Best Credit Card Deals of 2021

Let our guide help you find the best credit card of 2021. We have all the information you need like sign-up bonuses and awesome rewards.

Choose from these categories:

Best Credit Card Deals of 2020

Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards of 2020

Best Cash Back Credit Cards of 2020

Best Travel Credit Cards of 2020

Best Rewards Credit Cards of 2020

Best Low Interest Credit Cards of 2020

Best Small Business Credit Cards of 2020

Best Average Credit – Credit Cards of 2020

Best Rebuilding Credit – Credit Cards of 2020

Best Student Credit Cards of 2020

A Four Step Guide to Picking the Best Credit Card

If you’re thinking of applying for a credit card there are various factors you should consider prior to submitting your application. There isn’t a definitive superior card on the market – the best credit card deal for you will depend on your particular situation. You should ensure you consider all aspects of prospective cards prior to applying – applying for cards can impact your credit score and should not be done without substantial research.

In this guide, we will describe four quick steps you should take prior to making a decision on which card to apply for. And if you've been searching for “credit cards near me” then we can help you with local options too.

1. Credit Score Check

Before you apply for a card you should make sure to check your credit score so you know which credit cards you are likely to be eligible for. You don’t want to waste your time applying for a card that you will never be approved for, it will negatively impact your score and affect your ability to receive credit in the future. If you want to check your credit score there are two primary ways to do so:

• If you already have a credit card most lenders will provide you with your score free of charge – contact them if you don’t know how to access this feature.
• The three major credit reporting agencies will sell you your score for a relatively low fee. These agencies include Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.

If you find that your score is lower than needed to apply for most major cards, you should begin steps to improve your score. There are various ways to help improve your score, including paying down current debt, and reducing your current expenditure. In addition, you can often contract credit repair companies to help you remove unwanted items from your report – it’s a great way to immediately improve your score.

2. Determine Which Card is Best for You

There are three primary categories of credit card:

1. Cards that you can use to build or rebuild your current credit score

2. Cards that have low-interest and save you money over time

3. Cards that allow you to accumulate awards (travel, cashback, etc.)

Don’t apply for a card that doesn’t provide for your needs. If you don’t travel, applying for a travel card will be a both a waste of time and money.

BUILD OR REBUILD CREDIT

If you’re currently studying at college you can most likely receive a student credit card which can help you start building your credit – these cards typically require little to no credit history. If you have a poor credit score you can access a secured credit card which requires you to make a deposit equal to the credit limit on the card. This ensures that you won’t be able to default on the card’s balance.

LOW INTEREST

Many cards offer lower interest than some of the rewards cards which typically have much higher interest rates. In addition, plenty of credit cards offer introductory interest free periods which will make sure you aren’t charged interest on initial charges. Some cards will also allow you to transfer your current credit card balance to a new credit card in order to take advantage of low interest and interest free introductory offers.

REWARDS CARDS

Rewards cards allow you to accumulate rewards points which can be redeemed for flights, travel, and other items. You will only want to use one of these cards if you are able to pay off most of your balance in full each month – they have high interest rates and annual fees.

3. Determine the Best Choice by Asking Honest Questions

It’s easy to convince yourself of something that is untrue – that’s why it’s important to be honest with yourself when it comes to choosing a credit card. You don’t want to end up wasting money on a certain type of card purely because you thought the offer sounded enticing. We’ve compiled some questions to ask about each type of card before submitting your application.

BUILD OR REBUILD CREDIT

Is this card accessible?

• Because you lack a credit score, you should be sure that you can receive the card prior to applying – have a look online at what common past scores have been accepted for the card you want to apply for.

What are the associated costs?

• Make sure to check how much the annual fee is, as well as the amount of money you will owe in interest should you carry a balance on the card.

Can I move on to a better card at a later date?

• Choose a card that will reflect positively on your credit report – the aim should be to move onto a better card later on.

LOW INTEREST

Length of interest free period and regular interest rate?

• Check out how long the interest free period is, also make sure to compare the interest rate with other recommended cards.

What are the balance transfer terms?

• You’ll want to make sure the card has a balance transfer function. You also need to be aware of any fees associated with balance transfers.

Are there additional benefits?

• Most low interest cards don’t come with additional benefits, but make sure you compare all cards before deciding on a lender because sometimes promotions will include rewards for low interest cards.

REWARDS CARDS

Am I a big spender?

• If you’re a big spender a rewards card may be justified. You will be able to accumulate enough points to offset the cost of the annual fee and higher interest rates.

Is the card too complicated?

• Some rewards cards require you to book with certain airlines and at specific times, it can often be too hard to redeem your rewards if you use an overly complicated card.

What are my points worth?

• Depending on the card you have, the value of your points will differ. Make sure to check out the level of reward redeemable for your points so that you know the true value of your rewards.

4. Seek a Card That Gives You the Most Personal Value

It can be easy to spot a bad card, but choosing between your top choices can be quite difficult. That’s why it’s important to ask you a few more questions if you’re having problems making your final decision. Think about the following things for each card when deciding on which to apply for.

BUILD OR REBUILD CREDIT CARDS

• You should prioritize cards that allow you to increase your credit limit over time.
• If you have a secured card, some providers will allow you to earn interest on your deposit.

LOW INTEREST CREDIT CARDS

• Some lenders provide debt management tools which can help you pay off your current credit card balance quickly.
• Some lenders have reduced or waived late fees for payments – this can save you money if you end up needing extra time to pay your bill.

REWARDS CREDIT CARDS

• Some cards require very little spending to trigger bonuses, these should prioritized if you’re a lower spender.
• Some lenders have expiration dates on their rewards, opt for those who don’t.

Remember you can include household income on your credit card application. In addition, your student loans count as income for many lenders.

Also remember that not all cards offer rental car coverage. If the card you choose doesn't offer this coverage then you'll either need to make sure your personal insurance covers it or pay for the extra coverage at the time of rental.

Next Steps After Your Application?

After you receive your credit card you should use it as a tool to maintain or build your credibility with lenders. Use your card effectively, pay it off on time, and avoid as much interest as possible.