The different types of credit cards

By Susan Lou, August 17, 2010

A credit card has one main purpose- to allow one to make a purchase or use a service even without cash involved. Though it is created for one purpose, it can cater to the different levels of needs of different individuals in the financial aspect. You may have a credit card but are you sure this is the right credit card for you? Check out the different kinds of credit cards and see whether you've chose the right plastic for you.

The standard credit cards are what most of us commonly use. This allows us to spend at a certain credit limit. The credit limit approved to a person depends on his credit standing; better it is the higher you could enjoy. At the end of each month, interest is applied on your account that you could have in full or in partial depending n the bank's policy and discretion.

You may also want to own a premium credit card. A premium credit card holder is offered more benefits and higher incentives than those who own a regular credit card. Few of the most commonly offered premium cards are cash back cards, reward cards and frequent mile cards. The high incentives offered with these kinds of cards come with higher fees and interests.

A limited purpose card is a credit card than only allows you to make a purchase on specific location, so this is not a good option if you are always on a trip. The best examples of a limited purpose card are the gas credit cards and store credit cards.

Unlike most of the credit cards, the charge card does not have a credit limit. While some cards allow a partial or minimum payment, in this kind of card, you should make the payment in full every end of the month regardless of how much it is. Charges fees and even card cancellation is applied with payment failure.

To avoid penalties and fees, the prepaid credit card is a good option for you. The card should be pre-loaded with cash before you can use it. This kind of credit card is pretty much similar with the debit cards except that they are not tied with any checking account.

There still are a lot other cards that one can choose from. If the mentioned cards don't suit your needs, then ask the bank for some good card suggestions.

Susan Lou

Susan Lou is a business consultant with a largest multinational corporation. With a Masters degree in Financial Management and Accounting from Princeton University, she has been an active member of the financial community. She nurtures an interest in writing and regularly writes articles related to finance and business.

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