Choosing the right credit card isn't as complicated as many people make it out to be. However, finding one that best suit's your needs will require doing a little research, but it's a fairly simple process. With so many credit cards to choose from and deals changing on a daily basis, it's impossible to point at one card and claim it is the best credit card for you. You are best to start by comparing each cards rates and features - the most important features will vary depending on how you intend to use that credit card. Whether you are looking to transfer a debt from another card or even if you are taking out your first credit card, here are a few things to look for when choosing a credit card.

Interest Free Balance Transfers

Credit cards that offer an interest free period on balance transfers can be a great way of reducing your existing credit card debts. By taking advantage of the interest free period you can keep your monthly repayments low without having to worry about the interest repayments mounting up. This can be a useful way of clearing existing debts by giving you a break from any interest for the set period.

Interest free periods tend to vary from provider to provider, while some will only offer for 0% on balance transfers for a few months other providers such as the virgin money will offer upto 14 months - on balance transfers.

However, it is important to remember that interest free balance transfers are only offer interest free periods on balance transfers any new purchases you make on your card will have interest added to it. It is clearly important to be careful in the way you use an interest free balance transfer, otherwise you may find yourself simply adding to your debt.

Interest Free Credit On New Purchases

Many credit card providers offer interest free periods on new purchases in a bid to attract new customers. The interest free credit period on new purchases made with the card can vary anything between 3 to 12 months.

One of the problems of taking on a credit card can be the cost of interest added on to new purchases before they are repaid, but by choosing a credit card that offers interest free credit on purchases, you have the option of paying for your new purchases over a period of time and can also avoid the high interest rates charged by some credit and store cards.

Its important before you agree to a credit card with an introductory offer on purchases to check out how long the interest rate applies for and what the standard APR rate you will be charged for after the interest free period has come to an end.

Paying Your Balance Off In Full Each Month

When choosing any type of credit card its important to find out what standard APR rate you will be charged on the card. You will find some credit cards especially one's aimed at those with bad credit may have a higher interest rates then that of standard credit cards.

However, premium credit cards also have a higher APR rate because they charge an annual fee. However, you will find that these cards are compensated when it comes to the benefits that they offer you. If you pay your balance off in full each month, then the APR is not really an inssue and you'll be better off looking at what benefits may be available to you such as Reward Points, Cashback or Travel Benefits.

Earning Reward Points

Many credit card providers offer loyalty schemes which enable you to earn reward points each time you use your card. Bonus points are sometimes credited if you make a purchase with your card within a certain time limit and additional points may be available when you shop on partner sites.

Before choosing a card which offers reward points, check how points are earned, how much they are worth and how and where they are redeemable.

Getting Cashback

Cashback credit cards are designed to credit money back each time you spend on your card. The amount of money you can earn back can vary from as little as 0.5% upto 2% some even as high as 5%. In addittion the more you spend on your card the more money you get back.

Cashback credit cards can be of great benefit when used correctly. If you pay off your balance in full each month, then cashback cards are certainly a great choice as you will not be paying any interest and be pocketing anything upto 5% cashback.

Before signing up for a cashback credit card, check whether cashback is offered on every purchase or only on purchases made through selected retailers.

Travel Benefits

Airmiles credit cards are a loyalty programme that offers customers points in exchange for spending. They usually allow you to accumulate varying amounts of points for each pound you spend on your card. You can then exchange your gained points for rewards, which may include free flights, hotels, car hire and cinema tickets.

Many providers will usually offer bonus airmiles or destination points if you make a purchase using your card within a certain amount of time after opening the account. Providers may also offer bonus airmiles when you use your card to make purchases on partner sites.

There are many types of credit cards available and the card you choose really is dependent on your own personal circumstances and the types of benefits that your looking for.