Credit cards are incredibly helpful financial tools to have on hand, whether you need a bit of help paying off bills and big purchases or just want to build up your credit score. But choosing which credit card to apply for isn’t a light decision. There’s a long list of factors that you have to consider first before settling on the right card, such as the fees you must pay, the available rewards, the interest rate, and other terms and conditions.

A card that perfectly suits your needs will serve as a crucial stepping stone towards achieving all of your financial goals, and will help you take better control of your money. If you’re currently shopping around for the best credit card to apply for, here are some lesser-known tips that can help you compare offers and land on the one that suits your lifestyle perfectly:

1) Make Sure the Credit Card Rewards Match Your Spending Habits

Many people apply for credit cards for the rewards and promos, such as cashback, discounts, and redeemable points or miles. Before you commit to a credit card offer, make sure to thoroughly check the exact rewards it’s offering to see if it matches your spending habits and lifestyle. Which merchants are the issuing bank partnered with, and are you already a frequent customer of any of them? If you travel often, does the card offer rewards such as airline miles?

You can easily check the specifics of a card’s available perks and benefits by visiting their website. This makes the rest of the process seamless, as once you’ve decided on a card to apply for, you can easily fill in a credit card application online for a card like the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card by Maya.

2) Compare Annual Fees, Additional Fees, and Penalties

When researching how to choose the right card, one common piece of advice you’ll see is to compare each options’ annual fees. A card’s annual fee can influence the rest of its rewards and benefits; for example, cards with low or waived annual fees may also offer fewer promos and rewards. Be sure to check everything else included in an offer to see if it’s worth the annual fee or not.

But while the annual fee is certainly a significant factor to consider, it’s only the first of the many fees you’ll have to consider when comparing offers. You’ll also have to think about foreign transaction fees, over-limit fees, cash advance charges, and late payment penalties, among others. Review the full fee structure before applying for a credit card so that you understand what you’ll really be paying.

3) Look for Other Extra Benefits

Besides the usual point system and discounts, some credit cards also offer additional benefits. Some cards, for example, give airport access, making them ideal for business travelers or frequent vacationers. Others offer different types of insurance, such as travel and credit insurance. These additional benefits may result in a larger annual fee, so consider your unique needs first before making any decisions.

4) Understand How You Can Redeem Your Rewards

Knowing the reward redemption process is just as important as knowing the rewards themselves. Some cards have strict expiration dates on points, which could put all of your efforts to waste if you don’t redeem them on time. Others require redemption fees or have a strict selection of merchant partners that you can use your points on. Before you commit to a card, check how flexible and accessible the rewards system actually is.

5) Pay Attention to Customer Service Ratings

While this doesn’t pertain to a credit card’s specific benefits, it’s still critical to consider the issuing bank’s customer service and how they deal with cardholders’ complaints and issues. After all, there’s no telling when something will go wrong while using your card. Issues such as fraud or billing errors must be dealt with by customer service swiftly and efficiently if you want to protect your finances.

You can do your research about the card’s issuing bank by looking through online forums and groups for customers’ honest feedback and real experiences. Alternatively, you can ask your friends and family who already have prior experience with the bank. Getting insight from someone you trust is a big help when deciding which credit card to get.

Takeaway: Consider all Factors Before Applying for a Credit Card

A credit card can be an amazing financial tool to have, whether you plan on only using it for emergencies or for building up credit. But it’s important to remember that not all cards can meet an individual’s unique financial needs. If you plan on getting your first credit card, it’s up to you to check what each card has to offer and how well they can fit your lifestyle, spending habits, and financial goals. Try to look past the basic selling points and focus on the small details; that will help you pick a card that perfectly complements your money management style.