There are several reasons for wanting a credit card such as convenient shopping without the need for cash, making online payments or managing debts by transferring a balance to a new 0% interest card. This immediately gives you a clue as what to consider first.

If you are transferring a balance from another card, you will be looking for very low interest or zero interest on the balance transfer amount. If you want to clear your debt once and for all, look for a credit card with a long 0% interest rate of say one year or longer. Then budget to make regular repayments that over this period will pay off the balance in full. Make sure you clear the balance in full before the end of this period otherwise you could end up paying interest.

If you only need a credit card for shopping purposes and plan to pay off the balance in full every month, then look for a card with the best cash back deal.

Consider how disciplined you will be with making repayments. If you are not sure you will always pay off the balance in full each month then look for a credit card with a low interest rate for purchases. This is usually a different rate than the rate applied to balance transfers.