Basically many of them are the same. So you have to look at the very fine details (which change continuously, making it impossible to have a "best credit card"). If you pay it off every month, as you should, then a lot of things that most cards advertise are unimportant (interest rates, initial rates, balance transfer rates, etc). So what is important?
1) Will you be able to use the card where you want? Visa and Master Card were developed by the same banks, with the same purpose in mind - ie they are essentially identical. They created two to have the illusion of competition. If a store takes one, they will always take the other. Most stores will take American Express. About 75% of places take Discover. Other cards then drop down to near zero levels (ie often only one store or one gas station will take it - at least without any excess fees). One exception, in Europe many places don't realize that Visa and Master Card are the same - and they don't think they can accept Visa. Master Card is really the only way to go if you plan to travel abroad.
2) Are there any hidden excess fees or other things you will likely run across. Since there are so many good cards, never consider one that has fees you are likely to have to pay.
3) What is the card with the best reward system for you. 1% back is a good amount - but you can do a bit better. Many cards offer a bit more at specialized stores (gas stations, groceries) etc. But read the fine print carefully. I've seen CC offers that said 5% back on everything with one of two restrictions (a) you carry a balance paying 15% and then you get 5% back - net loss of 10% to you, or (b) you buy an expensive item from the CC company - such as a requirement to buy a new car within 12 months to actually obtain your 5% back (which obviously most people aren't going to do). Instead of cash, some places give airline miles - this may benefit you or you may have no need to fly and those will all go down the drain when they expire (as many do).
4) This is getting quite picky but does the CC company support things you support - or does it support things you hate. MBNA for example was the biggest single contributer to George Bush in his presidential bid. If you are a republican, that probably makes you want to support MBNA - but what if you are a democrat?
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