How To Choose The Best Credit Card

Last updated August 3rd 2023

What Is A Credit Card?

Why Use A Credit Card?

How Do They Work?

Now that we have a basic understanding of what a credit card is and how they work let’s breakdown how you can choose the best credit card for you in just four simple steps. That’s really the key point to understand; there is no “best” credit card, the card must match your individual needs.

1) Know What You Want From The Card

The first question to ask yourself when considering a credit card is What do I want to get back from this card? The benefits available are bountiful. A common program from banks would be their own point system where you earn proprietary points based on spending.

Banks will often let you use these points for travel, paying down your balance, and buying items such as cookware, jewelry, or gift cards through their online store. Financial institutions typically partner with travel or entertainment companies like British Airways, Aeroplan, Air Miles, Hilton, Marriot, the Scene program, and various restaurants. When you earn points with these affiliated cards you can redeem them as dollars for the appropriate company.

Perks don’t just come in the form of reward systems. Some cards provide a lower interest rates if you think you may carry a balance although if you’re planning to carry a balance perhaps using your debit card is the better option. Some prestigious cards grant access to certain airport lounges which can be very useful if you’re a frequent traveler. Insurance is an often overlooked value as well. Different cards will have different levels of insurance for things like medical when out of your province or country, protection against damaged, lost (sunglasses is a big one), or stolen items, lost baggage, and warranty extensions.

There are cards that give holders cashback on all their purchases. Cash is returned on a percentage basis anywhere from 1-4% depending on the category with gas and groceries being the more lucrative purchases. Cash is accumulated and paid out on the anniversary date of your credit card approval.

Other lifestyle options include U.S. credit cards where purchases and payments are made in American dollars. This would obviously by suitable for those travelling to the States often. Finally, each institution will likely have a card geared towards students which may include no annual fee and easy qualifications.

Now that you know what’s out there you must consider the best way to maximize your points.   

2) Know What You Spend Your Money On

Credit cards will accumulate points based on what you spend. Various categories have different multiples to rack up your rewards for instance. One card may give out three points for every dollar you spend on gas, two points for groceries and one point for all other purchases. Program specific cards like Aeroplan could give two points for every dollar spent through Air Canada and 1.5 on everything else.

Knowing what you spend your money on underscores the importance of having a budget. If you don’t know how to create a budget, no worries we have you covered right here. If you use your card frequently outside of Canada, be aware of foreign transaction fees. Some cards will levy a charge just for the purchase and another percentage on top of the foreign exchange rate.

Our suggestion is if you swipe your credit card while travelling, do some research on fees amongst your options. The next point to consider is somewhat related to understanding what you plan to spend on your card.

3) Know What Limit You Want

Limits matter with credit cards for a few reasons. One thing to know is some cards have minimum limits; for example ones with the “Infinite” label issued from a few of the big five banks require a $5,000 minimum limit as a result of a $60,000 minimum individual income or $100,000 household income. If you don’t have the income to support, unfortunately you’ll have to look elsewhere.

What if you’re planning to take your family of four on a vacation to a tropical destination. There’s a good chance a $2,000 limit won’t support the fun-in-the-sun- trip. Make sure you have enough room to buy what you need to on your card without worrying about going over your limit.

Conversely,  if your primary use for the plastic rectangle is for when you’re already travelling, you could consider using a tandem approach of cash and card. In this case you can opt for a more modest limit in the event you lose that card and someone else goes on a shopping spree with it. Or maybe you only use it in emergencies. If you’re just starting to build your credit a smart play is to use it for small, manageable purchases so there’s no concern of repayment when the bill comes. These three points give an argument to maintain a smaller limit. 

One argument for a larger limit is utilization. Having a balance of less than 30% of your max limit will help improve, or at least maintain, your credit score. Our last point has to do with preparedness.

4) Have Supporting Documents Ready

You can apply for a credit card online, by phone, or in person. If you’re doing it in the office of a financial institution representative it’s not a bad idea to bring some supporting documents. These can come in the form of pay stubs dated within the last 60 days, the most recent year or two of T4’s, and if you’re really prepared, although it may be unnecessary unless you have a recent job change, is a letter from your employer confirming details like position, wage, salary, full time or part time, and start date. These documents can make your application processes smoother with a higher degree of accuracy.

Wrap Up

So there you have it. We hope this guide will help you maximize the benefits of a credit card based on your goals. Again, the title may be a tad ambiguous because there is no “best” credit card, just one that is best for you. To find out the five tenets banks and credit unions use to determine your credit worthiness you’ll need to check out the 5 C’s.