How to Find the Perfect Unsecured Credit Card for You

There are literally hundreds of options for unsecured credit cards available on the market today. Finding the right one for you can take a little bit of research, and you should also prioritize which features are most important for you. Unsecured credit cards are generally available for those with good to excellent credit scores, often characterized by a FICO credit score of 600 points or better. The greater your FICO score, the better opportunity you will have to get lower interest rates, higher credit limits, reduced monthly and annual fees, and better rewards opportunities.

The main variables that are available to consider when choosing an unsecured credit card are the annual percentage rate, the perks or rewards program that you can take advantage of, as well as the annual fees.

Annual Fees

Some unsecured credit cards have annual fees, while others don't have any (unless you miss payments). Annual fees generally run from a minimum of $29 per year to a maximum around $200 per year, and should influence your decision to picking a specific offer. Fees, however, can actually be included because of the extra services that you're receiving from the card. For instance, some cards include access to a personal concierge service to help you get reservations for dining, theater, and other events through an exclusive, nationwide, toll-free number (American Express is famous for it's extra bonuses that it provides its members). Make sure to balance whatever annual fees you might be charged on your card in comparison to whatever rewards you can receive, based on what your average annual credit card charges are and will be. If you barely use your credit card, it might not be worth your while to choose a card with an annual fee.

Rewards Programs

Unsecured credit cards oftentimes have a wide range of rewards programs available, and it's up to you to find the right set or rewards for your lifestyle.

The most common type of rewards card available online are airline mileage cards. Air miles credit cards can oftentimes include great sign up bonuses to new credit applicants, and are available from nearly every airline in the US (and even some international air carriers as well). The most important part of choosing an airline miles reward program when applying for your credit card online is to make sure that your miles don't expire earlier than you can use them. Another important factor to consider when choosing an airline miles reward credit card online is to look for blackout date clauses, which may or may not affect what days that you can book your airline travel.

Numerous other rewards programs are available as well from merchants like The Disney Store, Toys R Us, and Starbucks, as well as various types of gasoline rewards cards to save you money when you fill up at the pump. Make sure to look for bonus programs to earn double or triple rewards points when making certain qualified purchases as well. Of course, review the rewards program in comparison to the annual fee that you might be required to pay, and consider how much you'll charge on your card compared to how quickly your rewards points will add up.

Interest Rate

Of course, the most important thing to consider when choosing an unsecured credit card is what sort of interest rate you'll pay. Your interest rate, or APR, can vary widely from card to card, and is also dependent on your credit score. If you have outstanding credit, with a credit score in the 700+ range, you should be able to find a credit card with a low interest rate from 5-10%. If your credit score is between 600 and 700, you should be able to find a card with an interest rate ranging from 7-15%. If your credit score is below 600, you'll likely need to apply for a secured credit card, and will be required to pay an interest rate ranging from 12-22%. Besides choosing a credit card with a low interest rate, you should remember that keeping your regular monthly payments is the most important part of keeping your interest rate low. Look for cards with low introductory rates prior to making large purchases, so that you can get a jump on paying down the balance before the interest rate grows.

Applying for your unsecured credit card is easy to do online. Simply provide some brief personal information, and choose the card that's right for your lifestyle. Take a look at our dozens of unique offers to find the card that you like, apply online, and you can have your card in as little as one week.