These days, having a credit card is essential. You would be hard-pressed to have opportunities to qualify for loans and even a home without credit. Whether you’re completely new to credit and need your first card or want to sign up for another one, it’s essential to know which credit card is best for you.

Check Your Credit

The first step in getting the best credit card for you is to check your credit report to see where you stand. As a rule of thumb, the better your credit score, the more opportunities open for you. So, for example, you can apply for any number of cards and qualify for those with reasonable rates and perks.

Obtain your free credit report from one of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. You can also sign up online to access your credit report. Once you have your report in hand, thoroughly examine it for the specifics. If you notice any errors, you must immediately report them so they can be corrected or deleted from your credit report.

If you have a good, excellent credit score, you’re already in good shape to find your next credit card.

Determine the Type of Card You Want

Certain types of credit cards are more suited for you. For example, if you drive frequently, you might want to apply for a card that offers savings and bonuses when you buy gas. You can choose from three different types of cards: those that help you build or improve your credit, those that help you save money on interest and rewards cards.

As Yourself Questions to Narrow Down Your Choices

Different people have different needs pertaining to credit cards. For example, if you’re new to credit or have a poor credit history, you might ask yourself whether a particular card could help you build or rebuild your credit. In that case, you would want to look into a secured card to achieve either of those goals.

If you’re considering a card with a low APR or zero interest, you should ask about the length of time you can expect an introductory 0% APR to last. Perhaps your question is about rewards credit cards. Before you consider filling out applications for any particular cards, you should know all the facts about them by asking as many questions as possible.

Some options, such as a SoFi credit card, offer various perks. For example, you could get a card that helps you save money, invest and pay back your debt. Also, according to SoFi, You will earn 2 reward points for every dollar spent on eligible purchases.

Apply for the Card That Best Fits Your Needs

Ultimately, once you have narrowed your choices to a select few credit cards, you should have an easier time deciding which one is best for you. For example, there might be two or three that are very similar, but always ensure you know which offers you the best value. So, for example, if you’re set on applying for a card that offers rewards, you might want to consider one whose rewards don’t expire. When you closely compare two rewards credit cards and note that one has an expiration date on reaping those rewards while the other has none, which one to choose should be clear.

Choosing the best credit card is easy when you have all the information and compare a few cards.