Credit Card Reviews: How Useful Are They?
The internet is an indispensable resource for financial planning. It’s hard to imagine that just a decade or two ago, we didn’t have it. Back then, researching credit cards was a challenge to say the least; all we had to rely on were ads, periodicals, and word-of-mouth. Today there are a plethora of credit card reviews available online, but are they actually useful?
Why are most online credit card “reviews” the same?
If you’ve ever shopped for a credit card online, you’re probably all too familiar with the way these cards are marketed. There are countless sites out there and they all seem to feature the exact same information. Instead of writing original reviews and ratings, they choose to re-publish the same old bullet points and ad copy. For the consumer that is looking for a more in-depth review, this isn’t very helpful.
How can you find in-depth credit card reviews and information?
For those seeking more than just the standard bullet points, there are places to get it if you know where to look. A number of personal finance sites feature editorial content on this topic. An internet discussion forum or message board can also be a good place for credit card reviews. Then of course there are still reputable magazines, like Consumer Reports and Smart Money, which regularly rate financial products and services.
What do you need to know to make the best decision?
This varies depending upon your needs. Are you looking for the highest cash back or the best balance transfer credit card? Do you want a MasterCard or an American Express? Are you willing to pay an annual fee or not? Do you have good or bad credit? There are countless criteria to contemplate, so make sure you know exactly what you are looking for before making your decision.