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Choosing a Credit Card

LiveForTheLaunch

LiveForTheLaunch

CF Legend
So now that I am eighteen, I am venturing into the world of debt and credit cards, and since most of you probably have one, I need advice. How the hell do you pick one? I want one that like, obviously doesn't have a huge interest rate and maybe one that ties in with traveling points and such, but there are so many options so how do you go about picking? Any suggestions on which cards are good to have? Also, how long does it take to win a free trips with traveling credit cards?

Thanks!
 
^ I need it, because unlike you guys we don't have like debit Visas and stuff where we can order tickets and whatnot online. I need to build a line of credit, too. I'm not irresponsible with my money so it's not like I won't pay it back.

Thanks a lot Nic, I'll take a look!
 
Credit cards are necessary, but you should only do as much as you need to build some credit history. Even if I had a card, I would still rely on cash more than the card.
 
18 years old.. you do not need a Credit Card. There are PLENTY of ways to get around that Taylor. That shouldn't be an excuse.
 
Don't, don't, don't!

I was young and dumb with a credit card and I still regret it today.

Just don't.
 
I have a credit card and I've never used it.

I got it because I had a training course in Washington booked with work, but then it got cancelled. I only got the credit card because I knew the hotel would need to swipe a card and they wouldn't accept debit. You also need a credit card to hire a car in Europe (which I've never done, but you never know).

When I was buying my house, they obviously checked my credit rating and all that. I was told it might be a good idea to use my credit card to buy something tiny and just pay it off straight away, just so my credit rating actually has some numbers on it. I never actually did that, and I still have got the house!

I'm very much of the opinion of if-you-don't-have-the-money-don't-buy-stuff but sometimes a credit card is necessary, because of the higher level of security they have, and because some places will only accept credit cards. Irritating, really.
 
A credit card is necessary for some things, but I've never needed one yet.

If you are responsible with money, then they are good... not bad, because you can build a credit rating which is essential if you want any quality of life.
 
I want one that like, obviously doesn't have a huge interest rate and maybe one that ties in with travelling points and such, but there are so many options so how do you go about picking?
Click to expand...
I guess to address this question, then go for one with the lowest fees/ interest rate possible, and always pay it off within the interest free period.
No point picking one with a reward scheme, you've said yourself you don't plan on using it too much (And only for relatively small purchases like tickets) hence you wouldn't earn enough points for that feature to be worthwhile.
(often you have to do heaps of spending on the card to get any sort of reward anyway....we're talking thousands of dollars to get enough points for say a small appliance like a toaster)

If you do decide to go down this route, then only use it where you cant pay by cash/EFTPOS (Or whatever your system is called over there) such as online stores. DON'T use it for day to day store purchases.
 
I learnt the hard way so I would say if you are getting a credit card make sure this limit is one you can afford to pay back in full at the end of that month.

A VISA debit card is good as its linked straight to your bank account.

I have no credit cards now (busy paying them off) and the only way it has affected me is not being able to higher a car if needed in the USA. Other than that I do not miss not having one at all.

As people have said they do help with your credit rating but they can also destroy it.

Like Martyn said I now agree if you can not afford it save, but some times when running a car or having a flat/house the un expected bill will pop up and they help with things like that.

As I said just get a low limit one you can afford.
 
Yah I know, someone provided a link to that before, but I want a credit card, I'm not stupid with my money and I'm going away to school so it will help for times when I need it. I'm not irresponsible, haha.
 
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