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We immerse ourselves in the world of points and miles, knowing that credit cards, when used responsibly, can unlock an abundance of savings and a multitude of ways to travel.
However, just because a credit card packs mighty perks, it might not be right for you. We specialize in helping you maximize your rewards and redemption options, but that will look different for everyone, depending on your credit score, your spending habits and your goals for a new card.
Here are nine reasons that the credit card you're considering might not be the best option for your wallet right now.
Signs that a credit card might not be the right one for you
1. The rewards categories don't match your spending habits
It may seem obvious, but make sure that your new is giving you rewards on the purchases you're already making. Many credit cards offer sky-high returns on spending, anywhere from 5x points on air travel and restaurant purchases with a to 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming services with a to a whopping 14x points on spending at participating Hilton hotels with a .
The information for the Citi Prestige Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
These rates may sound impressive (and, indeed, they are), but it's important to check the potential earnings against your current or future spending categories (and be realistic about your future plans). If you aren't going to travel by air any time soon and you prefer to cook at home as opposed to dining out, then the top-of-line Citi Prestige card won't be as valuable for you as it might be for other cardholders.
Similarly, if you don't pay for Netflix or Spotify Premium streaming or plan on staying in a Hilton-branded hotel in the foreseeable future, then the 6% cash back with the Blue Cash Preferred and the 14x Hilton Honors points from the Hilton Honors Aspire will be left on the table.
At the same time, you can find value from these cards for other reasons, even if your spending habits don't align with their rewards categories. Benefits, perks, protections, elite status and other attributes might draw you to apply.
However, if you're new to the game of credit cards, you may be more suited to a card that helps you and you won't be factoring rewards into your application decision — yet.
2. You don't spend enough to offset the annual fee
Let's face it, some annual fees are intimidating. When I first found out that many of the best travel credit cards, airline credit cards and even a few cash-back credit cards have "sticker prices" of between $95 and more than $500 a year, I couldn't understand why anyone would stomach such high annual costs.
However, I soon learned that many high-value credit cards with double- or triple-digit annual fees pay for themselves and offset their annual fees year after year with valuable welcome bonuses, earning rates and additional perks and credits. I even splurged and applied for my most expensive credit card ever earlier this year, adding the and its $250 annual fee (see ) to my wallet.
Nevertheless, credit cards with annual fees will almost always come with one important caveat: You have to make the most of your earning and redeeming potential to offset the overhead cost; otherwise, it isn't worth it. For example, the is an excellent choice for consumers who love to go out on the town, earning 4% cash back on dining and entertainment and 2% cash back at grocery stores.
But the card also comes with a $95 annual fee. This means that if you aren't spending at least $2,375 (4% earning rate) on restaurants, theme parks, concerts or additional entertainment activities with your Capital One Savor card, you aren't even going to break even on that annual fee.
The information for the Capital One Savor card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
However, if you find the right credit card to match your spending habits, you can almost always offset the annual fee — and much more. And if you simply aren't a big spender, there are plenty of fantastic to fit your needs and help you start earning rewards.
3. The card has a nonexistent, unimpressive or unattainable sign-up bonus
A sign-up bonus can make or break the decision to apply for a specific new card. It's easy to see why.
Travel rewards cards like the and its 60,000-point sign-up bonus () after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening have been making tantalizing public offers for more than a year. Other offers, however, are more elusive. For example, if you're lucky, may target you for an incredible 100,000-point offer after meeting minimum spend requirements (offer subject to change at anytime).
When it comes to sign-up bonuses, the — which provides a more modest $150 sign-up bonus after spending $500 in the first three months — likely won't catch your eye. This isn't to say that a sign-up bonus is everything. A powerful cash-back card like the , which has one of the highest flat-rate rewards on all spending, doesn't offer a sign-up bonus at all. Most consumers should not discount a card with a lackluster sign-up offering.
The information for the Capital One Quicksilver card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
And just because a card sports a flashy bonus, it might not be a good choice. You will probably have to clear a spending threshold in a short period to be eligible, although card issuers have extended that during the coronavirus pandemic.
The 60,000-point sign-up bonus for the Chase Sapphire Preferred will be elusive and superfluous for consumers who don't spend at least $4,000 with their new card in the first three months of activation (or six months under the coronavirus extension period).
4. The card incurs foreign transaction fees and you frequently travel abroad
Some credit cards charge fees that may be easy to forget about. One is a foreign transaction fee. This is a charge, usually around 3%, that some issuers add to your credit card for purchases made abroad with every swipe. That fee can negate or even outstrip any rewards you earn.
The good news is that many issuers offer credit cards with no foreign transaction fees. Some, including Capital One, never charge for international purchases. Still, it's always a best practice to read about your cards' potential fees before committing to an application.
5. You likely won't use many of the benefits or perks
Many of the offer some of the most impressive perks that we've ever seen. From lounge access to and credits to hotel or airline elite status, the benefits are fantastic. But, as glittery and valuable as these perks may sound, they don't provide you anything if you realistically will never use them.
Many cobranded credit cards fall into this category. For example, the ranks among the best airline credit cards. With complimentary when you fly Delta, an annual companion certificate each year upon card renewal, complimentary access to American Express Centurion Lounges when flying Delta, and a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee credit (up to $100), it's easy to be attracted by the luxury this card can offer.
But at $550 (see ), make sure you'll use all the card has to offer. Otherwise, it might not be the right one for you. Luckily, many cobranded, lower-tier cards may be more suitable. For instance, a with its $99 annual fee; waived the first year (see ) is available for the casual Delta flyer.
There's nothing wrong with being aspirational, but being honest with yourself about your spending and future travel habits will help you avoid picking a card that you aren't quite ready to maximize.
6. The card earns points for a program you don't use
This is a simple one. If you're loyal to a certain bank or points program, then a credit card from a different issuer might not appeal to you. Even without factoring in of various points programs, it's important to consider your personal preferences when it comes to earning and redeeming points.
Issuers often have unique ways of aggregating and transferring points as well. For example, a Chase Freedom or Chase Freedom Unlimited card will be more valuable to you if you're already a Chase loyalist with one or multiple existing cards in or — you can between accounts. In this case, having multiple Chase credit cards can provide more versatility compared to having multiple cards from another issuer.
Similarly, you should also consider transfer partners, especially when picking a loyalty program. If you know you typically stay at Hilton-branded hotels, then you'll likely want to have an Amex card that earns American Express Membership Rewards.
The information for the Chase Freedom and Chase Freedom Unlimited has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
7. The card doesn't offer a "younger sibling" option if you ever want to downgrade
One of the most important factors influencing your credit score is the length of your credit history. For this reason, if you realize that you're no longer using a card that you once found valuable, you're usually going to want to as opposed to
If you only want to hit a sign-up bonus and reap the benefits of a credit card for a few years, you might prefer to choose a card that has a "younger sibling" so you can easily downgrade, while keeping that same account open.
You may want to start your points journey with an . It's a great option to start earning Membership Rewards points without a high annual fee. However, over time, you might add cards to your wallet that earn higher rewards in the same categories, like an Amex Gold for 4x points at U.S. supermarkets on the first $25,000 in purchases each calendar year; then 1x or a Citi Premier℠ Card for 3x points at the pump. In this case, you might not be able to justify paying the $95 annual fee on that Amex Everyday Preferred that you're no longer using.
The information for the Amex EveryDay Preferred card and Citi Premier card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Thankfully, this card offers a no-annual-fee sibling — the — and you can request a downgrade. Keep in mind that this might prevent you from earning that card's welcome bonus now or in the future. But checking into potential future downgrade options might help you find the right card to apply for first.
8. The card has high interest rates or balance transfer fees
We recommend paying off your entire credit card statement in full — every month, every single time. Although you're only required to pay off the minimum balance, rewards are only valuable if you aren't accruing interest on your card.
There are, however, instances when life throws you a curveball or money gets tight when you may have to pay those APR percentages or balance transfer fees. If you're looking to carry a balance month-over-month, a premium credit card with 15% regular APR or higher might not be right for you.
Similarly, if you're in the market to transfer a balance from one card to another with a lower interest rate, a forgiving card like the Citi Simplicity Card which never charges late-payment fees and offers a generous 0% introductory APR for 24 months might be more in your wheelhouse.
9. You aren't a responsible debtor
At the end of the day, you won't get much value from a credit card if you aren't responsible with your money or you don't pay your bills in full and on time. Credit cards are not free money. When you become a credit cardholder, you also become a borrower. And you should never borrow more money than you intend to pay back.
If you're hoping to learn how to be more financially responsible, or will likely be the best option for you as you learn the ropes with some necessary guardrails to help hold yourself accountable.
Bottom line
People always ask us: "What's the absolute best credit card out there?" The answer is that it depends on what you're looking for. As important as it is to know what you want, it's a valuable exercise to think critically about what you don't want (or won't use) out of your credit card as well. Keep these nine points in mind to help you find your perfect match.
Featured photo by Getty Images
For rates and fees of the Amex Gold card, click .
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve, click .
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Gold, click .
We immerse ourselves in the world of points and miles, knowing that credit cards, when used responsibly, can unlock an abundance of savings and a multitude of ways to travel.
However, just because a credit card packs mighty perks, it might not be right for you. We specialize in helping you maximize your rewards and redemption options, but that will look different for everyone, depending on your credit score, your spending habits and your goals for a new card.
Here are nine reasons that the credit card you're considering might not be the best option for your wallet right now.
Signs that a credit card might not be the right one for you
1. The rewards categories don't match your spending habits
It may seem obvious, but make sure that your new is giving you rewards on the purchases you're already making. Many credit cards offer sky-high returns on spending, anywhere from 5x points on air travel and restaurant purchases with a to 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming services with a to a whopping 14x points on spending at participating Hilton hotels with a .
The information for the Citi Prestige Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
These rates may sound impressive (and, indeed, they are), but it's important to check the potential earnings against your current or future spending categories (and be realistic about your future plans). If you aren't going to travel by air any time soon and you prefer to cook at home as opposed to dining out, then the top-of-line Citi Prestige card won't be as valuable for you as it might be for other cardholders.
Similarly, if you don't pay for Netflix or Spotify Premium streaming or plan on staying in a Hilton-branded hotel in the foreseeable future, then the 6% cash back with the Blue Cash Preferred and the 14x Hilton Honors points from the Hilton Honors Aspire will be left on the table.
At the same time, you can find value from these cards for other reasons, even if your spending habits don't align with their rewards categories. Benefits, perks, protections, elite status and other attributes might draw you to apply.
However, if you're new to the game of credit cards, you may be more suited to a card that helps you and you won't be factoring rewards into your application decision — yet.
2. You don't spend enough to offset the annual fee
Let's face it, some annual fees are intimidating. When I first found out that many of the best travel credit cards, airline credit cards and even a few cash-back credit cards have "sticker prices" of between $95 and more than $500 a year, I couldn't understand why anyone would stomach such high annual costs.
However, I soon learned that many high-value credit cards with double- or triple-digit annual fees pay for themselves and offset their annual fees year after year with valuable welcome bonuses, earning rates and additional perks and credits. I even splurged and applied for my most expensive credit card ever earlier this year, adding the and its $250 annual fee (see ) to my wallet.
Nevertheless, credit cards with annual fees will almost always come with one important caveat: You have to make the most of your earning and redeeming potential to offset the overhead cost; otherwise, it isn't worth it. For example, the is an excellent choice for consumers who love to go out on the town, earning 4% cash back on dining and entertainment and 2% cash back at grocery stores.
But the card also comes with a $95 annual fee. This means that if you aren't spending at least $2,375 (4% earning rate) on restaurants, theme parks, concerts or additional entertainment activities with your Capital One Savor card, you aren't even going to break even on that annual fee.
The information for the Capital One Savor card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
However, if you find the right credit card to match your spending habits, you can almost always offset the annual fee — and much more. And if you simply aren't a big spender, there are plenty of fantastic to fit your needs and help you start earning rewards.
3. The card has a nonexistent, unimpressive or unattainable sign-up bonus
A sign-up bonus can make or break the decision to apply for a specific new card. It's easy to see why.
Travel rewards cards like the and its 60,000-point sign-up bonus () after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening have been making tantalizing public offers for more than a year. Other offers, however, are more elusive. For example, if you're lucky, may target you for an incredible 100,000-point offer after meeting minimum spend requirements (offer subject to change at anytime).
When it comes to sign-up bonuses, the — which provides a more modest $150 sign-up bonus after spending $500 in the first three months — likely won't catch your eye. This isn't to say that a sign-up bonus is everything. A powerful cash-back card like the , which has one of the highest flat-rate rewards on all spending, doesn't offer a sign-up bonus at all. Most consumers should not discount a card with a lackluster sign-up offering.
The information for the Capital One Quicksilver card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
And just because a card sports a flashy bonus, it might not be a good choice. You will probably have to clear a spending threshold in a short period to be eligible, although card issuers have extended that during the coronavirus pandemic.
The 60,000-point sign-up bonus for the Chase Sapphire Preferred will be elusive and superfluous for consumers who don't spend at least $4,000 with their new card in the first three months of activation (or six months under the coronavirus extension period).
4. The card incurs foreign transaction fees and you frequently travel abroad
Some credit cards charge fees that may be easy to forget about. One is a foreign transaction fee. This is a charge, usually around 3%, that some issuers add to your credit card for purchases made abroad with every swipe. That fee can negate or even outstrip any rewards you earn.
The good news is that many issuers offer credit cards with no foreign transaction fees. Some, including Capital One, never charge for international purchases. Still, it's always a best practice to read about your cards' potential fees before committing to an application.
5. You likely won't use many of the benefits or perks
Many of the offer some of the most impressive perks that we've ever seen. From lounge access to and credits to hotel or airline elite status, the benefits are fantastic. But, as glittery and valuable as these perks may sound, they don't provide you anything if you realistically will never use them.
Many cobranded credit cards fall into this category. For example, the ranks among the best airline credit cards. With complimentary when you fly Delta, an annual companion certificate each year upon card renewal, complimentary access to American Express Centurion Lounges when flying Delta, and a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee credit (up to $100), it's easy to be attracted by the luxury this card can offer.
But at $550 (see ), make sure you'll use all the card has to offer. Otherwise, it might not be the right one for you. Luckily, many cobranded, lower-tier cards may be more suitable. For instance, a with its $99 annual fee; waived the first year (see ) is available for the casual Delta flyer.
There's nothing wrong with being aspirational, but being honest with yourself about your spending and future travel habits will help you avoid picking a card that you aren't quite ready to maximize.
6. The card earns points for a program you don't use
This is a simple one. If you're loyal to a certain bank or points program, then a credit card from a different issuer might not appeal to you. Even without factoring in of various points programs, it's important to consider your personal preferences when it comes to earning and redeeming points.
Issuers often have unique ways of aggregating and transferring points as well. For example, a Chase Freedom or Chase Freedom Unlimited card will be more valuable to you if you're already a Chase loyalist with one or multiple existing cards in or — you can between accounts. In this case, having multiple Chase credit cards can provide more versatility compared to having multiple cards from another issuer.
Similarly, you should also consider transfer partners, especially when picking a loyalty program. If you know you typically stay at Hilton-branded hotels, then you'll likely want to have an Amex card that earns American Express Membership Rewards.
The information for the Chase Freedom and Chase Freedom Unlimited has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
7. The card doesn't offer a "younger sibling" option if you ever want to downgrade
One of the most important factors influencing your credit score is the length of your credit history. For this reason, if you realize that you're no longer using a card that you once found valuable, you're usually going to want to as opposed to
If you only want to hit a sign-up bonus and reap the benefits of a credit card for a few years, you might prefer to choose a card that has a "younger sibling" so you can easily downgrade, while keeping that same account open.
You may want to start your points journey with an . It's a great option to start earning Membership Rewards points without a high annual fee. However, over time, you might add cards to your wallet that earn higher rewards in the same categories, like an Amex Gold for 4x points at U.S. supermarkets on the first $25,000 in purchases each calendar year; then 1x or a Citi Premier℠ Card for 3x points at the pump. In this case, you might not be able to justify paying the $95 annual fee on that Amex Everyday Preferred that you're no longer using.
The information for the Amex EveryDay Preferred card and Citi Premier card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Thankfully, this card offers a no-annual-fee sibling — the — and you can request a downgrade. Keep in mind that this might prevent you from earning that card's welcome bonus now or in the future. But checking into potential future downgrade options might help you find the right card to apply for first.
8. The card has high interest rates or balance transfer fees
We recommend paying off your entire credit card statement in full — every month, every single time. Although you're only required to pay off the minimum balance, rewards are only valuable if you aren't accruing interest on your card.
There are, however, instances when life throws you a curveball or money gets tight when you may have to pay those APR percentages or balance transfer fees. If you're looking to carry a balance month-over-month, a premium credit card with 15% regular APR or higher might not be right for you.
Similarly, if you're in the market to transfer a balance from one card to another with a lower interest rate, a forgiving card like the Citi Simplicity Card which never charges late-payment fees and offers a generous 0% introductory APR for 24 months might be more in your wheelhouse.
9. You aren't a responsible debtor
At the end of the day, you won't get much value from a credit card if you aren't responsible with your money or you don't pay your bills in full and on time. Credit cards are not free money. When you become a credit cardholder, you also become a borrower. And you should never borrow more money than you intend to pay back.
If you're hoping to learn how to be more financially responsible, or will likely be the best option for you as you learn the ropes with some necessary guardrails to help hold yourself accountable.
Bottom line
People always ask us: "What's the absolute best credit card out there?" The answer is that it depends on what you're looking for. As important as it is to know what you want, it's a valuable exercise to think critically about what you don't want (or won't use) out of your credit card as well. Keep these nine points in mind to help you find your perfect match.
Featured photo by Getty Images
For rates and fees of the Amex Gold card, click .
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve, click .
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Gold, click .