The Best Credit Card Options of 2017: A Comprehensive Guide
Explore the top credit card choices of 2017, featuring options for cashback, travel rewards, and premium benefits. Learn how to select the best card for your financial needs, maximize rewards, and manage credit responsibly. This comprehensive guide helps you understand key features and benefits of popular cards for smarter financial decisions and improved credit health.
Top Credit Card Picks of 2017 for Smart Financial Management
In today's fast-paced financial landscape, credit cards have become an essential tool for managing everyday expenses, earning rewards, and accessing various benefits. They offer unparalleled convenience and flexibility when used responsibly. However, selecting the right credit card requires understanding different features, reward schemes, fees, and benefits tailored to individual financial goals. Whether you're seeking cashback rewards, travel perks, or low-interest rates, there's a credit card designed to meet your specific needs.
Applying for a credit card online has become a simple and quick process, making it accessible for most users. Your credit score significantly influences your credit limit and the types of cards you qualify for. Premium credit cards often come with a suite of benefits that can lead to substantial savings and exclusive offers. Maintaining a high credit score not only increases your approval chances but also unlocks higher credit limits and better reward programs.
In this guide, we highlight three of the most popular and beneficial credit cards from 2017, each catering to different financial priorities and lifestyles. Understanding their features can help you make an informed decision to maximize your financial health and extract maximum value from your credit card usage.
Chase Freedom Unlimited: Often hailed as one of the best cashback credit cards of the year, the Chase Freedom Unlimited offers a flat 1.5% cashback on all purchases, making it ideal for everyday spending. New cardholders can earn a $150 bonus after spending $500 within the first three months. This card has no annual fee and features a 0% introductory APR for 15 months, allowing users to carry balances interest-free during the initial period. Moreover, cashback rewards are credited instantly, enhancing the user experience. Its straightforward cashback structure makes it a versatile choice for shoppers seeking ongoing rewards without complicated point systems.
Bank of America Travel Rewards: Designed for avid travelers, this credit card provides 20,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 within the first three months. It earns 1.5 points per dollar spent, which can be redeemed for travel expenses such as flights or hotel stays. An attractive feature is that miles earned through this card do not expire, providing flexibility in planning trips. There are no annual fees or foreign transaction fees, making it suitable for international travel. Additionally, a 0% APR for the first 12 billing cycles allows travelers to finance their trip costs interest-free, adding to its appeal for those who prioritize travel rewards.
Chase Sapphire Preferred: This premium card is tailored for frequent travelers and dine-in enthusiasts, offering 50,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months. Redeeming points via Chase Ultimate Rewards yields a $625 travel credit, providing significant value. Points earned on travel and dining are multiplied, offering increased rewards potential. Although it charges an annual fee of $95 after the first year, the benefits and rewards structure make it well worth the investment. Additional perks include travel insurance and exclusive access to events, making this card a versatile companion for those who regularly indulge in travel and culinary experiences.
Choosing the right credit card in 2017 required careful consideration of your spending habits, financial goals, and Lifestyle preferences. The cards discussed above exemplify the spectrum of options available—from cashback and travel rewards to premium points systems. By selecting a card that aligns with your needs, you not only maximize benefits but also contribute positively to your credit health.
In addition to rewards and perks, it's essential to manage credit responsibly by paying bills on time, avoiding unnecessary debt, and monitoring your credit report regularly. Proper management can help you unlock higher credit limits, better interest rates, and exclusive offers in the future.
