In terms of benefits and perks, the most popular would be the points/reward system. This offer allows you to earn points as you continuously use your card. These points can then be exchanged or be use to avail of the said perks. The rewards also vary from one issuer to another. Some have discounts at shops and boutiques; others offer free items upon reaching or earning a certain amount of points. For example, you have earned a certain number of points; you can exchange this with a new gadget or an accessory, all depending on what kind the reward offer is. Some cards also offer free travel to a particular place, which most likely is a tourist destination.
As regards the fees and the rates, credit card institutions also present wide selections. These fees and rates include the annual fees, the interest rates of every purchase, the annual percentage rate and more. The Annual Percentage Rate or the APR is a yearly interest rate that includes all of the fees and expenses paid to acquire the credit card. These kinds credit card offers can vary anywhere from around 3% right up to 21% or more, while some do not have APRs. An annual fee, on the other hand is a fixed yearly fee that is charged by the credit card company for the credit card. Not all cards have an annual fee. Reward credit cards, premium credit cards, secured credit cards typically have an annual fee. This increases the cost of having a credit card, and it may be increased by the issuer subject to compliance to pertinent laws.
Moreover, there are also credit cards that offer services for specific purposes. These are the credit cards for those with bad credit history, student credit cards, business credit cards, credit card for women and so on and so forth. These cards offer certain features designed specifically for their intended customers. For instance, a credit card for bad credit is a card for those with poor credit performance. This card will help the card holder to repair his/her credit history. The student credit card, on one hand, is a card intended for students because it offers low fees and rates so that the student can afford to get one. However, since these cards are purpose-specific, only those that meet the requirements will be allowed to avail one. This makes sense because you would not want to get a credit card for bad credit if you have a good credit standing, or getting a student credit card when it limits your use since you are not a student anymore.
Added benefits also boost these credit cards. These include, but are not limited to, cash back rewards, gas rewards, or discounts available only on a particular time of the year like summer and Christmas season. The best way to learn about these offers is to explore your options and read the fine print. Remember, before applying it is always better to know more about these credit card offers you are greatly considering.