The Easiest Way to Choose a Rewards Credit Card

With hundreds of rewards credit cards to choose from, it can be both easy and difficult to make a final decision.

On the surface, it appears that a variety of offers will allow you to find a credit card that suits your every want and need. While this is true, you’ll have to sift through all of them to find exactly what you’re looking for.

The easiest way to choose the right rewards credit card is to focus on three primary details:

1. Cash back or travel rewards? Some people want to earn cash back for the money they spend, while others prefer to collect points they can redeem at a later date for various types of travel.

Even if you have an idea of which one you want, compare the pros and cons of both. This will help you quickly narrow your options.

2. Know how you earn rewards. It’s one thing to earn rewards for every dollar you spend, but another thing entirely to know how you collect these.

Do you earn one point for every dollar you spend? Can you earn more points when you spend in specific categories?

It’s critical to understand how you earn rewards, as this detail will give you a better idea of what you can expect throughout the year (based on past credit card use).

3. Know how you redeem rewards. As you collect points or cash back, there will come a point when you want to get your hands on what’s owed to you.

Learn more about the actual redemption process, such as the exact steps you’ll take to redeem your travel rewards points for a hotel stay.

Tip: if there’s an expiration schedule keep it in mind, as you don’t want to lose points that could be put to good use.

By taking these steps, you’ll quickly close in on the rewards credit card that best suits your budgeting style, spending habits, and future financial goals.