Tag: credit-cards

Our fridge just retired in a puff of warm air, and the store is dangling 10 percent off with 12 months no interest if we open their card. We can pay it off within the promo window and but fees and tiny traps make me twitchy. When does this kind of deal make sense, and what terms should I read twice before signing at the register? (I'm pretty new to this and don't want to overcomplicate it. For context, I live with a roommate and we share most things. I work full-time and squeeze this in around dinner and bedtime. Time-wise I can commit a few hours a week, not a full overhaul. If there are pitfalls you ran into, those would be super helpful to hear too. I'm in a small town, so options are limited and shipping can be slow. I work full-time and squeeze this in around dinner and bedtime. Time-wise I can commit a few hours a week, not a full overhaul. Time-wise I can commit a few hours a week, not a full overhaul. For context, I live with a roommate and we share most things.)

I'm new to credit, have a part-time income, and plan to pay in full each month. For a first card, what matters most—no annual fee, straightforward cashback, a reasonable APR, or starting with a secured or student card? Any common gotchas in terms, minimum redemption amounts, or hidden fees I should watch for?