1. Check Your FICO Score
Your FICO Score is your most important credit score. It is used in over 90% of U.S. lending decisions. One of the easiest ways to check your FICO Score is through Experian. Generally, FICO scores ranging from 300 to 579 are poor, 580 to 669 are fair, 670 to 739 are good, 740 to 799 are very good, and 800 to 850 are exceptional. In understanding the range that your FICO Score falls in, you will have a good idea of what kind of credit card you will likely qualify for. Using websites such as NerdWallet and The Points Guy will typically make you aware of the kind of FICO Score you will need for a specific credit card you are interested in.
2. Understand Your Spending Behavior
Understanding your spending behavior is significant when it comes to finding the right new credit card for yourself. For example, if you actively spend money on Amazon, maybe a credit card that offers 5% cashback at Amazon will be a good choice for you. Another example is if you still travel often, maybe a credit card that offers 5 travel points per dollar spent back on air travel will be a good choice for you. In becoming more understanding of where you most often spend money, you will better align yourself with a credit card that will allow you to reap the most rewards possible.
3. Identify the Rewards and Benefits You Want
Following up from the last section, your spending behavior will help you understand the rewards and benefits you want. Do you want cashback? Do you want travel points or miles? Would you like to have insurance on your purchases? Would having travel insurance be of use to you? Getting in the habit of asking questions like those will assist you in making sure that you are on the right path to finding the best credit card for yourself.
Leave a Reply