Credit Card Competition Means More Offers for Consumers

If you’re on the lookout for a new credit card, it doesn’t take long to get bombarded with options. Plastic abounds, and the companies behind the credit cards want your signature. While so many credit card offers can make your head spin, there is actually good news in it for you. The steep competition among credit card companies like Discover, Visa and MasterCard equals better offers for you, the consumer. By sorting through your options, you can find the right credit card to sign up for. Here’s what to pay attention to as you hunt for a credit card.

New Offers for Customers

Companies are continuing to revamp their cards and benefit plans to entice more consumers. Earlier this year, Discover did just that with some of its top credit cards. One of these is the Discover Open Road Card (which used to be named the Discover Gas Card). The new version offers 5% cash back on gas and car maintenance purchases. It also includes up to 1% cash back on other purchases. Discover also changed the Discover Miles Card, which is now known as the Miles by Discover Card. One of this card’s features is travel without any restrictions. Cardholders can book tickets through any airline, without the hassle of blackout dates or advanced bookings.

Additional Perks to Look For

Besides these changes, companies are offering other benefits to catch the consumer’s eye. Following are some other perks to think about as you look for a new credit card:

- No annual fee. With so many cards to choose from, it is very likely that you can find one with no annual fee. If an annual fee does come with a card you want, check into the other benefits. Make sure that they outweigh the yearly cost before signing up.

- Balance transfers. Do you have a high balance hanging over you on a current credit card? Some credit cards offer 0% interest on balance transfers for an initial period of time. This feature could help you reduce debt, as long as you pay off the amount before the regular interest rate kicks in.

- Rewards options. Many cards come with a rewards program. While this is a common feature, the benefits you actually receive from it can vary drastically. If you want cash back, be sure to read through the program details carefully. Some cards only give you a small percentage of cash back (such as 0.25%) until you have made a certain amount of purchases.

Also, remember that many rewards programs include a higher interest rate. If you pay off the balance each month, you will not be affected by the interest rate. And the rewards, whether they are travel-related, gas rebates, or cash back, can add up fast.

Credit cards have come a long way since they were first issued. Today’s tough competition means that you can get many attractive features in a credit card. By sifting through the options, you can find the best deal for your situation. Whether you want cash back, a low interest rate, or balance transfer options, there’s a card out there for you. When you apply for the card, you begin the journey toward a better credit situation and valuable rewards.