credit. Research the rewards that are offered, and choose a card with a reward program that matches your lifestyle, such as benefits for travel or everyday purchases like gas. Citizens First Bank offers a credit card with no annual fee; stop by a branch to apply today!

Read the fine print

When narrowing down to your final picks for a credit card, it is helpful to focus on their differences to see what sets one above the rest. The most common factors to compare are cashback rates, interest rates, balance transfers, and rewards. Use online resources to compare the pros and cons; Nerd Wallet has a handy comparison tool available on their website, www.nerdwallet.com/the-best-credit-cards.

Using your new card

After the search to find the perfect card, you can now begin using it to build credit. Be sure that you pay your bills in full every month and don’t use too much of your available credit; try to use below 30% of your available credit as a general rule. You can prevent a lower score by only using your credit card for necessities within your budget. If you want to rack up rewards, make everyday purchases with your card and pay your bill in full every month. It’s also a good idea to pay your bill earlier than the payment deadline.

Choosing the right credit card for your needs takes lots of research and consideration. For more resources and options for credit cards, visit your local Citizens First Bank in person or online. Our experienced team can help find the credit card for your needs.