Choosing your first credit card is a big deal! From comparing features to interest rates, weighing your options is important when choosing your starter credit card.

What to consider when choosing a credit card

Before you apply for a credit card or accept a credit card offer, consider why you want to have one. One good reason is it allows you to build a credit history using the revolving credit limit, which will help boost your credit score. A high score may make you eligible for a future loan or line of credit for a car or a house. 

Look at the terms. You can buy now and pay off the balance when the statement arrives, pay the monthly minimum due, or pay an amount in between. If you experience incorrect or fraudulent charges on your statement, credit card companies make the dispute process simple. 

Check out the perks. Many credit cards offer perks like travel rewards or cash back just for using the card. This may make one offer more appealing to you than another. As you sift through the many pre-qualified offers, review other key credit card features before making a final decision: 

• Low APR. Select a card that comes with a low annual percentage rate (APR), so you’ll pay as little interest as possible if you carry a monthly balance. Civic’s Classic Credit Card offers a competitive, variable rate
• Introductory rates. Some cards come with a low introductory APR. Issuers then raise the rate after the promotional period ends. You should try to pay your bill in full before any grace period ends and higher interest rates take effect. Be sure to read the rate information on your credit card application to know what to expect when it comes to cash advances and balance transfers
• Fees and penalties. Added one-time fees can apply to credit card features like cash advances, which do not typically carry a grace period. Those fees hit your account as soon as the money is borrowed. Late payments or spending over your limit could cause additional fees that add up quickly, making it difficult to pay off monthly balances. Do your research and look for a card that has low fees or possibly no fees

When you’re ready

Credit card selection is a personal choice based on which card best fits your needs. There is no ideal number of cards to have, but it does get harder to track expenses when trying to manage too many. Shop around and review your options before making a final decision.