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Anonymous

21 Feb 2020

Credit Cards

What are some considerations that I should be taking into account when choosing a credit card to apply for?

I'm thinking to apply for a credit card, what are the research procedures you guys normally do? aka things to take note of, how to effectively weigh the pros and cons of each card/decide which card would suit you best

Discussion (4)

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Pang Zhe Liang

21 Feb 2020

Fee-Based Financial Advisory Manager at Financial Alliance Pte Ltd (IFA Firm)

It depends on your needs and spending.

If you love travelling and don't mind delayed gratification, then go for miles card. Additionally, some miles cards allow you to pay for your purchases by using the miles (more often than not, it is not worth it). As as result, the card is highly specialised for travel usage.

On the other hand, if you prefer money and instant gratification, then go for cashback card. In essence, it works as simply as it should be - you spend money, and you receive a percentage back. As usual, the more you spend, the more cashback you get in return as well (not just limited to miles card).

Personally, I rank cashback over miles (despite the fact that I travel quite a bit). And I own both cards (cashback and miles) as part of my budgeting and accounting - each card serves different purposes.

Other things to take note of include reasonable annual fees (bonus if able to waive), as well as reputation of banks to include offers at various merchants.

Here is everything about me and what I do best.

A credit card is a good servant but a bad master.

Start by looking at your expense pattern. Do you spend more online/offline? Does the bulk of your money go towards food/entertainment/travel? What are the fixed expenses, e.g. SP bill, insurance, donations?

Based on this expense study, figure out which card serves your lifestyle. You can then strategise how to maximise the card benefits – e.g. use credit card for phone bill and SP bill.

Don't change your lifestyle to suit your card.

The main thing to look out for is if you can meet the minimum spend (if any). You don't want to soen...

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