FIND THE RIGHT
CREDIT CARD FOR YOU
How to choose the best Credit Card for my lifestyle
Pick a card, any card, in any colour… These days there are so many different types of Credit Cards out there to choose from. All these cards are designed for different purposes and different kinds of people. Some come with amazing rewards points and programs, others help track your spending habits, some give you frequent flyer points and travel insurance; Some have lower interest rates and longer interest-free periods, others offer balance transfers.
But let’s forget for a moment what all these different cards offer and turn the spotlight back to you. We’re going to look at you, your lifestyle, and your spending habits to help you in choosing the right Credit Card for you.
Get started with everyday Cards
If it’s your first Credit Card and you are trying to figure out, how do I choose the right Credit Card, you might want to look into a low interest rate card with a no or low annual fee. It’s also a good idea to look out for cards that give you a longer interest-free period. Some cards may also offer additional benefits like purchase and return protection on retail purchases.
These Credit Cards with low interest rates are suitable for those who simply want a Credit Card for convenience – they’re not interested in extensive Credit Cards reward programs or other premium features.
In this category, American Express offers a couple of cards that you might find useful. The Low Rate Credit Card from American Express offers you zero annual fees and a low interest rate. While the American Express Essential Credit Card comes with the additional benefit of letting you earn rewards points on every dollar spent on purchases.
One-stop shopping
Cards for shopping are designed to optimise user spending on everyday living expenses that can be used to earn rewards points and other benefits. When choosing the right Credit Card, ask yourself if shopping will be its main use.
Take advantage of the interest-free period when shopping in supermarkets, department stores, and petrol stations. Keep track of spending while earning rewards to make future shopping more economical. These cards often include purchase protection on goods bought when using the card.
American Express® Platinum Edge Credit Card offer a card for shopping that goes above and beyond. Accumulate points at a faster rate when shopping at supermarkets and petrol stations with the Platinum Edge Credit Card. It gives cardholders 3 points per $1 spent at major supermarkets and petrol stations, 2 points per $1 spent on purchases in a foreign currency when overseas and online and 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases. Points can be used for a host of shopping and travel rewards programs that best suit you.
Fast track your best laid travel plans
For most of us, a journey of a thousand miles often begins with a single swipe. Cards that allow you to accumulate points and that can be used to offset flights and hotel expenses are a great way to plan and pay for your next holiday. But how do I choose the right Credit Card for my travels?
Sometimes these cards are Airline Frequent Flyer Cards, other times, Credit Cards allow their customers to redeem rewards points with partner airlines, hotel and hire car companies. They also often include travel insurance, access to airport lounges, travel concierge services and more.
With their origins in travel services, American Express offers a range of different cards perfect for every kind of traveller on every kind of budget. From the American Express Velocity Escape Card to the Qantas American Express Premium Card. Or for seasoned travellers, the ultimate travel companion remains the American Express® Platinum Card.
SOMETIMES THESE CARDS ARE AIRLINE FREQUENT FLYER CARDS, OTHER TIMES, CREDIT CARDS ALLOW THEIR CUSTOMERS TO REDEEM REWARDS POINTS WITH PARTNER AIRLINES, HOTEL AND HIRE CAR COMPANIES. THEY ALSO OFTEN INCLUDE TRAVEL INSURANCE, ACCESS TO AIPORT LOUNGES, TRAVEL CONCIERGE SERVICES AND MORE.
A feast of features
Choosing the right Credit Card is about knowing what you want to get out of it. For those who seek out everything on the menu that life has to offer, you are going to need a card that delivers more than a convenient way to shop, travel, and earn rewards.
Do you expect special privileges reserved for a smaller number of users? While these kinds of cards usually have a higher annual membership fee, they deliver more premium benefits. In addition to accumulating reward points at faster rates, they give you premium access to airport lounges, exclusive perks and offer personalised concierge services.
The American Express® Platinum Card is one such card. You’ll discover an endless list of perks, rewards and VIP experiences. Plus, for those who love to be wined and dined, you find on its extensive menu of features it also includes a Concierge service that arranges incredible travel and dining experiences.
One size doesn’t fit all
When applying for credit, knowing how to choose the best Credit Card can be challenging. Don’t just apply for a Credit Card because it offers a gift card, special offer or throws in a free toaster.
Generally, it’s best to look at your lifestyle and the main purpose for getting a Credit Card. There’s no point in having a card packed with an endless list of benefits and rewards that you never use. Read all the fine print when you compare cards including the annual fees, annual interest rate, interest-free period, credit limit as well as the rewards and other benefits each card gives you. It’s also important to consider your current financial circumstance and what you can afford to repay. Remember each Credit Card you apply for will appear on credit reports. Spend responsibly and plan your repayments.
Look out for Card providers that offers you a different way to pay your balance like American Express Plan It ®. This feature offers you a flexible way to pay off recent transactions or a portion of your balance on your Credit Card in equal monthly instalments, with 0% p.a. interest. A fixed monthly fee applies.1
And you might like to consider a Card that lets you share the benefits and offers with family or friends. American Express allows you to add additional Cards to your account and is a great way to help you earn even more points. Just like any product you plan on buying, it also pays to shop around before committing to a financial product like a Credit Card.
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1. Plan It™ Terms and Conditions:
- You can create an Instalment Plan as long as your account is in good standing. We may limit the amount that can be transferred to an Instalment Plan.
- Each Instalment Plan will begin from the date it is successfully created, as communicated to you in your Online Account.
- Payment of your first Monthly Instalment will be due in your next payment cycle.
- You will be charged a Monthly Plan Fee for each Instalment Plan created.
- This fee will be charged each month your Instalment Plan is active and will be notified to you before you create the Instalment Plan.
- View the full Plan It™ Instalment Terms and Conditions here