Choosing a credit card is often not easy, as each one caters to a different audience, comes with advantages and disadvantages, and you need to be aware of their fees to avoid surprises. And with the financial market in South Africa growing more and more, the possibilities for credit cards are only increasing.
Therefore, here we will create a guide so that you can choose the best credit card for your needs. So, read the entire article to get all the tips we will provide for you.
The choice of a credit card
We know that credit cards have come as tools to assist in financial life, as they allow us to make installments when we don’t have the money to pay all at once. But sometimes what comes to make things easier ends up causing harm, so it’s necessary to take some precautions when choosing your credit card, so here are some tips.
Assessing your spending habits and financial goals
First and foremost, it’s necessary to assess your monthly expenses and what your financial goals are when acquiring a credit card, so that you need to be aware of your expenses to ensure that when you get a card, you won’t end up in a financial bind.
In addition to setting financial goals, plan your financial future with things you want to accomplish. This way, you already know which benefits will be most valuable to you or even which card to choose based on the credit limit it can offer you.
Therefore, it is necessary to analyze if your future plans involve travel within South Africa or to other countries, or if you are a natural shopper who frequently makes purchases, whether online or not, including international shopping. There are various aspects to consider.
Identifying your top priority makes it easier to determine which credit card will best suit your needs.
Evaluate interest rates and fees
We know that every credit card comes with interest rates, and some also have annual fees and other charges. Some cards offer better services in this regard, either by having no annual fees or by charging low interest rates for installment payments. All of these factors should be taken into account when applying for a credit card.
Here, we will discuss some fees to consider when applying for a card:
- Annual fees: Many cards have annual fees that cardholders are required to pay. When making your choice, it’s important to keep an eye on this aspect and select a card with an annual fee that fits comfortably within your budget. Some cards may even offer a fee waiver for the first year, which can be advantageous for customers.
- Interest rates: The interest rates on your credit card determine the cost of borrowing associated with it. Cards with lower interest rates are important because, in the long run, they lead to savings. This won’t harm your financial health and will allow for better financial planning.
By carefully considering this topic, you can make a choice that aligns with your budget, doesn’t negatively impact your financial well-being, and helps you maintain good credit in the financial market. This way, you can continue to apply for loans if needed, without any negative marks on your financial record.
Rewards and Benefits of the Credit Card
Many cards in South Africa come with benefit plans that are irresistible for their customers, so it’s always good to keep an eye on the one that you’ll make the most of, making it more advantageous for you. Here are some of the benefit plans you may find on credit cards:
- Cashback: Nowadays, many cards offer this service because it has become quite common. It works like this: when you make a purchase using your card, a portion of the amount spent is returned to you.
- Insurance coverage: Some cards may offer travel insurance or even purchase protection insurance. This way, you can feel more secure when using your card for a particular purchase or use the insurance as a way to provide added security for your existing assets, such as car insurance.
That said, it’s important to analyze the advantages that can be offered to you when you apply for a card, not only the benefits but also the interest rates and everything else mentioned here. And if you’re looking for the best available cards, simply click here to see a list of the best ones of the year.
