If you have poor (under 580) or fair (580 to 669) credit, you typically have to take what you can get when applying for a credit card. In fact, you may even have to rely on a secured credit card (requires a cash deposit as collateral) until your score is high enough to obtain an unsecured credit card.

Conversely, if you have good or excellent credit, there are many more offers to consider. Knowing what to look for will go a long way in helping you get the credit card that best suits your financial situation and goals.

As you start your search, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the hundreds of offers that are available to you. Rather than struggle every step of the way, here are 10 questions you can answer to point you in the right direction:

• What’s most important to you in a credit card?
• Is there anything you want to avoid with your next credit card?
• Would you rather have a cash back or travel rewards credit card?
• What interest rate are you comfortable with?
• Are you familiar with additional perks offered with some credit cards, such as a sign-up bonus?
• How does the credit card offer compare to any you’ve used in the past?
• What does the fee structure look like? Is there an annual fee?
• Are you confident that you’ll receive the customer service you deserve?
• Will you have access to all the tools required to manage your account online and via your mobile device?
• What are other consumers saying about the credit card?

It’s not easy to achieve a good or excellent credit score, so you should be proud of yourself. With access to so many credit cards, it’s easy to fall into the trap of applying for the first one that catches your eye.

Don’t make this mistake. Take the time to answer the questions above, while comparing the finer details of each offer. This will allow you to eliminate those that don’t suit your requirements, thus focusing more time on those that do.  

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it. If you have good credit, you’re much more likely to find a credit card that suits your every want and need.

By keeping an open mind and comparing all your options, it won’t be long before you’re carrying a credit card that is perfect for you.

What is your credit score? When was the last time you applied for a credit card? Did you find what you were searching for, or are you still looking?

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