Common sense dictates that the most important feature of a credit card is the interest rate charged, but it seems we’re all too willing to be sucked in by a free ‘extra’ thrown in with the card.
A survey of 2,351 users by online comparison site CreditCardFinder found that 30% would be tempted to sign up for a card based on the offer of a free iPad. A further 15% were tempted by the offer of free flights, while just 15% wanted to avoid an annual fee.
If you’re disciplined about paying off your credit card every month, then by all means dive in and take free flights, games consoles or whatever else is on offer. But if you know you’ll end up using (or really need) the credit facilities, then ignore the free extras and hone in on the best rate you can. (Note that no-fee cards often have higher rates to compensate).
The one reassuring figure in the data? 62% of respondents had stuck with the same card for four years or more. That might mean many aren’t getting the best deal, but it also means they’re not being sucked in by offers of extra freebies.
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