A strategic approach to credit card shopping yields fruitful results: You will save money on interest, and avoid miscellaneous fees. As a result, you'll easily make your payments and remain in good standing with your credit provider. Here are some tips on comparing credit cards so that you can find the best one for your needs.

When a hitter steps into the batter's box, he knows that choosing the right pitch makes the difference between hitting a home run and grounding out to the shortstop. Deciding which credit card to put in your wallet may not seem as exciting as swinging for the seats, but it certainly can be a winning opportunity.

Card types

There are two main types of credit card accounts: non-revolving and revolving. The former requires that you pay the entire balance in full each month. The latter, by far the more common of the two, allows you the option of paying all, or just some, of the outstanding balance.

To decide which one is best, consider how you plan to use the card. A non-revolving account is suitable if you plan to charge your everyday expenses in lieu of carrying cash. Its revolving counterpart is preferred if you want the flexibility of making large purchases and then paying them off over time. Individuals who don't have steady incomes may prefer this type.

Card fees

Every credit card solicitation or application should contain a disclosure box that lists the card's primary terms. You'll want to compare annual percentage rates (APRs), annual account fees, and fees for balance transfers and late payments.

These usually can be compared on an apples-to-apples basis, but APRs are a little more complex. These come in fixed, variable APRs, and short-term 'teaser' flavors. The fixed APR won't change unless you don't make your payments on time. The variable APRs, on the other hand, move with an index, such as the prime lending rate. Teaser rates start out low and then switch to a higher APR, usually after six or nine months. Also be on the lookout for cards that have separate APRs listed for purchases, cash advances, and balance transfers.

Card Perks

Common perks include travel points and cash-back rewards. While these may seem interesting, consider how much they're really worth to you. In most cases, more perks means higher fees. Building up your airline miles only makes sense if you can collect enough of them to outweigh the cost of the higher fees.

Finding the Best Rates

Credit card companies are aggressive about soliciting business from highly qualified borrowers. If you have great credit, you may only need to look as far as your mailbox for good deals. Alternatively, there are many websites on the Internet that compare various credit cards side by side.

When choosing a credit card, don't be tempted to swing at the first pitch. Take time to compare different cards. Then, when the right pitch comes, you'll be able to freely swing away.