The best credit cards aren't always easy to come by, especially when the bad ones try to disguise themselves so well. Before you jump into any credit card agreement, make sure the card you're applying for is really one of the good ones. Here are three things all of the best credit cards have in common.



1. No Minimum Monthly Fees

A credit card can have the lowest annual interest rate in the world but if you're charged minimum monthly finance charges at the end of the month it may not be worth it - especially if you tend to pay your balance off in full.

The best credit cards do not charge minimum monthly finance charges. They only charge an interest rate that gets added on to any unpaid balance at the end of each billing cycle. If you pay your balance in full, no finance charges accumulate. If, however, a minimum monthly finance charge is implemented you'll be paying interest whether or not your card is paid in full at the end of the month.

2. Online Billing and Payments

Having statements sent to you in the mail and paying via a written check is an old-fashioned way of handling your credit card payments. The best credit cards offer statements via email and allow you to make your credit card payments online.

But just offering these services does not make a credit card company one of the best. Some credit cards charge fees for online account access and Internet bill payments. The best credit cards give you access to these services for free.

3. Low Interest Rates

Some credit cards offer a low teaser rate, but the long-term rate jumps up after a few months. The best credit cards offer a low fixed rate.

Even if you plan on paying your balance in full every month, you never know when an emergency is going to arise. By keeping a credit card with a low fixed interest rate you can be sure you won't be paying an arm and a leg should you come across a situation where you can't make much more than your minimum monthly payment.

There are hundreds of credit cards for consumers to choose from. Jumping in blindly is just a disaster waiting to happen. Fortunately, there's a way to navigate the pitfalls. Keep the above three things in mind when trying to sort the best credit cards out from the rest of the stack.