How To Properly Compare Credit Card Prices

Posted by Nick Niesen on October 29th, 2010

If you are shopping around for a credit card, you need to know how to properly compare credit card prices in order to get the best deal to suit your needs. Although many people shop around for credit cards, they don?t compare all the necessary factors to help them find the best overall package. If you want to know how to properly compare credit card prices, then here are the steps you need to take.

Make a list of your needs

Before you begin to compare credit card prices, you need to know what you are looking for in a credit card. It is no good comparing prices and features without knowing which ones you want and which are the most important to you. Make a list of the features and prices that you definitely have to have, then the ones you would like if possible, and then a list of features that you can take or leave. This will help you to have priorities when comparing various card offers.

Use an online comparison tool

One of the quickest and easiest ways to compare credit cards is online. There are many web sites that have comparison tools that will let you compare APR prices and other features from a variety of different companies. This will help you to narrow down your search to a smaller number of potential credit cards.

Detailed comparison

Once you have narrowed down the credit cards using their basic features to a number of potential candidates, you need to compare these cards in detail. If possible, get hold of all the information you can regarding the fees and features of each card. You want to know their APR, annual fees, balance transfer rates, potential credit limits, application procedures, online services, penalty fees, extra benefits and so on. You can then use your list of priorities to find out which one is the best for you.

Price or features?

If you have compared your shortlist and found two or more cards that have virtually all the same features for the same price, you need to decide which to go for. In the end there may be no real difference between them and either card will be a good choice. However, looking at the card issuers involved might help. If your choice is between one card that has more features and another that is cheaper, it is probably best to go for the cheaper card, unless the extra features are extremely important to you. In the end a cheaper deal is better than unnecessary bells and whistles.

Consult an advisor

If you are having trouble deciding which is the best card for your needs, then you could always seek help from an independent financial advisor. They will be able to give you a professional opinion about your various choices, or perhaps even recommend a product that you didn?t know about. If you shop around carefully and compare the cards on offer properly, you should be able to find the best package for your individual financial needs.