An Essential Checklist To Help You Choose A Credit Card

Summary: Credit cards offer perks and spending flexibility. It can earn reward points and cash-back offers when you spend. Here's how to choose the right credit card.

31 May 2021 by IDFC FIRST Bank

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Credit cards are known to offer convenience, rewards and financial assistance, and these benefits make them a valuable product. To reap the most out of your credit card, choosing the right one is important.

Here’s a list of essentials to consider when opting for a credit card:

Credit limit:

The primary reason to have a credit card is borrowing credit and repaying it later. The amount that you can borrow is known as your credit limit. It is therefore essential to understand the credit limit available to you.

The credit limit depends on various factors such as:

Your credit history
Income
Type of credit card
Approved limit on other credit cards owned by you

Credit Card frauds and how to prevent them

Steps to follow if your Credit Card is lost or stolen

Additional cardholders:

When you apply for a credit card online, you can check if it allows an additional cardholder. Here are the benefits of adding another individual to the card ownership:

You will be able to collect more rewards because of the extra spending
You could financially secure a loved one
You will find it an easier process as compared to opening a joint account, while still enjoying many of the same benefits

If the credit card offers you this option, all you have to do is provide the details of the second cardholder, including their name, date of birth, and contact details, along with your own details.

Credit card charges:

When you avail a credit card, you may have to pay certain credit card charges and fees such as:

Joining fees
Annual fees
Renewal fees
Cash advance fees
Card replacement fees

IDFC FIRST Bank provides lifetime free credit cards with zero joining, annual and renewal fees.

Credit card rewards points:

Another benefit to look forward to while availing a credit card is its reward points. Credit card reward points may come as:

Airline miles
Vouchers
Discounts

You can collect these rewards and redeem the points for:

Cashbacks
Air tickets
Monthly utility bill
Fuel

Interest rate:

Lastly, check the interest rate while availing your credit card. This plays a vital role, especially when you delay the outstanding payment beyond the credit period. Generally, the interest rate is 0.75%-3% per month, depending on the card you choose.

Along with the features mentioned above, most credit cards also offer:

Cash withdrawal facility
SMS alerts for your spending, offers, and discounts
Online accessibility to keep a check on your available balance via safe online banking app

Credit cards come with ample benefits and spending flexibility and can also help you maintain a good credit score. Choose the right card by referring to the above checklist and enjoy maximum features and benefits.

Disclaimer

The contents of this article/infographic/picture/video are meant solely for information purposes. The contents are generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances. The information is subject to updation, completion, revision, verification and amendment and the same may change materially. The information is not intended for distribution or use by any person in any jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to law or regulation or would subject IDFC FIRST Bank or its affiliates to any licensing or registration requirements. IDFC FIRST Bank shall not be responsible for any direct/indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader for taking any financial decisions based on the contents and information mentioned. Please consult your financial advisor before making any financial decision.

The features, benefits and offers mentioned in the article are applicable as on the day of publication of this blog and is subject to change without notice. The contents herein are also subject to other product specific terms and conditions and any third party terms and conditions, as applicable. Please refer our website www.idfcfirst.bank.in for latest updates.