What else should I consider when applying for a credit card?

What else should I consider when applying for a credit card?

When applying for a credit card, think about:

  • Whether you can manage your card responsibly: credit cards can be handy, but you’ll need to resist the temptation to spend more than you can afford.
  • Fees and charges: think balance transfer fees, annual fees, late payment fees, foreign transaction fees and more. Make sure you know what the costs of your card are so you can keep them to a minimum.
  • Credit limits: credit cards don’t equal unlimited spending. Your credit provider will set an upper limit based on your income and credit score.
  • Minimum repayments: be sure to make at least the minimum repayments on your card to avoid negatively affecting your credit score and being hit with penalty fees.
  • interest-free periods: most credit card providers will grant you a ‘grace period’ where there won’t be any interest on your card spend – this is typically between 45 and 59 days. Make sure you know precisely what this interest-free period is, though, as not all providers will offer the same time frame.