Finding information about top rated credit cards is not especially difficult, though it can be time-consuming. There are so many different credit cards on the market that it really takes a lot of effort to properly compare them apples to apples. But it’s the only way to make sure you get the credit card that’s right for you.
One of the best ways to search online credit card quotes is to use our FREE credit card finder!
The U.S. Census Bureau projects U.S. consumers will use more than 1.1 trillion total credit cards to charge in excess of $2.3 trillion in 2012. If those numbers hold true they would reflect a decline over credit card usage in 2009. That makes complete sense when you consider that the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 resulted in tighter credit restrictions imposed by major banks. If you’d like to read the text of the bill, you can find it at the Open Congress website.
Finding Credit Card Information Online
The Internet is a field rife with information regarding the top rated credit cards in the United States. Sites like the one you’re on right now compile tons of information about interest rates, rewards, annual fees, and so forth. By using the provided search tools, it is possible for consumers to choose multiple credit cards and compare them side-by-side.
With the speed of today’s broadband Internet access, you can compare credit cards quickly without having to contact individual credit card issuers.
When you’re looking online, it’s always good to make sure you know what you’re after before you begin your search. For example, if you’re interested in just a simple, standard credit card you can use for everyday purchases you have a virtual cornucopia to choose from. If you’re looking for something specific, such as a travel rewards card or a business credit card, your list of choices will be considerably narrower. Knowing what you’re after beforehand will help you define your search parameters more concisely.
Strategies to Employ With Your Search
The best strategy you can employ when looking for the top rated credit cards is to always be sure to compare them apples to apples. What this means is that you will compare one consumer cash back card to other consumer cash back cards, not business credit cards.
The same can be said for travel cards, balance transfer cards, student cards, etc. It doesn’t do you any good to compare credit cards from different categories because each category benefits you in a different way.
The second-most important strategy is for you to look beyond the introductory hype and get into the fine details of the terms and conditions. It is in these details where you’ll find the information that most affects you financially.
For example, it’s nice to see credit cards offering a zero percent APR for the first 12 months on all purchases. But you also need to know what the standard APR is for the same purchases, as well as the rates for balance transfers and cash advances. Your introductory rate is only temporary; your standard rates will be what you’ll pay after your introductory rate has expired.
Get Credit Card Information Directly From Issuers
If you’ve tried the credit card search site and find yourself overwhelmed by the amount of information, you can go to specific bank websites and collect information from them. Most of the major credit card issuing banks like Bank of America, Citibank, and Chase keep a running list of all their currently available cards as well as descriptions and legally required disclosures. It might be easier for you to cut through the hype by going this route.
You can also go directly to the websites of major credit card brands such as Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. You may or may not be able to apply for specific cards using these websites, but you get a good idea of the types of benefits that come with each different brand.
Knowing the benefits might help you do a more refined search on a comprehensive site like this one.
Searching for information on the top rated credit cards is something you really should do if you want to make sure you get the best deal possible. The offers you get in the mail are good, but only to the extent that you get to see what that specific card offers. By searching online, you’ll be able to see how that deal stacks up against the competition.
Don’t simply settle for the first offer that comes in the mail, use our FREE credit card chaser to compare different cards online!
