Types of credit cards

When you look back at the history of credit cards, they started out simple and standard: Each issuer produced one card with one set of features. Today, credit cards come in multiple levels with ranging interest rates, fees and reward programs, so before you fill out an application, it's important to know which will best suit your financial situation and lifestyle. 

The following is a brief description of the most common types of credit cards available. 

Standard credit cards

Balance transfer credit cards 

Low interest credit cards 

Credit cards with rewards programs 

Cash back credit cards

General reward points credit cards

Hotel/travel points credit cards

Retail reward credit cards

Gasoline points / rebates credit cards

Automobile manufacturer reward credit cards 

Home improvement rewards credit cards 

Airline miles / frequent flier credit cards

Airline-specific credit cards

Generic airline miles cards 

Credit cards for bad credit

Secured credit cards

Prepaid debit cards 

Specialty credit cards 

Business credit cards

Student credit cards