Find Your Ideal Credit Card Today

A credit card enables you to borrow money from a bank for making purchases. The credit card company will issue a monthly statement detailing your transactions. If you fail to settle the entire balance by the due date, you'll incur interest charges on the remaining amount borrowed.

Having credit cards is necessary to begin building a credit score. People with good credit can access better rates on loans and mortgages. They can also qualify for higher limits on their credit cards. Good credit can even help you get a job or rental application.

The basic eligibility criteria for car loan financing are listed below:

• Interest Rates: Examine the card's annual percentage rate (APR) for purchases and balance transfers. A lower APR can save you money on interest charges.
• Fees: This includes annual fees, balance transfer fees, late payment fees, returned payment fees, cash advance fees and foreign transaction fees. Opt for cards with the lowest fees to maximize savings.
• Credit Limit: Consider the credit limit, which denotes the total amount you can charge on your card, as it directly influences your purchasing power. Some cards offer the potential for credit limit increases over time.
• Credit Score: Assess your credit score and select cards tailored to your credit profile; some cater to those with excellent credit, while others are lenient towards lower scores. Begin to build your credit score by responsibly using your credit cards, ensuring timely payments, and maintaining low balances compared to credit limits.
• Payment Flexibility: Understand the grace period for payments and the penalty for late payments. A card with a flexible payment schedule can be advantageous.
• Perks: Select credit cards that offer perks and benefits like travel points, cash back, or rewards considering your lifestyle. For instance, if you travel frequently, opt for a credit card that offers travel points. Similarly, if you shop frequently, choose a cashback credit card. Perform cash back credit card comparison from multiple providers and opt for the one offering the most advantageous benefits.

The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) represents the interest rate imposed if the credit card statement remains unsettled beyond the due date. This rate is divided by 365, resulting in daily interest charges applied to the remaining balance. To secure a lower APR, it's essential to maintain a good credit rating, which can be attained by responsibly utilizing credit cards to begin building credit.

In cases where the APR is denoted as 'variable,' it signifies a linkage to the Federal Reserve's prime rate, thereby subjecting your credit card interest rate to fluctuations based on changes in the prime rate.

Introductory APRs of 0% may be extended for a specified duration by certain cards, following which an ongoing APR will be imposed on any outstanding balances.

A good APR depends on the type of credit card and your credit score. Some credit cards charge a standard APR to all its customers and others charge an APR between a certain percentage range, for example from 19.99% to 29.99%, depending on the customer’s credit score. The APR will likely be higher for credit cards used to begin building credit.

As of August 2023, the Federal Reserve reported that the average APR for credit cards that incurred interest was 22.77%. An APR below that average would be considered a good rate. Rewards cards often have higher APRs, so if you choose rewards cards, it's wise to conduct cash back credit card comparison to maximize benefits. In addition, different types of transactions, for example, cash advances may result in different APRs being applied to the same card.

Increasing your credit score can help you qualify for a better credit card APR. Here are some useful tips for utilizing credit cards to begin credit:

• Make credit card payments on time, ensuring at least the minimum amount due is paid.
• Do not use more than 30% of your credit limit, as high credit utilization can negatively impact your credit score.
• Keep your credit card accounts open for the long term, as this can positively influence your credit score. Additionally, set up a small recurring charge to prevent credit card accounts from being closed due to inactivity.
• Monitor your credit scores from the three main bureaus with free yearly credit reports from annualcreditreport.com

• Annual Fee: This is a fixed yearly charge for maintaining the credit card. This fee is common on cards that offer rewards or for people with average, bad or no credit.
• Minimum Interest Charge: This represents the minimum amount of interest that will be applied, even if there is a small outstanding balance on the credit card. Paying only the minimum amount on your credit cards mainly covers interest, leading to a prolonged repayment period and higher overall interest costs. Clearing the full balance each month is essential to begin building credit and avoid accumulating excessive debt, maintaining a healthy credit score.
• Transaction Fees: These are charged for certain activities on your credit card. Balance Transfer Fees are charged by the new card to which you transfer your balance (typically between 3-5%). Foreign Transaction Fees are charged on purchases you make on your credit card overseas. Cash Advance Fees are charged for taking out cash advances on your credit card.
• Penalty Fees: The credit card company imposes fees for late payments, go over your credit limit, or if your payment is returned due to insufficient funds in your bank account. These penalty fees have the potential to negatively affect your credit score. Therefore, it is imperative to pay on or before the due date on your credit cards, if you're in the process to begin building your credit.

You can transfer your existing credit card debt to a new card through a balance transfer. Typically, most cards levy a one-time fee based on the transferred balance (typically between 3-5%). Additionally, certain cards offer the option to transfer your debt and enjoy a period without accruing interest on the balance (usually 6-12 months). Consider this in addition to other perks and rewards like cash back in your credit card comparisons.

You can begin to build credit through credit cards by using one or more of the following approaches:

1. Apply for a Student Credit Card – Same as a regular credit card but for college students or recent graduates. Note that proof of income may still be required.
2. Apply for a Starter Card – Designed for those with fair to average credit, these cards help to build credit over time.
3. Apply for a Secured Credit Card – Looks the same as a traditional credit card but with a key difference: It requires a cash deposit to be made when you open the account. The amount you put down in deposit will be your credit limit for the credit card.
4. Become an authorized user – An authorized user uses another person’s credit card account but the card will have your name on it. The primary cardholder is legally responsible for making payments on the balance due. Many issuers report authorized user activity to the credit bureaus, which can help build your credit score.
5. Find a co-signer – Consider finding a co-signer, typically a parent or friend, who agrees to pay your credit card debts if you're unable to do so. It's important to note that not all credit card issuers permit co-signers.

LendMeMoney considers a range of factors, including:

• Your financial goals and spending habits.
• Your credit history and credit score.
• Preferred rewards or benefits, such as cash back or travel rewards. So, we offer comprehensive cash back credit card comparisons to help you find the best fit for your needs.
• Any specific features or services you prefer, such as security measures or warranties.
• The current credit card offers that are available in the market.