Ultimate Guide to Top Credit Card Selections in 2017: Find the Perfect Fit for Your Financial Goals
Discover the top credit cards of 2017 with our comprehensive guide. Learn how to choose the best card for your travel, cashback, or low-interest needs. This detailed review covers key features, benefits, and expert tips to enhance your financial strategy and maximize rewards. Whether you are a frequent traveler, someone looking to manage debt, or seeking cashback perks, find the perfect credit card tailored to your lifestyle in this extensive guide.
Comprehensive Overview of the Best Credit Cards in 2017
In the ever-evolving landscape of personal finance, selecting the right credit card can significantly impact your financial health, rewards accumulation, and savings strategy. With an overwhelming variety of options that include cashback offers, reward points, travel miles, hotel stays, low-interest rates, and balance transfer deals, it can be daunting to identify the card that best suits your individual needs. This extensive guide aims to demystify the options available in 2017 by highlighting some of the most outstanding credit cards, their features, and how to choose the ideal card based on your lifestyle and financial goals.
Below is a detailed list of top-rated credit cards for 2017:
Chase Freedom Unlimited
Chase Sapphire Preferred
Discover It – Cashback Match
FlexPerks Reserve Visa Signature
Spectrum Rewards Card
Bank Americard Cash Rewards
Chase Slate
Citi Diamond Preferred
BankAmericard Gold
When choosing the optimal credit card, it is essential to align your selection with your specific financial habits and needs. Here's a detailed breakdown of different categories of credit cards to consider:
Travel Rewards Credit Cards
For frequent travelers, selecting a credit card that offers double or triple points on travel-related expenses can maximize your benefits. Many of these cards allow points to be transferred seamlessly to airline frequent flyer or hotel loyalty programs, amplifying your rewards. Look for features such as airport lounge access, travel insurance, and no foreign transaction fees to enhance your travel experience.
Cashback Credit Cards
Cashback cards are popular among consumers who prefer straightforward rewards. Cards offering significant cashback percentages—often 1-5%—across categories like groceries, gas, dining, and online shopping can help you save money on daily expenses. Some cards provide rotating categories with higher cashback rates, adding flexibility to your rewards program. It’s also beneficial to select a card that does not impose expiration dates on accumulated rewards, ensuring you can redeem points whenever it suits your financial plans.
Balance Transfer Credit Cards
To manage debt effectively, balance transfer credit cards with 0% introductory APR offers are invaluable. These cards typically waive or limit transfer fees during the promotional period, which can range from 12 to 18 months. Proper utilization involves transferring high-interest balances before the promotional period ends, then maintaining disciplined repayments to avoid accruing interest afterward. This strategy can save you substantial amounts on interest payments and accelerate debt reduction.
Low-Interest Credit Cards
If you carry a balance from month to month or anticipate making large purchases, low-interest credit cards are an excellent choice. These cards often feature interest rates as low as 8.15% or 9.99%, depending on credit score and financial history. While they may lack some rewards features, they can significantly reduce the cost of borrowing over time. Consider your spending habits and repayment discipline to determine if a low-interest card aligns with your financial strategy.
Ultimately, your choice should be based on a holistic understanding of your financial behavior, whether it’s maximizing travel perks, earning cashback, managing debt, or minimizing interest costs. Carefully analyze each card’s terms, fees, and benefits to select the one that best complements your lifestyle and financial objectives.
