Credit cards are useful for many reasons, but can also lead to debt and fees if not used responsibly. Choosing the right card depends on your spending habits, whether you want rewards or cash back and other factors.
Getting preapproved can help you find offers that meet your qualifications. But, you should be careful as each application can impact your credit score.
Sign-up bonuses
Credit card companies offer a variety of sign-up bonuses to attract new customers. These are often a lump sum of rewards points or cash back. They may also be airline miles or travel vouchers. However, you need to have a good credit score to qualify for these offers. You can find them in your pre-qualified offers or through the CardMatch tool. Depending on the card, these offers are usually limited-time and may require you to spend a certain amount within a specific time frame.
While it may be tempting to fill your mailbox with new credit card offers, you should consider the value of the cards that interest you before applying for them. Some credit card issuers have rules to prevent consumers from earning credit card bonuses multiple times. For example, Chase automatically denies applications if a consumer has opened five or more cards from the same company within 24 months. This is known as the 5/24 rule.
Discounts
Billions of credit card offers are mailed to consumers each year, but these pre-approved credit cards should only be added to your wallet if they fit your unique financial situation. These pre-approved credit cards (also known as pre-screened or pre-selected) are based on a credit card issuer’s screening process and are sent to consumers who meet the card company’s approval criteria.
These card offers often come with a sign-up bonus or introductory rewards that offer cash back, points, miles and gift cards for new customers. They may also offer a zero-percent or 0% interest rate for a limited time. These card offers are common with co-branded retail credit cards, but can also be offered by general purpose credit cards.
Some credit cards provide additional benefits such as return protection or extended warranty coverage. These features are important to consider when deciding which card to choose for your next purchase. Some cards also offer security measures such as zero-liability protection against unauthorized purchases.
Annual fees
Generally, it doesn’t make sense to pay an annual fee for a credit card. But there are some cases where the cost is worth it. For instance, if you travel frequently and regularly earn rewards points or cash back that exceed the card’s annual fee, it may be worth it to pay for the benefits.
The credit card industry sends out billions of promotional letters to people who meet the criteria of their qualification process. These are known as pre-approved offers of credit. The pre-approved offer is not a firm credit card, but it does give you a chance to compare your options.
The best credit cards often offer big signup bonuses to lure consumers. These bonuses can be in the form of airline miles, statement credits, or a combination of both. They can be a great incentive to open a new card, but it’s important to know that some of these bonuses come with a time limit.
Rewards
Credit card rewards programs can be a good incentive for some consumers to apply for cards. However, it is important to consider a card’s features and terms and conditions before making an application. Cash back on purchases is a popular reward program that offers a percentage of your spending as a credit in your statement. Many cards also offer elevated rewards in specific categories such as dining, groceries and travel. Others allow cardholders to choose their top earning category.
Other credit cards may have extra benefits such as 0% introductory interest rates for balance transfers, roadside assistance, rental car damage waivers and flight delay reimbursement. These features can help you make an informed decision about which card is best for your needs. However, it is important to remember that every time you apply for a new card, a hard inquiry will be added to your credit report. Multiple hard inquiries within a short period of time can significantly reduce your credit score.
