You most likely already have a credit card (or a few) – but if you’re like us, you’ve had it for a few years now, and it probably isn’t giving you the best perks for your now-evolved lifestyle.
If you’re considering getting a new card to better fit your needs, here are a few things to consider:
- First, look at your spending habits – really look, even though it may be painful. This will help you determine which perks + incentives to look for in a credit card, because they can range from low interest rates (great if you plan to make minimum monthly payments) to 5x points on certain purchases (perfect for cash back or travel).
- Consider your credit score. The better your credit score, the higher your chance of being approved for a card with better benefits that suit your needs.
Our tip? Write down what is most important to your lifestyle before you start researching, because the variety of benefits from different credit cards is almost endless (but the consequences can be, too, if you aren’t responsible).
If you are looking for travel benefits ✈️
Your card: Visa Signature
Perfect for: Retired people or wanderlusters looking to make the most of their free time by exploring the world.
Perks:
- You can receive 25,000 bonus points when you sign up + make at least $2,500 in purchases during the first 90 days after activating your card.
- For every $1 spent on travel, you can earn 3x points (which will get you to your next vacation sooner).
- Get access to complimentary wine tastings, help booking travel at any time, assistance with event tickets + dinner reservations, and more.
- More here.
If you own a business 🧳
Your card: Visa Business
Perfect for: Business owners (even small side-hustle owners that have goals of expanding their creative gig into something bigger).
Perks:
- Take clients out for dinner or pick up office supplies anywhere around the world.
- Turn points into cash to pay for other expenses or use it towards your monthly balance.
- Visa’s Zero Liability policy provides ease of mind when it comes to dealing with unauthorized charges.
- More here.
If you plan to carry a balance 💸
Your card: Visa Platinum
Perfect for: Anyone looking to renovate a home or needing to make other major purchases.
Perks:
- No annual fees = more money for fun purchases.
- Low interest rates mean you can use the card for a big purchase + not feel rushed to pay it off immediately.
- Earn points + redeem them for cash, travel, donations to local charities, or other purchases.
- Tip: Look at how much of your monthly balance you’re required to pay – usually it’s either a set minimum amount or a percentage of the balance.
- More here.
If you want to improve your credit score 💳
Your card: Visa Access
Perfect for: Students and young people with their first credit card or anyone needing to build credit before big life moves like buying a home or car.
Perks:
- A $49 annual fee + low interest rates keeps the focus on paying off the card itself, leading to higher credit scores.
- The most important tip for having a credit card is to pay at least the minimum amount due each month on time. This helps establish a good payment history, which is essential for big purchases + better rewards.
- More here.
Bonus: All Greenville Federal Credit Union Visa credit cards offer free balance transfers, card lock options and International Transaction Monitoring.
Learn more about each card option + talk them through with a real, live, local human expert (a.k.a. a Greenville Federal Credit Union Member Specialist) at your local branch – find the branch closest to you here.
Want to do more online research first? Read more expert advice on the Credit Union’s website.
This content was created in partnership with Greenville Federal Credit Union.
