How to Find the Best Credit Card Deals

By updated on May 22, 2013

There are about as many credit cards out there for consumers as there are banks and credit companies to issue them. Though getting the best credit card deals may require you to sift through volumes of credit card offers, finding the right one is not all that difficult if you know what to look for.

Does the credit card have an annual fee?

For some people with lower credit scores, an annual fee is unavoidable. Others with excellent credit ratings can find the best credit card deals with zero or low annual fees. Some cards, such as popular airline and travel rewards credit cards, charge high annual fees in exchange for the perks associated with those cards. Think about how you are going to use the card most, and what you are willing to pay for, before deciding which credit card best suits your needs.

Do the best credit cards have high annual percentage rates?

The annual percentage rate (APR) determines how much interest you pay on your principal balance. Don't underestimate its importance. Many people with less-than-perfect credit history are stuck with cards that have higher annual percentage rates, while those consumers with excellent credit and no blemishes on their credit report can find credit cards with a low-interest APR. Be aware of low "teaser" introductory rates that swing up to a much higher rate after a certain period of time because, once you account for that fact, it might not be your best credit card offer.

What are the penalties for late payments and other types of fees on the best credit cards?

When signing up for a credit card, consumers do not expect to make their payments late, but sometimes it happens. Late fees can be brutal on the pocketbook. The Credit Card Account, Responsibility and Disclosure (CARD) Act of 2009 was designed in part to curb excessive late fees, which now are capped at $25 unless there are several late payments in a six-month time span. Still, that is a significant penalty. Lastly, pay attention to all of the information listed in the terms and conditions, including payments for balance transfers from other cards or cash advances, to determine the best credit cards.

What type of credit card should I get?

Finding the best credit card deals depends largely upon credit history and planned use of the card. Travelers should look into rewards or frequent flyer credit cards, while business owners should research different types of business credit cards. There are many types of good credit card deals, but determing the best credit card depends on how consumers use the card.

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See How Your Card Stacks Up

Could you be getting better rewards and rates with another card? Find out.

Simmons First Visa® Platinum

Editor's Rating

Apply now for Simmons First Visa® Platinum
  • Created for those with Excellent Credit and approval is based on your credit rating and application review.
  • Low 7.25% variable standard purchase APR and platinum benefits
  • No balance transfer fee for balances transferred in response to this online offer
Apply Now Credit Needed Excellent
Special offer

 

Purchase Intro

APR: None

Term:

Purchase APR

7.25% Variable

Annual Fee

None 

Chase Sapphire Preferred®

Editor's Rating

Apply now for Chase Sapphire Preferred®
  • Click "APPLY NOW" to apply online or call 877-362-6886
  • 40,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months- that's $500 toward travel rewards!
  • 2 points per dollar spent on travel and dining at restaurants & 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases
Apply Now Credit Needed Excellent/Good
Special offer

40,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months- that's $500 toward travel rewards!

Purchase Intro

APR: N/A

Term:

Purchase APR

15.24% Variable

Annual Fee

Introductory Annual Fee of $0 the first year, then $95 

Discover it® - 18 Month Balance Transfer

Editor's Rating

Apply now for Discover it® - 18 Month Balance Transfer
  • 5% Cashback Bonus on up to $1,500 in purchases at Home Improvement Stores now through June with free and easy sign-up.*
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases.*
  • Plus a Cashback ConciergeSM who guides a free, personalized online tour to help you get the most rewards for how you use your card.
  • No annual fee. No overlimit fee. No foreign transaction fee & no pay-by-phone fee. No late fee on your first late payment. And we won’t increase your APR for paying late.*
  • Accepted by over 8 million merchants (Feb 2013 issue of the Nielsen Report).
  • 0% Intro APR* on balance transfers for 18 months. Then the variable purchase APR applies, currently 10.99% - 22.99%.
  • 0% Intro APR* on purchases for 6 months. Then the variable purchase APR applies, currently 10.99% - 22.99%. *Click apply for Terms & Conditions.
Apply Now Credit Needed Excellent
Special offer

 

Purchase Intro

APR: 0% on purchases

Term: 6 months

Purchase APR

10.99% - 22.99% Variable* 

Annual Fee

$0 

Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express

Editor's Rating

Apply now for Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express
  • Bonus Miles: Earn 30,000 bonus miles toward Award Travel after you spend $500 on the Card within the first three months of Cardmembership.
  • Earn As You Spend: Get 2X miles on Delta purchases and 1X miles for all other eligible dollars spent.
  • Terms and Restrictions Apply.
Apply Now Credit Needed Excellent
Special offer

Earn 30,000 bonus miles toward Award Travel when you spend $500 on the Card in the first three months from account opening

Purchase Intro

APR: None

Term:

Purchase APR

15.24% - 19.24% Variable 

Annual Fee

$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 

Chase Freedom® Visa

Editor's Rating

Apply now for Chase Freedom® Visa
  • Click "APPLY NOW" to apply online or call 866-943-1969
  • This offer is for people with a good to excellent credit history which means, among other things, that your credit history is clear of bankruptcy and seriously delinquent accounts
  • Earn $100 Bonus Cash Back after you make $500 in purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
Apply Now Credit Needed Excellent/Good
Special offer

Earn $100 Bonus Cash Back after you make $500 in purchases in your first 3 months from account opening

Purchase Intro

APR: 0%

Term: 15 months

Purchase APR

13.99% - 22.99% Variable

Annual Fee

n/a 

Marriott Rewards® Premier Credit Card

Editor's Rating

Apply now for Marriott Rewards® Premier Credit Card
  • Enjoy up to 7 Free Nights To Start!
  • New! Smart Chip Technology and No Foreign Transaction Fees!
  • Earn 5 points for every $1 spent at Marriott locations
Apply Now Credit Needed Excellent
Special offer

 

Purchase Intro

APR: N/A

Term:

Purchase APR

15.24% Variable

Annual Fee

Introductory Annual Fee of $0 the first year, then $85 

Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card

Editor's Rating

Apply now for Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card
  • Get 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers and Purchases for 18 months. After that, the APR will be 11.99%-21.99% based upon your creditworthiness.*
  • There is a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer.
  • Citi® Price Rewind searches for a lower price. Learn how you can get lower price after you purchase an item.
Apply Now Credit Needed Excellent
Special offer

N/A 

Purchase Intro

APR: 0%*

Term: 18 months on Purchases*

Purchase APR

11.99% - 21.99%* Variable

Annual Fee

$0* 

American Express® Gold Card

Editor's Rating

Apply now for American Express® Gold Card
  • Access to Exclusive Benefits: Baggage Insurance Plan* when you travel, and shop with confidence with Extended Warranty* and Return Protection
  • Use points for gift cards for dining, entertainment, and to shop over 300 of some of your favorite merchants
  • Terms and Restrictions Apply
Apply Now Credit Needed Excellent
Special offer

 

Purchase Intro

APR: N/A

Term:

Purchase APR

N/A 

Annual Fee

Introductory annual fee of $0 for the first year, then $125 

Chase Sapphire® Card

Editor's Rating

Apply now for Chase Sapphire® Card
  • Click "APPLY NOW" to apply online or call 877-649-3511
  • 10,000 bonus points after you spend $500 in the first 3 months that's $100 toward travel rewards!
  • 2 points per dollar spent at restaurants & 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases
Apply Now Credit Needed Excellent/Good
Special offer

10,000 bonus points after you spend $500 in the first 3 months that's $100 toward travel rewards!

Purchase Intro

APR: None

Term:

Purchase APR

15.24% Variable

Annual Fee

$0 

Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express

Editor's Rating

Apply now for Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express
  • Starpoints® bonus: earn up to 25,000 bonus points: 10,000 after your first purchase and another 15,000 after you spend $5,000 within the first 6 months of Cardmembership
  • That's enough for a weekend getaway to a Category 4 Hotel like the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa, or six free nights at a Category 2 Hotel
  • Terms and Restrictions Apply.
Apply Now Credit Needed Excellent
Special offer

Earn Up to 25,000 Starpoints(R) 

Purchase Intro

APR: None

Term:

Purchase APR

15.24% - 19.24% Variable 

Annual Fee

$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $65 

Blue Sky from American Express®

Editor's Rating

Apply now for Blue Sky from American Express®
  • Welcome Bonus: earn 7,500 points after you spend $1,000 within the first 3 months of Cardmembership - redeemable for a $100 statement credit.
  • Flexible Ways to Earn: earn 1 point for virtually every dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
  • Terms and Restrictions Apply.
Apply Now Credit Needed Excellent
Special offer

7,500 bonus points when you spend $1,000 within 3 months - redeemable for a $100 statement credit

Purchase Intro

APR: 0% on Purchases for 12 months

Term:

Purchase APR

17.24% - 22.24% Variable 

Annual Fee

$0 

Citi® Platinum Select® / AAdvantage® Visa Signature® Card

Editor's Rating

Apply now for Citi® Platinum Select® / AAdvantage® Visa Signature® Card
  • Earn 30,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after $1,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of cardmembership*
  • Your first eligible checked bag is free*
  • Priority Boarding with Group 1 privileges* and 25% savings on eligible in-flight purchases*
Apply Now Credit Needed Excellent
Special offer

Earn 30,000 American Airlines AAdvantage(R) bonus miles after $1,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of cardmembership*

Purchase Intro

APR: None

Term: None

Purchase APR

15.24% Variable

Annual Fee

$95, waived for first 12 months* 

These quotes are from credit card issuers which have paid for a link to their website. Offers are subject to change without notice and may not be the same for all consumers.
Credit Card Database

For more info on any of the cards listed above, click on the card name below:
Simmons First Visa® Platinum
Chase Sapphire Preferred®
Discover it® - 18 Month Balance Transfer
Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express
Chase Freedom® Visa
Marriott Rewards® Premier Credit Card
Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card
American Express® Gold Card
Chase Sapphire® Card
Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express
Blue Sky from American Express®
Citi® Platinum Select® / AAdvantage® Visa Signature® Card