Credit Cards Are a Tool—Use Them Right
Look, I get it. Everyone’s obsessed with the “best” credit card. They watch YouTube videos, read blog posts, and chase signup bonuses like it’s a full-time job. But most people are asking the wrong question.
It’s not about the best credit card—it’s about the best credit card for you.
Would you buy a Ferrari just to sit in traffic? No. So why are you using a travel rewards card when all you do is order takeout and shop at Target? The wrong card can cost you thousands in missed rewards, higher interest rates, and annual fees that don’t pay for themselves.
If you’re making decisions based on hype instead of actual data, you’re doing it wrong. Let’s fix that.
Step 1: What’s Your Actual Spending Like?
Most people don’t track where their money goes. They just swipe, pray, and wonder why they’re not getting rich from their rewards.
Take five minutes. Pull up your last three months of bank statements. Look at the categories. Where is most of your money going?
- If you’re spending $3,000+ on travel every year, you need a card with strong airline/hotel benefits. Think Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum, or Capital One Venture X—cards that give real perks like airport lounge access and statement credits.
- If you mostly buy groceries, gas, and eat out, a cashback card like the Amex Blue Cash Preferred or Citi Custom Cash will beat any travel card.
- If you’re a small business owner, don’t sleep on business cards. They have better rewards, higher credit limits, and won’t mess with your personal credit utilization.
The key? Match the card to your actual lifestyle—not some fantasy of “I’ll travel more next year.”
Step 2: Do You Carry a Balance?
Let’s be real. Not everyone pays their credit card bill in full every month. And if you’re carrying a balance, rewards don’t matter.
Why? Because that 20% APR is eating up all your points and cashback.
If you don’t pay in full every month:
- Ignore travel and cashback cards. Their APRs are usually higher.
- Focus on a 0% APR card like the Citi Simplicity or Chase Slate Edge.
- Look for balance transfer offers if you need to consolidate debt.
It’s simple. Paying interest cancels out all your rewards. If you’re in debt, fix that first. Then focus on points and perks later.
Step 3: What’s Your Credit Score?
Credit card companies don’t hand out premium cards to just anyone. If you’re rocking a 620 credit score, stop applying for Amex Platinum. You’re just setting yourself up for rejection.
Here’s the rule:
- 700+ = You can apply for most good travel and cashback cards.
- 660-700 = Stick to mid-tier cards like Chase Freedom or Discover It.
- Under 660? Focus on building your credit with secured cards or starter cards first.
Credit matters. A better score = better approvals, better limits, better rewards. If you’re not there yet, work on it first.
Step 4: Stop Overthinking. Use AI Instead.
Most people don’t have time to compare 200+ credit cards. And honestly, you don’t need to. That’s why we built PerfectCard.ai.
- Tell us your spending habits, credit score, and goals.
- Our AI finds the best card for YOU—instantly.
- No ads, no sales pitch, no fluff. Just data-driven recommendations.
You’ll know exactly which card saves you the most money, gets you the best rewards, and works for your situation.
Final Thought: Your Move.
You’re already using credit cards. You might as well use them right. Stop leaving money on the table. Get a card that actually works for you.
→ Try PerfectCard.ai now and find the right card in seconds.
