The use of credit cards has witnessed a significant boom among users. In the past several years due to rapid digitalization and instant payment facilities has simultaneously increased the use of credit card. Currently, several financial institutions and companies offer credit cards with amazing interest rates and benefits to their customers. The application process has also become easy and simplified. Along with that, it comes with different facilities that help to enjoy the luxurious lifestyle with ease.
There are various types of credit cards that you can choose according to your need. However, it is very important that you compare every credit card with other issuers to get the best deals. Here, we will talk about different types of credit cards and compare them for you. We will also discuss their features that you can enjoy.
How do Credit Cards work?
You can use credit cards for buying any items at stores as well as online. Give the credit card for paying bills fast and easily. To know more, read the below points about how a credit card works. When you use the card, its details are sent to the bank of the merchant. After the authentication from the bank, the transaction takes place.
The card issuer is the one who verifies your information to decline or approve any transaction. At the end of billing, you need to pay the amount that you made from the credit card. You will get a monthly statement from the bank issuer with every detail such as monthly transactions, new balance, previous balance, due date, minimum payment, etc. If you do not pay your bills on time, you will have to pay penalties as well.
Read more: How to use a credit card?
Different Types of Credit Cards
You can opt for different types of credit cards that are easily available and offer various benefits. To know about the types of credit cards, read below.
- Cashback Card- Cashback card offers various benefits. It means that you get rewards and cashback through every transaction from your card. Isn\’t it amazing? You can visit arlinmoney.com to compare different cashback cards.
- Premium Credit Cards- This type of credit card is mainly offered to premium customers. The card user can enjoy several facilities such as dining privileges, club memberships, spa, shopping benefits, lounge access. They also get a high spending limit. If you also want to avail yourself of premium credit cards, then you need to have a high income as well.
- Joining Fee- The joining fee holds an important value while applying for a credit card. A high joining fee should give you more benefits & value.
- Co-Branded Card- As you can understand by the name, this credit card is introduced by the collaboration of different credit card issuers. You can enjoy other facilities such as discounts, cashback, etc.
- Annual Fee- Go for cards that have less annual fee compared to similar cards. Some also offers zero annual fee lifetime or first year. Always look for it.
- Prepaid Card- As you can already understand with the name, the Prepaid Card, you can fill some amount beforehand. The amount automatically deducts from the credit card account.
- Lifestyle Credit Cards- You get various lifestyle benefits to give the experience of a luxurious lifestyle. It includes complimentary airport lounge access, welcome gift, dining benefits, and many more.
- Shopping Cards- The shopping card is a great card for shopping at different retail stores and online purchases. You can also get cashback and rewards for your offline and online shopping.
- Travel Card- This type of credit card is great for traveling. Just like the shopping cards, you will also get cash back and reward points for traveling benefits such as hotel bookings, dining, flight tickets, etc.
- Business Credit Card- This type of credit card is suitable for corporates, small partnerships, and businesses. This type of card is used by the employers and employees of the organization.
Features to Look for while obtaining a Credit Card
If you are not sure whether you should obtain a credit card or not, you must know about its features. Surely, you can avail of different credit cards, but by knowing the features, you can decide which one to choose. Read below to learn the different features of credit cards.
Welcome Benefit- If you are a new customer for the credit card issuer, then you get welcome benefits along with the credit card. In this benefit, you will get additional discounts, bonus rewards, vouchers, etc.
Reward Points- Reward points are always available on every credit card. But, you need to make sure that the rewards points are actually worth it or not. You can compare the credit card and know their reward points program from Arlin.
Cashback Benefits- Along with the reward point, many card issuers also offer cashback. It means with every transaction, you will get a certain amount as a cashback. So get your credit card now!
Lifestyle Benefits- There are several lifestyle benefits that you can avail of by using credit cards. It heightens up your living standards and you enjoy different facilities. These benefits include shopping, entertainment, wellness and spa, dining benefits, and many more.
Travel Benefits- Just like reward points, you will also get travel benefits. You get all the benefits during your traveling days. It will surely enhance your experience of traveling. Because you will get features of travel insurance, access to airport lounges offers on hotel bookings, air miles, and many more. To get the best travel cards, you can visit our website and compare them instantly.
Attractive Interest Rate- The interest rates of credit cards providers vary from each other. When you are opting for any credit card, don\’t forget to compare the interest rates with other credit card issuers. Through this, you will instantly understand which one is better for you.
Fuel Surcharge Waiver- It is the most common feature of every credit card. The issuers allow their cardholders to earn a waiver of fuel transactions for spending a certain amount every month. You also get reward points with every fuel spends when you use credit card. So if you have a personal vehicle, then you can easily save a certain amount.
Complimentary Airport Lounge Access- If you love traveling and have a credit card, then you can gain the opportunity to enjoy the luxurious experience at airports.
Insurance Cover- Another important benefit that you get is the Insurance cover. The issuers of credit card such as Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, IndusInd Bank, and many more offer insurance cover for their cardholders. In this category, you get insurance for lost baggage at the airport, lost cards, cover for air accidents, etc. Now, don\’t you think that credit card makes your traveling experience smooth?
EMI Conversion- If you are not able to pay your credit card bills, then you also get the option to convert them into Equated Monthly Installments. It means that you can pay off your bills in a few months easily. So if you are worrying that credit cards can lead to increased debt, then it\’s not true!
Add On or Supplementary Credit Card- Another major facility is that you also get a supplementary credit card. You can extend this facility towards your family members with the supplementary card. Hence, they can make all the purchases with the add-on card.
Mobile Banking- Now, mobile banking is the most important thing we look for when opening a bank account. You can also use all kinds of credit card features through your mobile directly.
Net Banking- Another feature of credit cards is that you can also use them through net banking from any device. So, even if you want to make any transaction abroad, easily.
How to Choose the Best Credit Card For Yourself?
When you are going to choose a credit card, there are some points that you must consider. When you have already made a list of your requirements, you easily compare and choose any credit card online. Don\’t worry, we are here to help you out. Read below to know the factors to choose a credit card.
Credit Card Reward Points
The reward points facility is the most significant factor for any card. So, when you check different cards, you must do thorough research about their air miles program, cashback offers, reward points, etc.
Special Offers
Every bank offers different facilities to its credit cardholder. So, you must check that they offer a special discount when you use the card for shopping from a certain website or retail store.
Welcome Benefit
We have already discussed the welcome benefits that you can enjoy when you newly avail the card. But, you may also find out that some banks don\’t offer welcome benefits. Hence, it\’s upon you if you want to enjoy the welcome benefit.
Bill Payment Options
Now, banks offer different options for bill payment through mobile apps, net banking, etc.
Spending Habits
You must know your spending habits. Otherwise, you will exceed the credit limit and have to pay the fines. So always look upon your spending habits, so you must compare the cards properly and then choose accordingly.
Charges and Fees
Another significant factor that you mustn\’t forget is the charges and fees of the credit card. They can vary from each other and choose according to your spending habits, monthly income, and other factors. The charges and fees are annual fee, joining fee, processing fees, late payment, etc.
Credit Limit
The credit limit based upon the credit score of the applicant. So if you have a bad credit score, then the credit limit will be obviously, less. The bank of the issuer of the credit card can decrease or increase the credit card limit based on the repayment habits, credit score, ongoing personal loan, etc.
Read More: Types of credit card rewards
Eligibility Criteria for Credit Card
So, if you are going to apply for a credit card from any category, you must know the criteria. Different credit card providers or financial institutions have different criteria to apply for the card. Read below to learn about the basic criteria you need to keep in mind while applying for a credit card.
Nationality
As you already know, you have to belong to the Indian nationality to get a credit card. Thus, you have to produce the details to the bank to prove your nationality.
Employment
Another important criterion is that you need to have a stable income. If you are a self-employed individual or salaried professional with a decent income, you can apply for a credit card. You can compare the employment of different banks and financial organizations online.
Credit Score
To fit in the credit card eligibility of any financial organization or bank, you must have a good credit score. If you already have a credit score of 700, you can easily apply for any credit card from any bank. You can check the credit score of the bank online. Or else, you can also visit arlinmoney.com to compare credit cards instantly.
Age
Another main criterion that you need to take care of is the age limit. Generally, the minimum age limit to apply for the card is 18 years. Whereas the maximum age limit ranges up to 60-65 years.
Existing Relationship
The bank will also look that if you are already their customer or not. Also, if you are associated with the bank or not. This factor can play a major role in providing you with a credit card.
What are the documents required to apply for a credit card?
When you find out that you are eligible for the credit card, the next step is to provide important documents. If you want to know what are the important documents, then you need to read below.
Identity Proof
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Passport
- Voter ID Card
- Driving License
Income Proof
- Bank Account Statement
- Recent Income Tax Return Copy
- Salary Certificate
- Other certified financials
Residential Proof
- Electricity Bill
- Aadhaar Card
- Passport
- Telephone Bill
How to Apply for A Credit Card?
Nowadays, it has become very easy to apply for a credit card. You choose an offline method. Thus, you can visit the nearest branch of any bank in your location and fill up the application over there. However, you can also apply for a credit card online.
The process is very easy, convenient, and most importantly, faster. Read below to know the steps to apply online.
You can apply directly from our website to apply for the card.
- Visit arlinmoney.com
- Compare different cards and read their details.
- Select the card and add your personal details such as mobile number, name, pan details, etc.
- You can instantly check your eligibility online.
- After getting instant approval, proceed to the next step and fill your application form further.
- After a few days, an executive will call you for verification.
Furthermore, you can also visit the website of any bank you want and apply for a card from there. You just need to go to the credit card section and choose which one is better for you. Then, simply fill up your details, upload your documents and submit the form.
How Many Credit Cards Can You Apply For?
You can apply for as many credit cards as you want. It means that there is no specific number of credit cards a person can have. But, if you avail of more than one credit card, you must pay your bills on time. Otherwise, it can affect your credit score and you have to pay penalties for late payments.
List of Best Credit Cards
There are various types of credit cards that you can avail. You can visit our website arlinmoney.com and instantly compare and choose different credit cards according to your need. This list of some amazing credit cards that you can opt for according to your needs.
- HDFC Bank Credit Cards
- Axis Bank Credit Cards
- SBI Credit Cards
- ICICI Credit Cards
- American Express Credit Cards
FAQs
These are some important questions regarding credit cards. Read below to solve your queries.
What is the difference between debit cards and credit cards?
Credit Card and Debit Card have similar appearances. But, they are used for different types of financial services. Basically, the debit card is linked to your savings account. So, when you use this card during payments, the amount is deducted from there.
Also, you don\’t need to pay any interest fee. On the other side, you don\’t spend your own money with a credit card. You will receive a monthly billing cycle with the credit card statement. You need to pay the bill with interest too.
What are the various benefits and features of credit cards?
When you avail of any credit card, you get numerous benefits and features. You get a waiver in fuel purchases at a fixed maximum amount, gift vouchers, bonus reward points. Some credit cards also give discounts on all your transactions such as, movie ticket purchases, flight bookings, hotel bookings, dining, etc.
What are the different fees and charges for the credit card?
If you fail to pay the credit card bill on time, then you have to pay the late fine. However, there are other fees and charges that you need to pay monthly and annually. It includes processing fee or joining fee, annual card fee, cheque payments, finance charges, etc.
Try to pay the credit card bill on time. Otherwise, a few delayed payments can also hamper your credit score.
What is the credit limit?
The credit limit is basically the maximum amount of the credit card that you can spend. If you cross the credit limit, then you have to pay a fine.
Can I get a loan with a credit card?
Yes, if you already have a credit card, then you can apply for a personal loan from the same bank easily.
What does the billing cycle mean?
The billing cycle ranges between 25-40 days. For example, if your credit card bill is generated on the 5th of every month, it will contain the expenses you made in the previous month.
The expenses which you make after 5th date, the expenses will be added to the credit card statement of the upcoming month.
Can I make payments with a credit card?
Yes, you can use the credit card for daily uses, such as utility bill payments. They are contactless credit card that you can use for contactless payments, etc.
Can I use a credit card abroad?
It basically depends upon the type of credit card. If the credit card is widely accepted across the world, then you can surely use it for foreign transactions.
You will be charged with a foreign transaction markup fee for foreign purchases to your credit card account.